Margot Austin

She does warm, rich, layered rooms. She does red like nobody else. She's a fabric fanatic. She's an Italian Chicagoan. She's about daybeds and bed hangings, upholstered walls, velvet chairs, libraries, formal dining rooms and mouldings. She loves tartan. She once upholstered the walls of a bedroom in cashmere-and-wool felt. Um, yeah, that's totally genius! She does Turkish style cushions -- those round edged super-plump ones. I'm quite obsessed with that design right now. I love her work. I'd give anything to be curled up in one of these rooms today -- so yummy and overstuffed. 

I implore you, you really must get her book. It's like a master class in decorating. Better yet, if you buy it from her web site you get an autographed copy. Click here.

PS. Dearest Bloggersons, so sorry to have forsaken you for a whole week. You've been clicking over here and I have had nothing to offer you. Please forgive my poor manners. I promise everything's back on track. When you stop by next, the kettle will be on for tea and our visits over matters of style will continue as before. Some exciting times are ahead, including a lecture at the Kravet/Lee Jofa showroom by another of my faves, Eric Cohler. Can't wait.

I still love this instant colour palette creator colorhunter.com. Here are 2 lovely shots and their palettes. YUM.

Today I am at home with Wedgwood. Well, at this home I have only a couple of pieces of Wedgwood but what I do have, finally, is my copy of the new book At Home with Wedgwood by Tricia Foley and signed by Lord Wedgwood himself. I had full colour proofs of the book months ago for a story I was doing, but there really is nothing like cracking the spine of a brand new book with gorgeous photos and such a rich story (take that Kindle and Sony Reader). I can't wait to devour it.

sources: random house, tricia foley

When Lord Wedgwood was in town for a luncheon to celebrate the book and the anniversary of Wedgwood I was captivated by his beautiful family signet ring and his cufflinks. I took a photo. I don't think it really turned out, but it does remind me of the importance of detail. Detail is so important in matters of style. Carefully considered details elevate the whole. I am so impressed by the talent of those who are masters of detail.

Below, Lord W, 2 fave pieces displayed at the luncheon, and the front door of the home of the British Consul General, where the luncheon was held. The Union Jack red paint colour is just perfection (and BTW, in case you were wondering, yes, that thing by the light is a security camera, natch)