Archive for the ‘Road Trip’ Category
Thursday, April 18th, 2013
Jasper and Weenie loll about the front yard at Adamsleigh, the site of the 2013 Junior League of Greensboro showhouse. The 14-acre estate was built by High Point textile magnate "Hamp" Adams and boasts amazing details and stunning architecture. Jasper and Weenie approve.
Gang:
Morning!
John and I have been down in the High Point, North Carolina area for the past week preparing our room for the Junior League of Greensboro showhouse. We have designed the breakfast nook in the amazing, circa-1930 Adamsleigh estate, and we have been hanging curtains, steaming, scrubbing, and propping.
John and I are thrilled to be working with our dear pals at Thibaut, and we employed their fabulous fabrics, wallpapers, and upholstery in the room. Plus, we added loads of vintage case goods and “props” to add a layer of dimensionality to our room and take it from looking like a showroom.The showhouse opens tomorrow night with a Gatsby-themed gala, and we are so excited to show off our wares.
Here are a few photos from our room in progress.
See you at High Point Market!
Here's the exterior of the breakfast nook... The fabulous leaded-glass windows let in loads of light and make the breakfast nook airy and delicious.
The breakfast nook at Adamsleigh “before”… I can’t wait for you to see the “after” shots.
Here's the fabulous jute rug that we picked up at a World Market in Florida and drove up to the showhouse. There's a World Market just down the street from the showhouse, but it did not have the rug that we needed. Happily, we were in Florida, so it was easy for us to swing by the WM outpost near Orlando. John and I just love World Market!
Our workroom in Iowa crafts a stunning valance in Thibaut fabrics...
So what does our room look like now? Come to the Junior League of Greensboro showhouse, and pay us a visit. The showhouse opens this Saturday... See you there!
Tags: Adamsleigh, High Point Market, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Junior League of Greensboro, Madcap Cottage, Thibaut
Posted in Antiques, Before and After, Carpets, Color, Curb appeal, Demystifying Design, Design, Design Lessons, DIY, Fabrics, Flooring, Hanging artwork, Interior Design, New York Interior Designer, News Flash, Paint, Renovations, Road Trip, Tastemaker, upholstery, Wallpaper, Weekend warrior | No Comments »
Friday, March 29th, 2013
Next time you are anywhere near Naples, Florida be sure to visit the stunning Miromar Design Center, an incredible resource both for the design community and engaged consumers alike. P.S. Superstar interior designer Juan Montoya designed the Center's public spaces, and they are stunners.
Gang:
Morning! Apologies for being a tad remiss of late with our blog posts… Our dance card has been full to the brim. Between working on the Junior League Showhouse that opens in mid April in Greensboro, North Carolina, redesigning my parents’ guesthouse in Tampa, Florida, and John having surgery to repair damage from a car accident three years ago, holy moly!
Calgon, take me away!
Last week, John and I were in Florida to give a presentation at the truly amazing Miromar Design Center. Situated just north of Naples, Florida and right off I-75, the Miromar Design Center is a delicious surprise. With the Miromar Outlets just across the street, you might think the Design Center would be an amalgam of home-focused outlet shops, but it’s not. Rather step inside, and enter a Juan Montoya-designed, sprawling center that houses world-class showrooms including Baker, Ann Sacks, and our favorite, Webster & Company.
John and I were invited by Webster & Company’s wonderful Mark Fanta and the Miromar Design Center’s fabulous Lynne Groth to talk about color and pattern, and we had more than 200 engaged design enthusiasts attend our lecture. John and I were also lucky enough to meet the visionary behind the various Miromar developments, the lovely and gracious Margaret Antonier, who introduced us. Afterwards, we were all treated to champagne and cupcakes in the Webster & Company showroom. We met wonderful folks and had a blast.
John and I are thrilled to now be part of the Miromar community… Here’s to further madcap adventures at the Miromar!
