Writer of the beautiful design blog Splendid Willow, Monika Claasen and I have been corresponding via email for almost two years. Although she now lives in Seattle, Monika grew up in Sweden, and our friendship grew out of our common passion for Swedish design.
Monika also has an online store, Splendid Willow Avenue where you can purchase products for the gorgeous Danish rain gear line by Ilse Jacobsen.
Ilse Jacobsen's tall black rain boots are my favorite. Although it doesn't rain much here in Los Angeles, I think I may need to buy a pair for our trip to Chicago next month!
Monika's blog, Splendid Willow is one of my daily reads! Some of my favorite posts are part of Monika's "In the Spotlight" interview series. Each post features a different designer, and Monika's questions are always interesting and unique. Not only have I gained insights about some of my favorite designers like Lars Bolander, Monika has also introduced me to several talented designers such as Hanna Werning and Bert Heiberg and William Cummings.
You can only imagine how excited I was when Monika asked if she could interview me as part of her "In the Spotlight" series! To read my answers (with a little help from Steve) to Monika's thoughtful questions, please visit Splendid Willow.
Thank you again Monika!
______________________________________________________________________________
Linda Merrill is one of the busiest, most creative people I know. Not only is she a full time Interior Designer and writer of the blog, Surroundings, she is also part of the popular Skirted Round Table blog interview team with Joni Webb and Megan Arquette. If that weren't enough, several months ago, Linda began writing her own online design magazine, also called Surroundings.
The latest issues focuses on the subject of color and is filled with wonderful resources and color advice from design experts.
Last week, Linda asked me if I would be interested in sharing my favorite book about color with her readers. Of course I would! To read about my book choice and those of other wonderful designer bloggers check out the latest issue of Surroundings!
Thank you Linda!
______________________________________________________________________________
I have received several emails from readers asking about the sweater I wore in my recent post about Charme d'Antan. My sweater is by 360 Cashmere, and I purchased it here in Los Angeles at Elyse Walker. Her shop is located around the corner from the park where Leila takes tennis lessons. Every once in a while I can't resist leaving the park for a little retail therapy!
After featuring our Design Online client Vikki's bedroom in my last post, I received many emails inquiring about the paint color. Because our clients pay for our designs I always ask their permission before giving out these details. Fortunately, Vikki was kind enough to allow us to share this information.
The color on Vikki's walls is Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray; HC-173.
Finally, many of you asked for a chicken update... We are doing a little work on the side of the house where the chickens hang out. I hope to be able to share pictures with you next week.
In the meantime, the chickens are putting up with the disruption to their routine by spending time in the kitchen garden in the front yard.
Here they come down the path!
Although they nibble a bit on my swiss chard, most of the time my chickens are content scratching around in the gravel looking for stray worms and snails.
Henrietta is still the smallest and shyest of the group.
I only allow them to graze in the front yard when I am gardening for fear that they will get eaten! This has given me an excuse to spend more time outside sprucing up the garden for spring. I'll share more images of my latest small garden project soon.
I can't wait to show you what I did with these umbrellas in my garden...
In the meantime, enjoy your week and Happy St. Patrick's Day :)
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.
