VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps)

imagecourtesyaliciabdesignsblogspot Peeps, Any discussion on the use of bold colors, exuberant patterns, and the masterful combination of the two decorating elements invariably concludes with a nod to the work of interior designer Anthony Baratta.  Never content to simply remain within the realm of the mundane or expected, he always pushes the limits of the pattern-on-pattern-on-pattern interplay.  In the hands of a less experienced designer, this sitting room (today's visual treat) could have proved disastrous; Anthony achieves cozy, relaxed, and visually compelling.  Indeed, a purview of his portfolio reveals projects that are balanced, practical, and spirited.  And all this while having loads of fun with color and pattern! On the use of wallpaper, he shared his thoughts;   " I have a love-hate relationship with wallpaper. Believe me, I have tried everything at least once.  It's the over-use of certain patterns that kind of bugs me. How many tim...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEP-SHOW presents OFF THE ROLL, ON THE WALL(P... : imagecourtesyaliciabdesignsblogspot Peeps, Any discussion on the use of bold colors, exuberant patterns, and the masterful combinatio...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: Our blog nominee for THE BEST OF WASHINGTON CITY P... : imagecourtesyrebeccarawlinsoncom As the iconic Kate Moss has demonstrated over her decades long career, small and uniques rocks (every...

imagecourtesyrebeccarawlinsoncom As the iconic Kate Moss has demonstrated over her decades long career, small and unique rocks (everytime)!! On that note, please cast a vote for our favorite little shop, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS . This Alexandria, (VA) based boutique offers the most exquisite independent designers, customized fittings, and unequaled personal service to discerning shoppers for over 25 years. Visit the Washington City Paper web-site, click on the BEST OF D.C. , and simply write   AN AMERICAN IN PARIS in best clothing boutique category. Support Madame Joelle and the spirit of small business. Thanks.

photocourtesyakwardclassicalmusicphotos The American Youth Harp Ensemble performs on 2 March at 7pm Providence Baptist Church, 8900 Brook Road, McLean, Va 22102 admission: $20

photocourtesybethwebbinteriors Peeps, Like a illusionist, wallpaper(s) can mimic the composition of granite/marble/onyx and other stones.  As well as the effect of walls that have been marbled, stippled, dragged, combed, feathered, stried, sponged, ragged, washed, or stenciled.  If the budget allows, hand-blocked scenes can be commissioned from venerated artisans, and of late, the rage for high-gloss papers that mirror or reflect one's interior continues to fill the a renewed demand for anything lacquer-like.  If you love the look of Japanese and Chinese lacquered furniture, or Burmese lacquered urns and bowls, then slicker-than-slick walls are just the thing to satisfy the urge of many who thrill at the opportunity to reside within a jewelled box, a Venetian fantasy, or, an Anish Kapoor art installation.  Beth Webb of Atlanta has been quite instrumental in introducing a new, modern aesthetic to Atlanta and other southern parts.  In an area known for...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEP-SHOW presents OFF THE ROLL, ON THE WALL(P... : photocourtesybethwebbinteriors Peeps, Like a illusionist, wallpaper(s) can mimic the composition of granite/marble/onyx and other s...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEP-SHOW presents OFF THE ROLL, ON THE WALL(P... : photocourtesybethwebbinteriors Peeps, Like a illusionist, wallpaper(s) can mimic the composition of granite/marble/onyx and other s...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEP-SHOW presents OFF THE ROLL, ON THE WALL(P... : photocourtesymatthewpatricksmyth Peeps, I truly believe that every home needs a least one papered room, if not two. Entry halls beg fo...

photocourtesymatthewpatricksmyth Peeps, I truly believe that every home needs a least one papered room, if not two.  Entry halls beg for the impact of oversized patterns running up and down stairways, and usually need a greater degree of warmth than other rooms.  An inviting entry-hall transforms that sometimes awkward moment of transition from public to private space into the perfect a-ha moment when visitors can wordlessly receive your well-meaning intent of welcome and hospitality. Since this area is not one in which you will daily inhabit for extended periods, throw caution to the wind and go bold with colors or patterns that sizzle and dazzle.  Provoke the senses, especially touch, through textured papers which are now embroidered with gem-stones, shells, bows, and beads.  Grass-cloths have been reintroduced with varied weaves, and colors ranging from Inca-gold yellow to endless-death black to Chinese blood-red.   Stripes run the gamut from sporty casu...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEP-SHOE presents EYE CANDY (THIS + THAT) / D... : imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelines Peeps, After the excitement of this past week, I plan to stay in and just catch up with reading and ...

imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelines Peeps, After the excitement of this past week, I plan to stay in and just catch up with reading and movies.  Outside it's chilly and windy, and while our 42F is mild compared to other parts of the world,  the thought of burrowing within the gilded walls of my little man-cave seems most pleasant.  Thanks to MOM's PIZZA on Columbia Pike which delivers a great white pizza, FACEBOOK, and NETFLIX, all my needs are aptly met.  Hope that all of the blog readers are also living out their dreams and desires. Sincerely, Shane  PS:  Next week's peep-show entitled ' OFF THE ROLL, ON THE WALL(paper)' is sure to be a lot of visual fun.  I look forward to all of your comments.

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEP-SHOW presents VISUAL CANDY (THIS + THAT) ... : imagecourtesychungkitblog Peeps, It seems that none of the leading candidates quite knows, or will reveal his intent to address the ...

imagecourtesychungkitblog Peeps, It seems that none of the leading candidates quite knows, or will reveal his intent to address  the issue of the eleven (or twelve) uninvited immigrants who currently reside within our borders.  Keeping the southern border secure seems achievable, once we get that virtual, and also physical, fence solidly in place, all 2000 miles of it.  Drones traversing overhead, guard dogs and ever-vigilant troops swelled by the ranks of the border-patrol and the idealistic Minutemen, aided by fixed cameras recording every movement within close proximity in anticipation of the full-scaled assault by the desperate and weary hordes intent on destroying our way of life.  Within the heavenly confines of the lower 48, if the proposed policy of self-deportation does succeed and undocumented families who now fill the ranks of produce-pickers/factory-processors/construction-workers/cleaning-persons/landscapers/baby-sitters/restaurant staff are 'enco...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEP-SHOW presents EYE CANDY (THIS + THAT) / D... : DiorCouturebypatrickdemarchelier viachungkitblog Peeps, The color green dominates House Beautiful's March issue, and I couldn't wa...

DiorCouturebypatrickdemarchelier viachungkitblog Peeps, The color green dominates House Beautiful's March issue, and I couldn't wait to dive deeply into the pages where gorgeous interiors by designers Meg Braff, Fawn Galli, the duo of Kristin Hein and Philip Cozzi, and Myra Hoefer were featured, in addition to paint color suggestions and eco-conscious goodies for the home and office.  All the homes were equally fabulous, however I caught myself drooling over a Cape Cod Bay living room in which the walls and ceiling had been lacquered in a dusky green.  It seemed moody, mysterious, and sexy, especially when illuminated by candle-light.   As spring approaches and the trees begin to produce shoots and buds, one realizes how much the vitality provided by new green has been missed, for the dark tones of evergreens have begun to seem monotonous after providing interest throughout the last three months.  The garden today was delightful, and green in all its varie...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEP-SHOW presents EYE CANDY (THIS + THAT) / ... : photocourtesybetsybrowninc Peeps, This particular image (interior by the talented Betsy Brown) had been pinned to my inspiration boar...

photocourtesybetsybrowninc Peeps, This particular image (interior by the talented Betsy Brown, www.betsybrowninc.net ) had been pinned to my inspiration board, removed, and then returned.  I admire this tightly-edited home where clutter has been banished, clarity and purpose reign, and objects of beauty prevail. Ms Brown has smartly varied textures by her bold mix of materials, and a limited color palette of browns, neutrals, and black + white combo contributes greatly to the aura of timelessness--while still projecting a very contemporary look.  Long ago I wished that I could have lived in an environ like this, but I've since admitted that I'm too much of a pack-rack; although, I do admire the efforts of other personality-types who choose to foster inner peace and tranquility, to maintain some semblance of control vis-a-vis their surroundings, to fully appreciate a few chosen objects carefully placed, and all the other reasons why some folks entertain (or maintain) the...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEP-SHOW presents EYE CANDY (THIS + THAT) / D... : photocourtesysharonjfrazier Peeps, It's Presidents Day, again, and I am shocked at how quickly the month has sped by. Almost dreamli...

