I wanted to introduce you to one of the most amazing people. I had the incredible opportunity to get to know
Barbara Colvin at this year's High Point Furniture Market after she wondered into our antique booth at market and bought all of my favorite things. She came back after a busy day of appointments and then again the following day and sat down with us. It was one of those rare times where you feel like you have known each other forever. My sister and I and our friend Kathy had the most fun hearing about
her amazing life full of creative adventures. We talked about everything from antique textiles to interior design to wine tasting and cupcakes. Oh and the beautiful stitchery in authentic Mexican blouses. Seriously, our conversations were hard to follow because we were having so much fun jumping from one creative pursuit to another with Barbara sharing interesting stories from her creative adventures. Those over-the-top gorgeous big barn doors are part of her lovely estate and vineyard in Napa Valley. It was featured in Veranda in 2006, used as the backdrop for Restoration Hardware's catalog and as the venue for a wedding recently featured
here on Style-Me-Pretty.
Aren't you in love with those big, gorgeous barn doors?
The view from the inside looking out is just as compelling. I love the "x" pattern over the doors. Barbara has a very thoughtful eye as you will see in the photos that follow and is devoted to green design using natural materials and a serene palette inspired by nature in all her interiors.
I love this statement from Barbara's website that describes her design philosophy.
It is exactly the way I want to live:
"Drawing inspiration from an understanding of and affection for nature and art history, Barbara Colvin Designs thoughtfully utilize natural colors and honest materials in an effort to create an organic base, with exteriors that blend harmoniously with the environment. Interior finishes and furnishings mimic that same integral quality, but are juxtaposed with vibrant touches for an element of surprise. This distinctive style has an air of rustic sophistication, paying homage to the land while indulging in modern comfort."
She bought an antique textile from us that is one of those treasures that you own that maybe you wish you hadn't sold. It had a wonderful hand, made from natural fibers, and was in a delicious of-the-moment citron green with gray undertones. We talked about where we thought this beautiful piece of handmade fabric originated and made our theories, but in the end we were undecided. I hope Barbara will send me a picture of the finished room that this piece calls home.
I think that is one of my favorite things about selling antiques, a kinda' of before-and-after scenario...seeing an extraordinary antique that tells a story plucked from the clutter of a shop or market and incorporated into a beautifully clean and modern interior. It would make a great new blog series.
Barbara's designs are somewhat unique as she plans both the interior and exterior living spaces.
I love the way the rooms she designs live inside-out...I might not ever leave the table! Barbara is a big advocate for Verellen Furniture, an all-green Belgian inspired furniture line that is slipcovered in natural Belgian linen. Verellen is made right down the street from me in High Point, North Carolina. The dining chair showcased above is my favorite piece in the Verellen line - the Julien Chair.
I love everything about this dining space especially the eclectic seating gathered around the table. The sculptural, slipcovered his and her chairs are perfection! The neutral palette lets the view steal the focal point and the use of natural materials make the transition from inside to the landscape beyond seamless.
Love the colors especially that pop of warm orange. This living room features the Verellen Julien chair in orange and the Clementine sofa and chair in shades of gray linen.
The picture above is one of the photos of Barbara's home when it was featured in Veranda in 2006. Okay, so do the math, that was six years ago and this room with the pops of green and chic library light over the window seat, is so what's 'hot' right now. Barbara's designs are definitely timeless. The way I see it - "You can't go wrong taking your design cues from nature and history."
A beautiful bedroom from Barbara's portfolio highlights her talent for creating warm and natural bedrooms. I love her use of color and mix of patterns. I also really like the sheer window treatment over the accent window in combination with the linen panels for the expansive set of doors.
A close up of a bed with natural linens in interesting 'tone-on-tone' colors and patterns.
Can you say good morning!
Barbara told us about her trip to Italy when she discovered the original pair of antique doors like the ones above that she used to create all of the doors in her house. Her winery is called "Hoops" winery. She liked the simplicity of the design but also liked that the "o's" reminded her of the two "o"'s in her name. She told us a funny story about the day she discovered the original pair of doors while touring the Italian countryside by cab.
Notice the bleached wood plank ceiling and those killer pendant lights. You can't miss the great looking gray barn doors. For this living space, she selected the Julien sectional sofa from Verellen. The little bird on the coffee table reminds me of the bird on her business card.
The bedroom above reminds me of the vibrant color of the antique textile Barbara bought from us.
I love this little shot of a very thoughtfully designed bath. Not only is the styling for the photography great, I just can't get over that gorgeous tile!
Here is Barbara's business card. I should have known I would love everything about her interior design from the moment she handed me her business card.
Don't you just love it!
It feels incredible in the palm of your hand.
Thank you, Barbara, for inspiring us and taking the time to get to know us at market. We look forward to seeing more of your designs and hearing all about your latest creative adventures at next year's market.
You have read this article Barbara Colvin /
Interesting People /
Napa Valley
with the title May 2012. You can bookmark this page URL http://enjoywithluh.blogspot.com/2012/05/inspiring-people-meet-barbara-colvin.html. Thanks!
