Why don't you.....

Why don't you buy a lot of different lampshades for your boring chandelier in contrasting fabrics, like here at the Brooks Brother store in Bologna? Love this look!

A hidden Venetian garden

My Australian penpal, Neil, has been traveling again, this time to Italy. He sent me photos of this hidden garden in Venice that I just had to share with you!

The Palazzo Soranzo Cappello dates to the late 16th century and now houses the architecture authority for Venice, Belluno, Padua, and Treviso.

The house is beautiful but it's the garden that steals the show.

This classical folly anchors the end of a lush, green garden.

A closeup reveals a brick structure with worn stucco covering to appear as stone.

I love the Italian mindset as to preservation (the Palazzo was recently restored);  Let it look old, it doesn't need to look brand new like in Paris.

Maybe it's the architect in me but I need some sort of architectural anchor to give a garden interest.

Aren't these blooms spectacular?

You would never guess this was in the heart of Venice!

Perfect spot for a picnic.

The gardens are open to the public during office hours.

 Be sure to check it out on your next Venetian getaway!

This and That

I've been busy getting back into the swing of things from my vacation but thought I'd share with you some of my weekend before getting back into normal postings (more Paris and other house tours!). I stopped by my favorite shop in DC, ArtisanLamp (antique lighting fixtures and lamps), where I picked up a number of fixtures for a project. They're soon to be expecting a new shipment of antique fixtures from France as well as the semi-annual sale so be sure to stop by!

The weather couldn't have been better and I spent Sunday visiting local real estate open houses, discovering some hidden neighborhoods that were real gems!

 I loved these antique fixtures flanking the frontdoor of an old stone bungalow.

I pass this house in Georgetown everyday and just love the climbing roses growing over their front railings. This time of year DC is a gardener's paradise with roses exploding throughout the city.

I can't decide if I like it better by day or night! What were you up to this holiday weekend?