Big Window Challenge - The Modern Woman

By now you might have seen one view of our room for the Big Window Challenge, representing ELLE DECOR.

Now here's a better sense of the space on the inside, photographed by our good friend Addie Juell. There's also another, more narrative layer that inspired the design, giving it life! As the founder and president of her own fashion public relations firm with offices in Paris, Milan and New York, our inhabitant has fashioned a space for herself and her family just as she lives—boldly, joyously and with fearless panache!

For this woman, modern-thinking with traditional values, decorating is a live-out-loud expression of who she is, where's she been and what she loves. The mirror over the limestone fireplace is French with bands of gold and copper leaf behind smoky glass secured by rosettes. Shopping with her husband at Les Puces in Paris, she loved its size, its shape and especially its top, a trompe l'loeil mirrored ribbon, like a jeweled crown for the favorite room in her house. After all, it's here where she spends much of her time, filling it with an eclectic assortment of art and antiques she adores. And now that her children have grown, they're finally where they should have been all along, out and always within arm's reach. When she's away, sometimes for weeks at a time, it's this room she returns to first, setting her wares on a favorite Chiavari chair from the 50s.

She stumbled upon it coming home from work one day at her favorite antiques store around the corner from her apartment, the one she visits time and again to browse happily alone, losing herself in the memories of time spent traveling Italy on her honeymoon. This chair reminded her of a pair flanking the fireplace at her villa hotel in Rome. She loved the lustrous brass, the graceful lines and the regal medallion on the back. Of course, she'd recover it in her trademark pink, a vibrant pop of color next to her spattered walls, like stars in an endless sky. Their whimsical pattern surrounds her blanketlike, warming her soul.

Just back from Paris, previewing couture collections for the Spring, she kicks off her shoes, settling in her chair, faux black bamboo reminiscent of another woman whose vision and drive she adores. To her contractor (and to her husband too), the faux bois floors were a bold move. "Are you sure?" they asked, reviewing the plans. And she was.

Tonight, she and her husband are hosting friends for drinks, but before then, an indulgence, something she's missed terribly in her travels. Two hours to herself to read and catch up on magazines. What's their future, others might doubt, but she'll always buy them, combing their pages for inspiration on how to live more beautifully everyday. Suddenly, though, she hears something next door and looks up. On the opposite side of the room, a regal bust of Apollo, looking back.

Just the neighbor's kids, she thinks, remembering fondly when her boys were that age. Soon, they'll be off to college, making decisions for themselves. Is she worried? She's a mother; of course she is. But letting go is something she has to do. They're grown adults now with everything they need to become something great. And with that, she plunges her hand in a dish full of gumballs, a sweet reminder not to take it all so seriously. 

This piece is one of her favorites, a 1920s Blanc de Chine porcelain potpourri she found years ago. She was actually quite young when she found it—the boys were barely five—scouring the flea markets of Paris with a collector's eye but of little means. Over time, success may have brought her wealth, though she still much prefers the flea markets for indulging her love of figural art and objects. The French basket with Greek Key detailing is one of her favorite finds, filling it with fresh peonies from the flower market as often as she can. But if there's one collection she adores the most, it's her blue and white Delftware, gathered over time, from places near and far.

The colors she adores, displaying her pieces with pride. It's a curated collection of plates, vases and jars with Chinoiserie motifs of flowers and birds, dating back to the mid 1850s. Each of them she loves in different ways, often carrying them by hand through customs and in cabs back to her apartment in New York. From her chair, she looks across to the the shelves and down to the Italian brass flowers from the 60s in a champagne bucket beside the bar.   

The hotel silver tray was a wedding gift from her favorite uncle. Growing up in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, she'd spend summer weekends with him in Maine, shopping at tag sales and flea markets every chance they'd get. He loved anything silver and polished it often. This tray they'd found together in Seal Harbor, with a heft and luster she loved. Seeing it again now for the first time in weeks, she remembers with certainty that it was he who always encouraged her to look with new eyes at the world, imagining the potential in everything, including herself. "Be brave," he'd say, "And the rest will follow."

Bravely then, she fills her house—and her life—with an eclectic mix of patterns and personalities. Do they go together? Do they...match? Without a doubt, yes. And why? Because she loves them. And that's enough. 

