Good morning! Before we begin, I want to announce the two lucky winners of the French apron and monogrammed soaps! Thanks for helping me celebrate my two year anniversary, I was so touched by all of your kind words. Congratulations goes to......
For the french apron, the winner is....
Result:
7
Please contact me here so I can get your shipping information and these goodies can be on their way!
So how is 2013 treating you so far? With the exception of my husband coming down with pneumonia, it was a wonderful holiday season. Funny, New Years day unexpectedly ended up being one of the best days. First off, it was the first day in 8 days that hubs felt up to getting fully dressed and coming downstairs, then it was a continuation of our movie marathon, we watched Dances with Wolves, Meet Joe Black, Under the Tuscan Sun and a few others, all the while I was cooking the entire day (but really loving it) I made beef stew, paninis, homemade basked mac, even small apple tarts..yes I was on a roll! My husband spent a lot of time exploring my blog and was thoroughly entertained and it was just a great family day, alongside a roaring fire, it was spent at home enjoying each others company....it was cold outside but really warm and cozy inside. So life is slowly getting back to normal after the holiday blizzard (not literal but the whirlwind). I have yet to take down any decorations...thinking I will give it another week, not quite ready to say goodbye to the magic of Christmas or the hard work I put into it:)
Today's Which Would You Choose is a fun one. Roll with me here......the designer fairies have paid you a visit. Hey, its a new year...time for a change, right? They have told you that you get to have one designer of your choosing redo your entire home soup to nuts. Only catch? You cannot have any say, you are at their talented mercy and must go on a little "vacay "for a week while they work their magic. Which of these talented tastemakers would you trust to redo your entire home? Many if not most you know, but I have also included two pictures of their work that I think represents their style. This is a tough one, though I think I have it narrowed down to two. No wait, I mean three. OK, two. Here we go.....so which would you choose!
CHOICE 1 Mary McDonald
CHOICE 2 David Easton
CHOICE 3 Meg Braff
CHOICE 4 Cathy Kincaid
CHOICE 5 Bunny Williams
CHOICE 6 Sandra Nunnerly
CHOICE 7 Thomas Pheasant
CHOICE 8 Phoebe Howard
CHOICE 9 Thomas O Brien
CHOICE 10 Ashely Whittaker
CHOICE 11 John Jacob
CHOICE 12 Jan Showers
CHOICE 13 Charles Faudree
CHOICE 14 McAlphine, Booth and Ferrier
CHOICE 15 Barry Dixon
OK, I take it back, I don't have it narrowed down to 2 after all. Sorry, too much talent to choose but if forced, I guess I could narrow it down and let them work their magic. So now its your turn....who are you turning over your casa to? I cannot wait to see the results..this should be fun and interesting! Thanks always for stopping in and wishing everyone a fabulous day.
Bunny Williams please!!!! If for some reason, she is not available, Thomas OBrien will do!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, imagine????
Great photos, Tina!
OH DEAR..you make it difficult because there are SO MANY GREAT CHOICES! I have to say 5, 9, 13. But 13 has to be it for I have a LOVE JONES for anything French rustic!
ReplyDeleteGOOD MORNING TINA! Anita
I think I have to go with Mrs Classic -Bunny Williams! She has done such gorgeous classic and versatile rooms over the years... If she wasnt availbe I would love to work with Phoebe Howard.. clean and classic!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Karolyn
You are right, you don't make it easy. But I would have to say Cathy Kincaid, I have seen her work in person and it is out of this world! David Easton would have been a close second.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year Tina.
I'm loving #3! And I actually loved #10 also and I'm sure you can guess why ;) so glad your hubby is felling better and catching up on your blog! My hubby did the same thing this week! Lol! It's been awhile... All that cookingbyoundid makes me want to cook! I think this is the year I will start cooking more! Thanks doll!
ReplyDeleteSorry to say Tina I can't play this game today because there are to many fabulous choices! Darryl Carter is one of my favorites but you've made a strong case for others. Glad to hear your husband is up and moving and I hope he continues to improve!
ReplyDeleteXXX
Debra~
Love the warmth of #10
ReplyDeleteLove them all! Hard to choose! Mary McDonald or Jan Showers! Have an eye on some of her staff in her online shop:)
ReplyDeleteGlad the hubby is finally feeling better. Next time I get sick I want to come to your house...home cooked meals, a roaring fire, movies, and your blog? One would instantly feel better!!
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna say Phoebe Howard. I think that bedroom is heaven.
