Christmas at Glendower 2013

It’s the time of year for Christmas at Glendower 2013!

The Warren County Historical Society presents: Glendower: Decorated beautifully for the Christmas Season by Patti Johnson Interiors and Jaqueline Dunn of Lord & Dunn Interiors. Truly there is something to delight in every room. This season the theme chosen was Christmas Carols and each room depicts a favorite Christmas carol by the Designer who did that particular room.

Open Friday through Sunday the month of December. Don’t miss out!

GLENDOWER in Winter! Photo: John Short Location: Lebanon, Ohio

The Poinsettia Room – Theme: “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!” Decor: Patti Johnson Interiors Photo: John Short

Here’s one of several Holiday Table settings I decorated for the Historic Glendower Mansion in Downton Lebanon, Ohio which Opens to the public on December 7th, 2013! I chose to add a little black to this theme this year. Each year brings different themes. The theme for this particular room is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas!” since we gather around the dining table, it is decorated in a homespun theme. Photo: John Short

“Glendower is one of the finest examples of northern antebellum Greek Revival in the Midwest.  Built in the late 1830’s by Amos Bennett for Warren County Prosecutor, J Milton Williams, Glendower remained a private home until 1945 when it was purchased by the Warren County Historical Society.”

The lovely Ladies Parlor upstairs. Theme: “Mary Did You Know?” by Jacqueline Dunn of Lord and Dunn Interiors. Photo: John Short

This room decorated by Patti Johnson Interiors is based on the song sung by Vanessa Williams, “Silver and Gold”. It’s a beautiful setting for the Parlor. Photo: Niki Jahns

The Library. Decor: Ken Taylor and Patti Johnson – Theme: “Pine Cones and Holly Berries” Photo: John Short

Theme: “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” Decor: Erica Stringer Sponsor: Patti Johnson Interiors Photo: John Short

Be sure and stop by for a Docent led tour which gives you access to the whole house museum and the beautiful Christmas Decor.

For ticket info: please contact Warren County Historical Society at 513-932-1817

Thanks for stopping by Chatti Patti Talks Design!

Fall Brings Antique Shows

Fall Brings Antique Shows. It’s a great time to be on the ‘hunt’ for that special piece from long ago. This weekend was my first time ‘doing’ an antique show.  When I say ‘doing’ an antique show, I need to clarify that for you. I was not an exhibitor nor an attendee but I did have a booth, front and center. The Warren County Historical Society in Lebanon, Ohio invited me to come and talk to people coming to the show on the hunt for the perfect antique. Frankly, I talked with almost everyone who walked by (and everyone did), about Decorating with Antiques in a Modern Home. Most were receptive and liked the idea of eclecticism. I created a video and played it on a tv showing photos of rooms decorated in this manner.

One of my favorite design ‘styles’ is mixing antiques with modern pieces in today’s homes. As an Interior Designer, I often suggest or specify an antique piece in each room to my clients.  It may be a large piece or a mirror. Some are receptive and some are not. Many people have a vision of antiques which equal Grandma’s oak pie-safe, but there is so much more to explore! Take a look at the following photos and perhaps it will change  your mind about antiques. Antiques are defined as a collectible of at least 100 years of age, so we’re talking 20th century folks, however earlier pieces are what most collectors search for.

I absolutely love this photo. You definitely will not find this anywhere else. What a beautiful piece which becomes a focal point on this wall.

Another example of an updated use of an antique wardrobe. Looks great.

Thank you WCHS for having me, I enjoyed meeting so many new people!
A special thank you to Al Hardy of Hardy’s Interiors (and B&B) for bringing some both antique and non-antique pieces for my display. I so appreciate you!

This is what I commonly refer to clients as ‘high contrast’ mixing. I don’t know if that’s an actual term for this, but it is quite obvious the ‘high contrast’ of age and style of the modern trough sink and the antique mirror. Creative.

What a FAB desk with all it’s intricate glory! I absolutely love the pairing with the modern chair and the juxtaposition! Often, a statement antique piece like this is all that you need in a room. It simply speaks for itself. Quiet quality!

This photo demonstrates quite a mixture of styles and age. If you notice the staircase, it appears this may be a modern city apartment or loft but it creates more interest than if everything was purchased at once.

A common theme in this thread of photographs sourced via Pinterest is a mirror above a commode of some type. Mirrors are one of the easiest ways in which to blend the old and new.

don’t you adore the fresh crispness of this idea of an antique wardrobe being re-purposed as a linen closet? How beautiful for a welcoming guest room!

This barn door application is actually quite popular. This particular door appears to me to be a reproduction, however it give a good visual of the concept.

This photo demonstrates an antique or possibly vintage mirror over a vintage suitcase table next to a traditional upholstered chair. It’s a great look that adds a sense of time to your space.

Lovely vignette! Antique chest with modern art and accessories.

Here’s a couple of lovely and un common items I spied today while mingling with the guests:

Spotted these antique classy umbrellas after I saw a lady walking around with one that a HUGE jewel on the handle. I mean huge. I always lose or break my umbrellas so this wasn’t a good purchase for me, but they were fun to look at!

Check out the detail on these handles! I mean how stylish would you be walking around town or at your son’s football game with one of these?

You could put a small hand through this one and wear it on your wrist and swing it.

I saw some other great items at the Warren County Antique Show and Sale yesterday and today. I was drawn to a couple of tables with a lot of Blue and White Porcelain, but that’s for another day!

PLUS: I’ll be back soon with pics from the Downton Abbey Gala and details of the fund raiser!

Thanks for stopping by Chatti Patti Talks Design!

Photos are by Patti Johnson or sourced on Pinterest and I make  no claim to represent them as my own work and are used only for the purpose of sharing.

Downton Abbey Gala in Historic Lebanon Ohio

Downton Abbey in Lebanon, Ohio? Really?

The infamous Downton Abbey or Highclere Castle at Highclere Estate

Highclere Estate

Highclere Castle has become incredibly well known as one of England’s finest historic houses, but the landscape in which it sits is renowned for its beauty and is well worth exploring.

The estate is situated in varied topography and lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Farming and forestry have always been important part of the estate.

“Highclere Castle is one of England’s most beautiful Victorian Castles set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland. The Carnarvon family has lived at Highclere since 1679, and the current Castle stands on the site of an earlier house, which in turn was built on the foundations of the medieval palace owned by the Bishops of Winchester for some 800 years.”

The cast of the British Drama Downton Abbey

“Longstanding friend of the Carnarvon family, Julian Fellowes had Highclere Castle in mind as he wrote Downton Abbey. He often commented he wanted a house which spectacularly testified to the confidence and soaring optimism of the Edwardian period.

The success of Downton Abbey took everyone by surprise from the first nervous apprehension whether anyone would like the first episode or stay with it for the second or third… the series has become a phenomenon with appreciative viewers all around the world.”

“The Pillars” ~ Lebanon Ohio

Socialize with neighbors and meet new friends!

Enjoy the terrace and stroll through the lovely gardens.

Enjoy an appetizer from the staff…

Dine with friends on gourmet food catered by Kohler Catering

There will be music…

Pose for a photo with your favorite stars of Downton Abbey…

View some classic vintage luxury automobiles…

This event is being sponsored by The Lebanon Conservancy Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historical homes.

All proceeds will benefit local preservation.

The Lebanon Conservancy Foundation

Rus Kindrick, President

27 N. Mechanic Street

P.O. Box 893

Lebanon, Ohio 45036

For Ticket information:

 (513) 228-1810