Velvet & Linen

frances schultz: the bee cottage story...

 

I am sharing Frances Schultz's book with you because it really resonated with me. The Bee Cottage Story is about Frances' journey of self discovery through renovating her charming home in East Hampton. 

 I think you will enjoy Frances' funny, honest, and insightful story as much as I did. The experience of reading The Bee Cottage Story is like sitting down with a dear friend for coffee as she shares with you her life and decorating lessons in the way only a smart, accomplished Southern woman can do. 

 

 

When I finished reading The Bee Cottage Story I sat quietly. I was struck by Frances' strength and generosity, impressed by her willingness to lay her cards on the table so that we could learn from her experiences.  

I highly recommend The Bee Cottage Story as well as Frances' blog. 

 xo

Brooke

writing our design books. it all started with jill cohen...

 

Whenever anyone asks how Steve and I started the process of writing a book, I always say that it all began with Jill Cohen. Although I usually call Jill our book agent, she really is so much more... She's our "big picture" person, our strategic planner, our brand advisor, and our dear friend. 

 

I remember when Jill first walked into our store 6 years ago. She really understood what we were trying to create... a comfortable design aesthetic  that was based on beautiful, natural materials that age gracefully over time... natural linen slipcovered furniture mixed with Swedish antiques, gently worn leather chairs, and some industrial pieces placed in a space with clean plaster walls and natural white Oak floors. Steve and I could tell that she truly loved our aesthetic. From that moment on, Jill became a trusted advisor. 

Jill helped us to see the common threads that connected our design projects. She helped us clarify our design philosophy... and then she lead us through the process of developing, selling, designing,  and marketing our first book, Patina Style. 

Over the next few years, Jill shared in our journey of building Patina Farm. When our home was complete, Jill was one of our first visitors to stay in our guest house. We've spent many memorable evenings together...

 

 Suzanne Kasler, Clinton Smith, Jill Cohen, and Jeffrey Grove, hanging out with us at Patina Farm...

When it came time to start the design for our second book, Patina Farm, Jill once again guided us through the process... 

Jill held our hand through every design detail, including the selection of this image for the cover of Patina Farm.

 

Of course, Steve and I aren't the only ones who are fortunate enough to work with Jill. Jill's client list includes some of the most creative and talented people in the world...

Jill has helped create most of my favorite design books...

Gracious Rooms by Barbara Westbrook

 

Timeless Style by Suzanne Kasler

 

Beauty at Home by Aerin Lauder

 

Homefront Design for Modern Living by Windsor Smith

 

...and my latest favorite cook book!

The Ranch at Live Oak Cook Book

 

Please visit Jill's website to read about other wonderful books that Jill has helped to create. 

 

xo

Brooke

patina farm book update...

Over the past few months, Steve and I have been spending most of our free time working on our book, Patina Farm. It's been a lot of hard work, but we are thrilled with the final layout. 

After looking at MANY options for the front cover, our team decided on this gorgeous image of our breakfast area. I really love how this photo captures so many of the design details that make Patina Farm so unique. The old beams and the stone fireplace, the soft color palette, the open floor plan... 

Our amazing photographer, Lisa Romerein, framed this image so that your eye is drawn through the breakfast room to the living room beyond. I love seeing a glimpse of the limestone quatrefoil and the Gracie wall paper panels that hide our television. Even the collection of plaster pieces from Giannetti's studio hanging on the wall makes an appearance.

image by Lisa Romerein 

 To balance the interior image on the front cover of the book, we selected this exterior photo for the back cover. I think this photo feels so welcoming... the door is open, inviting everyone to come inside for a visit. 

image by Lisa Romerein 

Lisa Romerein took both photographs during our Veranda Magazine photo shoot last summer. She is so talented!!!

Steve created fantastic drawings for each of the chapters. Each sketch points out unique details in the various spaces of our house and gardens. Steve also includes floorpans to help you understand how our house is organized. Click on the image of this drawing to get a clearer look...

 

Steve and I finished our tasks for completing the book last week.  Our talented book designer, Doug Turshen, and his associate Steve Turner are also done doing their magic. It's now in the hands of our wonderful editor, Madge Baird, and her team at Gibbs Smith. 

We can't wait to share it with you when Patina Farm is published in Spring 2016!

To stay up to date on everything else that's going on at Patina Farm, please follow me on Instagram (VelvetandLinen).

xo

Brooke