You mentioned a possible new venture in my comments...I hope it's a book or that HGTV show I've been insisting you should have!! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us, Tina. I know many wonderful things are coming your way!! It's been fun to be part of the ride. xo
So glad to hear your hubby is feeling better, I just recently started following your blog and love it. I am in the process of building my first home and love following several blogs to help with decisions. I would have to say #3 my new house is totally coastal cottage/shabby chic (even though it is being built in the heart of the Rocky Mountains). I refuse to succumb to the stained beams, knobby river rock and green and purple slate floors that dominate our area!!
ReplyDeleteI have to go with John Jacob, his work is so fresh and innovative and current. Love his use of black and white, I would happily turn over my townhome to him! Fun post. Glad your husband is better, take good care.
ReplyDeleteWell...I'll play this game... love all of them, but maybe because we are in summer I prefer in first place choice 3 Meg Braff and if it's not possible choice 9 Thomas O Brien. Great images, Julia C. from La Silla Chic
ReplyDelete#7-calm, warm & inviting, sophisticated, transitional, liveable...others are intersting but lack the combo of #7.
ReplyDelete#13!!!
ReplyDeleteNumer 2, 11 and 13. This was a hard one they are all so beautiful. I really like them all for different reasons.
ReplyDeleteCynthia
Hmmm I'd have to say Thomas O'Brien, John Jacob or McAlphine, Booth and Ferrier. Love the simpler take on opulence, and all the black and white! I can never get enough black and white and they do it so well.
ReplyDeleteI would choose Mary McDonald and/or John Jacob. I'm not sure if I could have Mary do my house if I were around (her voice would send me over the edge) so going on a vacation while she was here would be just fine!
ReplyDeleteWhat hard choices but after I ooh'd over Bunny Williams' rooms... It was McAlphine, Booth and Ferrier all the way. Love the elegant simplicity... the less cluttered look. What a fun dream to start the day! xo marlis
ReplyDeletePhoebe Howard or Cathy Kincaid, both have great fresh traditional style. Loved this excercise!
ReplyDeleteThomas O'Brien, John Jacob and Bunny Williams but if I HAD to choose one it would be O'Brien....Someone mentioned Darryl Carter and I love his work...
ReplyDeleteAll those rooms are so gorgeous but if I had to pick Bunny Williams first then Sandra Nunnerly. If only I had one ounce of their talent. Your poor husband thank goodness he is getting better.
ReplyDeleteLOVE Barry Dixon's work so he is my first choice then Sandra Nunnerly, she has designed one of my all time favorite homes in the world!
ReplyDeletelove choice nr. 14
ReplyDeleteEasy McAlphine, Booth and Ferrier! I'm in love with this house:
ReplyDeletehttp://nestegg.typepad.com/nest-egg/2009/04/one-of-my-favorite-houses-of-all-time.html
05/13/2009
They are all so beautiful - I'm choosing Meg Braff for the beach and Phoebe Howard to do my whole house - sight unseen!! I just adore her talent and never see an image that I don't love. Hope you're having a great week ~
ReplyDeleteIt would have to be John Jacob!! Love the black and white!!! When do you think he can come to my house????
ReplyDeleteSoon I hope! :)
Once again, far too difficult to choose! My first inclination was to say Meg Braff, but I think I would reserve her services for use on a 2nd home somewhere near the water. Then there's a major tie between Phoebe Howard, John Jacob, and Barry Dixon (whom I live near and I am determined to "accidentally" bump into and make my best friend). But I think the winner for me has to be Ashley Whittaker. She's got a traditional style that appeal to me immensely, but it's always a bit playful and young and irreverent so it doesn't feel super stuffy or too "old lady".
ReplyDeletejan Showers. So inviting!
ReplyDeleteThis is so difficult, Tina. I am very fond of South African designer John Jacobs' work and am in love with everything Bobby McAlpine designs. Any one of the others would be great as well.
ReplyDeleteBest...Victoria
All fabulous choices but Phoebe Howard or McAlpine Tankersly for sure!! No questions about it! Glad your husband is doing better!
ReplyDelete14 and 15!! i love them!! i also love charles faudree and mary mcdonald though. im a bit all over the board but there are touches of something in each one that is beautiful! after watching million dollar decorators, i just want to hang out with mary mcdonald. she is so funny and i want to raid her closet! great choices tina... happy new year !! pam g
ReplyDeleteCharles Faudree! Hands down my all time favorite.
ReplyDeleteBarry Dixon!!! Always Barry Dixon!!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Charles Faudree!!! There is no one else!
ReplyDelete#11 John Jacob....I've had his black in white kitchen in my "pins" for a while now. Love his, "not so fancy" style!!!
ReplyDeleteI would go with 2 & 11 love them John Jocab& David Easton
ReplyDelete#5 Bunny's lavender bedroom had me swooning tor it's cozy refuge and aesthetics!
ReplyDeleteThen #13 John Jacob for the stunning black and white, so fabulous!!
All the Best in the Year Ahead!
