We've never met an antique we didn't love and we're firm believers that the hunt is just as fun and exhilarating as the catch. After all, when else can you negotiate with a smile, flirt like crazy and then sip a glass of champagne to celebrate your negotiating prowess? It's especially fun when we can bring a group of like-minded guests with us who are also obsessed with … [Read more...]
Huffington How-To: Design Tips (and Secrets)
Here's a confession: I made a design blunder. Thankfully it didn't break the bank - but it did add extra days, extra work for some nice vendors who are already swamped - and a big pile of logistical nonsense to deal with . The fateful misstep? I customized curtains for the new master bedroom at The Nest - and measured incorrectly. Luckily, the panels were too long (as … [Read more...]
How To: Style a Bookcase
In between nailing down final details for our annual Paris Buying Trip (our buyers are in the chic and stylish hands of Ann and Linda) and gorgeous art and merchandise pouring into the gallery and Home, I'm working hard at our little renovation of The Nest. And right now I'm having fun dreaming of how to style a bookcase or two. Of course, I don't have to look far for … [Read more...]
How To: Deck Your Halls
'Tis the season and there are are halls to be decked and trees to be trimmed for the holidays. Need some tips? We chatted with Sam Jones, our in-house designer, who's been holiday fluffing for clients for years. Here are her her worldly (and sassy) words of wisdom when it comes to seasonal decorating: Less Is More Let your holiday decor enhance the beauty of … [Read more...]
How To: Buy Art
When Ann and I first got the gallery up and running ten years ago (it's amazing how time flies), we were both surprised when our clients would come to us and say "I'm not quite sure how to buy art or start a collection" or "I really love this painting, but I'm afraid it won't go with the sofa/chairs/paint color" or "Help!" Since we both adore art and both love to write, we … [Read more...]
How To: Pretty Up Your Porch
Late spring in Atlanta is just about the prettiest time of year anywhere. Everything is blooming like crazy, the air is balmy (without the blast of humidity that's right around the corner) and toute le monde heads outside. Restaurants with outdoor seating are packed and best of all, porches, patios and loggias get dusted off and put back into action. And here - with a little … [Read more...]
How To…Hang Paintings
Just about everyday at the gallery, we get someone asking us how to hang art: what's too high, what's too low, what's too small (or big) for over the sofa, how can I hang multiple paintings together and how do I know if I'm doing it right? What are the rules; are there any rules and do I really need to follow them? We got so many questions we decided to write a list of … [Read more...]
ART TALK – How to Collect, Frame, Hang and Light Art
If anyone knows anything about the Huffingtons, they know that once we get an idea in our heads, we tend to run with it – nay, sprint with it! – to bring it to fruition. And such is the case with our blog series (and section of the website, to be explained), entitled Art Talk. These are easy tips on how to collect, frame, hang and light art. A few of you old timers (wink … [Read more...]
How (not) To Make an Offer
( Postcards from Paris: Hunting for the Dream Apartment, Part VII) If truth be told, I started writing this blog with the overly optimistic title, “How to make an offer.” But unfortunately, a couple of days into the offer process I realized I'd have to change it to, “How NOT to make an offer,” as I stumbled along making mistakes at every turn. I guess this is what it’s all … [Read more...]
How to Pass the Time
…when this: turns to this: On a recent getaway to the Florida Panhandle, we were stymied by day after day of rain. And not gentle, misty showers, but heavy, tropical downpours that soaked us poor ever-hopeful beachgoers at every turn. Usually, the deluge would begin when you were on a bike, several minutes from home, loaded down with beach paraphernalia and with no … [Read more...]