I first became aware of the talented Loi Thai when Joni did a post on her blog, Cote de Texas, about his gorgeous home in Maryland that he shares with his partner Thomas Troeschel. In her post, Joni also gave us a peak into Loi's stunning Bethesda, Maryland store, Tone on Tone. I became an instant fan of Loi's Swedish and French antique filled shop.
I started purchasing pieces from Tone on Tone for my clients, but I never spoke directly to Loi... until a few months ago. I sent him a copy of Patina Style and told him that Tone on Tone was listed as one of my favorite shops. Loi and I then started corresponding about a few pieces I wanted to buy for Patina Farm.
When I told Loi that we were coming to Washington D.C., he insisted that he and Tom wanted to throw a party at their house in our honor! Pinch me!! Really?
Of course, I was too excited to remember to take a picture of Loi and Tom's house. I "borrowed" this picture from Joni's post.
Fortunately, I came to my senses and started snapping away before the guest began to arrive. The manicured garden is filled with clipped topiaries and ornamental trees. We came at the perfect time of year. The leaves on the trees were just beginning to grow.
Once inside, I didn't know where to look first! We walked into the living room, and I immediately admired the muted color palette of white and gray with pops of vibrant green.
The interior of this Swedish writing desk gives an unexpected surprise of fresh color to Loi and Tom's lovely living room.
The worn, chalky hue adds the perfect amount of color.
A screen made from diminutive antique shutters leans agains the stairway wall.
Loi has an amazing green thumb. His topiary collection is stunning. He told me that some of his plants are 15 years old! The only living thing I've kept alive that long is my children! Thank goodness I'm better with kids than I am with plants.
Topiaries and a pair of fantastic vintage industrial lights are the green accents in the kitchen.
Loi rotates his topiaries around the house so they get their share of UV rays here in the sunroom.
It was difficult to take in all of Loi's many collections in one visit. A few of my favorites... antique silver...
white ironstone...
vintage gardening supplies...
and plaster architectural pieces.
It was such a magical evening to share with our friends, including soon to be Mom of three, Interior Designer and Blogger (Pure Style Home) Lauren Liess (shown here with Tom, Loi, Leila and me). Check out Lauren's blog post about the evening that includes a few of her own images.
I was excited to meet Leah Moss, who writes her own blog, Moss Eclectic, and is also a contributor to Apartment Therapy. Check out the post on her cool home featured on Apartment Therapy. You'll love it!
Once the guests arrived we were too busy to take photos, but I want to thank all of you who stopped by including fellow bloggers Michele Ginnerty from My Notting Hill and Stefan Hurray from Architect Design. It was also a pleasure to get to meet a couple of our Giannetti Home Design Online clients as well as Design blogger Holly's (Things That Inspire) lovely sister. What fun!
Oh, and did I mention that Loi has now started blogging? His Tone on Tone blog quickly became one of my must reads. If you like ironstone as much as Loi and I do, you'll definitely enjoy his latest post.
Thank you to Loi and Tom!
Of course, I had to visit Tone on Tone during our trip to see all of Loi beautiful antiques in person.
I loved every charming detail, including this delicate wreath of dried hydrangea blooms.
Leila fell in love with this chest.
The original blue paint was gorgeous. Nice eye, Leila!
All of the pieces in Loi's shop have that perfect chalky patina.
Loi only selects the most beautiful pieces, like this small Swedish side table with a Greek key motif.
His pillows and other accessories are heavenly.
Loi has a great eye for unique pieces, like this curvy tall Swedish clock.
A charming wall bracket with a bird motif was hung on one of the walls.
A grouping of ironstone pitchers was placed on top of Leila's favorite chest of drawers.
I couldn't resist purchasing this wall shelf for Patina Farm.
Loi has several beautiful framed mirrors.
I tried to take in every little detail.
This embroidered box was divine!
Parchment books fit perfectly with the rest of Loi's neutral color palette.
Loi's selection of fun accessories is a climpse into his sense of humor and lighthearted personality.
If you are ever in the Washington D.C. area I highly recommend a visit to Tone on Tone in Bethesda, Maryland. Tell Loi that I sent you :)
Happy weekend.
xo
Brooke
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