Yay! I'm delighted to have my custom letterpress business cards featured on Oh So Beautiful Paper. If you're not familiar with Nole Garey's lovely blog, she regularly features beautiful paper goods, wedding invitations, calligraphy, cocktail recipes and entertaining ideas. If you love paper and design, it's is a great source for daily inspiration. You can check out the post here.
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Miles & Antena's Laid Back Coastal Home
When Miles and Antena bought their Newport home eleven years ago, they loved the bones of the traditional Victorian structure, but envisioned a transformation that would infuse the 1892 building – filled with drab colors, floral wallpaper and period decor – with the bright coastal charm of a seaside cottage.
Over a decade later, the David home has a casual, all-American charm that welcomes visitors like a breath of fresh air. Past a white picket fence, a waving grand old flag, and a classic cast iron eagle plaque, guests enter a sun-drenched vestibule with a simple teak bench. Streaks of morning light accentuate the beauty of a shiny brass clamshell knocker and a heavy front door made of warm, rich wood. Streeter, a camera-loving yellow Lab, is ready to welcome a newcomer like an old friend.
The view from the foyer makes it immediately clear that this home is much more than an apple pie cliche. Wood salvaged from a Vermont barn covers the living room ceiling, which had a popcorn texture that proved impossible to remove. White walls, glass-paned pocket doors and custom built-in shelving provide a refined counterbalance to the rustic ceiling, which feels unexpected yet perfectly at home with the laid-back furnishings throughout the house. A peek into the dining room reveals a Smith and Hawken teak patio set complete with Sunbrella fabric-covered cushions. It is another unpredictable, yet fitting, choice that adds to the home’s easy coastal vibe.
They named the house Foghorn. The idea came to Miles, who works in the marine industry, when he heard the familiar sound one night in Newport Harbor, which is just a few blocks away. Foghorn has become an evolving labor of love to the Davids, who are inspired by their passion for design, art, and the sea.
“Buying our first home in a coastal town, we were drawn to local artists and really focused on the boats, beach and marine life,” says Miles, “After a few years, our taste changed considerably, and we now are drawn to the unique art of our friends, abstract art of our kids, and taking a few stabs at it ourselves.” The framed artwork of the Davids' young daughters hangs proudly throughout the house, which is filled with a vast and growing collection of art books. Miles' penchant for painting bullseyes has turned the familiar graphic into a recurring theme in their decor. “There is something soothing to me about a bullseye,” he explains, “I also tend to say ‘keep your eye on the prize’ when I reference them. When I put Bullseye Revisited in our den, I really felt it belonged there.”
Miles can always feel when something is out of place, and isn’t afraid to keep changing things until he gets it right. “This seems to be a theme in the house: tweak, tweak, remove, etc.,” he explains. The butler’s pantry he turned into a bar went through several changes until he finally settled on a varnished cherry counter finished off with an edge of brass nailheads. He made wood tracks to create wine storage, installed wainscoting in the liquor cabinet, and carved a "bar" sign. On a whim, he decided to cover the narrow hall with cedar shingles after testing out many colors, patterns and stripes; the added texture turned out to be just what the room was missing. “The pantry, now bar, connects the main house, built in 1892, and the den, built in 1936, so the shingles are rather fitting considering that used to be the outside of the house,” he says, “Many great conversations take place in that narrow space.”
It seems there are few things that have been untouched by Miles’ handiwork and the couple’s shared vision for maximizing space in a clean and beautiful way. The barn board ceiling in the living room, sliding pantry door in the kitchen, and custom built-in shelving throughout the house were all designed by Miles and built by custom woodworker Ben Wilcox. Antena, who works as a Student Outreach Coordinator for newportFILM, adds her creativity to the space with the curtains, pillows, bench seats and duvet covers she sews. It isn’t unusual for her to come home and find that her husband has started a new project, adding wainscoting to the second floor or working on one of the new lamp designs he hopes to manufacture. “Yes, this house has really lit the passion for design,” he says, “(I have) a passion to improve (my surroundings) and a mild case of ADHD. Put the two together and you’re walking around the house with a tool belt and measuring walls and floor space for the next idea.”