P.S. Previous lecturers at the Miromar Design Center have included Charlotte Moss, Mary McDonald, and Martyn Lawrence Bullard, so John and I were humbled to be included in the mix.
The Madcap Cottage gents with the amazing Mark Fanta who oversees the Webster & Company showrooms at the Miromar Design Center. What a stylish gent, to boot!
The topic of our presentation was "Madcap & Marvelous: A Passion for Pattern." We had a blast pulling the presentation together and tried to offer lots of take-away tips for the audience.
The Madcaps address queries from audience members after our lecture. Such fun, and such great queries!
John and I love nothing more than working with excited consumers. Here we are in the stunning Webster & Company showroom talking with some design enthusiasts after our presentation.
Tags: Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Juan Montoya, Madcap Cottage, Margaret Antonier, Mark Fanta, Miromar Design Center, Webster & Company
Posted in Antiques, Color, Demystifying Design, Design, Design Guru, Design Lessons, DIY, Hanging artwork, Interior Design, New York Interior Designer, News Flash, Road Trip, Tastemaker, Weekend warrior | 1 Comment »
Thursday, January 31st, 2013
John enjoys a late lunch at Terrain's amazingly chic Garden Cafe, housed within a vintage greenhouse that spills over with flowers and candles. Terrain really "gets" the details. The bread, for instance, arrives in a terracotta pot. Divine.
Gang:
If you follow this blog regularly (and God help you if you don’t!), you know that I am obsessed with the nursery-cum-lifestyle store Terrain located outside of Philadelphia. Last February I did two blog posts on this amazing spot, and I am here today to write yet another installment.
John and I were in Philadelphia last week to do some antiquing, and we made a pilgrimage to the Urban Outfitters-owned Terrain outpost in nearby Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. The first of the two Terrain outposts–the other opened last year in Westport, Connecticut–sits on the busy Baltimore Pike and occupies what was once the Styer family farm. Surrounded by urban sprawl–including several big-box stores–Terrain is a gem-like sanctuary that will wow you and definitely provide heaps of inspiration.
Here are some images from our visit.
It was a cold and damp afternoon when John and I arrived at Terrain, but the whimsical decor quickly transported us to far warmer and more inviting climes. Look what some outdoor curtains and a Moroccan-styled lantern can do to take a space from nice to knockout.
While Terrain boasts incredible plants, it also stocks gorgeous furnishings and lighting. Soak up the wonderful displays, too, such as this wonderful shelving unit that houses firewood. Why not bring this idea home?
Check out this genius espaliered tree that has been trained to grow in the shape of a heart. What a fabulous Valentine's Day gift for the plantsman/woman! And FYI: Espaliering is the horticultural practice of controlling woody plant growth originally for the production of fruit, by pruning and tying branches to a frame so that they grow into a flat plane, frequently in formal patterns, against a structure such as a wall, fence, or trellis.
Tags: Glen Mills, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Landscaping, Madcap Cottage, Morocco, Nursery, Terrain, Urban Outfitters
Posted in Antiques, Color, Curb appeal, Demystifying Design, Design, Design Lessons, DIY, Gardens, Interior Design, Landscaping, New York Interior Designer, Road Trip, Tastemaker, upholstery, Weekend warrior | No Comments »
Friday, November 16th, 2012
One of the stars of our HGTV television shoot for the program "You Live in What?" was our brand-new Sofa.com Descartes two seat sofa in Cookie House linen-cotton. If you don't know British import Sofa.com, you should! Newly arrived in NYC, Sofa.com crafts the most gorgeous and bespoke sofas, chairs, and footstools in wonderful fabrics--and at a delicious price point.
Gang:
Happy weekend!
John and I were lucky enough to have HGTV film our home upstate last weekend for their fabulous show “You Live in What?.”
Madcap Cottage was once an 1840s-era schoolhouse, so the home perfectly fit the show’s concept. The day went swimmingly… Thanks to producer Toni Donaldson and her terrific team for making the shoot a lot of fun.
