“I’m a true visionary, so I love to see and feel things- images are always replaying themselves, and connecting in my mind.”
The objects that we adore can rejuvenate and restore, giving us a true sense of the words “Home Sweet Home”.
Call me “attached”, but there are certain things at home that I just love and treasure. These are the tokens that evoke special memories- a family photograph, a sketched portrait, or a collection of Mayan pottery. Our favorite things tell stories of where we’ve been, and where we’re headed. Being able to see, feel, and touch my favorite things give me perspective. They serve as not only conversation pieces, but as reminders of my identity, my passion, and my journeys in this life.
COBALT BLUE GLASS COLLECTION:
My first apartment in New York was pretty sad- with only a bed and some other meager essentials I headed to 6th Ave in search of vessels on which to eat. What I found instead was the most beautiful jewel-toned, clear blue plates, and platters I had ever seen. Little did I know then (8 years ago) that my purchased essentials would become prized possessions, and one of my favorite things. I’ve been lucky enough over the years to receive pieces to my collection as gifts. People love to add to my collection, and so what I’ve amassed thus far is really cool. One piece in particular is a Lamp Berge. A Lamp Berge utilizes a wick to burn aromatic oils. What’s my favorite scent? It’s called “New Orleans”! Fragrant and sweet, the Magnolia tree scent wafts in the air and reminds me of growing up in the birthplace of jazz.
CHARCOAL SKETCH:
I’ve never really proclaimed to be an artist, well not the kind that can free-hand draw anything. So when I took my first drawing class I must say I was pleasantly surprised when I embarked on a homework assignment to create a portrait from a picture. My adorable niece Cameron was undoubtedly going to be my subject- I was fearful, but ready to create my first “Pablo Picasso”. Not only is my niece cute as a button in the portrait, I also taught myself that with patience and technique I could surprise myself and discovery some hidden talents I had no idea I had. It is truly a reminder of how we can only discover life when we live it!
ASIAN CERAMIC LAMP:
I’m not sure that it’s truly vintage, but when I stopped in at my favorite thrift store I had to have it. The base of the lamp is architecturally slick, but accented with flair from the far East. The birds and cherry blossoms are just really pretty. My family room end table is where it makes its home. I topped it off with a really cool lamp shade that looks like faux distressed leather. All it took was $25.00, and some vision. Priceless.
EVENT DESIGN, AND DECORATING BOOKS:
True story- I was in Barnes and Noble roughly circa 1998, and I began browsing through this really incredible Event Design book. With a photographic memory, I etched many of the images in my mind, noted the author, and planned to purchase the book at a later date.
After some time, I returned to the store to pick up this jewel only to discover the book had gone out of print. What? How could this be? I was really excited about learning how to design for parties, and this book was going to be my ally. The happy ending is that the publisher must have felt my pain, and the book reprinted many years later. To this day, “The Art of the Party”, by Renny Reynolds continues to be a major resource and inspiration for many events I design. Coming in at a close second, are my collection of Pottery Barn Design books. I can spend countless hours pouring through them for inspiration when working on a new idea- these books rock!!
NATURAL CRYSTAL WITH TEAKWOOD PEDESTAL:
I’ve lugged this beauty around for years. Let’s just say I acquired it from my mom a long, long, time ago. Okay, I lifted it, and didn’t return it, but it has been safe and right at home with me for years. I think I’ve used this piece to decorate just about every room imaginable. The pedestal is carved from one solid piece of wood, and it interlocks at the center. Recently, the crystal itself broke in three pieces, but its okay by me. No need to look for Crazy Glue- it is still perfect in my mind.
INSPIRATION BOARD:
I’m a true visionary of sorts so I love to see and feel things- images are always replaying themselves, and connecting in my mind. I made my own board with an open back frame and corkboard that comes on a roll. I mount pieces of fabric, paint chips, design ideas, tear sheets from magazines, and family photographs. They are all visual reminders of what I’m working on at the moment, what I don’t want to forget, and in a huge way what I’m grateful for. It’s really a story that never ends….always evolving, I’m the Writer, Star, and Editor of the show- What could be more inspiring? What’s your story?
ROYAL BRAND TYPEWRITER:
A true relic in its own right, this vintage typewriter evokes feelings of times gone by. Correction fluid was the order of the day, and manual carriage returns were the norm. As the original laptop, this baby weighs in at about 40lbs- ouch!! Can you imagine trying to get this thing though a Security check point at the airport? No, me either. The color, the size, and the ivory keys just fascinate me. It is also the delight of many of the kids that come over to my house to visit. They point and say, “You have a thing in that room”…..they don’t know what it’s called because in their lifetime they will never ever use one. It’s something to think about and appreciate as I click away on my Chartreuse Green Dell laptop. Wow.
Images by Yvonne Moore