Twenty minutes now until her guests arrive, close friends from the building whose children grew up with her own. Soon, she'll be decanting her favorite wine, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with a crisp, citrus flavor she's missed now for weeks. Her husband will be back, the candles lit once again, and together they'll toast to her return finally home. 

As per the rules of the challenge, you can vote twice a day everyday, either online here or by texting 1 to 89800. On behalf of our friends at ELLE DECOR, thank you for supporting us, everyone! It means the world to us!

Comments

[canvas paintings]

fantastic sight eddie, spent a while checking out the designs.

[angie]

I loved your window!!!

[Dwayne Carruth, Architect]

OK, so seriously people, other than the great painting, there is nothing worth swooning over here - the splatter wall(ugh) and the granny-chic clutter - wasn't it for the "modern" woman? let everyone else stroke your ego, but that's crap.

[Nicole]

Wow! Who knew you two could weave a story as well as you could decorate, style, shop, and photograph?

[laura @ the shorehouse]

Amazing. And I almost think the story is as good as the window.

Almost.

:-) Best of luck...voting for you for sure and hoping to visit the window this week after work (during work? Probably better in the daylight...?).

[paul]

Good job with the furniture and the accessories. Not feeling the walls, but at least they're unexpected.

[Jaime]

OK, so I placed my vote, good luck! Your space is most definitely eye catching, which is exactly what a window is meant to do, congratulations!!!

Best,
Jaime

[Evelyn Weiss]

Fabulous! And such fun to recognize so many of the props!

Hope you win!

xoxo
Evy

[A Rockridge Life]

Gorgeous! Perfection!

[Shawn Herbert]

Just have to say I LOVE the shoes in your window! I was able to vote online this evening - for you of course, but mostly for those SHOES! haha Not many 'grandmothers' could wear them, excluding me, of course. BTW I raised two sons who weren't allowed in the living room and they grew up to be well-adjusted men with an appreciation for the garage!

[pve]

Like no other store in the world! (no other window too!)
I would want to move right in that window....
Love the nod to the past and the happy future - all those colors and things to tell stories about over tea or another beverage of sorts.
cheers!!!
You are a winner to me!!
pve

[Joni Webb]

oh Eddie - !
you have outdone yourself! all that blue and white with the pink is enough to send me swooning!!!!!!! smelling salts, please!

seriously, it's beyond fabulous. i adore those oval toile pillows. oh my lord!

[Marti Steed]

Emailed this link to our daughter last night. She is 34 yrs old, an exec for drug clinical trials, graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and lives just south of Raleigh. She loves this room!!! She is a beautiful young thinking woman who has also done some modeling. Married and now divorced she is a free thinker and independent soul. So much for the "Granny comments" Really!!!!!

[Kellie Collis]

This is absolutely fabulous. The colours, detail and textures are a delight. Congratulations on such a beautiful job! Kellie.

[Sally]

Eddie - I love how you wove a story around your window design. I can just picture the "modern woman" who lives in that room.

[Ann]

Just wanted to say - I almost fainted when After I posted on your blog, I saw your comment regarding my table setting - thanks so much! I'm such a fan. I almost passed out. I was so flattered that you liked the table. You're welcome to come for dinner or drinks anytime your in LA.

I was posting about you as you left your cmment! I have told everyone to vote for you :) and posted your pictures. Great job again to you and your team!

[Debra]

Love this room Eddie. It speaks to me...the colors are wonderful!

Quite a lots of different opinions over there at the voting, if some had read your story they'd know this room wasn't meant for toddlers.

[Jen]

I couldn't find your email to comment back so I hope that you will find this :)

I almost choked on my gum when I saw that you commented on my blog. I mean...oh my goodness! Thank you so much for stopping by & isn't Bryan your perfect twin!?

Hope you are doing well & don't worry, I will be voting early & often {isn't that what they say?}! You are very talented!

<3
Jen
from {with grace & lace}

[Wendy Gladson]

One word GENIUS!

Hope you and Jai are having the best year ever...we miss you in "Sunny" California!

[Karyn]

You guys ROCK!! What a fabulously awesome window and story to go along with it. I want to live it that room. Hope you win.

[Keri]

Gentlemen...bravo on a beautiful, fun space! You have my vote!