Karena
Art by Karena
#15 perfect good taste!
ReplyDelete#13!!!!
ReplyDeleteBunny Williams, Dave Easton, and Charles Faudree! Great pics Tina!!
ReplyDeleteMy, oh my, this was deceptively easy, because once I started looking it was tough. Lots of scrolling up, scrolling down, ponder... repeat. First choice is Meg Braff (with Thomas O'Brien a close second), I so enjoy her eye for light and restrained color. On another note, I hope your husband continues to heal, I have had pneumonia, it can be so nasty! Congratulations again on the Blogiversary Tina, may we enjoy many years to come!
ReplyDeleteSending you a smile,
tp
#11 has been an all time favorite over the years, and I love #15 also. Heck, love them all! And, I love that your husband delights in your work! What a gift! Sounds like you guys had a beautiful holiday! Thankful your husbands health is improving!
ReplyDelete14 is my choice. Great fun...Thanks
ReplyDeleteBoth Thomases have rooms I could live in :)
ReplyDelete#5 Bunny Williams, #8 Phoebe Howard and #11 John Jacob could all be let loose in my house, anyone of them are amazing! You should be on the list as well, you have the talent!
ReplyDeleteHere are continued get well wishes for your husband, pneumonia is not anyones friend.
I still have my tree up, took the Santa's down around the house, the stockings too. Slowly the holiday will disappear.
Happy Thursday!
It would have to be a collaboration with Meg Breff and Phoebe Howard, with a little Mary McDonald thrown in for some fun and unusual touches. Yes, that would be a perfect trio for me! Glad hubby is better and you are still enjoying the Holiday mood. I took ours done yesterday and it sure is not nearly as fun taking down as it is putting up. Happy Thursday,
ReplyDeleteKathysue
Hard to choose between Bunny Williams(5) and the team of Ray Booth and Bobby McAlpine (13). Their work is consistently wonderful. I admire several of the others, but if I had to decide to give my project to only one designer, I would interview these first!
ReplyDeleteAfter tortuous decision-making, I'm going with McAlpine. Maybe he could do half the house and Charles Faudree could do the other half. Have always loved them both! Oh! McAlpine can design the house, Charles can decorate it.
ReplyDeleteYou chose some wonders, Tina. I'd love to hear your personal pick (except that you don't need any help! You have a beautiful design aesthetic.
Happy New Year to you and yours
I love Charles Faudree!!
ReplyDeleteFaith B
Hi what fun. Based upon whose work I love, Charles Faudree however the dining room from Kathy Kincaid is sensational. I have to look her up. I would not balk at any one of these talents going to town in my house, what fun that would be!
ReplyDeleteCharles, Charles, Charles, I could spend hours looking at your books, but don't think I could live in your rooms. Based on the fact I live near the ocean I would pick Thomas O'Brien with Phoebe Howard as my second choice.
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't you put yourself in the mix? But without that choice I'd say Phoebe Howard. I do love Bunny Williams and An Affair with a House is one of my favorite books.
ReplyDeleteDear Tina,
ReplyDeleteI wish you a fantastic New Year, full of joy and happiness!!
Sorry dear, I really can't choose today! All interiors are beautiful!
xx
Greet
Bunny Williams please!
ReplyDelete#3 and #11
ReplyDeleteHi Tina, for me it would have to be #1, Mary M. has a great design aesthetic and love her use of bold pattern or John Jacobs. Both such talents, but all of these are awesome.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite at the moment is Mary McDonald i have seen her work and of course the show Million Dollar decorators .......... i'm obsessed and so inspired by her designs.
ReplyDeleteSharon
I scrolled up and down up and down. I would want my bedroom done by Sandra Nunerly, Bunny Williams to do the kitchen, David Easton for my living room, Booth and McAlpine for an outdoor porch and foyer, and Charles for my guest room. Meg Braff could do my beach house and Phoebe could do the pool house! Haha, I wish!
ReplyDeleteHow can we choose among so many talented designers?! While we'd love to live a life where #12 Jan Showers' style would shine, with five teenage boys, we'd be more comfortable with #3 Meg Braff and #10 Ashley Whittaker. All the choices are great though and we're glad to hear that nurse Tina is getting a break!
ReplyDeletexxoo
C + C
ReplyDeleteFirst it is sad the holidays are over and company gone and the house a complete mess, but I am not letting it eat at me this year. It will all come back to normal eventually
The designer that I feel like I could walk right in this room and feel at home is David Easton , I have tried to get my living , should say little living room to look similar to this . I live in a modest house
and then the bedroom by Charles Faudree is mine for sure, I have tried to copy this in my bedroom with blue & white toile only can't find my wall paper to match my Waverly material in wedgewood
beautiful dream
Mrs. Howard for sure! Her work is beautiful and inviting! I also think it is "livable"! Phoebe Howard redoing my home would be a dream come true!!
