As wonderful and rewarding as blogging can be, it's meeting our readers in person we love even more! Forgive us for the time away, but Jaithan and I return invigorated and ready to report on all the traveling, flea marketing, wining, and dining we did with fantastic, new friends, all courtesy of Blogland. Some time ago, we received an email from one of our readers and frequent shoppers, Elizabeth, overjoyed at the arrival of a 1930s Sauce Terrine with Gold Embellishment from our Etsy store. Her home in Rye, New York, she wrote, was to be featured in a local house tour, and this terrine was the perfect finishing touch on the dining room table. What an honor, we thought, and how fun would it be to see it in person! Well, Elizabeth, generous beyond measure, quickly extended us invitations not only to the tour but to a special luncheon in our honor at the historic Apawamis Club. Many of her friends were also fans of the blog, so it was the perfect opportunity not only to view beautiful, inspiring homes but to connect with readers on a much more personal level. So on a lush, spring day in Rye, warm and full of sun, here was our host's house.
From the outside, I love how grand it looks without being ostentatious, and with so many charmless mini-mansions out there, this house is a refreshing change. Elizabeth, I would soon find out, loves hot pink, but what I love here is that all the color is completely natural. It's not about garish paint, but rather vibrant, sophisticated plantings.
The pink is carried deftly throughout, thanks in part to the owners' designer friend Elizabeth Mydosh of EMC Design in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our hosts moved from there to Rye two years ago. I especially love the trim on the window treatment; it's decorated without being stodgy, done but not overdone.
In the library, or Brown Room as the owners call it, Elizabeth and Grant sought to create a room that was sophisticated but youthful. As traditional as the house looks from the outside, the interiors feel fresh and modern. And who doesn't love a little leopard print in the library? It's such a fun play on a traditional fabric.
In the dining room, pink appears again, this time as a punchy, graphic napkin on an elegant table set with Herend china, hand-stitched placemats, and sterling silver flatware.
And here it is, everyone! Our gold-embellished vintage terrine Elizabeth bought from our Etsy shop, still with its original card, mother-of-pearl pin, and ribbon.
Now if you can't see how pretty the flowers looked on the dining table, check out this gorgeous arrangement on the sideboard from Elizabeth's friend Stephanie. In fact, when I saw it, all I could think of was how pretty a Chanel tweed suit in these colors would look! They're tropical with a sharp shot of citrus—orange, tangerine and lemon.
Here's the fawn-patterned runner going up the stairs, another youthful but sophisticated take on tradition.
At the very top of the house, this bedroom I thought was especially nice. I love the white walls and cream trim, the traditional vanity dresser, and the cute, little curtains in the windows.
The modern stripe in the duvet together with the Lucite table and traditional lamp is a great mix—understated and beautiful.
Here's a sweet, little seating area opposite the bed. The pillows on the settee are a pretty linen with painted blue pagodas from our good friend Michael Devine. The soft, sea-inspired color Elizabeth then carried to the backs of the bookshelves, where white coral, books, and porcelain pop.
Finally, the attached bath to this room is clean, sophisticated, and soothing. I love the simple stripe on the roman shade.
And you know how much I love a monogram! The tub is perfectly propped but still feels lived in.
So with the tour all done, it was time to head over to the Apawamis Club for lunch. Here we are with our gracious host Elizabeth (right) and her friend (and fabulous florist!) Stephanie.
Speaking of, I love the flowers she did for the table, a sophisticated mix of peonies, hydrangea, stock and variegated ficus. Now if we could only get Stephanie to open up a shop of her own!
And finally, here's the group Elizabeth gathered for lunch, many of whom were loyal readers themselves! Everything about this day, from the tour, to the food and wine, together with all the conversations around the table were truly gifts. Blogging, as many of you know firsthand, can often feel like such a solitary endeavor. So much so that we forget how inspiring our words and pictures can be to people.
But how beautiful to be reminded so generously! Thank you, Elizabeth, for the peak into your home—and your heart.