[Therese Long]

You can count on all our votes twice a day...because we love your window (IT ROCKS) and we LOVE you!
You're # 1

XO
Chris, Terri and Chris

[Pamela]

Great back story for an awesome room. Tons of inspiration! Thanks...you've got my vote already!

[Susie @ Maddie's Nest]

Great room and great story....I keep looking at it over and over. And voting as much as possible as well. Best of luck!

[Splendid Market]

The room is Spectacular!! I love the background story. You have my vote (s)!!

[Ann]

I have loved you since I saw you on Top Design. I love your preppy, classic, hip & chic design style! I will spread the word and post it on my blog which, I am new too. I can't quit my day job yet but your blog reminded my of why I love design!! I wanted to live her glam life! I'm enjoying the CA rain, and during the wee hours of the morning I want to thank you for transporting me to Paris and NY. What a glamorous morning. Now back to reality! WORK!

[Beki - TheRustedChain]

Eddie this room is unbelievable.

I want to move in right now!
Off to pack my clothes and shoes...Everything else is there for me.

[layersofmeaning]

Great job! Stunning!

[lauren (pen.ny)]

I LOVE it so much! I am voting voting voting!!

(And I told everyone else I know to vote too!!)
Definitely the best room - your ability to style and accessorize a room are top notch Eddie!

Good luck:)

[Lotta]

Hi again!

I just saw the link to vote online, and you have it. I just cast it.

Good luck!

[Lotta]

Thank you for your kind comment. I followed this decorating job on Twitter and I'm happy to see it all come together.

It's a lovely space. Job well done!

Unfortunately I'm unable to vote since I'm not in the US.

But I wish you the best of luck!

[honey living]

just spectacular eddie. the design all on its own is wonderful, but you're right - the narrative truly breathes life into the whole thing.

[Steve McKenzie]

Eddie,

Your talent amazes me. What a beautiful, elegant space and yet very livable. Artaissance and Larson-Juhl were thrilled to be chosen to be part of this. I am just sorry it is not real, because I would love for "her" to invite me to a cocktail party in this space. I will tell all my friends to vote!
Steve

[Jenny Moon]

The pictures are wonderful but oh the story is what really sent me over the edge. I love "old" things! I have friends that can't understand why I don't want to purchase a room of new things, they don't understand, how sad for them. I have raised my daughter of 2 little girls to feel the same way. Not sure how I did that, it just happened! Love it! Will vote everyday!!!!!!!!

[black eyed susans kitchen]

Now this is an interesting room/window! The chandelier is fabulous and the fun hot pinks are perfection. This is how we want our rooms to look...love it!
♥, Susan

[Liz @ Shorely Chic]

just love it, and love you! Congratulations on doing such an amazing job!!

[Kimberly]

I have already commented about your wonderful window Eddie. However, I must say I love it more with these detailed photos here. Wishing you a GRAND WIN!

[Caroline Shook]

This looks INCREDIBLE, as I knew it would. We had a blast at Scott's. I am voting for you everyday, hands down best window!

[Jacks]

This might be my favorite post...ever!!! Ever consider writing novels?! But seriously, beautiful window, elegant post. Cecile, Teds, Chris and I are all voting 2x a day! xx

[Janet]

Fabulous! Voted twice yesterday and I will vote twice today. Good luck!!

[robyn]

That room blows my mind...the modern pop of color juxtaposed with the elegance...to die for! You are my design hero. Plus the story line behind it makes me want you to write a book! I'd read it, I want to know more about this fabulous character that oozes style and grace so casually! ;-)

[acanthusandacorn]

OMG! I actually did the text right...yeah! It said come back tomorrow and I will-PROMISE! Can you imagine that I actually had to teach myself how to scan pictures into the computer to put on my blog? Yes, it was a long,painful process...

[Paula]

It looks great! I'll be sure to vote as many times as I can for you.

[Athena]

I'm in love with your room, Eddie! I'd die for those Italian brass flowers!!!! Looked on ebay the second I saw them but alas, nothing. Maybe I'm not searching the right key words. Your blog is always such a pleasure and incredibly inspirational! I voted for you twice today and will continue to do so every day. I also decided the second that I saw your room to write about it on my brand new blog leftcoastluxe.blogspot.com. Good luck Eddie!!!!

