Thursday, August 16, 2012

fall for two homes



Last fall was a very busy time. Two articles that I had pitched got the go-ahead and so I was off with my camera -- and sometimes bundles of bittersweet -- to style, photograph and write about two extraordinary homes: an 1810 farmhouse in Princeton, MA and a 1906 American Foursquare in Providence, RI.



Currently, both articles are on newsstands! Yankee Ingenuity appears in Flea Market Decor, Fall 2012, pages 40-49; and A Handmade Harvest is in the October 2012 issue of Cottages & Bungalows, pages 46-55). The articles were actually photographed within a month but written several months apart. Now, reading both in print I am struck by similarities despite many differences.


Living Rooms
The room on the left belongs to Fonzie ... I mean Hilary of old house, true love; the image on the right belongs to author/blogger Christine Chitnis. What strikes me is that both women decorate their homes with pops of rich colors against never-boring neutral backgrounds; both are talented in the art of upcycling; and both use a variety of textures.


Bedrooms
Watery wall colors, white ruffles, wood furnishings and the resourceful framing of florals are elements that connect both Hilary's and Christine's clever style. The photo on the left is probably my favorite from the shoot at Hilary's house -- this angle didn't make it into the magazine and so I'm happy to share it here.


Kitchens
One of the most enjoyable parts of any photo shoot is getting to style, which is very much like playing (to me). I used to wonder why rooms in magazines never show a box of tissues or a trash can and it's because they're styled or staged. Using tips I picked up from my Fairygodmother Fifi O'Neill, I draped a denim jacket or cardigan here -- set up a little baking scene there -- to create "lived-in" vignettes in each room.



Before I close this post, I'd like to share one photo of each home that didn't make the cut. This image is from Hilary's house and gosh, she has so many beautiful rooms I'm not quite sure what this one is called. The library? On page 46 of Flea Market Decor you can find a close-up of the "D" and surrounding pieces.



And here's a fave from Christine's house. I really love her color palette and this hall reveals in an instant her knack for showing off architectural details while effortlessly mixing old and new, color and pattern, style and practicality.

Warmest appreciation to both Hilary and Christine for welcoming me in to write about their lovely homes and to the editors at both publications for their ongoing support. Contributing to magazines is such a realized dream for me, as longtime blogging friends and readers know.


Meanwhile ... I have reviewed two sections of the book and eagerly await more! It's all getting so real and exciting!



Thank you for reading this lengthy post and happy summer wishes! Hoping to enjoy a few more lazy beach days (or at least more taffy) before school begins!

xo
elyse

34 comments:

Mo said...

Just so you know - I read your article in Flea Market Decor, enjoyed it immensely and was even inspired a little to look at my home a little differently. now that I know YOU wrote it, I'm going to buy the article! :D

Nice blogpost as always lady!

vintage girl at heart said...

Happy for you and these peeks make me want these mags asap!!! Looking forward to enjoying your articles with a cuppa tea!
Blessings~

DianeM said...

Cool articles! Both magazines look irresistible :)
Smiles, DianeM

Anonymous said...

Love that peek into Hillary's kitchen! I'm itching to get into my own home again!

Claudia said...

Congratulations, Elyse! I'll have to pop into the bookstore and look at the articles. The homes look lovely.

xo
Claudia

PS Almost impossible for this reader to decipher the captcha word verification!

Theresa said...

Congrats on beautiful publications:) I love all of the colors in these homes! Wish I was brave enough to do such! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your articles, Elyse! Thanks for the sneak peek ~ can't wait to find these. Both homes look dreamy and inspiring ~ just what I like!!

hilary@oldhousetruelove said...

thank you! {MY} fairy godmother. i {heart} this post.

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

I already have Flea Market Decor and now I need to go back and see your name in print!!! I haven't seen the new C & B yet, but I always buy it, so I'll see your piece there, too. Congrats!!!

Gabriela Delworth - Instructional Designer said...

Hello Elyse,


Love all these photos!!! My favorite place is the kitchen and these are fabulous!


Gabriela

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

Elyse both houses are adorable. Great work!!! Rita

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Wonderful Elyse! No limit for you girl...you can do it all! Looks like you have had a wonderful summer! Love the post of your darling home too!

Love you!
Maryjane
xox

Linda Lambertson said...

I love your photos. Great job!

boomerang jane said...

How very clever you are. Both beautiful homes, wonderful photos, great job!!

Melinda said...

Congratulations on all the fun!

M :)

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Congrats Elyse!
I love peeking in Hilary's house and can't wait to pick up these mags!

lilybets said...

...very nice photos,they make very ispired.Congratulations for your articles.

Scrap for Joy said...

Of course, I will be in hot pursuit of both of these magazines. What is so charming about both places is that you don't see big, behemoth appliances (you know, those stainless steel ones) and matchy, matchy furniture in the rooms. Give me the comfy, slip-covered, "I-can-flop-down-here" look any time. You do a great job capturing the spirit of the owners. I feel that same way when I see pictures of your home!
xoxo
Joyce

Jen Kershner said...

Beautiful houses Elyse! I always look forward to Cottages and Bungalows. I really do need to subscribe!

Into Vintage said...

So proud of you for having a dream and making it happen. *Very* inspiring!! xo -amy

Anonymous said...

Hi Elyse!

you are just too perfect! I love what you do....your photos are wonderful...and it's no wonder you are being published everywhere! good for you....

the baking set up is precious ...it is just what I would have done! thanks for sharing.



ciao bella
Creative Carmelina

Tammy's in Love said...

Well Holy Hannah! Where have you been all my life? I just popped over from someplace else and I could spend a week here! I'm the new Funny Face Follower! I'll be back!

Sandra said...

Both very skillful decorators, and it is a pleasure to 'visit' them. Thanks for sharing. Sandie

arrielle_p said...

This must be a nice place to live. I like very much these photos and the others. Your blog is amazing. I will follow it. :)

philippine real estate

Erica of Golden Egg Vintage said...

Oh gosh! Both of these rooms are so inspiring! I'm going to try and hunt down the magazines.
It's so nice to hear someone talk about doing work that they love. I'm happy for you...and obviously you have a gift with design!
Erica

Heaven's Walk said...

I subscribe to both of those wonderful mags and truly enjoyed your articles in both, Elyse! Great job and beautiful photography! I'm your newest follower! :)

xoxo laurie

Clara said...

Lovely !!

Xx, Claro

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Way to go Tinker! All the pictures are adorable!

SLR said...

i am ever so sorry that i am so behind here on your blog! however i did see your lovely article in C&B and i just swooned over it all. i have not come across Flea Market Decor yet, but will be on the lookout! i love hilary's style. i'm so happy that you are getting to do what you love for a living, it couldn't happen to a nicer person!
XO

LaurieStar said...

So awesome, Elyse! Thanks for sharing and I can't wait to pick these up at the newstand. Sorry I haven't been by your blog much! Xo - Laurie

Rebecca @ Belle Blog said...

Hi Elyse,

Still love your blog after all these years...

Rebecca in CT ♥

permanent magenta said...

Beautiful work Elyse! As always. Congratulations!

Unknown said...

The tow home shown on your blog are just lovely. I enjoyed vieweing it

Palacio cluster house

Unknown said...

The fall for two homes is given in the post here. Useful post
CEA Approved RES Course Provider