The Davids turned their third floor into a giant highly-organized walk-in closet with a bathroom.
Thanks for sharing your home with us, Miles & Antena! You can check out the full house tour and read more about the David home on Apartment Therapy.
Text and photos by Jacqueline Marque.
Beth Goes Gaga
Beth Hammond, a mother of three who works as a CNA and runs her own senior fitness company by day, is the producer, costume designer, choreographer and star of her own Lady Gaga tribute act by night. We worked for nearly two hours at Salvation Cafe to get this shot for the cover of Mercury. Beth amazed me with her ability to hold some very uncomfortable poses. Thanks for being a good sport and a great cover model, Beth! Check out Jamie Gillette's Off the Lip interview with this amazing woman.
Mitchell & Thomas' Bougie Boho Style
New Orleans is known for its laissez-faire culture. Anything goes, and every occasion is an excuse for a party. Mitchell Settoon and Thomas Ecker approach life — and homemaking — with the same easy spirit that characterizes the city they call home. As Mitchell explains: “I could wear a red sequined cocktail dress to my local grocery store; nobody would bat an eye. The only question would be ‘paper or plastic?’ I do hope my house has that same relaxed appeal.”
Mitchell and Thomas live in one half of a 1,700 square foot double shotgun house they own with Thomas’ twin brother Todd. Friends flock to the Mid-City home, which is furnished in a lively style they like to call “bougie boho.” It’s an artful mix of high and low brow design that combines inherited Mid-Century Modern pieces with cheeky artwork and thrift store finds, neutral slipcovered seating with daring paint colors and bold textiles. Mitchell, an artist and decorator who can sew just about anything, uses his skills to satisfy his need for change. He freshens rooms with fine faux finishes and the pillows, curtains and slipcovers he makes himself. Frequent out-of-town guests never know what they will find when they return for another visit.
Entertaining is a way of life for the fun-loving couple, and their home is designed with this in mind. An outdoor patio furnished with a melange of vintage signs, yard art, and colorful seating creates the perfect setting for the two big house parties they host every year, for the Endymion parade during Mardi Gras and the twins’ birthday in October. Formal dinners, spontaneous potlucks, brunches, and barbecues keep their home alive with laughter and good times.
Touches of humor and kitsch throughout the home create a light-hearted vibe and let visitors know they’ve entered a realm where nothing is sacred. “While I admire quiet, tasteful elegance, it's never been something to which I aspired,” explains Mitchell. “Nothing in this house is taken too seriously, or is too precious to use.”
Two large paintings in the living room, inspired by the graffiti found throughout the city during Hurricane Katrina, are evidence of this. One bears markings similar to those left behind by the National Guard as they searched houses for survivors. “I made the painting — using materials salvaged from our house — to have a reminder to never take things for granted; to realize how transitory life is.” The other, a play on words a store owner spray painted on his boarded windows, reads, “Don’t try. I’m sleeping inside with a crazy man, a bigass dog, a vicious cat and a pistol.” Mitchell says that it “demonstrates how to maintain your sense of humor, even in the worst of times... I've had some visitors find them a bit grim or off-putting, but I've always enjoyed gallows humor, and I do think it's important to remember dark days have as much importance in shaping you as the sunny ones.”
Photos and text by Jacqueline Marque.
You can see the full house tour and read more about Mitchell and Thomas' home on Apartment Therapy.
The Ritacco's Lighthearted Home
Written in chalk above the bathroom door are the words, “Artistry + Function + Simplicity = This Home.” It’s a fitting mission statement for Jill and Dan Ritacco’s small Rhode Island cape, which was gutted and revitalized by the couple themselves. From the drywall to the furnishings, Dan and Jill have built most of what you see in their 1200-square-foot home. Jill, an artist who studied printmaking and painting, and Dan, a wooden boat builder, aptly call their personal style “we can make anything.”
