True Love, Jeffrey Bilhuber in House Beautiful

I want this chair........in fact, I want eight of them, right now! Make that ten! I have been thinking something in blue would liven up my dining room chairs.

Covered in fabulous Suzani Jaquard by Donghia, the color is "Blue Bliss" . Bliss is the key word for me! The trim is a yummy tangerine that just makes that blue pop. A portiere, or interior curtain, hangs behind the chair. It is exquisitely made of "Oak Leaves Vine" from Chelsea Editions. The chair is one of a set of dining chairs designed by Mr. Bilhuber. The shape of the chairs was dictated by the round suzani pattern - genius.

When I received my new issue of House Beautiful today I could not wait to sit down and devour it. Some issues are like that. I do not know if it is because the issue is about color or if it is just the incredible talent of designer Jeffrey Bilhuber, but I am so, so happy when I look at this particular house! I love the mix of old and new. I love the mix of color. I love the texture of the rock walls and the painted cabinets in the kitchen..and the big fabulous hinges!

I am such a collector of all sorts of things and routinely beat myself up for having too much stuff. I look at the current shelter magazines with all the sleek, color coordinated rooms with the most current lamps and just the right sea grass rugs and think "Why can't I even come close?" I am too much of an art, antique, cool stuff, junkie, I guess. I know design principles and can help someone else pull a room together, but when it comes to my house................who knows? I am way, way, too emotional about the things I love. This house, with its combination of clever, quirky and sophisticated, is just the balance I so wish I could achieve.

The beams give the kitchen an old look, while the light fixtures are so current. The hardware is classic and the oriental rug gives it warmth - all without making it look too , too......... anything, just perfect!

The slate floors and rock walls are just what we love here in the hill country. Obviously we are not alone as this wonderful farmhouse house is in Pennsylvania, and of course, the use of indigenous stone is very typical there, too.

The bedroom is just the right balance of clean, fresh and modern with a wonderful layering of linens on the bed and a lovely framed antique glazed chintz, perfectly framed, at the head of the bed.

Being a lover of folk art, I think Bilhuber's version of a Pennsylvania hex sign painted on the whitewashed wood floors in the living area is a fun and lively touch. The signs are common on the sides of barns in Pennsylvania Dutch country. The designer tells of driving through the countryside and having an epiphany, suddenly realizing "That's what I want to do!"

The living room armchair, covered in a yummy plum fabric, is charmed with a vintage hooked pillow.

Of course, there is more information along with more photos in the magazine. This is just my interpretation of a brilliant mix of old and new, modern and country, folk and traditional art, in this charming and warm home.

There are other great designs in this issue, too, that I think are so full of life and color. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

P.S. Yes my photos are blurry. I am still trying to use a new publishing software. I am afraid I may have to surrender and stick with the ever so temperamental blogger.com. If you haven't already, buy this issue of House Beautiful to see the true colors and designs. Anyone have any suggestions for user friendly blogging on a Mac? My frustration is mainly in the downloading of photos - both sizing and sequencing.