The Kasteel Well, Netherlands Connection



Over the next few months in addition to regular post, my daughter Lauren and I will be sharing a visual gallery of architecture, interiors and sightseeing of and around the Netherlands. Lauren will be sharing her new experiences in the form of images while studying at Boston's Emerson College abroad program. The campus is better known as "Kasteel Well"  located in the Dutch province of Limburg in the small village of Well, Netherlands. The Kasteel (castle) is reminiscent of an era gone by. Surrounded by an inner and outer moat, Kasteel is also flanked by two courtyards and speaks of 14 century Medieval architecture. While there, she will be trekking throughout Europe and taking snapshots of her extended classroom for all of us to enjoy!
                                                                            

KASTEEL WELL

  ~Arial image Via Emerson~

 

 

After crossing the Kasteel bridge to gain access to the property, a brick walkway leads you beyond the arched coined entryway into the courtyard.

The brick facade cascades into a scalloped pattern as it frames the red planked doors.

Calm moat waters surround the Kasteel.

The student parlor.

The music area is sits near a large niche in the parlor.

A long day of traveling from Boston to the Netherlands the sun begins to set...how beautiful.

DOEI (goodbye)!!

THE STYLISH BLOGGER AWARD!

Thank you so much Maureen@Modecor ! I feel blessed to have met so many wonderful  bloggers to learn from. Like you, I just recently started my blog this past fall. So I feel very honored!

Thanks again!

Upon receiving this award the rules are to:


1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Pay the award forward to 10 great bloggers.

4. Contact those 10 bloggers and inform them that they have received the award!


Here are my 7 things:

1. I love to cook and have friends over whenever I can. This is one of the ways in which I reward myself, by surrounding myself with the people I love. I also enjoy hosting Sunday dinners for my children's fellow college students while their away from home. Love having them fill the house with laughter. They have a life-long open invitation:)

2. In preparing for such events, my favorite resource for produce and sinful delights...  "Whole Foods!"

Can't get enough of their deliciousness.

3. I love, love, love, Julian Chichester furniture.

4. I also have a real weakness for Asian antiques and sushi dishware.

5. On the first day of spring I start to prepare for a season of gardening. Nothing better than being outdoors and working with my hands...totally mind cleansing.

6. I love to dance, dance, dance! I think I'll skip the image for this one:)

7. Finally and most importantly, the most precious people in my life: This photo was taken 2 years ago on the day of  my daughters senior prom. Seems like just yesterday that we were changing diapers. Where does the time go?

 Me, Lauren, Jonathan and Jorge. We hope 2011 is a great year for all of you!

XO

Congratulations to my "Stylish Blogger" recipients! I admire all of your work and wish you the very best in this New Year!

AphroChic
Bijou and Boheme
Chic Modern Vintage
Creamy life
Housewife Bliss
ishkadesigns
{me}longings
Sognie e Sorrisi
Tara Bradford
The White Library

New Year inspirations!

Set the stage with the {Brocade Home} Cocoa crystal chandelier!



Can't get enough of { Layla Grayce} the Aidan Gray "Eli Dining Chair!" Stately and elegant!DIVINE!


 

Thomas Paul's Metamorphosis linen pillow {Design Public}.



Organize with Aidan Gray Decor French Industrial Crates for the well-traveled look.
{Layla Grayce}

Happy January!

Dreaming about a sparkling New Year filled with glamour?

"This is Glamorous" and so are my wishes for you!

Holiday prep and primp!

Create sparkle via BijouandBoheme

Saturated, relaxed, luxury...nothing to prove...the palette says it all.  Pia Ulin photography via Henry Road.

ALL'S A GLITTER!

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!

XOMichelleXO

Love this mirror!

The Bella Star Burst mirror is stunning! The perfect shape for the holiday season!

Minimal for the holiday

I love decorating with organic material. A simple branch I found in the woods adds texture and a bit of whimsy. I used my tree friendly ornaments like glittery maple leaves, frosted pine cones and a crystal birds nest to decorate my branch.

 A few ornaments hang from the window.



I like to keep my holiday decor clean and simple.



I hope your decorating in a way that makes you happy. Enjoy!

Zimman's a fabric retail icon in New England.

It's the weekend and I'm in the mood to be inspired and visually stimulated. So I go to Zimman's! I know I won't be disappointed! If you wish to quench your tactile thirst and awaken your senses, browse through the many isles of the historic fabric retail gem.  Located in Lynn, Ma. since 1909 Zimman's is known for not only it's fine fabrics but it's wonderful furnishings and accessories. A great place for a Saturday morning jaunt!

 So many beautiful silks to choose from!

 A great assortment of urns!! Great for the holiday or anytime...I secretly wanted them all!

 Love this funky sofa!!

 So many goodies!