I love the interior design of this house and the furniture goes pretty well with it and of course the garden is so gorgeous. I'm loving the flowers on the table as well, great arrangement :)
Posted by: Florist Sydney | January 18, 2012 at 11:54 AM
Wow, how cool is that house?!the interior and exterior are fantastic, but the bathroom's design is my favorite one, I love it.
Posted by: Cindy| silk bouquets | May 27, 2011 at 02:04 PM
beautiful! I would love to take that tour! But since I cannot, thank you for the virtual tour, and the great photos! I love that bedroom! There's something quaint and romantic about it, but not antiquated.
Posted by: Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels | December 19, 2010 at 03:08 AM
Can you please tell me about that gorgeous brass lamp??? Incredible!!
Posted by: Z | June 21, 2010 at 04:14 AM
Oh my Gosh!!! I am so happy I happened upon this site!!! What an absolutely beautiful home! Thank you so much for providing the information on the runner! This home is just to die for!!!
Amy
Posted by: Amy | April 14, 2010 at 02:37 PM
Wow!!! Thank you for a little "mini-vaca". I almost forgot where I was, dreaming that I was in that gorgeous house. I am dying for the runner up the stairs!!!
Small blog world....Stephanie, saw our mutual shopping-diva friend, Seleta, wearing that top on our little blog and sought it out from our store in Rosemary Beach, FL, and is wearing in this post!!! Thanks for bringing all this together. Come visit all of us Gulf-coasters!!! -Celia
Posted by: Willow | June 03, 2009 at 08:31 PM
That is so my kind of house. Loved the tour -- thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS | June 02, 2009 at 09:57 PM
Eddie,
This home is beautiful! I love the runner on the stair, did you also have it on the landing?
Posted by: Jacqueline | June 02, 2009 at 02:36 PM
I'm with Joni in that one of my first thoughts was Wow! at the bravery it must have taken to extend the invitation. She is a mighty confident women. Her home is beautiful and so well done...the luncheon looked like a wonderful and gracious event for all!
Tricia - Avolli
Posted by: Tricia - Avolli | May 29, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Of course the house is great! I'm drooling over the flowers and the bathroom you featured. Your green jacket is super cute too! I love a good bright green.
Posted by: Andi | May 28, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Thank you Elizabeth for emailing me about your beautiful home and this amazing blog. I feel very honored for my work to be featured here and it makes me so happy to see one of my paintings in it's context. I so rarely get that chance.
Your home is beyond stunning - www.cathylancasterart.com for anyone who might be interested. I am in galleries in Atlanta/Buckhead, Memphis, Jackson, MS, Birmingham and New Orleans soon. Thank you again! Cathy Lancaster, artist.
Posted by: Cathy Lancaster | May 27, 2009 at 03:23 PM
Hi Eddie,
Love the house and the decor! The Adirondack chairs on the front lawn caught my eye as well- brings casualness to a formal setting-nice! The floral arrangements are beautiful - sort of reminds me of colonial Williamsburg. What seems like an almost previous life, at the ripe old age of 20, I was a florist with a with a small shop myself.
Thanks Eddie!
Ciao
Posted by: Ralphie | May 27, 2009 at 11:35 AM
What a charming home! Very chic! Thanks for sharing it Eddie!
I love the rich brown mixed with the hot pink and the traditional decor mixed with modern accessories! I want to throw out all my stuff now and redecorate!
Posted by: Mona from Toronto | May 27, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Eddie,
Thanks so much for the compliment about the landscaping. I was the landscape architect on Elizabeth's house and along with my friend Cindy Mills we pulled it together. I have before pictures if you are interested.
Thanks again...
Liz Hand-Fry, Landscape Architect
Posted by: ELizabeth Hand-Fry | May 26, 2009 at 09:51 AM
Wow Eddie!!! what a amazing house! I would have loved to see you do a video walk through! YOU NEED YOUR OWN SHOW!!!!
big hugs
Jean
Posted by: Jean Krowl | May 25, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Hi Karena!
The artist is Cathy Lancaster out of New Orleans, though Elizabeth purchased the piece at Darnell & Co. in Charlotte. Artist's website is http://www.cathylancasterart.com
Thanks!
