Finding the Perfect Lighting Fixture

I have been searching for new lighting for a few rooms at the homestead. Something fun and fanciful would be perfect.   

Then, I thought to look at my Pinterest board: see here: https://www.pinterest.com/braytonhome/

 Do you have a favorite?

Williamsburg inspiration at Brayton Homestead

Christmas at the Brayton Homestead is inspired by my recent trips to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. It started with a gold tone metal ornament holder in the shape of a tree that I purchased years ago.Although  a bit dated it seemed perfect for my house this year.It has been an incredibly exciting year; topping off the events is Fifi O'Neil coming to style my house then the homestead featured in Country Sampler magazine.

The snowman ornaments that I made  accompany a mix of tartan bows red apple ornaments and green icicle ornaments.

More Williamsburg inspiration on my kitchen fireplace mantle;.simple greens flow up and around my watercolors of fruits and vegetables. I collect interesting artificial fruits whenever I find it. A vintage French etching of a rooster centers the mantle arrangement.   

A peak of my paper mache snowman on my counter. Been been making them for years and love putting them out each year. Love that I can leave them out all winter, especially with our Massachusetts weather!

The idea of putting a candle in a wrought iron holder was something I saw while shopping in Williamsburg. Theirs was a lovely red lantern, but I improvised and really like it was. 

Merry Christmas from all at the Brayton Homestead. 

to you and yours.

Thank you for visiting the Homestead,

Karen

Easter Wishes

Many Wishes for you and your families this Easter weekend. I took this picture in a restaurant while traveling on business. It was the end of a hallway. It seemed cheerful and exuberant; it reflected the renewal of spring's landscapes and this holiday weekend.

Enjoy and give thanks...

Karen

Fall fell into our living room

Fall fell into our living room and Krumpet is pleased!

Dried flowers abound and exude the fall look. Tapestry fabrics/ old leather books and wood tones always welcome me to sit and read.

A comfy chair and a cup of tea call for soft background music. This room was originally a dining room/ kitchen when the homestead was built in 1796. 

Mostly a library now except for the holidays when the whole family gathers.

Thanksgiving is coming, love it!

Karen

Who doesn't love dogs?

A new line of fun animal theme lamps from England that I will be carrying at the Brayton Cottage, appropriate right? With a vintage look, they are both cheeky and lovely., how British!

dogs and birds coming too..

What do you think?

Karen  

Selections for a client's room

Here are some lovely selections for my client's living room... 

The walls have been painted a meduim green tone

and mahogany floors have been added...

This classic, older home's beautiful 

living room has a vintage French feel to it...

for contrast we are adding modern pieces...

with vintage, of course.

this creates

my trademark decorating of 

"COMFORTABLE TRADITIONAL"

Elegant yet welcoming,

 creates a beautiful room that your guests can feel comfortable in.

Handmade pieces lend charm...

 and harmonize perfectly with artisan items like this lamp..

enjoy,

Have a great weekend!

Linked with these beautiful blogs:

Common Ground, French Country Cottage and The French Cupboard

The Nutcracker Ballet

To marvel at a performance of the

Nutcracker Ballet is on my wish list to do this season...

Ballet's are a magical experience! After dancing ballet for years,

it is always a ballerina's desire to be a part
of the Nutcracker ....

the music, the lights, the excitement

and the costumes!

Merry Christmas!

Images: google

Newport Mansion

Take a twirl with me around this grand Newport mansion, The Elms. Marble glistens, cherubs delight, a party will be here soon...

I am so fortunate to leave within an hour of the glorious Newport Mansions. Everywhere you look is a treat for the eye.

Soaring high ceilings punctuated with luscious tasseled valances with flowing damask draperies make my heart flutter...

Beautiful brass sconces hold unusual half shades creating a perfect glow to the marble sculptures. Doesn't it feel as if a party is about to start? Well you would be right. The new Barn Chick Party will be guest hosted for me at Idyllhours this Friday...

Please accompany me to the party,enchantment will ensue...

oh, I wish I had my Magnolia Pearl bloomers to wear to the

BARN CHICK PARTY!

thank you Faded Charm's White Wednesday.