ReplyDeleteJohn Jacobs or Charles Faudree more my style French Country.
ReplyDeleteI am note sure you can go wrong here. If I HAD to pick, I would go with Phoebe Howard. I have really enjoyed seeing her work over this past year. -Tonya
ReplyDeleteTina...So much fun!
ReplyDeleteI love #14 ~ McAlphine, Booth and Ferrier.
Wouldn't that be a dream, handing over
the keys and coming back to a magical
re-do : )
Thank you, again, for your interest in
my little cousin. You are the best!
xo Suzanne
It would have to be David Easton - but I could settle for any of the others quite easily
ReplyDeleteAll are very talented, but I love the understated elegance of Phoebe Howard.
ReplyDeleteMelinda
Thomas O'Brien please :)
ReplyDeleteDo I have to choose between Thomas O'Brien, John Jacob and McAlpine Booth and Ferrier? Oh, I forgot, I don't really have to decide. :) Hope your husband gets well soon!
ReplyDeleteThis is hard! I would have to say Charles Faudree and Phoebe Howard....I think? :)
ReplyDeleteThese are all so pretty that it makes the choice near impossible! I think I would choose Phoebe Howard or Sandra Nunnerly (whose work I am not familiar with). Thanks for sharing these beautiful rooms!
ReplyDeleteHow is your husband feeling? You sound like you need a vacation from your comments on my blog!! Sending big hugs your way!
Much deliberation - Cathy, David, Sandra - but to give a carte blanche - have seen and loved so much (all!) of Bunny's work - her ability to weave comfort with beauty - this magic would be a dream :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, Tina,
ReplyDeleteThat John Jacob kitchen has been in my favorites file forever. I guess I'd have to choose him simply because I love that kitchen so much.
Karen
ReplyDeleteI'm turning over my home either 2. David Easton or 3. Meg Braf
hands down for me-------Charles Faudree
ReplyDeletekathy d
I think I could turn it all over to David Easton and if he were not available, thenCharles Faudree (one of my all-time favorites.)
ReplyDelete.
Carol P.
Happy New Year Tina and to your family!! What a great start to the New Year reading your blog which I love!! What a difficult choice to make from all the talented designers. After much deliberation I would like Barry Dixon, McAlphine Booth & Ferrier and lastly Jan Showers. Actually if any of them came knocking on my door I would gladly give them my home to decorate. What a dream that would be!! Thank you for so much fun!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for including Charles Faudree in your list. He has been my fav for years and I can pick his work out everytime. I would die to have him work his magic in my home. Actually many of my rooms look as though he's already been here since I have all his books and pictures from Traditional Home articles and have tried to recreat his look in my home. This was fun. Thank you. PS: I aam waiting for you to list the sconces that you showed in a previos post - you know, the ones like Charles uses so much in his homes. I can't wait to order them.
ReplyDeleteChoice 14. McAlphine, Booth and Ferrier design handsome, strong rooms with wonderfully interesting ceilings, floors, walls, windows and furniture. I can't imagine ever wanting to change a thing. Their designs are timeless.
ReplyDeleteAshley or Phoebe --these were fun to see! thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am a HUGE fan of Charles Faudree...have been for years! He'd have carte blanche to work his magic in my home. I admire the work of all of these designers, and this was loads of fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks for always being so creative here!
Barb.acuff@yahoo.com
Love, love, love that blue kitchen that Bunny Williams designed and would have no problem leaving the whole project to her.
ReplyDeleteno doubt, john jacobs.....so original and fresh for this gal that loves a masculine decor.
ReplyDeleteyour new years sounded PERFECT, especially with a feeling better hubby.
xo
debra
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteDear Tina; Thank you so much for all the information you put in this blog, you have no idea how much has been helping me and my husband in building our new home. We have 11 children
ReplyDeleteOh Tina...you really stumped me this time! I think my first choice would be McAlphine, Booth and Ferrier with both Phoebe and Jan Showers in the running for the 2nd choice!
ReplyDeleteI could NEVER have someone do my house without my input. I'm definitely a blend of many, but if I HAD to say one it would be Bunny Williams. Fun as Always!
ReplyDeleteJohn Jacob's work would be my choice. Bunny William's design, my second choice.
ReplyDeleteCathy Kincade and Charles Faudree!!!
ReplyDeleteWow - that is amazing. I could not pay my husband enough money to go online and look at blogs. Or anything design related. Well maybe If I promised to not shop for a month then he just might do it!! I love Charles Faudree. Never heard of him till now. Love that design. Or Thomas O'Brien. Not an easy pick!
ReplyDelete