Jaithan
Posted by: Jaithan Kochar | May 25, 2009 at 05:15 PM
Eddie I love the den/brown room with the leapard print fabric, and I adore the painting, do you know the artist?
Posted by: Karena | May 25, 2009 at 11:01 AM
This one has me cracking up!
Beautiful home- gorgeous, gorgeous landscaping - BUT
ladies - can you imagine Jaithen and Eddie coming to visit at YOUR home? omg - I would die of humiliation!!!! The horror!! I would be scrubbing and dusting and out shopping for months in advance. Too funny - she must have a lot of self confidence, I on the other hand am way too insecure. ha!!!
E&J - you know I'm teasing you (a little!) - but if you ever want to visit me, I would need six months advance warning to declutter - at least!!!!
Posted by: Joni Webb | May 24, 2009 at 08:44 PM
What a wonderful house - and a fun time. I'm particularly fond of the stair runner, and the use of pink outside the home. Hot pink as plants instead of paint is both lovely AND not scary!
Posted by: Sanity Fair | May 24, 2009 at 12:34 AM
Such a beautiful and personal home. That antelope print stair runner is inspiring. Deborah
Posted by: Boxwood Terrace | May 23, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful home with us! Looks like everyone had a great time at the luncheon.
Posted by: Tammy518 | May 23, 2009 at 11:37 PM
Eddie...love it all but I especially LOVED the window box....
Have a wonderful and safe holiday week-end
Kathy :)
Posted by: Kathy :) | May 23, 2009 at 11:38 AM
I sent this link to my cousin in Dallas and found out she and her husband went to high school with Elizabeth at Lake Highlands in Dallas! Laura Miller Adams and Lance Adams...small world!
Posted by: Martha McGlothlin Gayle | May 23, 2009 at 09:23 AM
What a great time you were kind enough to share with all of us. So when are you coming to Litchfeild, CT? We would love to show you around. There are some beautiful grand old homes here! Also, lots of great finds to be hand in the thrift shops!
Posted by: Lucien | May 23, 2009 at 07:35 AM
Hi everyone!
So happy you like the tour!
Here's the info on the fawn runner in Elizabeth's home:
Materials: Courtistan Antelope (Royalax) 2018 13'6"
Purchased from: Carpet Trends (just so happens they are in Rye). Stark has something similar as well.
Carpet Trends
5 Smith Street
Rye, NY 10580
www.carpetrends.com
Eddie
Posted by: Eddie Ross | May 23, 2009 at 01:02 AM
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and wonderful day with us. I'm so happy you had a good time. The flowers were beautiful and the home is exquisite.
Posted by: Judy | May 22, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Beautiful house...love all the pink! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Susan
Posted by: Susan | May 22, 2009 at 07:43 PM
Love the home! Everything is simply gorgeous! xo
Posted by: Martha McGlothlin Gayle | May 22, 2009 at 04:14 PM
That fawn runner? Hello! Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful home with us Eddie I'd love to see more photos of your house and what you have done. Have a delightful weekend with Jaithan.
Posted by: abby jenkins | May 22, 2009 at 03:49 PM
the fawn pattern is so interesting! Even though I've seen it used in a few different magazine spreads now I still find it unexpected and fresh!
Posted by: Dee Dee Hannah | May 22, 2009 at 01:24 PM
I must be brief as I am about to set fire my home and start over. I will simply hand my spouse the pictures from this home.
Elizabeth has created a masterful mix of traditional elements, heirlooms, and spunk. The fawn print rug, library and bedroom were my favorites.
Could we please get a source for the fawn print rug?
Posted by: LIMOM | May 22, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Thanks for the tour - beautiful! Love your green blazer too.
Posted by: My Notting Hill | May 22, 2009 at 12:47 PM
I can't decide what I like best, the home or your spring kelly green blazer? Lovely! Everyone must have been elated you and Jaithan were there.
pve
Posted by: pve | May 22, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Lovely tour. The flowers are so bright and cheerful against the green foliage and perfect white house. Seems likc the afternoon was a celebration of Spring in New England. I can almost smell the freshly cut grass, hear the rustle of a breeze through the trees, and smell the coffee after lunch.