XO Athena

[Trina]

Hi Eddie and Jaithan, I've been happily and enthusiastically voting for you - and my husband is too!!!! xoxo I really loved reading your narrative for the room - I LOVE this woman even more! And her taste is fabulous as a room filled with the things you love, is the most beautiful room in the world. xoxoxoTrina

[Christina]

The post is up and even though I think you have already been covered by many other blogs much blogs I hope it still helps just to widen that gap that much more...because we all know you are going to win.

Also did you gold leaf that lampshade on that vintage colbalt glass lamp?

xx - Christina

vivafullhouse.blogspot.com

[kelly mcnichol]

Diggin the room, yet I love the story even more...

Did she also receive as a "present" the bamboo tray on the coffee table from her friends Eddie and Jaithon after they polished it up for her? Thought I recognized it. Hee

Great room!

[a-m]

What a great story and a beautiful beautiful room. Voting for you. A-M xx

[Karyn]

Even before I checked out the competition, I was going to vote for you because you are so darn cute, but your window really is the best. Yea for you. Blessings!

[Gwen Driscoll]

Congrats on the fabulous windows. I must say I'm not surprised at their beauty considering you were at work and play in them. Just love all the fabrics and color. So love your blog and will continue to follow along.

Gwen Driscoll
Ragland Hill Social

[Jordana]

A lovely story and a beautiful room. Well done Team!!

[Peter]

Eddie: We cannot wait to see your work for Elle Decor in person this weekend. I especially enjoyed the white high heels that you threw into the display. Nice touch. Hope we get to see you both this weekend. Mr. Simply Seleta

[cheryl kees clendenon]

Very impressed. Really enjoy the style evoked in the window room design. You have my vote and put it on my blog as well. Thank you!
www.kitchendetailsanddesign.com

cheryl

[Karena]

Crazy fun, just perfect Eddie and Jaithan. So fun to follow!

[Pam]

Eddie,
Addie's photos are beautiful, and I love the way they highlight vignettes within your window. You, Jaithan and the rest of the team have done an amazing job.
All the best!!

[Fifi Flowers]

FAB job! J'adore and WANT those pink glasses!

[Melissa]

I LOVE this. Love it. Gonna go vote now (and I probably should learn how to text. Great excuse to enter the second decade of the 21st century...)

[The Countess of Nassau County]

I love the story and the room. Explain those AMAZING walls please.

BTW - Using your Real Simple bar in a closet as my inspiration to transform my own closet within the next couple of weeks. Keep your eyes peeled.

All the best.

[Deborah]

When can I move in?

[Gina Jaber]

The look you've captured is so inspirational! Congratulations!
Gina Jaber

[mary]

Love the faux bamboo chairs and Delft ware!!! Good luck.

[Meghan]

Eddie! It's amazing. I've been a huge fan of yours since your reality tv days. Thank you for commenting on my blog, I almost died in the middle of an antique shop when I got the e-mail. Voting for you!

[debra phillips]

bravo eddie! the room is both classically elegant and 'sizzlin'. the narrative brings it to life, a winning combination.
congrats!
xxo
debra

[Deana]

those gold flowers in the silver vase are just awesome! love em!!

[Barbara at Daisy's]

I can't get enough of the room but I do think my husband is rather sick of having me go on and on about the candle stick. I am crazy in love with it. Anyway congrats guys you know I think you nailed it. Spreading the word to every customer that walks in the door. Got 3 to text while I rang them up today.

[Victoria Zlotkowski]

Eddie, so nice to hear from you and again so much to see on your side.... LOVE that window and the story with it! You have a fun-tastic imagination...
You've got my vote!

Talk to you soon!
Love - Victoria

[lisa]

As a former female antiques business owner (Currently in the design field), I had to say that I really loved your story! I can definitely relate to the pieces that she's found over the years and love and treasures. Thanks & good luck with the contest!

FYI. I'm still looking for a bar cart! Saw one at the Restoration outlet...Big time sale but I'm holding out for an old one! It's the antiquer in me! Thanks for the inspirations!

[Mrs. Blandings]

Love it - feel like I was there.

[pam robinson]

fabulous ... thanks for your comment and of course you have my support! x pam

[EAS]

Truly breathtaking…thanks for sharing all of the details. She sounds amazing and I would love to meet her! Just voted!

[Sheil]

I want to be that woman! Super job, Eddie and Jaithan! I am in awe with your creativity. Congratulations on a job well done!