When the couple was house hunting three years ago, their priority was to live in a good school district, but their budget was tight. “We felt that we could make any house our own, so the architecture was not all that important. This house simply met our price and location needs,” says Jill. While it was hard for most people to see past the dilapidated kitchen, knotty pine wall panels, and blue shag carpet, Jill and Dan were thrilled to find that it had a good roof, septic system, siding and insulation. “This allowed us to make it our own because the inside needed some serious TLC,” Jill explains.
One of the first things you see when you enter the house is an illuminated handmade sign that reads “Make Taccos.” Leftover from Dan’s 30th birthday party, which featured a taco bar, and a play on their last name, the sign sets the tone for the humor and artistry you will find throughout this happy abode. Painted jellyfish swim up hallway walls, polka dots decorate Taavi’s tiny bedroom nook, and a mural covers the entire kitchen ceiling.
With a can-do attitude and plenty of talent between the two of them, Dan and Jill have tackled the making of their home with a true DIY spirit and a whole lot of lighthearted fun. The house is filled with homemade furniture: bed frames, a kitchen table with bench seating, an island with a bicycle wheel holding pots and pans underneath. Thanks to Dan’s clever use of built-in storage and space-saving solutions throughout the house – a skill honed through years of building wooden boats – everything is tucked away neatly on shelves and carved into nooks and crannies. And it helps that they also try to live simply: “We are always trying to live with less. The house looks cleaner that way. We are not big fans of spending time cleaning,” Jill explains, “We like to play instead!” In the Ritacco home, artistry + function + simplicity = happiness.
Photos and text by Jacqueline Marque.
You can read more about Dan and Jill's style and see their full Apartment Therapy House Tour HERE.
Artisan Trunk Show at The Studio
It's starting to look a lot like Christmas at The Studio! Here's a little peek at some of the hand-crafted items you'll find if you join us at the Artisan Trunk Show Sunday.
Below are owner Mitsi Dupre's handmade earrings, Instagram-inspired bags and lovely felt head pieces: 
In addition to the ceramic bowls and buoys she makes, Kristen Coates, co-owner of Egg + Dart, will have a selection of hand-crafted items from her store: Michel Dugree's porcelain vases cast from Ball jars and milk bottles, organic soaps from Farmaesthetics and Etta + Billie, flower bulbs beautifully packaged in metal pails, ornaments – including charming peephole boxes – made by Newport artist Chris Wyllie, and paper so gorgeous it's worthy of framing.
Melissa Bourassa's intricately crafted hair accessories:
Zoe Steele's felt crowns and charming children's aprons: 
My textile-covered canvases:
This is just a taste of what we'll have. I hope to see you there!
Jon & Cara's 1940's-Themed Wedding Celebration
Jon and Cara Hall followed up their intimate Spring wedding with a Fall 1940's-themed celebration at Fort Adams. The history buffs were delighted to see that nearly all of their guests came dressed for the era. There were fedoras, fascinators, victory rolls and even a guest dressed as Rosie the Riveter. It was a perfect evening; mild temperatures and an incredible sunset added to the merriment. Enjoy the photos from this adorable duo's unique celebration:
The Providence-based Generations Barbershop Quartet entertained guests as they sipped on Sloe Gin Fizzes, the signature cocktail for the evening.
Thanks to hair stylist Melanie Watson of The Vintage Ginger Snaps and makeup artist Andrea at Archbeauty, Cara looked like an old Hollywood movie star. The lovely figure-flattering dress, from Stop Staring, was just perfect for the occasion. 
Jon and Cara take in the view from the rooftop of Fort Adams in the very spot where Cara surprised Jon on his 40th birthday with a private dinner for two. The fort has been a special place for the couple since that evening, when Cara also surprised Jon with a delivery of 40 Harbor Bars, one of his favorite childhood treats.