I have wanted a terrine like that forever. hard to find one like that, and it was the perfect touch.Gold and white--just right.
Have to say, the fawn runner would be my favourite bit, except for your crisp green summer jacket, Eddie. Great post.
Posted by: M | May 22, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Wonderful home, the stair runner is perfect.
You and Jaithan look like you had a divine day. Great post.
XO
Posted by: Shandell's | May 22, 2009 at 10:22 AM
How absolutely true - your words and pictures ARE inspiring, Eddie!
Posted by: Kathleen Luckard | May 22, 2009 at 09:35 AM
What a beautiful home - inside and out! The fawn runner was unexpected, but so pretty. And I love the peonies and hydrangea. Always a beautiful combo. How sweet of her to arrange such a special day for you and Jaithan. Looks like a fun time was had by all!
Posted by: Ellen | May 22, 2009 at 08:53 AM
There is just something about colorful "snowballs" a.k.a Hydrangia. We here in the South love our flowers and gardens. I simply loved this article. It seems our reputation for Southern Charm suited you well! Ya'll come back now, ya hear?! :)
Posted by: Kimberly | May 22, 2009 at 07:31 AM
Gorgeous and what class! Love the traditional mix with the modern and how gracious to have that special luncheon for you two. Just know that all your readers would love to entertain you and Jaithan in that same manner!
When do you get your own show!
Best,
Tracy H.
Posted by: Tracy Holland | May 22, 2009 at 06:53 AM
* One of your "BEST-evers", Eddie! The BREATHTAKING, BEAUTIFUL & WELCOMING EXterior of this home is just the BEGINNNNING to this beautiful story w/ the most WONDERFUL INteriors!!! What a TREAT!!!
Thank you!
Linda in AZ *
Posted by: Linda | May 22, 2009 at 02:05 AM
Eddie,
Your green jacket was the best part!
Posted by: Carla Fox | May 21, 2009 at 10:48 PM
My husband is from Rye, so it has a special place in my heart. Beautiful home!
Posted by: Brilliant Asylum | May 21, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Dear Eddie,
Thank you for the raving review of Elizabeth and Grant's home in Rye. I am glad you considered the inclusion in the tour, lunch, and party as the gift Elizabeth wished it to be. She loved all the planning and attention to detail. Your gift of presence made for even more excitement. In a few more days, I arrive in Rye for a visit and share the after-glow of the occasion.
Regards,
Mildred Brown, the mother in the picture
Posted by: Mildred L. Brown | May 21, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Eddie + Jaithan, Thank you for an amazing weekend and inspiring us all to live life beautifully & to the fullest!! xoxo, E
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 21, 2009 at 10:00 PM
What a beautiful home and all the floral arrangements are stunning! Let me know when she opens her shop, what talent!
Posted by: Alexis Murphy | May 21, 2009 at 09:46 PM
Thanks for taking us with you on your tour of this home - so tastefully decorated. The flowers on the sideboard are positively inspiring, and I really LOVE the photo on the wall behind. Would love to hear more about that. Bethany Beach, Delaware has a great house tour every July, which you should check out.
Posted by: Shawn | May 21, 2009 at 09:46 PM
Good job, Eddie, and great coverage. I am following your career path, I can say I knew you "when",although "when" is pretty impressive. WHERE DOES YOUR ENERGY COME FROM???????????
Posted by: Barbara | May 21, 2009 at 09:23 PM
Beautiful home! I love house tours. You should check out the Nantucket House Tour. It is sponsored by the Nantucket Garden Club..always in August. There arealways 6-8 houses, all gorgeous.
Posted by: Diann | May 21, 2009 at 08:21 PM
i would love the know the maker of the stair runner - love the house, decorating and flowers.
Posted by: marnie | May 21, 2009 at 08:19 PM
Hi Eddie, I've been reading your blog since Top Design, and I just wanted to say hello and that I love reading your blog! I think you are at the forefront of a new movement in design/blogging/diy and it's really exciting to follow what you are up to.
