I have finally, finally, finally! added a subscription feed button and an email subscription service to {Maison Classique}! Please take advantage- I did it just for you! (For the record, while I adore blogging- I don't adore messing with all the techy html codes and things that go along with publishing a blog). Look to the left, and you will find both options.

Its that time again...the Annual Floral Park Home and Garden Walking Tour! This is one of the most gorgeous neighborhoods in all of Orange County. Boasting homes on the Historic Registry, many different architectural styles, and that old Americana feel of fully grown trees and white picket fences. A must see for locals interested in fine architecture and home design.

Tickets are $30 at the door. Sat and Sun April 25-26, 2009. Click here for more info on how to purchase tickets and where to park. Click here for the PDF booklet of featured homes and gardens for this years tour. I am going with my mother on Sunday- see you there!

Photo: Federalist style home in Floral Park.

Okay...so I have received a lot of feedback over the course of publishing an interior design blog (all good- thank you very much for everyone's emails and thoughts!). The feedback is: people want to see more of my work on the blog. Especially since I don't have a formal website up. (For those interested- I do have a portfolio, its just not up for all to see. It's shown to prospective clients upon request.). I have a few reasons and thoughts on the above.

Website issue. Its under development. Believe me. In fact, almost all of the copy is written and the domain has been mine for years...I am just waiting on photos from two of my current projects. And I won't have those until probably the end of summer or beginning of fall. Design work takes time. Also, I have project photos, but they are my snap shots. I do not want to put my snap shots up on a formal website. I will only showcase professional interior photography. That's just the way I am and its the way I believe an interior designer should show their work. And, as any designer with a young firm will tell you- good photography is really pricey. So...its been on the back-burner. But I have made goals to photograph my projects from here on out. I may even have my photographer visit past projects for a few photos- we'll see. Its an endeavor, for sure. The website is coming. But don't worry- this blog will remain, and will surely be linked to my site. =)

Showing current work. I have this thing with privacy on behalf of my clients. I also have this thing with showing before and after photos. I really only want people to see the glossy outcome (in a physical portfolio situation, I am all about before and afters- but only when I can really talk about them and point out the solutions in the afters). I think of it this way: if I were a designer's client, I wouldn't want my "before" house up for people to see. Not that anyone would know who my client's are (again, going back to my privacy deal), but if my client's friends or acquaintances or business associates or extended family know they are working with me, and they find my site- they could, in theory, see that client's before photos. I don't know about you- but very select people are invited to my home. We aren't party people, and usually we aren't social butterflies that host huge open houses or what have you. Very few delight in my home and hospitality. I like to keep it that way. That means that a lot of people in my life, friends included, have never been inside my home. If my client's are the same as I am- I think they would appreciate it. I am that picky, and I am not ashamed of it one bit.

To compromise, since I know everyone loves photos and everyone knows I am a practicing designer and it seems everyone (well, cool people) wants to see what I do, I am willing to post my casual snap shots on my blog. I am okay with pics of materials and other little tid-bits that don't showcase my client's "before" stage. Possibly when things get to demo or old stuff gets moved out, or photos over the course of an installation, or when the majority of work has been done and only a few little things are left to do. I feel this is fair, and I feel comfortable with that.

So...I guess I will slowly make the trasnsition into posting "real life" design project photos via yours truly. I am stepping out of my comfort zone in doing this, but it could be a fun thing. We'll see.

DWR (Design Within Reach) is having a sale. March 5-18th get 15% off of EVERYTHING, plus FREE SHIPPING! If you aren't on their mailing list, you can sign up here.

Think there is nothing at DWR for your classic house and lifestyle? Think again. Here are my top ten picks from DWR. Perhaps they are classic because they would fit in both modern and traditional spaces? Its another example of "classic knows best".

My Top Ten from DWR

1. A Classic Kitchen Scale.

Even if you don't normally weigh anything, a beautiful scale would look great on the counter or in the butlers pantry. Scales are more handy than you think, so chances are- if you have one, you will start to use it.

2. Glass Apothecary Jars

These jars are all about utility, which means you can actually use them (good luck with all the pretty, fancy shaped apothecary jars out there! I've broken one and it wasn't very hard!). Think about jars for storage in the kitchen cupboard and bathroom. If you want to get really neurotic (like me), these would make gorgeous containers for nuts, bolts and odds & ends on the workbench. Who says the garage can't be pretty?

3. Adirondack Chair

This is a streamlined take on the truly classic Adirondack chair. If you want to be unconventional, it comes in a choice of colors. I would have custom seat cushions and a kidney pillow, both with contrasting welting, made for each chair. Think navy blue, hunter green or black fabric with white welting with this white finish. Fresh and classic.

4. Shaker Settee

A very classic and iconic style that is suitable for colonial styles (think cape cod and dutch colonial revival, and even more casual American Federalists styles). Great for an informal entry, a bench in the mudroom, or a settee for the morning room table.

5. An hourglass

Or, in this case, a 45 minute glass. This would be great for a study space for the kids or your office.

6. A Murano Glass Chandelier

Comes in other colors. Fantastic foyer or dining room light fixture.

7. A shave set

I love this one. My husband uses an electric razor, but I would still get this- even though it would be for display purposes only. Its gorgeous. And classic. And a true luxury. Perhaps a great accent for the guest suite bath?

8. A Teak Tree Swing

Honestly, this one makes me a bit sentimental. I picture a big lawn with a mature oak tree and this swing hanging down. I am totally romanticizing this swing, I know- but its pretty cool (and classic).

9. A teak Croquet Set

I have great family memories playing croquet on my father's perfectly manicured Bermuda grass lawns. Get a croquet set and create family memories for years (decades with a teck set- its made to last!).

10. Glass Tumblers

Perfect for everyday use. Juice. Water. Soda. Very multipurpose, very classic.

I have another front page article published on AvaLiving, "Green for Everyone...Not Just the Modern Folks!". Check it out.