Eliza Interiors & Design

Home has always been my sanctuary and, for the most part, my homes have been a British version of Shabby chic – although more shabby than chic – set in a Victorian or Edwardian building. I love the high detailed ceilings, stone mosaic floors, elegant staircases, large sash windows and crown moulding's that are difficult to find today. The historical value gets me every time and simply adds to its beauty. These types of homes require time, patience and tender loving care whilst restoring under the watchful eye of the local government conservation department in the UK. One of my favourite parts of putting a home together comes from creating a look that fits with the house and appeals to the senses. Time-worn furniture pieces handed down or collected from junk, antique and collectible shops and auctions all lend a certain charm from an earlier era.  I love a little bit of Georgian, mixed in with Victorian, Edwardian and 1920's plus a smattering of mid-century modern to 21st century, especially the art.

However, just lately I have been toying with the idea of a contemporary home. The clean lines, symmetry and simplicity of this type of home requires a different living ideal. Some say that less work is involved but I am inclined to believe that actually there is more. With contemporary living comes zero clutter and an altogether more streamlined look and one needs to be able  to live simply... be meticulous and careful to return pieces that live behind doors when finished with so as not to jar the clean lines – could I live this way? Is it at all possible to be without my antique collections, linens, pillows and – well you know – stuff? With a love of privacy, would I be comfortable living in a glass box on show for all. In an urban setting, definitely not. But in the countryside, with the amazing changing vistas it's a real possibility.

I neither want nor like a home that looks staged. It needs to be a peaceful retreat for my family and me. It would have to sit comfortably in the landscape and be easy on the eye. When friends visit, I want them to feel comfortable enough to kick their shoes off and relax. I have a real passion for authenticity and purity in design so it would need to meet stringent and exact criteria. An architectural or design style that may date 10 years down the line would not work. There would need to be longevity and a process of addition rather than elimination. For me, it is not necessary for the ultimate home to be created in a day.  My personal view is that a home should evolve incorporating some of those treasure secured from years of collecting, simple layering; changing out the pillows or an objet should be enough to keep a room fresh.  I like rooms to flow without an abrupt change of mood but equally draw you in to it's uniqueness and individuality. Traditional or contemporary? Watch this space...

Bestest

Jo

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Jo Parker Farmer

Eliza Interiors & Design

jo@eliza-interiors-and-design.com

http://www.eliza-interiors-and-design.com

+1 972 400 0521

Spring was in the air and it was time to pack and head off to Harmony Hall Antique Show held in the pretty village of Shelby, Texas (approximately 12 miles from Round Top). It quickly became apparent that the groups of loyal repeat buyers and vendors relish the small-town intimacy found here. The whys and wherefores are obvious to see; the gently rolling hills, pretty homes nestled Into the landscape, small farms and ranches seen here in abundance, create a happy atmosphere. Couple this with the stunning antiques and collectibles for sale.  A must see show for all.

I decided to showcase my latest collection of custom made pillows, table runners, gifts and accessories created from a beautiful selection of antique and vintage European linens dating from 1800's to 1950's. This collection was Inspired by the relationship between stylistic furnishings and fashion, history and love of textiles, draping, pleated linens, silk ribbons embellished with vintage brooches, floral applique's,  monograms and embroidered pieces. I especially, like to work with linen as I find it a seductive combination of high quality and understated elegance. Each piece was created in much the same way that special designer dress, a one-off creation, hand crafted - timeless elegance served in large portions ...  

Bestest

Jo


For further information:

Eliza Interiors & Design
www.eliza-interiors-and-design.com
jo@eliza-interiors-and-design.com
Eliza.interiors
(+1) 972 400 0521  

On one of my weekend treasure hunts, I came across an artisan's haven called Old Town Spring, An old railway town dating back to the 1900's.  There are more than 100 shops with each one offering unique merchandise from across the States and Europe.  Imagine my excitement when I came across 'The Happy Peddler', an absolute must see.  The delightful owner, Adam, offers beautiful antiques and collectibles, wreaths bursting with baubles and finished with luxurious ribbons that tempt and tease the senses.  Catering to all tastes, you will find country, shabby chic, eclectic and traditional pieces.  There's very pretty painted furniture, china and glassware, leaded glass windows from England and a collection of vintage light fittings and crystal chandeliers.  Adam is also showcasing part of the Eliza Collection of antique and vintage pillows and accessories.  So if you are looking for that special something, I would recommend you visit Adam. The Happy Peddler can be found at 126 Midway, Spring, TX 77379 or call +1 281 528 6655.

Happy New Year

Jo Parker Farmer

http://www.eliza-interiors-and-design.com

Following my marriage to a wonderful Texan, I am now living in Houston.  Once settled, I set about trying to emulate the treasure hunting weekends I so enjoyed back home in London.    Friends and I would set out in search of American linens - not so easy here.  Much to my surprise, it has been easier to find good quality European linens and textiles.  My closet is full to bursting with the most exquisite antique and vintage linens, textiles dating from 1880 - 1950, together with pretty silk and velvet ribbons and a beautiful collection of mother of pearl and diamante buttons.  Inspired, I set about designing a collection of antique and vintage home furnishings, accessories and gifts which became a labour of love.  The collection is now available and consists of an abundance of pillows in all shapes and sizes, luxury travel pillow shams, table runners, Lampshades, cutlery linen wraps, heirloom stockings and much more.  This is one of the most beautiful collections of home furnishings, accessories and gifts I've created under the label Eliza; unique designs and hand crafted.  It is the aim of Eliza Interiors & Design to continually deliver products that will enrich the human spirit, to balance our priorities and to integrate social and environmental responsibility at all times.  Remember, next time you go shopping, Go Green Buy Vintage ...

Jo Parker Farmer

http://www.eliza-interiors-and-design.com

Growing up with my grandmother, Eliza, my siblings and I were taught to rework old linens into something new for the home and gifts for family and friends.  We would spend hours cleaning, sorting and storing the old family linens for when needed.  As a young adult, I was hooked and would spend many a saturday meandering the antique shops all over London sourcing linens, lace and other antique and vintage textiles.  With list and budget in place, I would set off early in the hope that I would beat the crowds.  Never did, I guess others had the same idea.  Camden Passage, Islington was a particular favorite.  Once there, a maze of lanes would unfold packed to bursting with shops and street traders selling treasures. The experience was akin to a child in a sweetie shop - pure bliss! Occasionally, I would find a shop or stand that would be overflowing with the most breathtaking textiles from bygone eras - each piece telling a different story.  I loved the monogrammed linens from France, white on white floral embroidered table-cloths, colorful applique's and cross stitch pieces and, equally, the plain crisp linens that display an air of subtle sophistication.  My love of textiles and linens led to careers in design, fashion as well as home furnishings, accessories and gifts. Collecting and creating has been a passion and we all know that true love lasts a lifetime ...

Jo Parker Farmer

http://www.eliza-interiors-and-design.com