Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Feb 8, 2012, 12:17 pm
If you're attending the Architectural Digest Home Show, March 22-25 in New York, Modenus is hosting a Design Find Photo Contest throughout the show. Visit certain exhibitors and have your pic taken with your favorite product. The Grand Prize is a 6 day trip to London with BlogTour to the London Desi...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Feb 7, 2012, 12:04 am
Not that long ago, I did an in-depth post about the look of the drawing room. Since I've added a mood board of suggested furnishings and links to interesting DA posts around the web, I decided to reprise a bit of the previous post, which you can see here, with added tidbits. In other words, I like i...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Feb 4, 2012, 3:14 pm
I wanted to thanks Veronika, Tim and team at Modenus for featuring two of my projects in their popular Before & After feature on their website. It's always interesting to hear how others interpret my work and they were very generous in their appraisal - much appreciated. If you want to see more, cli...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Feb 2, 2012, 3:11 pm
This is likely to be the only sports related post I am probably going to do. (Unless I get hired to create the perfect man cave or media room.) So, last week I wrote an über long post on how I'm using Pinterest. This week, I've been working on my skills using Olioboard, which is an easy way to crea...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Feb 1, 2012, 9:30 am
Once upon a time, my client owned these two different but still comfy arm chairs. Chair 1 on the left is an English Arm style with a box style back cushion  and Chair 2 on the right had rolled arms with a knife edge back cushion.  My clients wished to use both of these chairs in their new living r...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jan 30, 2012, 5:05 pm
Am playing around with Olioboard and decided to go for a Downton Abbey inspired dining room for contemporary living. Check out the board in Olioboard including links to all products shown. If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please email me. Thanks! Su...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jan 30, 2012, 9:00 am
... weak and weepy, to say the least. Season 1 was filled ... glamorous dinners and festivities of the noble Crawley family. Many scenes ... Van Dyck in 1633. Interestingly, The Royal Collection website lists this ... evening with gentlemen in white tie and the ladies in formal ... gowns. Titl...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jan 29, 2012, 12:01 am
If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you may recall that my father, Bob Merrill, passed away a while ago. In fact, it was three years ago today. A hard day that time has most certainly softened, as is meant to happen. I don't cry every time I think of him any more, we can make joke...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jan 27, 2012, 10:44 am
I wanted to send a big thank you out to Andrea Drexelius from French Basketeer  and Metis Linens for sending me this beautiful package of vintage linens and vintage French brass curtain rings that can be used as napkin rings.  I won these lovely items in a giveaway on Karen Albert's blog Art By Ka...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jan 26, 2012, 9:00 am
Ah, the red P for Pinterest. Are you using it?  As the use of this relatively new photo pinboard website started growing, there were more and more tweets in my Twitter stream extolling the virtues of the site, with comments like "I'm addicted to..." and lamentations on the hours spent "pinning" awa...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jan 23, 2012, 1:01 am
... at gardening, riding and hunting and the exquisite lawn parties filled with ladies and gentlemen dressed in white enjoying simpler pursuits. I thought ... -in-law mother-in-law, the Dowager Countess (Dame Maggie Smith) From ... incredibly uncomfortable, it sure looked pretty!  The Crawley ...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jan 20, 2012, 4:59 pm
The Guggenheim Museum in New York has partnered with Fine Paints of Europe on two unique collections of paint colors. Apparently, it's not only Pottery Barn who gets calls of "What color is that?" After years of fielding that type of inquiry, the folks at the museum decided to do something about it....
