Idea Book: 14 Beautiful Staircases

There is just something about a beautiful set of stairs.  In traditional homes stair cases are/were placed front and center leading from the foyer.  Sadly, in many contemporary homes the stairs are tucked in a hall or lead from the kitchen area.  Grand and stately stairs, that reminds me of time Julia got her head stuck in the Abbot Banister.

via Garden Home and Party

Hermès Paris Mansion : A Mixture of Traditional And Modern

CultureMap Houston has a wonderful article on the home of Hubert Guerrand-Hermès. The mansion, located in Paris, was designed by architect Jean Daumun and built in 1754. The house has accommodated guests such as Marie-Antoinette, Count Daru and the Duchess of Plaisance.  CultureMap was there for a men's party fundraiser hosted by Hermès for an unnamed Houston charity.  (The women's party was hosted by Jean Paul Gaultier)

Check out Hermès extravagant taste in both traditional style and modern art.  See more pictures and the full article here.

Decorating Idea Book : Living Room Formal Bravo

The formal living room has changed over the years and is being over shadowed in new constructed homes by the great room and/or the hearth room.  This Idea Book is on decorating the traditional form of the Living Room in both traditional style and other wise.  What's your style?

via Traditional Home

Decorating Idea: Duet Mini Pendants

Decorating idea.  Add some contemporary flare to your traditional style with this different lighting idea.  Try pairing two mini pendants close together and using them in place of another light source.  It adds a quirky yet tailored look.  Use them as a picture light.  Use them as a vanity light.  Use them in place of a lamp.  Use them above a desk.  You get the idea.  Find mini pendants at Lewis Lighting and Home.

Traditional Twist

Designer Amy Morris keeps traditional style current by mixing traditional with contemporary and rustic elements.  Her rooms are approachable, due in part to the way Morris mixes formal with casual and her own personal blend of style.  There will always be something for everyone.  With a curator's eye, this designer's style is editorial perfection.  

 photos by Atlanta Homes

via Atlanta Homes

Sophisticated Remodel

This 1970's Williamsburg-style home was bought by designers Ann Shipp and Roger Higgins who say thankfully they are not scared of outdated.  The designing duo/couple revamped the tired house into an updated sophisticated traditional home.  Higgins says he likes using a restricted palette of colors by picking a few base colors and sticking with them through out the home.  (which is true to Williamsburg-style).  Check out the finished product and the full article at Traditional Home. 

 via Traditional Home