Artist Anne Packard!

I had the chance of a lifetime last Spring when I met my one of my favorite artists, Anne Packard! On a whim we went to Provincetown, Cape Cod and Anne was kind enough to open her gallery to us off season. What a warm and wonderful lady! She welcomed not only my husband and I, but also our two children and dog into to her lovely gallery. So welcoming, she invited us to back to her home. Anne lives right on the water with views of the Provincetown Lighthouse on one side and the open ocean on the other. She even allowed us into her studio- what gorgeous views of the ocean for inspiration. Here is some of her most recent work. The pictures do not do the originals justice.



Anne has won numerous awards, and been featured in Coastal Living Magazine. Her work is part of many prestigious private collections including: Kemper Museum, Polo Inc, Ralph Lauren, Oglethorpe University Museum, Deloitte & Touche, Bob Vila, Bank of Boston, Albrecht Museum, Provincetown Art Association, Suffolk School of Law and Diane Sawyer.


Her studio was filled with several works in process. When my 10 year old daughter asked Anne how long it took her to paint each painting she replied "A lifetime!Anne has also released a new book of her works available at Amazon.com. She shares the gallery with her very talented artist/daughter, Cynthia Packard,who is incredible in her own right. What an amazing family! If you get a moment visit Anne Packard's website and see her most recent work at http://www.packardgallery.com/.

The Swedish Dining Room

Lets have a look at a few Swedish influenced Dining Rooms. There are a few elements you can add to give your room that Swedish touch.

This feels very Swedish, yet does not use the trademark "gustavian gray" furniture. The cherry table and chairs could be part of any traditional dining room, but the addition of the slipcovered skirts, the crystal chandelier, light floors and the gray/blue walls lend a real Swedish feel to this room.


Here is a more traditional Swedish room. Pale handpainted walls, painted chairs and striped fabric seats, crystal chandelier and sconces. Notice the gorgeous painted sideboard.


Here is a more modern take on the Swedish look. I love the unique chandelier, coupled with the painted chairs from Niermann Weeks, sisal rug and traditional Swedish sideboard. Perfect and Fun!


Here is an elegant take on the Swedish feel. Very monochromatic with just a punch of Swedish blue on the chairs. Another sisal on the floor!



Finally, my favorite! This kitchen picture comes from The Kitchen Designer blog (see link right) Though more of a kitchen dining space I love the slat back chairs, check fabric, striped cotton rug and retro light fixture.

Crystal fixtures, painted furniture, pale floors, checked or striped fabrics, sisal/cotton rugs, chair skirts, airy curtains - remember just adding one or two of those elements can go a long way in giving you that Swedish look!

Wishing for Summer

It is snowing again in Boston and right now I am patiently waiting for warmer days. I have been collecting a wish list of some unique accessories for decorating my beach house. Have a look:

A collection of old metal sand shovels - what a great idea! Unique and charming!

Gorgeous cast iron urn - this one will be so pretty filled flowers


Fun pillows from Linda Banks' store Simply Home in Maine!


Antique travel posters always so chic - wouldn't this one look great against white painted beadboard?

I love these framed vintage bathing suits - Everyone has a great aunt who used to wear the red one! Fabulous!


Finally a beautiful, but more rustic, sea blue Mora Clock - This one would look great in any house, but at the beach I wouldn't wind it!