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Oct 31, 2011, 1:25 pm
This week at The Skirted Roundtbable, Megan, Joni and I welcomed Leslie Sinclair, a Houston-based decorative painter and author of the new book Segreto: Secrets to Finishing Beautiful InteriorsLeslie is a real go-getting dynamo type. She's completely self-taught as a decorative painter, and now runs...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Oct 28, 2011, 1:40 pm
... background. I'd love to hear your thoughts - especially those who produce products or work with clients - on how to balance being perfect with good enough (is good enough really good enough?) and being "liked". If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! ...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Oct 24, 2011, 1:29 pm
I wanted to take a quick moment to thank the fantastic Faberuna for selecting me as the winner of a recent giveaway! Faberuna is all about handmade goods and this assortment showcases some of what you'll find on his website, which also includes jewelry, crafts and home decor items.  Here are more d...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Oct 22, 2011, 5:31 pm
I have a set of very similar opera glasses somewhere. They aren't in quite as good shape, but I love them! I attended the Ellis Boston Antiques Show last night and happily spent a couple of hours among some of the prettiest antiques and fine arts! Pair of small gilded cane side chairs at Alcocer Ant...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Oct 21, 2011, 9:38 am
A beautiful light fixture is truly the “jewelry” of a space. Today’s bathrooms are ever more popular spaces to decorate, moving from a purely functional space to one of pride and even status. There is a vast array of beautiful light fixtures on the market that still must serve the importan...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Oct 20, 2011, 9:13 am
Whether you live in a castle or an apartment, a door knocker is a decorative way to welcome visitors. As one of the first things in your home that greets visitors, door knockers can represent your personality. They come in many different designs and materials and can offer a classic and traditio...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Oct 18, 2011, 9:35 pm
Candles have long been in use, dating back to 200-300 BC. Naturally, there was an immediate need for candleholders or vessels of some kind to contain the wax or other burning medium (such as whale fat!). Candles have long been at the nexus of function and decoration and from the earliest times, ...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Oct 14, 2011, 12:56 pm
Get your art on here: October 15 & 16, 2011: The Sudbury Art Association in Sudbury, MA,  is hosting its second annual Sudbury Open Studios this weekend. Over 40 artists ranging from painters to potters, clothing to jewelers will be exhibiting either in their private studios or at the Town Hall ...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Oct 10, 2011, 9:15 pm
This week, after a bit of a hiatus, Joni, Megan and I convene to talk about the new Restoration Hardware catalog and the clear direction the company is going in. As usual, we have opinions! Join us! If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please email me. Tha...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Oct 7, 2011, 9:34 pm
Several items from designer Amanda Nisbet's 2011 Kips Bay Bedroom are on sale via the website Dering Hall.  I really loved the room when I was there - the combination of the wild pink wallpaper from Nisbet's collection with the original paneling is really a lot of fun. Click here to view the coll...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Oct 5, 2011, 11:01 pm
My iMac as photographed by my iPhone I've been a Mac-Addict since 1989 when I was assigned a 20MB SE30 computer at my job. I have never looked back. The elegance of design, simplicity of use,  exceptional quality of the hardware and creativity software that I use to design my website and magazine. ...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Sep 26, 2011, 8:46 pm
Please enjoy my latest issue of ::Surroundings:: on Upholstery! Open publication - Free publishing - More decor
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Sep 25, 2011, 4:19 pm
I was poking around the Sandwich Antiques Center yesterday (which has become my go-to place for interesting gifts) and came across this fabulous Abercrombie and Fitch wicker picnic basket. It's empty and some of the leather strapping is missing, but the size and overall condition, not to mention the...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Sep 24, 2011, 3:33 pm
As I previously mentioned, I'm in the process of redecorating my bedroom. I have a pair of oblong silk pillows that I made a couple of years ago that I'd like to sell. They are on sale over at my Etsy shop. Hope you're having a great weekend! If you would like my help on your design project, I woul...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Sep 23, 2011, 1:22 pm
 The classic Unikko poppy pattern in blue Iconic Finnish brand Marimekko is launching mini-shops within Crate and Barrel's across the country in order to highlight their home category of products. I had the chance yesterday to visit the new shop on Boylston Street in Boston and meet with several lo...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Sep 19, 2011, 3:38 pm
Without a doubt, the best part of blogging are all the relationships that form along the way. And, relationships without borders. Instead of meeting design colleagues in our own neighborhood or region, we can get to know designers from all over the world. So, I was very excited when I received an em...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Sep 16, 2011, 3:33 pm
My latest post for Williams-Sonoma's Designer Marketplace has just gone live and I wanted to share it with you. I wrote on the importance of using a professional photographer vs. DIY work when it comes to shooting a portfolio. So, check it out and let me know what you think! I'm currently hard at w...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Sep 2, 2011, 9:00 am
I'm in the process of redecorating my bedroom - nothing major, just new bedding, window treatments, things like that. I am in need of a change and perhaps a little simplification. The bedding I'm buying is all white linen. My current bedroom has a white rug and darkish green walls, all white molding...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Sep 1, 2011, 12:04 am
Have you read or heard the term "Wabi-Sabi" recently? If some of the design blogs are to be believed, it’s becoming a "thing" in interiors. Yet, the very act of force, of trying to make something a "thing", opposes the essence of Wabi-Sabi. A 16th century black Raku ware style chawan, used for th...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Aug 29, 2011, 9:42 pm
