Velvet & Linen

thoughts from the flea market...

During my visit to the Santa Monica Airport flea market, this set of 19th Century pocket watches caught my eye. 

I was struck by the attention that was paid to every small detail.

I was enamored by the gently worn decorative design on the back of this watch.

As I opened the back of each watch,  a shimmery silver interior cover was revealed. 

For now, I have the watches displayed on my desk with the inside mechanisms exposed so that everyone can appreciate the beautiful craftsmanship. 

It is evident that the artisans who created these time pieces took pride in their work. Each tiny detail was part of a thoughtful design. Yes, it was important that these watches keep good time, but their beauty was also a high priority.

I bought these pocket watches because they are the physical embodiment of my design philosophy. I believe a house can be functional and meet all of our needs while being beautiful at the same time. We all deserve to live beautifully down to the smallest of details. Don't you?

Oh, and one random picture that I had to include. These paintings are sitting in my bedroom for now. I just can't resist a portrait of a contemplative woman!

xo

Brooke

If you would like help creating the home of your dreams, email me about our design services. You can also purchase many items found here on Velvet and Linen as well as "to the trade" furnishings through Giannetti Home. Email Kelly about the details.

 To Subscribe to Velvet and Linen click here.

To Become a Fan of Velvet and Linen on Facebook click here. 

 

stop by to say: hello!

We're open on Saturdays until Christmas!

Pop by if you are in the neighborhood :)

 

xo

Brooke

If you would like help creating the home of your dreams, email me about our design services. You can also purchase many items found here on Velvet and Linen as well as "to the trade" furnishings through Giannetti Home. Email Kelly about the details.

 To Subscribe to Velvet and Linen click here.

To Become a Fan of Velvet and Linen on Facebook click here. 

 

giving thanks...

I took this picture the other day, because I was struck by the beauty of the Autumn colors of this simple vignette. 

As I get older I find myself being thankful for even the smallest of things. Perhaps it is because the more time I spend on earth the fragility of life becomes more obvious. When we are young, we think we will live forever, but at 45 I realize that my time here is getting shorter with each passing day.

I look at my Leila and I can't believe how lucky I am to have her as my daughter. I cherish every smile.

I thank God for every day that I get to share with Steve.

Nothing makes the passage of time more evident than having children. It seems like only yesterday that my boys were toddlers. Charlie is now 17, and I only have another year and a half with him before he goes to college. Nick will leave the house 2 short years after that! 

So in an attempt to slow time down this long Thanksgiving weekend, I plan to fill my hours with those little wonderful things... taking early morning walks with Steve and the pups, playing board games and baking pumpkin pie with the kids, sitting in the garden catching up on my favorite magazines, and taking boat rides during the lazy afternoons. 

I will also be thinking on you, because I am truly thankful for what you give to me. Your comments here, your emails sharing your design passion with me, your visits to the shop, and your phone calls enhance my life immeasurable. I feel truly blessed to have you in my life and to be a part of your lives. 

I wish all of you and your families a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving filled with small memorable moments with the people you love.

xo

Brooke

eloquence...

Ever since I bumped into Eloquence Owner's Kim Redmond and Amelia Cooke at High Point, I've been meaning to schedule a visit to their warehouse here in Santa Monica. But the last couple of weeks have been so busy that I haven't had the time. Well, last week when I received this email from them, I knew I couldn't wait any longer!

Eloquence is located about 5 minutes from Leila's school. So on Thursday I left work an hour before Leila's pick up and rushed over to Eloquence for  a short shopping trip!

Every inch of Eloquence's two warehouses is filled with wonderful European antiques and reproduction furniture. 

Because they just received a huge new shipment, beautiful chairs can be found atop many of the lovely case pieces. 

If you are looking for any size mirror, Eloquence has a large selection of beauties to choose from.

Oh, and did I mention chairs?

These cane chairs with their green velvet accents are so charming!

Amelia and Kim have filled Eloquence with their latest European finds! 

Oh, and they have some beautiful sconces and chandeliers as well.

A large architectural piece is so wonderfully paired with one of their reproduction settees.

Inside the other warehouse, Amelia and Kim have set up a place to take photos for the gorgeous website. 

If you don't live nearby, don't worry! Eloquence is just a click away...

They have an extensive collection of French shutters and...

doors!

Looking for dining chairs? 

I'm loving these vintage Louis XVI style chairs upholstered in the original blue velvet.

Oh and these Louis XV cane chairs are gorgeous!

Need some stunning storage? It doesn't get better than this painted Louis XVI armoire.

Eloquence also has beautiful benches!

Is there any piece of furniture that you can't find at Eloquence? I don't think so!

They also sell lovely reproduction beds. I particularly like their tufted Sophia Bed in Louis XV Corbeille Style.

Need some new goodies for your garden? Eloquence has some beautiful pieces with the perfect chippy patina.

I can see these on your porch. Lemonade or iced tea anyone?

Searching for the perfect unique large scale element for your home? I think I found one for you!

My hour at Eloquence flew by. I know you'll feel the same way when you visit!  Oh, and if you do happen to see Kim and Amelia, tell them I say "Hello", and don't forget to congratulate them. They're getting married :)

Thank you Amelia and Kim for being such wonderful hosts! 

xo

Brooke

If you would like help creating the home of your dreams, email me about our design services. You can also purchase many items found here on Velvet and Linen as well as "to the trade" furnishings through Giannetti Home. Email Kelly about the details.

 To Subscribe to Velvet and Linen click here.

To Become a Fan of Velvet and Linen on Facebook click here.