"From the Desk of . . . "

Greetings,

I've always been fascinated by writers - and especially those fine people writing about interior design.  Their jobs just always sound SO exciting - setting new trends, compiling new interiors, really being on 'the inside' of interior design.  Though to be honest, many people that I meet say the same thing ("it sounds SO exciting!") about being an 'interior designer,' so I'm quite sure there's a certain amount of drudgery involved as well.  

One of the aspects of blogging community that I love - is a chance to peek behind that particular curtain - and there are several of my favourite writers and magazine editors that are sharing great information and inspiration on their blogs :

Dominique Browning - "Slow Love Life."  You must remember Dominique's name from her time as editor of the much loved House & Garden magazine.  (God, I STILL miss that magazine!)  I remember her letters from the editors were always gracious, insightful missives - and her blog feels the same way - beautifully written and  incredibly inspiring.

Clinton Smith - "Smith on Style."  Mr. Smith is the editorial director of one of my favourite magazines - Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles - and if this magazine isn't a regular part of your design reading, you are missing something amazing.  Clinton has just started blogging - and I'm excited to see the direction his new blog takes.

Margot Austin - "Margot Austin." From our friends up north, Margot is senior design editor at Canada's Style at Home magazine.  Clever.  Witty.  Fresh.  Inspiring.  

Crystal Gentilello - "Plush Palete."  Crystal is the force behind the very popular new e-magazine, Rue.  Even after only three issues, Rue is clearly off and running . . . And I love reading about Crystal's design inspirations that are a regular part of her blog.  Design.  Fashion.  Travel.  It's wonderfully girly - and a breath of fresh air!  

Ronda Carman - "All The Best."  A constant source of inspiration - and a virtual glossary of all 'the people to know' - Ronda brings her great knowledge and clear love of design to her blog.  She just completed a re-design of her blog - which I am loving!  And she's also just started writing as well for the Huffington Post - congrats!

Patricia Shackelford - "Mrs. Blandings."  Many times, I'll save reading "Mrs. Blandings" until the very end.  Almost like one would wait for dessert.  I love her beautiful, honest writing style and her wicked sense of humour.  Though I was sad to hear that she had recently moved - my second thought was, "Oh, the new house will be perfect fodder for the blog!  I can't wait to see what she does!"

Happy reading,
Scot

"Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles . . . "

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Greetings,

Just a quick shout-out for one of my favourite design magazines - Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles - and this wonderful home from a recent issue.  Great colours.  Beautiful textiles.  Antique furnishings.  Enjoy a look at a beautiful home . . . 

"There are a lot of new houses in Atlanta that are built to look old, but there 

are few that actually exude an air of permanence and a sense of longevity. The 

new Buckhead home of Jeff and Lisa Martin, and their three active 

teenage sons, is one that succeeds at both."

"Much of the credit goes to the design team assembled to create the English-style, 

Edwin Lutyens-inspired home which replaced a forlorn 1950s ranch that 

previously occupied the grounds. Designer Beth Webb, architect Peter Block, 

builders Shaba Derazi and Jim Meathe of Y.M. Derazi Custom Homes and 

landscape architect John Howard were the Martins’ collaborators of choice in 

creating a new “old” house—one filled with energy and life, and well-suited for 

a modern family. Much of the home’s energy and life, in fact, comes from 

the natural light that floods the residence throughout the day."

"'Simplicity was the Martins’ mantra,' Webb adds. From the lime-washed oak floors 

and the plaster walls to the exacting execution of the architectural detailing, the sum 

of the parts create a whole of timelessness."

Hope everyone is having a great weekend,

Scot

"Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles . . . "

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Greetings,

Is everyone subscribing to Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles? If not, you're totally missing out on some great editorial work - and a wonderful collection of images. The fresh, new August issue arrived at the office this morning - and good lawd, it may be my favourite one thus far.

Especially the cover story on the marvelous work of architect D. Stanley Dixon and interior designer Betty Burgess in the home of local baseball star Derek Lowe. Photography by Erica George Dines.

Enjoy -

Also in this issue - a wonderful retrospective Spitzmiller & Norris, and the most amazing gardens by Alex Smith.

Rush out and find a copy - I've only scratched the surface of this issue - the goodness know no bounds . . .

Cheers,

tartanscot