photocourtesysharonjfrazier Peeps, It's Presidents Day, again, and I am shocked at how quickly the month has sped by.  Almost dreamlike we bid farewell to January, bought chocolates and white roses a few days ago, and in a little over a week from today we welcome March and the unfolding of daffodils, crocuses, snow-drops, grape hyacinths and blue siberian quills.  I've seen a few forsythia bushes almost at the point of bursting into yellow glory that certainly declares with full certainty that spring is here, irrespective of the groundhog's predilections.  My favorite shrub, the flowering quince, has been spotted two streets over and I am tempted to beg a branch or two.  Regretfully ill-informed landscaping crews have succeeded into clipping almost everything in that particular garden into shapes resembling overstuffed balls or languid bulbs, including the quince which seems most beautiful when left unchecked and natural.  Still, the bright pink or salmon...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: STORIES FROM THE HEART / Day 4 - FILLING THE GAP (... : photocourtesyindigenousdialoguesflickr Friends and blog readers, I constantly ask myself, how do we fill the opportunity gap that exis...

photocourtesyindigenousdialoguesflickr Friends and blog readers, I constantly ask myself, how do we fill the opportunity gap that exists throughout the world?  I've heard the statement, 'Intelligence and ability are equally distributed throughout the world, but opportunity is not,' many times, and I've come to believe that this is true.  The brave people that I've met on my trips to isolated rural communities in Haiti, Nicaragua, Mali, Malawi, and Nepal have led me to this conclusion; as have my numerous visits to inner-city high schools in Philadelphia, the Bronx and Harlem, as well as right here in Washington, DC.  I am an employee and ardent supporter of buildOn , an international organization that works to break the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and low expectation through education and service.  While abroad, I have met rural villagers who will go to great lengths in order to access education; and I have spoken to urban high school teens here in the Unite...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: STORIES FROM THE HEART / Day 3 Visual Inspiratio... : photocourtesybloginity Peeps, Ricardo Bofill's secluded garden in Barcelona only reiterates all the reasons why gardeners, garden de...

photocourtesybloginity Peeps, Ricardo Bofill's secluded garden in Barcelona only reiterates all the reasons why gardeners, garden designers, aesthetes, style-conscious fanatics, and design-obsessed peeps spend so many hours poring over tear sheets, scouring the magazines, searching for newer and better design blogs, queueing to view designer show-houses and neighborhood tours.  We all want to see the clever ways in which individuals carve out their respective bit of paradise; and with lots of sweat equity and/or vision and some luck, the finished results are frequently so creative, highly individual, and inspiring.  Today's visual treat which was featured many years ago in numerous magazine articles and easily viewed in its entirety at www.bloginity.com , shows the smart ways in which an abandoned cement factory located well within the boundaries of town was transformed into a refuge for Mr. Bofill who especially values tranquility and solitude, and calls his home...

photocourtesyindigenousdialogue Reflections on An Unspoken Taboo Every 15 seconds, a woman or woman is beaten.  Domestic violence, or domestic abuse, is a taboo in most countries, yet is frequently not discussed or reported.  I believe that shame is the reason why this taboo ends up unspoken.  Many individuals are loathe to discuss their situations because of the fear of societal stigma.  I have witnessed this situation in Middle Eastern cultures, some Asian cultures, and other cultures around the world.  Many of the victims of domestic violence refrain from any type of disclosure because internally they often blame themselves as the cause, or, they fear for their lives.  As a Latina who grew up in a Hispanic community, I perceived that domestic abuse was simply not to be spoken of, at least in public.  Whether or not it was a taboo was not a distinction worthy of consideration, for discussions of the matter were not encouraged.  One of ...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: STORIES FROM THE HEART / Day 1 -- An Essay by Gues... : photocourtesystuartwilber Friends and blog readers, I have loved the man I live with almost from the first time I set eyes on him in ...

photocourtesystuartwilber Friends and blog readers, I have loved the man I live with almost from the first time I set eyes on him in Chicago on December 8, 1977. We held our own ceremony shortly thereafter; we exchanged ancient coins instead of rings – we wear them still. In 1978, John was in the hospital overnight and I lied, saying that I was his brother so that I could visit him. Cook County didn’t recognize domestic partnership until 2003. In 1988 we moved to San Clemente, California. In 1992 we were the 19 th  couple to register as domestic partners in Laguna Beach where John worked, 14 miles away. Our relationship was recognized when he was at work or if we went there to swim or for dinner, but not when we were at home. In 1993 we were married in a mass ceremony by Troy Perry at the March on Washington – that marriage wasn’t legally recognized anywhere. In 2003 we were married in Vancouver, B.C. We remain married when we visit Canada, but it is not recognized wh...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: IMAGES OF LOVE / VALENTINE'S DAY 2012 : photocourtesyindigenousdialogue The PEEP SHOW + this blog wishes you all a wonderful day filled with love . . .

photocourtesyindigenousdialogue The PEEP SHOW + this blog wishes you all a wonderful day filled with love . . .

