It would be fair to describe me as a lavenderaholic, if there is such a label.  I can never get enough of this botanical that possesses most therapeutic scent in the universe. 

I have a dozen lavender plants scattered around my garden, but I still like to tour the commercial acres of lavender this time of year.  Last year I visited the Lavender Bee Farm – this weekend we decided to pop into Matanzas Creek Winery, famous for their gardens, lavender farm, and acclaimed chardonnay.  

I convinced the kids it was worth the half hour drive because they could go hunting for bunny rabbits, ala Elmer Fudd.  We didn’t spot any, but at least the idea kept them busy while Mr. CG and I strolled the grounds. 

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When it comes to decorating my own home, I’ve always been a traditional gal.  I adore French style, but despite my affection, I wasn’t really into decorating with gold.  I believe my objections can be traced back to all those bright brass fixtures the late 80s and 90s – they made me fearful to ever go golden again.     

But I eventually got over my phobia and I realized that gold is truly timeless !  You can see from my latest attempt at displaying art in our living room that I’ve come all the way around on my anti-gold stance. 

This experiment began with the new wainscoting, and my desire for a gallery wall having seen so many of them in magazines and around blog land.  Of the few pieces of fine art we’ve collected over the years, all of them had been framed in gold.  It was not my decision, rather it was the original artist’s choice.   But instead of painting the frames, or paying a hefty sum to reframe all the art, I decided just to roll with it. 

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Have you ever felt the frustration of a blank wall staring at you and you’re at a loss how to decorate it ?  Me to!  Where oh where do you begin?   I’m staring at the blank wall in our living room with the same dilemma. 

I’ve shopped my house and pulled all sorts of different artwork, frames, and artifacts together.   Now, I am in the process of displaying it all in a cohesive way.  I’ve been gathering inspiration and carefully observing different styles.  Meanwhile, I thought I’d pose these questions to all of you: 

1)  Do you prefer a wall display that is balanced

through symmetry and/or repetition ?

Style Court

  Apartment Therapy

 Kishani Perera

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You knew I was going there.  You knew when I spied those jeweled wineglasses at Chateau St. Jean winery last weekend that I would be forced, literally forced, to recreate the look for less.  Just cause it’s in my DNA. 

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Congratulations to

#139 Emily who wrote:

“I love the spiral bound photo books – will keep those in mind for gifts. If I win the canvas (even if I don’t I’ll probably just go for it myself!) I would use a photo we took of my son at 5 days old – he’s now 3 and a very different size, but I treasure that tiny baby memory.”

#83  Christine R. who wrote:

“My favorite has to be the gallery canvas wrap that you’re giving away! I have the perfect photo that I’ve been wanting to do this with for a while! It’s from our trip to Italy when my husband and I got engaged! I want to hang it above our bed. Thanks for this great giveaway chance!”

Congratulations ladies -there’s a free 12 x 16 gallery wrapped canvas coming your way!

A big BIG thank you to my sponsor Color Incorporated for their generosity. 

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In addition, I spy with my little eye a mention over at OhDeeDoh ! 

Thanks so much Carrie at Apartment Therapy ! 

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