PSO Showhouse Countdown: History and Inspiration via VOX Photographs

The PSO Designer's Showhouse is unique in that the house itself was built in 1920. The house was built in 1920 atop a portion of the John Bundy Brown Estate which was destroyed in 1915. Architect John P. Thomas built this spacious stone and slate tudor complete with a servants’ wing and chauffeur’s apartment above the garage for James C. Hamlen and his family (related to Hannibal Hamlin, Abraham Lincoln’s Vice President). (VIA PSO website)

So it's natural that my original design concept included art from the Maine Heritage Collection by VOX Contemporary Photography. I have worked with this Gallery before for my design clients, and am consistently amazed and the volume and quality of photographers that VOX represents.

Here is a glimpse into the Heritage pieces I am using-and you will have to guess WHICH ONES are actually in the house!

J.C. BICKNELL

John Carleton Bicknell was born on May 28, 1871. At the age 7 he nearly lost his life, and did lose his right arm, after falling out of a tree. Bicknell’s photographic business started circa 1902. The Golden Age of Hand-Painted Photography was 1900-1940.  And with his studio located in Portland, he just happened to be working in one of the hotbeds of early 20th century hand-painted photography. Yet, although the hand-painted photography craze slowly declined during the 1930’s depression, we see that the Bicknell Picture Co. stayed in business into the early 1960’s and beyond. The vast majority of Bicknell pictures were taken in Maine, including Portland, Rangeley, Eustis, Bethel, and many other areas. He also took pictures in New Hampshire (North Conway, Franconia Notch), Vermont, and several other states. (Via unravel the gavel)

Ralph Farnham Blood

Ralph Farnham Blood's photography dates back to the 1930's and his wife, Laura Blood, hand colored all the photographs.The White House owns a large original of “Portland Head Light, 1931″.

VoxPhotographs sells contemporary, Maine Heritage and vintage works and all are represented in the spaces that Fiore Interiors designed.
"Photographs are my passion. I am not a photographer myself, but love the medium." says director Heather Frederick. When asked for her favorite inspirational qoute, she responded:
“And you will find out that there are all sorts of ways of learning not only from people and books, but from sheer trying.” – Gertrude Jekyll

My sincerest thanks to Heather at Vox Photographs for helping give my creative visions historic authenticity.-Vanessa @ Fiore Interiors.

VoxPhotographs

Heather Frederick, Director
http://www.voxphotographs.com/
207-323-1214
info@voxphotographs.com

I would also like to recommend the framing gallery and printing house that did such beautiful work. Simple, elegant framing is so important and quality printing is vital to these fragile images. Thank you:
Framing by Christine's Gallery

Lincolnville, ME
207-763-4500
christinesgallery@msn.com
http://www.christinesgallery.com/

Prints by Nickelson Editions
Camden, ME
207-322-1351
jimnickelson@yahoo.com
http://www.nickelsoneditions.com/

A Well Designed Black Friday (List)

I am not Oprah. Though I wish I was (who doesn't?). But like all shoppers I have my list of wants and dreams. Black Friday frightens me because you can end up buying complete crap (sorry) because it's on sale. So I dug a little deeper into MY favorite things, both local here in Maine and nation wide, to find GOOD design that will be impervious to things like buyer's remorse. And yes, they ARE ON SALE today.

By request, the list also covers a range of prices, from higher to lower, because Fiore philosophy=good design should be accessible to all.

Enjoy!

To lay your weary heads on...or to recline in style:

Mandala by AphroChic

"A diagram of the universe and a map to the human mind, the Mandala represents the infinite expanse of the self – a reality glimpsed only in dreams"

100% Belgian Linen, yummy smushy cotton feather down insert, Measures 22" x 22" $140.00
 Use Promo code HOLIDAY at checkout for a 15% discount, good until 11/29.
dear santa, please send me a mandala so I may dream more often...

And since Company C is doing a buy one get one half off promotion...get two! $130 or $195 for two.

My favorite style on a budget pillow is from Tar-jay (Target)

$24.99 sounds fine.

ANGELA ADAMS NATURE INSPIRED RUGS.

Ok I have TWO favorite patterns. Above is Birch/Evening and Below is Ocean/Sand and Ocean/Seaglass

I love these rugs down to the tips of my toes-LITERALLY. I have walked on them barefoot and the plush texture is ALMOST more amazing thant the design. You will want to get your shoes off asap. Even a smaller rug next to your bed, where your bare feet hit the floor every morning, will make a huge difference.

SALE CODE is EARLYBIRD and use it here

For a totally different look, try the textile inspired AMY Butler collection:

Available through Fiore this collection is 20% off and free shipping on orders of 2 rugs or more. Email info@fioreinteriors.com and mention this blog, and the offer is good until December 24th.

If you'd like to do some good while shopping and still look fabulous, check out these Key pendants from SPARKLESFOREVER. 10% of all sales go to help educate girls in impoverished nations. Enter code S4C1 at check out

If you are craving some of this organic/birdie trends, then try the handcrafted Mom & Two Babies Lovebird Necklace from Turtle Love Co.

Turquoise Tuesday-local edition

image via tony hill

Locally operated (though made in India), Company C has a store in Portland Maine that is a source of inspiration for me. ahhhhh Turquoise, how you soothe me!

Gorgeousness

deco peacock pillow (also available as a rug)

Not for the faint of heart, this sectional is clean lined and small scale (though very comfortable) which is the wisest way to show color on major pieces.

The sofa sits on the tiffany peacock rug:

The subtle shadings of aqua and green enrich the turquoise.

Vibrant color isn't trendy , it surrounds us in nature: sunsets, waterfalls, flowers, animals, fall foliage, etc. Embrace it.

(if you would like someone to help make the inspiration a reality, call FIORE)