One of our better-organized clients wanted “ a convenient place to store scissors, tape, ribbon and unruly rolls of wrapping paper—not to mention the clear flat space needed to neatly wrap a present.” Our friends at NJ Monthly magazine thought it would make an interesting story and the result can be seen in the current issue. It’s a bright, cheerful space for one of my client’s favorite tasks, which, needless to say, she performs super efficiently.

Dogs, children and the terminally klutzy can now do their worst to your burgundy mohair loveseat. Thanks to the wonders of nano-technology and a finish called Nano-Tex, chemicals that work at the molecular level provide permanent stain protection for the life of the fabric while increasing surface durability and maintaining breathability and comfort. Spill all the red wine you want; your cherished linen print duvet will live to fight another day.

So said Katherine Hepburn in a memorable scene from “Stage Door”, one of 1937’s more memorable films. Calla lilies add an elegant touch to this dining room which features iridescent wallpaper, pearlescent glaze paint and a stylized floral rug. I used a long narrow vase filled with stones and fresh moss to show off the willowy flowers. All that’s missing is the tinkling of glasses and polite murmur of conversation. And the dinner party guests, of course.

I posted a photo of this room as a work in progress several months ago. Here’s the finished space. The warmth generated by the use of earth tones is apparent, the wood hues of the wall unit complemented by oversize silk plaid window treatments, contemporary wool rug and inlaid sofa table.

]]> http://www.bellemaisoninc.com/chez-catherine/2012/01/24/at-ease-in-earth-tones-ii/feed/ 0 http://www.bellemaisoninc.com/chez-catherine/2012/01/20/louis-would-have-approved/ http://www.bellemaisoninc.com/chez-catherine/2012/01/20/louis-would-have-approved/#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:07:25 +0000 engelmeyer http://www.bellemaisoninc.com/chez-catherine/?p=3923

What do you do when a 12-foot ceiling dwarfs your bed? Ebenista has the perfect solution. This antique reproduction French style 4 poster is typical of their high quality, bench made pieces. Louis XV, who had a glut of 12-foot ceilings, would have approved.

A trip to Zimmer + Rohde on the greyest January day will convince you that spring is in the air. The bold colors of these luscious new silk fabrics are very elegant, very eye catching. I love the pumpkin hue and can’t wait to use it.

Tassel, fringe, tieback, tape, welts, you can find all the variety of trim pieces in Samuel & Sons trim library in the D&D Building. I was there yesterday and reveled in the variety, quality and, not least, healthy level of stock they always carry. I needed a decorative tape for a client and found an embarrassment of possibilities.

The peaceful tree-lined view from our shop window is no more. Earth moving equipment now stands atop vast mounds of dirt, scooping, dumping and otherwise dominating a bleak landscape. Good news is that earth moving will soon be replaced by condo building, and homeowners may well find a need for the magic of Belle Maison.

You’re looking at a proposal for two rooms, part of a new project with homeowners I worked with over a decade ago. You see a jumble of swatches, colors and textures. I see the rooms in their finished form as vivid and clear as beautifully detailed photos. I see the windows of the home office covered in warm toned paisley, the floor in a classic lattice design carpet. The walls of the master bedroom glow in yellow toile paper, with a soft blue plaid on inviting bergere chairs by the fireplace. In this puzzle of fabric and pattern, I see where everything fits.

For me there’s no surer way to revisit the past than the sense of taste, so I decided to create this favorite of my youth, which I found in a box of ancient recipes from my beloved grandmother. My first bite took me back to a small town in Brittany and golden mornings by the sea. I doubt you’ll have a similar reaction, but my guests made short work of the dish in the photo above. Click below for the recipe.

Start by mincing one half pound of veal liver, then add three quarters of a pound of Italian sausage (sweet, no added spices), one egg, 4 French biscottes (crisp toast-like crackers), 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and salt, pepper, nutmeg, tarragon and parsley to taste. Mix until smooth. Now the dough: put one half pound of white flower in a bowl. Make a space in the center and put in one egg and mix a bit. Add one half cup of milk, mix a bit, then one quarter pound of soft butter.  Continue mixing until the dough doesn’t stick to your finger. Grease a 10″ x 4″ terrine with a cover. Roll the dough and place into the mold. Add the meat mixture. Roll leftover dough to make a cover. Brush egg yolk on the outside edges to set the cover. Cut a hole in the center to create a chimney—I use rolled aluminum foil to create the chimney. Bake at 385 degrees for one and a half hours. Put in the oven in a tray of water to cook evenly. Serve at room temperature. I offered several gourmet mustards as a garnish.