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEP SHOW presents DESTINATION: PLEASURE / Da... : photocourtesyguidetobelize.info Peeps, The events were narrated to me by someone who claimed that everything happened as she said it ...

photocourtesyguidetobelize.info Peeps, The events were narrated to me by someone who claimed that everything happened as she said it did.  Perhaps a few details, minor ones, may have been missed in the excitement of something so unexpected and novel, she stressed, and who am I to question a village matron who has traded in gossip, rumors, jealousies and slights for the past fifty or more years.  This is the story she told me:  as the sun set quietly in the western sky, and beyond the southern tip of the island and looking in the direction of Caye Caulker, the waves seemed almost burnished with gold; and then in the blink of an eye, the sea turned green, then silver and then blue as thousands and thousands of flying fish leaped in unison, like in aquatic ballet.  Even the nesting birds in the trees at the end of Jade Street were abruptly quiet, and some whispered about the ghost of Chehel, but these comments were quickly hushed.  Then figures started ...

imagecourtesytabihito.tumblr.com Peeps, Although located only about 40 miles north of Washington ( DC), Charm City (or Baltimore, MD) gets considerable less press than its more prestigious neighbor.  Anyone who has visited Baltimore invariably raves about the friendliness of its residents, the wonderful small Polish and Italian neighborhoods, and the great deals on residential real estate. ' It feels like a real city, not like DC which at times seems like an amusement park.  It's so big, so close and we never even think much about it, ' is the sentiment that I hear so frequently from friends who have a hard time crossing the 14th street bridge.  These same individuals will claim that driving in VA is so confusing, and believe that no one really lives north of White Flint Mall.  Whatever!! When pressed into service as tour guide, my guests and I are always impressed by our visit to the one of the city's hidden treasures, namely the American Visionary Art Museum...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: THE PEEP SHOW presents DESTINATION: PLEASURE / ... : imagecourtesytabihito.tumblr.com Peeps, Although only located only about 25 miles north of Washington ( DC), Charm City (or Baltimore,...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEP-SHOW presents THE MID-WEEK VISUAL JOLT!! : artistbarbarakrugercourtesytfaoi.com Peeps, It seems that there is an illusion (or belief) that with the passage of the 14th Amendme...

artistbarbarakrugercourtesytfaoi.com Peeps, It seems that there is an illusion (or belief) that with the passage of the 14th Amendment, the struggle was over, and the fight had been won.  The shenanigans of the Susan G Komen Foundation this past week highlighted the precarious position occupied by many vis-a-vis counseling or general and specialized health services.  Equally revealing was the small group(s) of women who clustered near the Key Bridge in Georgetown on Sunday evening.  Bundled in knitted caps, thick scarves, and sturdy overcoats, with steady conviction they held aloft placards with the words, ERA VOTE, MONDAY IN VA ASSEMBLY . Some drivers honked in agreement, a few seemed perplexed, and many continued on to party preparations for the Superbowl game.  I made a resolve to find out more about that particular piece of legislation then pending in Richmond, to get more involved in the civic processes of our country, and to perhaps...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents DESTINATION: PLEASURE / Da... : imagecourtesytripadvisor Peeps, While it's a sunny 39F today, winter is still not over. If the predictions of the Farmer's Almanac pro...

imagecourtesytripadvisor Peeps, While it's a sunny 39F today, winter is still not over.  If the predictions of the Farmer's Almanac prove right, we're going to have a icy March or April, and the early daffodils, crocuses and cherry-blossom buds will perhaps regret their eagerness.  It seems that every year, we experience this period of a false spring, and yet we lap it up after the grey days of December and January.  The astute among us have saved vacation-days and mileage credits, and will invariably head for warmer climes of which the Caribbean islands and South American countries figure prominently as bastions of warmth and sunny splendor.  And tiny St Lucia may just be the brightest gem of them all. Lonely Planet (blog) writes ' rising like an emerald tooth from the flat Caribbean Sea, St Lucia definitely grabs your attention . . . The rain forest-choked interior is made for hiking; a canopy of green covers the island like a haze.  Rolling hills grow t...