Apparently, Madcap Cottage will appear on HGTV in early 2013, so stay tuned!
Weenie snoozed during the entire HGTV shoot upon her custom Madcap Cottage dog bed while Jasper ran about and caused a bit of a ruckus. Did you know that John and I craft custom dog beds? Well, now you do!
Here's another view of our Sofa.com two-seat sofa that John and I adorned with custom Madcap Cottage pillows.
Tags: HGTV, Hobart, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Madcap Cottage, NY, Sofa.com, You Live in What?
Posted in Antiques, Before and After, Color, Curb appeal, Demystifying Design, Design, Design Lessons, DIY, Fabrics, Interior Design, Landscaping, New York Interior Designer, News Flash, Paint a front door, Paint the ceiling, Painted Furniture, Renovations, Road Trip, Sustainable, Tastemaker, Television, Tips for Design Small Spaces, Weekend warrior | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 13th, 2012
John and I paid a visit today to Jayson Home, a terrific--and inspiring--shop in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Gang:
Whew! It’s been quite the week… HGTV filmed Madcap Cottage in upstate New York on Saturday then John and I zipped back to NYC and then on to Chicago on Sunday. And then our fifth One Kings Lane Tastemaker Tag Sale kicked-off this morning. Have you scoped our fabulous wares? Honestly, I think this sale has the best selection of merchandise that we have offered yet. Our sale ends on the 16th, so go do some shopping! We have loads of holiday-ready gifts…
But back to Chicagoland!
This morning, John and I visited Chicago’s very chic Jayson Home, a retail outpost that mixes vintage finds with contemporary goods… And we were both quite impressed. Magical retail spaces that inspire seem to be something from the past, but, happily, Jayson Home really gets it and challenges the consumer to craft environments that are unique and bespoke.
Jayson Home is known for its whimsical displays, including vignettes such as these chairs that seemingly spill to the floor.
There's nothing better than some faux bois paired with cement mushrooms! I just love a wondrous woodland vignette!
John peruses the terrific book selection at Jayson Home. We just love a good coffee table book about fabulous interiors.
Tags: Chicago, HGTV, Holiday gifts, Jason Oliver Nixon, Jayson Home, John Loecke, Madcap Cottage, One Kings Lane, Tastemaker Tag Sale
Posted in Antiques, Color, Curb appeal, Demystifying Design, Design, Design Guru, Design Lessons, DIY, Gardens, Interior Design, New York Interior Designer, Road Trip | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 31st, 2012
Our our recent trip to India, John and I were lucky enough to take a Jeep tour through the Thar desert near Jodhpur. We loved being in the middle of this incredibly arid landscape and seeing native villagers dressed in every color of the rainbow. The Indian color sensibility is revelatory.
Gang:
Our heartfelt wishes to friends who are combating the devastation of Hurricane Sandy… We are thinking about you!
John and I made out A-OK in Brooklyn, and we were lucky enough to not have the power go off and there was no damage to our home. We are very thankful…
Today I needed a little color-packed pick-me-up, so I turned my sights upon the sights and smells of India. As you may remember, John and I visited India last year, and we immediately fell in love with the country. It’s a heady mix of extreme contrasts, but somehow it all works. We were completely transfixed. And transfigured.
One of my most favorite afternoons in India was a Jeep tour that we did of the Thar desert outside of Jodhpur when we visited native villages and viewed local wildlife. John and I were especially moved by the juxtaposition of the arid desert and the wonderfully rich hues worn by local villagers. We would turn a corner in the middle of nowhere, and there would be a woman in the most stunning pinks, greens, and blues with a jug perched atop her head. The sky was exceptionally clear, and the colors stood out like a Technicolor film clip against the dry, dry landscape.
Here are a few snapshots from our visit.
Here I am in the Jeep during our wonderful tour of the beautiful Thar desert.