IMAGES: Brayton Homestead Interiors 1-5, Regina Studio 5

a Tuscan Christmas

Loved designing this Tuscan inspired kitchen and dining room for a very special client. Tuscan traditional style reflects her Italian roots and love of fine cooking while contemporary glass lighting fixtures create a great contrast.
Did you notice how the swirl of the knobs repeats in the iron swirl on the ceiling light fixtures?

The back splash in kitchen features a lovely traditional wall tile with modern metal tiles of grape reliefs inserted with red glass tile banding. Traditional with contemporary repeats...

Near the kitchen, atop an old roll top desk, a bird cage lamp repeats the design of the wrought iron cabinet knobs. A vignette of greens and snow have winter charm...

Into the dining area~ The contrast of the trio of contemporary lights against the old brick fireplace wall sums up the feel of the house: new/old and traditional/ contemporary.

Lisa helps with preparations and final touches, thanks...

hope you enjoyed the Tuscan kitchen with contemporary accents.

Merry Christmas!

IMAGES: Brayton Homestead Interiors

A Study in Blue

You have been daydreaming of a long bath all day. Beautiful white peonies and a plush white towel await you. Wall sconces are dimmed and reflected in the gorgeous over sized mirror, time to unwind...

As you journey to your sitting room you can't help to look up to admire the glass chandelier that reminds you of a big blue iced cupcake...

You have arrived ~ so relax, smell the flowers and enjoy a good book.
*Check the fab blog Paris Hotel Boutique to see the chandelier & more.
Images: House Beautiful 1& 2, Lucina Moodie

Grand Opening

This is a computer rendering of a building project that I recently completed. Attended the Grand Opening for this major office renovation for a large international company yesterday that I am proud to say that I worked with the architect on the design and layout of the building, inside and out.

The above image is the building prior to renovations.

Subsequent decisions on design and decorating I made exclusively such as exterior building finishes, colors, materials and interior paint, wallpaper, carpet, rug, lighting and more. My clients are an exceptional couple in their personal and business associations.

The day of the opening, a refined and exceptional event. This was not the first project I had the privilege of creating for my distinguished clients. I look forward to many more. Thank you . Images: Brayton Homestead Interiors

Coco would be pleased

Don't you think Coco Chanel would be please with this French inspired bedroom I designed? My wonderful clients live in a lovely old home near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Large tapestry pillows thick with fringe play off the Claude Monet garden inspired wallpaper. To rest under the fluffy down comforter or on the chaise lounge tucked nicely in the corner, oh the choices!

Image: Brayton Homestead Interiors

Elegant yet whimsical

The table is set, the room is decorated, let's start the party. It's mom's 87th birthday and no ordinary setting will do for the matrioc of the the Doyle family. Elegant and artistic just like you Mom.....

Image: Violise Lunn

Celebrate!

Hope your week was wonderful, mine was a week to celebrate!

~Relaxing , special Mothers’ Day with my son, Mom & family.
~ Paris Hotel Boutique- I won elegant French Stationary on her chic blog giveaway.

~ One Little Bird graciously mentioned in her charming blog.

~ Red Planet blog pictured and linked on her upbeat blog's list.

How was your week? Hoping you have a wonderful weekend...

Image: Please Sir

Lovely Weekend

A relaxing weekend is what I wish for everyone! Rest on a French day bed, your book illuminated by a vintage chandelier and sink into the large down pillow. I could spend the entire day here , most of it daydreaming....

Happy Mother's Day!

Image: Country Living Magazine

Birds and Bunnies

Pink walls, green chairs and a beautiful toile tablecloth create a lovely setting for dining any time, especially for Easter. So perfect that after you have overeaten you may rest on the pink settee in the background, along with pillows for everyone, they thought of everything.
Image: Real Living

Don’t these sweet birdies circling the chandelier look like they are chirping a happy tune? Dripping with glass crystals and adorned with the most beautiful Art Deco style lamp shades this chandelier can certainly illuminate my Easter table!
Image: Real Living

All these Easter colors reminded of a photograph I had taken in Montreal. Outrageous pink birds with bright yellow head feathers certainly caught my idea in this store window. Who knew artificial birds could have such visual impact?
Image: Brayton Homestead Interiors