Posted by: Eliza | May 21, 2009 at 08:18 PM
I feel as though I were there! Lovely, Christy
Posted by: christy | May 21, 2009 at 07:56 PM
I must admit to being slightly obsessed with Elizabeth's stunning home. Should I also confess that I nearly drooled on my keyboard?
Posted by: seleta | May 21, 2009 at 07:50 PM
Well, heck! I too would love for you and Jaithan to come for a visit but after seeing Elizabeth's beautiful home you may never set foot in my house!! What a treat to see such a great home! Thanks for sharing. I gotta run, I need to rip out, recover and rearrange a few things!
Posted by: blue hydrangea - sissy | May 21, 2009 at 07:18 PM
I just discovered this Blog via Cote de Texas and now I intend to read as many posts as I can. So far it looks very interesting, informative and fun!
Posted by: brillante | May 21, 2009 at 07:05 PM
What a lovely home and gracious hostess!
I am dying to see a full picture of the lotus floor lamp.... it looks incredible!
Posted by: Suzy | May 21, 2009 at 06:58 PM
What a beautiful home! Thanks for sharing. I also love your outfit for the luncheon. You look dapper!
Posted by: Tiffany | May 21, 2009 at 05:04 PM
Lovely, lovely home...and taste! I think my favorite "item" may be that fabulous framed black & white photo behind the "Chanel tweed suit" floral arrangement. I have a feeling there's an equally fabulous story behind the photo! :-)
Posted by: laura @ the shore house | May 21, 2009 at 04:32 PM
I really love the hot pink flowers out front! Very pretty~
Posted by: Sarah | May 21, 2009 at 04:20 PM
What a gorgeous home! I just saved the photo of the stairs in my inspiration folder!!
I'm a big lover of pink...the garden is spectacular!
Posted by: hanako66 | May 21, 2009 at 04:12 PM
Such a gorgeous home! It looks like you had a lovely gathering.
Posted by: Paloma {LaDolceVita} | May 21, 2009 at 04:01 PM
How exciting, Eddie! And WOW, what a gorgeous home that is. Such eye candy, I loved every photo. And I know they loved meeting you too! xo
Posted by: Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality | May 21, 2009 at 03:28 PM
The exterior of the house, plus garden, is insanely pretty.
Posted by: An Aesthete's Lament | May 21, 2009 at 03:13 PM
A lovely, lovely home. What great taste!!
I only wish I could have seen more!
Thanks for the post.
Posted by: Larry G. | May 21, 2009 at 03:02 PM
I'm dying to know where she got the fawn pattern runner. Stunning house but that detail just blew me away (and would look perfect in my own home).
Posted by: The Scarlett | May 21, 2009 at 02:47 PM
Wow Eddie,Elizabeth has a BEAUTIFUL home!!!!
Looks like you had a reat time!
Hugs
Clara
Posted by: Clara & Marcela | May 21, 2009 at 02:13 PM
What a beautiful home. Thank you, kindly, for 'taking me' on a tour of this lovely home.
Posted by: naphtali | May 21, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Great and stately home! The flowers were the icing on the cake! Looks like fun was had by all!
Posted by: Linda | May 21, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Just love being able to go along with you on your adventures. Thanks for sharing and for the endless inspiration.
Posted by: julie - eab designs | May 21, 2009 at 12:48 PM
How lovely! I use to live in Rye. It is such a wonderful neighborhood.
Posted by: Erin | May 21, 2009 at 12:27 PM
What a beautiful home. And I loved the pretty landscaping in front.
Posted by: Emily | May 21, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Be still my heart- what a lovely home! Sophisticated without taking it too seriously. That windowbox could be my inspiration for this season. Thank you for sharing in your delightful tour.
Posted by: Debra | May 21, 2009 at 11:56 AM
What a gorgous home! I was really taken with the fawn stair runner, and I loved the bright colors in the first floral arrangement. Well played!
Posted by: laura in Coz | May 21, 2009 at 11:41 AM
This home is lovely. As a fellow Westchesterite, I wish I had known about the house tour! Next time I will not miss. Well done!
Posted by: Blushing Hostess | May 21, 2009 at 11:29 AM