In 2007, I was honored to be asked to do a bedroom makeover for an 11 year old recovering leukemia patient named Marcus. This project was done in conjunction with the Jimmy Fund of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Homegoods, who provided all the material goods. I posted about this when it origin...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Aug 25, 2011, 3:47 pm
Way back in May (where DOES the time go) I spent a lovely hour chatting with Joy Licht, founder of Cayley Barrett, Assoc., a design-build firm in NYC about the lovely bathroom she did for this year's Kips Bay Showhouse.  Joy founded the company twenty years ago when there were nearly no women owned...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Aug 22, 2011, 12:45 pm
This week at The Skirted Roundtable while Megan was on vacation we were joined by Artie Vanderpool of the blog Color Outside the Lines to talk about our thoughts on the complete first (we hope there's more!) season of Bravo TV's Million Dollar Decorators. We all agreed that the show was a big succe...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Aug 18, 2011, 1:35 pm
 Image courtesy of Brooke Giannetti Image courtesy of Joni Webb I recently wrote an article on assignment about how designers are working with home libraries and book collections these days. I am now reading books on my Kindle for iPhone and between the real Kindle and iPads, we're all buying fewer...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Aug 17, 2011, 1:00 am
Target is partnering with Missoni, the iconic knitwear empire recognized as a symbol of Italian luxury, to introduce an affordable, limited-edition collection for fashion and home. The is the largest limited-time designer collection to date for Target. The products will only be available September 1...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Aug 16, 2011, 3:05 am
Well, Happy Birthday to me. While I like to joke about being in my "extremely late 30's (emphasis on the extremely)" the reality I am as close to turning 50 as I am to turning, well, 48. And it seems like just yesterday I was lamenting that I was as close to 50 as I was to 20. Where did those last 1...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Aug 13, 2011, 10:45 pm
Contributed by Lori Dolnick On a hot, hot July Monday in New York City, I had the opportunity to tour the House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year with Tyler Florence. I actually bumped Tyler as I squeezed through the packed audience to see the kitchen. And yes… I’m a kitchen design addict so I bypa...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Aug 7, 2011, 11:57 pm
I think the last two weeks went by in a total blur since I published my latest issue of my magazine. I got a lot of great feedback about the cover shot by Michael J. Lee and I have to say, I enjoy looking at it myself when I'm working away in my office! Speaking of work,  I bought myself a new iMa...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jul 25, 2011, 10:54 am
Open publication - Free publishing - More decorating The latest issue of my digital magazine is all about outdoor living. A big thanks to photographer Michael J. Lee for once again shooting a beautiful cover shot!  If you haven't checked out Michael's portfolio, you should! Also, a big thanks to P...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jul 13, 2011, 11:16 pm
This week at The Skirted Roundtable, Megan, Joni and I chatted with interior designer James Swan about his new book "101 Things I Hate About Your House". Although the title is quite provocative, the intent and presentation of James' points are anything but. This is a simple, step-by-step, room-by-ro...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jul 6, 2011, 10:18 am
  On BravoTV's Million Dollar Decorators, we're treated to the ins and outs of the top echelons of LA's design scene featuring some larger than life "personalities". This isn't "Housewives of the blah blah blah", however. The MDD cast are people who are friends and colleagues who respect one anoth...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jul 4, 2011, 4:24 pm
As I wrote last week, I was heading off to the Berkshires at the end of the week for a couple of days away and to hear James Taylor and the Boston Pops at Tanglewood. It was such a fun couple of days out of town. I went with a group of about 8 people and we rented a house in Stockbridge, which I wou...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jun 30, 2011, 12:40 am
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jun 26, 2011, 11:18 pm
It's been two weeks since my last post and I think this has been the longest I've gone between posts in nearly 5 years. I miss you all! There's been a lot of great things happening on my side of the planet which I can't wait to share! I've several projects in various stages development. I've been wo...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jun 10, 2011, 2:18 pm
  When I was in New York last month for Blogfest, I had the chance to go to my first Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse. Hard to believe it was my first one! I was able to go before the doors opened as I was interviewing Joy Light of Cayley Barrett Associates, Ltd. the design/build firm who did the maste...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jun 7, 2011, 5:43 pm
This week at The Skirted Roundtable, we chatted about Million Dollar Decorators. Check it out! Don't forget to join in the fun on Twitter at hashtag #mddbravotv or #milliondollardecorators or #mdd while you're watching! (sorry West Coast!) If you would like my help on your design project, I would l...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jun 4, 2011, 1:28 pm
As a blogger, one of the most frustrating aspects of being so keyed into the design scene across the country is the fact that there isn't enough time or money to attend all the amazing events that take place. Even though New England isn't far from New York City, it's still not that easy to pop down ...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jun 1, 2011, 7:00 am
Belle Escape, a leading online retailer of hand-painted cottage style furniture, recently announced the launch of Belle Maison Francaise (Belle Maison), a new online store that specializes in stylish French furniture and decor. “French furniture is experiencing a modern-day renaissance,” says ...
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Linda M. posted an article on ::Surroundings:: - Jun 1, 2011, 1:18 am
 Mary McDonald and Nate Turner arrive for Kathryn Ireland's birthday party bearing quite a cake! Okay, so my initial thoughts on MDD Episode 1: These designers all took an incredibly huge risk in doing this show. They risk looking unprofessional, ungrateful and unkempt. On the other hand, how many ...
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