Cara is clearly a girl who love surprises. Jon was stunned when she serenaded him with a sweet and sassy version of Billie Holiday's "Them There Eyes." I was impressed to find out that she only took a couple of voice lessons to prepare. She sounded fantastic, evidenced by the excitement of their guests.
Jennifer and David Clancy's Post and Beam Glass Studio
As you approach David and Jennifer’s studio, a classic early American style post and beam barn, there is evidence of their sense of humor and inherent artistry everywhere you look. After driving past scenic marshland and cattle grazing in seaside pastures, a sign that reads “Glass Blowing,” perched atop a beautifully welded sculpture that combines rusty metal tools and objects in an unexpected way, lets you know you’re in the right place. The studio is situated on the couple’s pastoral two-acre property, just a stone’s throw away from their restored 1787 colonial home.
Upon arrival, the first thing you notice is a 10-foot work of art that elegantly snakes up an exterior wall of the barn. It’s made up of fish swimming in a stream of hundreds of delicate clear and blue pieces of glass. The outside of the studio is a whimsical sculpture park; giant green and red glass leaves rest casually on a stone wall; a clear glass head and brains lie on a bed of mulch under a tree; a large planter is filled with glass flowers and leaves. Above the sliding barn doors, antique metal letters boldly spell the word BLOW.
The inside of the glass studio is warm in every way. On this particular day, the fall breeze that blows in through the screen door mixes with the heat from the furnace and feels just right. A mellow selection of music — Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison — sets the tone as David and Jennifer work together in a fluid, knowing rhythm.
It’s easy to see how these two could hibernate and thrive in the comfort of this space, every inch of which is an example of their commitment to craftsmanship and creative expression. With the help and expert guidance of millwright Andy Shrake, David built the timber-framed barn using hand tools to create notches and pockets in place of nails. “It went together like an erector set,” David explains. They built the skeleton of the structure over the course of a week. With welding help from Jennifer’s dad and design inspiration from her mentor Art Reed, the Clancys tackled the impressive task of building all of their own glassblowing equipment. All of the cabinets, counters and shelves were handmade by David. Jennifer’s happy and colorful clay mosaic tiles, mixed with glass polka dots and Magic Hat bottle caps, add embellishment.
Although the studio is a big open space — one half is a gallery; the other is a blowing room — the overall feeling is cozy. Whittled and stained tree branches and an impressive collection of antique cast iron and steel objects decorate the barn walls. A collage of drawings, postcards, pictures, and magazine clippings form an inspiration board of sorts in a corner of the shop. A rainbow of color glows from three levels of frosted glass shelving lit from below. A hand-carved wood frame custom-made by David creates a soft balance for this glass display and invites visitors to come in closer and enjoy the fruits of their labor; a labor that has culminated in a dreamlike work environment that celebrates imagination.
Photos and text by Jacqueline Marque.
You can see the full Apartment Therapy creative workspace tour and read more about the Clancy's glass studio HERE.
Maurice Cheeks and Bear make their PBS debut
It's impossible not to fall in love with Maurice Cheeks and Bear after seeing them perform in the Benny Sizzler video for the song "Rhode Island Dead." These cute canines are so skilled and obedient you'd think they were rescued from the circus. The loveable duo was back in the spotlight again this week when Geoff Adams visited Gail Greenwood and Chil Mott's Middletown home to document them in action for a PBS segment on working dogs that will run after an episode of the cartoon "Martha Speaks," which is about a talking dog. While Chil shot the dogs staging a hospital break scene for Benny Sizzler's next video, Geoff documented the making of the video and I documented all of the documenting for the newspaper. It was a meta moment indeed.
Bear breaks Maurice Cheeks – who can wear a hat better than most humans – out of the hospital.
Now, that's the look of a proud stage mom.
Maurice's mouth is watering just thinking about all of the doggie biscuits stashed inside that IV bag.
I loved all of Gail and Chil's hospital props. I can't wait to see them used in the video.
Bear poses for a beauty shot while taking a break from filming.
