Tag Archives: Vintage Design

Comeau to My House

September 12, 2007UncategorizedDesigners, Vintage DesignMrs. Blandings

Chuck and Shirley Comeau’s living room, Cottage Living, Nov./Dec. 04
This is the kind of “local boy does good” story that I like to hear. Oh, sure there are plenty of stories of folks who have left the Midwest and found fame and fortune on the coasts. And then there are folks like Chuck Comeau.

A view of the living room from the loft.
Mr. Comeau grew up in Plainville, Kansas. If you grow up in Plainville, (pop. 2,200) my guess is when you go “to town” its Hays. While these towns lack some of the attractions of a big city, if you’ve never seen the Midwestern plains or the Kansas Flint Hills you are missing epic beauty.

Kitchen and dining area.

Which is why Chuck and Shirley Comeau decided to raise their three boys there. And his company. Comeau built Dessin Fournir, a high end furniture company, from Plainville while manufacturing in California. He soon made the commitment to move the manufacturing to Plainville as well.

Master Bedroom

While Comeau is creating jobs and opportunity in western Kansas, he is also sending a message about what he values.

The loft bedroom

Although the Comeau’s home is just-right, casual chic, the furniture he is making is impeccably gorgeous. And I bet you’ve seen it here and there.

In addition to Dessin Fournir, there are five other companies under it’s umbrella, Gerard, Classic Cloth, Palmer-Hargrave, Kerry Joyce and Rose Cummings. Comeau has also started a jazzy sort-of general store, C.S. Post, in nearby Hays (and on-line.)

Like I said, local boy does good. So, don’t fly over, stop on in.

Be Still My Heart

September 6, 2007UncategorizedVintage DesignMrs. Blandings

I love shelter magazines. Like my children, I don’t really have a favorite. Each one offers me something different. Some days they delight; some days they disappoint, but I always appreciate their individuality.

Just like one of my boys saying “please” and “thank you”, House and Garden always catches me off guard with their still life covers. As I pull the as-yet-unknown book out of the mail slot, eagerly awaiting the unveiling, a gasp of delight if the cover is a still life.

August ’05, James Merrell, photographer
I only wished I had saved them all.

September ’05, James Merrell, photographer

For me, it’s like looking through the key-hole into the issue. A tease. Just a bit of camisole showing.

July ’06, Christopher Baker, photographer
And while these images may appear in the actual article, it doesn’t spoil it for me the way it does sometimes when a room is on the cover.

March ’07, Beatriz Da Costa, Photographer
Each and every one is a study in color and balance and detail.

The latest, September ’07, Beatriz Da Costa, photographer
It’s such a nice opportunity to stop and focus on the small picture. We could all use a little more “still life.”

Civilized Graffiti

August 24, 2007UncategorizedDesigners, Vintage DesignMrs. Blandings

When I was little, I drew on the walls. Not once. A lot. An entire mural up the stairs. Many drawings on the walls of my room. An entire garden on Krissie Livengood’s parents’ bedroom wall – right over the bed. It was a masterpiece. Or so I thought, but my unknowing clients didn’t always agree. As it turns out, I was ahead of my time.

This image and above, Traditional Home, March 2000

I don’t know if this technique has a particular name, but it appeals to me so much. I’ve imagined doing it in a room, but also think it would be fabulous as decoration for a party.

It looks like you could accomplish this with one quart of paint and 30 minutes before carpool pick-up. These are the kinds of projects that get me in trouble.

Greg Jordan, who drew the back drop, promoting his Cartoon Collection, HB year unknown.

I have always wondered about gouache. It looks and sounds as if it would be dreamy to work with.

These drawings from the owners of “Atelier” in Hudson, NY.

If it seems daunting, there is a really great wallpaper available that would eliminate the risk.

“Frames” wallpaper, Graham and Brown.

On the other hand, when unable to find this fabulous paper, New Orleans designer Jill Dupre took matters – and marker – into her own hands.

Metropolitan Home, December 2006/January 2007.

My parents finally resigned themselves to my passion. They gave me a cup of pencils and told me I could draw whatever I wanted on the walls of my closet. What can I say? It was the 70’s.