Michael Hampton Design: Architectural Watercolors -gallery opening

I'm so proud of my good friend Michael Hampton.  Not only is he a talented designer but did you know he is an accomplished artist as well? Next Friday evening, October 17th, from 6-8 is the opening of a show of his Architectural Watercolors (some pictured here) at Susan Calloway Fine Arts here in Georgetown.

I recently purchased one of his architectural watercolors myself and the amount of time and research he spends on their execution is really impressive. Michael continually hones his watercolor skills through the many recent classes he has taken including ones offered by the ICAA. One can always learn and grow!

If you're in Washington I hope you will take the time to visit Michael's exhibit (on view until November 15) even if you can't make it to the opening at Susan Calloway Fine Arts (October 17, 2014 from 6-8pm).  Also be sure to check out his website for more of his watercolors as well as his design portfolio; prepare to be impressed!

Shopping at Foxfire antiques, Middleburg

This past weekend I visited charming Middleburg, Virginia, the heart of Washington equestrian life. While there I shopped -  naturally! One of my favorite finds was the antique & design shop Foxfire.

Located in the heart of town Foxfire features a number of continental antiques, primarily French, but a few in particular caught my eye.

 These French metal armchairs would be great sanded and painted a deep forest green or even black.

I spent a lot of time lounging in these 1930s club chairs with original leather. I love that the seat has been reupholstered in a brown velvet so your legs won't stick or slip on the leather cushion, depending on the time of year.

These artistic mirrors were my favorite piece in the store, though clearly not real antiques. An artist takes a number of different minerals to the backs of regular mirror to create very colorful versions of 'antiqued' mirror (the stylish smoky glass you so often see).

Some versions of this were imprinted with designs but I loved this matching pair of smoky versions (much like traditional antiqued mirror with the addition of color) in warm sunset colors.

The marble top of this antique table was so patterned that at first I thought it was faux-painted. This would make a great kitchen table and remain cool to the touch for baking.

The sides of these upholstered chairs were beautifully detailed with a natural oak finish. Be sure not to miss Foxfire Antiques when you visit Middleburg!