Apr 15, 2016
Thomas Jefferson’s Home
Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday, was April 13, 1743. Happy birthday Mr. President might be in order. But… a better way to celebrate is a visual tour of his extraordinary home, Monticello and five quirky facts about our 3rd President.
1 – History shows us that Monticello is one of the greatest tributes to Palladian Architecture built in America. While there are other municipal and government buildings in the Palladian Style Jeffersons home is the major grand residential estate of it’s type to survive today.
Jefferson gave his all to Monticello and in doing so died $100,000 in debt in1826. He inherited the land from his father and begun construction when he was only 26. The construction and redecoration continued almost until his death.
2 -It was during Jeffersons time as Ambassador to France that he fell in love with all things french, including wine and Neoclassic decorations. He imported some of the great French Wines to the US and grew grapes in Virginia.
3 – Around 60% of the furniture on display today is from the original home. Many of the pieces were purchased in France when Jefferson was the ambassador to France under President Washington.
4 – While he was the ambassador he had one of the great affairs of his life. In 1786, Jefferson met and fell in love with Maria Cosway, an accomplished, and married, Italian-English musician of 27. They saw each other frequently over a period of six weeks. She returned to Great Britain, but they maintained a lifelong correspondence.
5 – The dining room at Monticello is now the original color, Crome. After Jefferson death, it was repainted Wedgwood blue and was only repainted in the original color recently.
His decorating always included books on the mantel even in the dining room. When guests would arrive for dinner he would be waiting for them reading a book.
Mar 1, 2016
Have you Read Paris Flea Market Style? This book is eye candy for anyone who loves French style and found treasures.
“Paris is the place where shopping daydreams come true.” Specifically, the five special areas showed in Claudia Strasser’s lovely book Paris Flea Market Style.
Quoting the author, “The flea markets offer one of a kind insights into a lovely bygone era that valued beauty and worked to create it. The craft was as important as the product it produced and even the tools were something special.” Filled with both shopping and style tips Claudia is a globetrotting author and designer with a passion for Paris and the fleas.
It’s not hard to figure out that our favorite chapter is Architectural Elements and Hardware. Followed by Outdoors, Furniture, and Textiles. In truth we loved the whole book!
The mirrors above (on the back cover) often come from old grand apartments. This one grabs us at Efex, with the bows, swags, and drops. Might have to do another mirror and use this design!
The details on the Louis XV column with all its chippy goodness are heart stopping.
These pictures are a great example of how accurate and timeless the antique designs of our Efex are. B19 Swag 6, 7, and 8 as well as a similar T42 trim, are all parts of our catalog of unique bendable moldings.
However, to get a well styled French room you need a variety of texture and light. Enter two of our other passions, textiles and chandeliers, specifically the antique French kind.
Reading this book definitely started us dreaming of Paris and her fleas. It just might be time to plan another shopping trip, remember this is where we found M!
Feb 18, 2016
Weekly inspiration from around the web.
Efex Inspirations are easy to find on the web. I happen to love Tumblr. The images are usually great. Sadly many are not accredited to the original author. This week our inspirations are all recent on the blog.
This ceiling medallion with scrolls caught our interest, It would be so easy to achieve the same look with Efex.
This chest with embellishments is just yummy.
It is from a blog called Kurni’s Little White Castle in Holland.
When I went to look at her blog I found the angel wings. Oh my….
Do you think we should make Efex Angel Wings?