Go to Zimman's and let your imagination do the rest!

Congratulations Zimman's for winning the "Retailers Association of Massachusetts" award 2010!

Design advice on a budget

Kathi Delrose like so many home owners wanted the guidance of a designer before tackling her living room project. Kathi realized that with a plan and direction she could avoid costly mistakes. However she had to find an alternative to full service design fearing she would blow her budget. After receiving an email from Kathi we discussed the option and flexibility of design by consultation. Together we would customize a plan to integrate my services. This was the perfect solution allowing Kathi  creative input and affordability...and so we began. We decided that I would devise a floor plan using existing pieces in addition to new purchases. Basically I would present a color schematic, a space plan and she would shop for specific items based on my advise on furnishings and accessories. 

Before making final decisions I would assist Kathi on a shopping trip to confirm  purchases.

 The before...

                  After! Newly painted walls and recessed lighting set the stage. The fireplace was originally brass. A pewter high-heat resistant spray paint was applied to give it new life. Kathi gave the bar cabinet a few coats of ebony stain and now it looks amazing! It still sits to the right of the French doors.

The silk striped chairs are Boston Interiors clearance items...amazing find!

Kathy already had this table, she just gave it a new vase a made a new floral spray for it!

 Love the new mirror! It adds lustre to the room and cast a great outdoor reflection. The bookcase was a "Fiddleheads" consignment find! They always have something for my clients!

 Love this piece!! The silvery metallic finish is beautiful and solved Kathi's storage problem.

 The new oval glass coffee table keeps the space feeling light and airy. The non-angular shape eases traffic in limited spaces. Milk chocolate draperies highlight the chocolate stripe in the chairs giving the room a more cohesive look. Finally...the starting point and anchor of the room. A new rug adding texture and warmth to the space.

Kathi is still working on some of the final touches of her room and having fun doing it. I think the room looks beautiful and I will always remember all the laughter and fun we had pulling it together!!

Here's to a new space to enjoy with family and friends this holiday season!

 Enjoy Delrose family! And thanks for letting me help you with your project! Happy Holidays!

~Michelle xo~

Making dead space work for you!

Need more storage solutions for a small space? Create additional shelving with enclosed storage by borrowing space from the wall interior. Here I had the good fortune of working on new construction. However this can be achieved anywhere there is ample dead space. A built-in will not only provide storage but can add value as well as beautify your home.

Beef-up your crown molding by dropping down 4"- 6" and then add a smaller piece of mill work directly to sheet rock to create the illusion of a larger crown. I matched the back wall of cabinetry to the sheet rock flanked by the molding making the palette more cohesive. To make the molding more cohesive, paint all three sections the same color and you will have a grand crown molding for very little cost. Finally two 3" task lights were added to illuminate the interior!

The "abalone" platter displayed and the charcoal chair are both from Crate and Barrel. Everything else is from Pottery Barn.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

From my table to yours...safe travels and a bounty of blessings this Thanksgiving holiday and always!

May you have a day filled with family, friends and lots of love.

                                                  -Michelle XO

P.S. Just found these place tags this morning!! Little decorating elves were busy last night! Thanks Amanda!!

Is your bedroom a place to retreat?

Do you have a bedroom that calls you at the end of the day? A place that is calm and void of distractions? Your bedroom is the most important room in your home. It should be a restful healing space to rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Take good care of yourself. Make your bedroom a sanctuary where you can leave the rest of the world behind.

In this room I chose to paint the ceiling robin's egg blue to mimic the sky. The walls are matte china white and everything else resembles a beach palette. Clean, not fussy and most of all inviting. Make a walk to your bedroom feel like a returning trip to your favorite resort.

                                                                       Sweet dreams...

Canton, Ma. Project

Here's a little inside look at a current project I'm working on. I thought I'd share the journey that started almost a year ago. This home is in the process of adding on a new kitchen, family room, laundry room, powder room and an in law addition. Since the last photo the lawn was leveled and reseeded. The oil-rubbed bronze exterior light fixtures are on order and the awning post are soon to be installed. Once the door is stained I'll post the exterior transformation!

The Before image after excavation and the new foundation to support the in law addition. Framing it up!

 

Old awning removed, new copper barreled awning installed. New supporting post will be custom built on site.

New Craftsman door!! Love Simpson doors, I have one of my own:) Will be staining this with a combination of English Chestnut and Sedona Red.

Ben Moore's Briarwood on top is the chosen color. Will also be doing shutters in the warmest deepest bronze to compliment the Murray Feiss oil-rubbed exterior fixtures on order.

New steps for both entryways.

Since this image the lawn has been leveled and reseeded and the new driveway for the in law residence has been paved. Now waiting for awning supports and exterior lighting. Next time I'll show you the rear of the house and it's stunning new deck. Will keep you posted!