Check out this elegant gentleman trimming his tree in a stunning white get-up paired with a bright red turban. What a gorgeous contrast against the very arid landscape!
Check out this frisky lady en route from the well with a big plastic jug upon her head. Did this woman choose to wear beige? Hell, no! Kudos that color plays such an important role in India. Would you have worn such eye-popping hues to visit your local well?
I loved this gigantic pile of pale green melons sitting by the roadside. The sudden "pops" of color that we experienced during our Jeep tour were simply gorgeous.
Tags: Color, india, Jason Oliver Nixon, Jodhpur, John Loecke, Madcap Cottage, Thar desert
Posted in Color, Curb appeal, Demystifying Design, Design, Design Guru, Design Lessons, india, New York Interior Designer, Road Trip | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, October 16th, 2012
John explores terrific stacking bookshelves at the Baker Furniture showroom in High Point, NC. Bring these ideas home. Why not go to your local unfinished furniture store and purchase bookcases that you can paint at home and then stack. Paint the exterior of the shelf black and the interior a rich color for contrast. And note the curtain behind John that helps separate the room into two distinct sections. Genius! And simple.
Gang:
This past week has been a wonderful whirl… John and I arrived in High Point, North Carolina, and we have so enjoyed lapping up the trends and exploring the fabulous showrooms that dot the so-called furniture capital of the world.
John and I also love the styling that goes into creating amazing showrooms in High Point, and we always walk away with loads of inspiration and take-away ideas. And many of these ideas can be recreated at home without breaking the bank.
This evening John and I toured the wonderful Baker Furniture showroom–truly a High Point favorite–and we were totally inspired.
Pair books by color on your shelves. Or wrap your books in colorful paper to add some visual interest. Here, some clever ideas for storing books at Baker Furniture.
Layering is an important aspect of creating a wonderful, inviting room. Here, an eclectic mix of furniture in a Baker Furniture model room creates a unique look, especially when paired with vintage artwork, mismatched table lamps, and an oversized Chinese lantern that dangles overhead. And note the layered rugs...
A Barbara Barry twin bed at the Baker Furniture showroom sits in front of photo wallpaper of books in bold colors. What a fun way to create a high-impact wall covering that is totally bespoke and brilliant. Search online for a company like Casart that can create interesting, custom wallpapers.
Tags: Baker Furniture, high point, High Point Market, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Madcap Cottage, north carolina
Posted in Carpets, Color, Demystifying Design, Design, Design Lessons, DIY, Fabrics, Flooring, Hanging artwork, Interior Design, Lighting, New York Interior Designer, News Flash, Painted Furniture, Road Trip, Tips for Design Small Spaces | No Comments »
Saturday, October 13th, 2012
Here I am in the beauty pageant, I mean, the Style Spotter program at this season's High Point Market that kicks-off today. John and I leave for High Point, NC and the furniture shows this morning. See you at the Cracker Barrel in Virginia, folks! Crank up the Lana del Rey and crack open a beer.
Gang:
Morning! It has been an especially busy week as John and I returned from Europe and then we went into the photo shoot for our next One Kings Lane Tastemaker Tag Sale that hits the airwaves on November 13th. So mark those calendars!
And apologies that my blog posts have been few and far between this week, it’s been a whirl.
Today, we are road-tripping down to High Point, NC for the twice-annual furniture market. John and I love our visits to High Point as we get to see old friends and scope the latest and greatest trends that will soon be hitting showrooms, magazines, and retail stores near you. And Jasper and Weenie will be traveling with us, too, and they go ape-shit for a good road trip.
I am lucky enough to have been named as a “Style Spotter” for this High Point market, so I will be going around with a handful of other top-tier design bloggers and reporting back on my favorite finds. I am the only boy amongst a gaggle of glamorous women, so bring on the testosterone.