Look who made the front page!
Revisiting our summer trip to New Orleans
I've finally had the opportunity to weed through the photos from our summer trip to New Orleans. Here are some highlights:
My dad and stepmom Beth drove to New Orleans from New Iberia to spend the day with us. Our first stop was Brewstock, a neighborhood corner store that carries a full line of beer, wine, coffee, soda and cheese-making products. My dad, quite the coffee aficionado, picked up a coffee roaster. Note that the rocking chair is locked to the building so no one can steal it!
I love the bright colors of Brewstock's pressed tin ceiling and the red door outside.
Look at those bruised-up legs! Our pediatrician tried to make me feel better about it by saying it's a sign of a child who spends a lot of time playing outside.
Our next stop was the coffee shop Velvet, recommended by the guys at Brewstock, on the corner of Arabella and Magazine. New Orleans has a great coffee culture. It's one of the things I really miss about home. The city's love affair with java runs deep. According to the food blog The Plate, New Orleans is said to have had almost 200 coffeehouses in the mid-1800′s. Velvet did not disappoint. I saw later that The Plate included it on their list of the five coolest coffeehouses in the city. Now I'm eager to check out the other four!
Look at that beautiful crema! 
While we were sitting outside of Velvet, we ran into my high school friend Jonah Freedman and his daughter Sierra. Turns out he lives in the the neighborhood. It had been years since I'd seen him, so it was a pleasant surprise. 
Strolling down Magazine Street on our way to lunch at Gott Gourmet. Their shrimp BLT wrap is divine.
This is what our child looks like after her grandparents spoil her with sugar. She was jumping up and down on the seat.
Sharing gelato with Pawpaw and entertaining Grannie B at Sucre, a sweet little Magazine Street cafe I always visit when I'm home. Their white chocolate lavender hot chocolate is one of my favorite drinks on the menu. It sounds sickeningly sweet, but it's not. It's really smooth and delightful. It's perfect for a crisp fall or winter day. 
Pure happiness
Enjoying some downtime in Kiki and Dennis' courtyard. They've created such a beautiful little sanctuary back here. It's filled with lush greenery and something lovely to look at in every direction. 
No summer trip to New Orleans is complete without a stop at Hansen's for a snowball. Hansen's Sno-Bliz was started by Ernest and Mary Hansen in 1939 and is now owned and operated by their granddaughter Ashley. Ernest invented the first ice shaving machine and Mary created her own flavored syrups. The walls look like they've stayed the same for decades.
Our trip to Lafayette Cemetery No 1 was much too quick. I was only able to take a couple of shots before the gates were about to close. I'm captivated by the beauty of this place. I love the ferns that grow through cracks in the crypts and the bricks that peek out under layers of crumbling plaster. Everything is rich with texture. It's a visual feast that never grows old. 
We can't leave the city without picking up a few new records at Louisiana Music Factory.
Evangeline was excited to water the plants in Kiki and Dennis' courtyard. Here are a few shots of this very special place. I love all of the plants that grow in this humid subtropical climate. Of course, my mom is envious of the hydrangeas we can grow up here, but Eamon and I just love the beautiful ferns that thrive in this zone.
Fern trees!
Inspired by this background of beautiful live oaks, I made Eamon pose for a portrait.
We wanted to take Evangeline to Storyland in City Park, left, but it was closed, so we headed to Danneel Playground instead. I think we visited this playground almost every day during our trip. Evangeline loved it. Most of the equipment was age-appropriate for her, so we were able to sit back and watch her have fun.
We celebrated Kiki's 60th birthday during our visit. We started the day with brunch at Surrey's in the Lower Garden District. The shrimp and grits is my favorite dish on the menu.
I enjoy seeing my mom's look of love here as she and Evangeline share a cupcake.
This wild animal is ready for a motorcycle ride.
What's better than yellow cake with chocolate frosting?
When we returned home, she didn't waste any time before putting on her gardening gloves and heading out to her playhouse.