Here’s the official release from the High Point brass on what the Style Spotters do:
“Style Spotters are trendsetters that see ahead of the curve in home fashion trends. Watch for them at Market as they walk the show, capturing images of their favorite looks and on-trend products. The Style Spotters will pin those photos to their Pinterest board and will list the exhibitor’s name and showroom number. They will also present the exhibitor with a sign that highlights the Style Spotter’s name with a QR code and URL for the Pinterest board.”
So get ready, I am no shrinking violet when it comes to my likes and dislikes. I hear you like the bad girls, honey, is that true? Sadly, I do not get to wear a sash or a tiara as I Style Spot, but I am sure I will come up with some equally fetching get-up as I perform my official duties.
See you in High Point, folks!
Tags: furniture, high point, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Lana del Rey, Madcap Cottage, Style Spotters
Posted in Before and After, Color, Demystifying Design, Design, Design Guru, Design Lessons, Fabrics, Interior Design, New York Interior Designer, News Flash, Pets, Road Trip | 1 Comment »
Friday, October 5th, 2012
John heads into London's verdant Battersea Park to pay a visit to the thrice-annual Decorative Fair. The Fair is truly a treasure trove of delicious finds!
Gang:
This past week John and I made a pilgrimage to the fabulous Decorative Fair that takes place three times each year in London’s stunning Battersea Park on the south side of the Thames.
And, wow!, we were so inspired, and not only by the fabulous goods but also by the very approachable prices. I am not one for “important” antiques unless you inherited them, so it was great to see that there were so many pieces at the fair that John and I could actually afford.
Here’s a little tour…
A pair of floral-patterned armchairs that felt very "Madcap Cottage," n'est-ce pas? There's nothing like multiple fabrics and delicious details to take furniture from ho-hum to super-ho.
A gorgeous Chinoiserie-styled lantern. Swoon!
John and I adored this oversized concrete basket, one of a pair. These baskets would be perfect for sitting atop pilasters at the back of a yard.
A stunning tole metal palm tree! If John and I could have carried this back to NYC with us on the plane, we would have snapped it up!
A very yummy pair of green chairs with terrific nailhead detailing.
There were lots of dogs at the Decorative Fair. We wished that Weenie and Jasper could have been in attendance, too.
Tags: Battersea Park, Decorative Fair, Jason Oliver Nixon, Jasper, John Loecke, London, Madcap Cottage, Tole, Weenie
Posted in Antiques, China, Color, Curb appeal, Demystifying Design, Design, Design Guru, Design Lessons, Fabrics, Furniture Recovering, Gardens, Interior Design, Landscaping, New York Interior Designer, News Flash, Painted Furniture, Pets, Road Trip | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
Here's a totally non-sequitur image of Weenie, just because. Says Weenie, "The dog days are over." Get it, Weenie!
Gang:
I hope you are having a sin-filled week.
John and I are in London and running around like modern-day Sloane Rangers and scoping out design trends and shopping for a client.
And while I am one half of the Madcap Cottage terrible twosome, I am also the Global Lifestyle Editor at Delta Sky magazine with its six million monthly readers. Wow, six million! Um, yep.
With that said, I thought you might enjoy reading a story I penned in the October issue of Delta Sky about my passion for the Cotswolds region of England. The Cotswolds simply rock. Chic, and picture perfect. And the gardens are simply glorious!
If you have never visited this fairy-tale region of England, book a trip. And pronto.
Here’s the piece!
I love nothing more than the Cotswolds region of England except maybe listening to some Lana del Rey. Read my story on the bucolic region in the October issue of Delta Sky magazine. Click on the image, above.
Tags: Barnsley House, Cotswolds, Hidcote, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Madcap Cottage, Weenie
Posted in Antiques, Color, Demystifying Design, Design, Design Guru, Design Lessons, Gardens, Hotel design, Interior Design, Landscaping, New York Interior Designer, Pets, Road Trip, Tastemaker, Weekend warrior | No Comments »
The breakfast nook at Adamsleigh “before”… I can’t wait for you to see the “after” shots.
