Swedish Winter Retreat in Vail
Several months ago a reader sent me these photos of a beautiful ski home in Vail, Colorado. She thought I would love the Swedish decor which is so unusual in a ski home. The dramatic entry immediately caught my eye.
Of course I fell in love the hand painting on the walls and the beautiful Swedish Mora clock.
Most ski homes are predominately wood and stone, but I loved the lightness of this space. The cathedral ceilings and natural wood floors are enhanced by the pale green painted cabinets and soft yellow painted furniture. Notice the chairs are each embellished with the birth dates of owners and their children. I love the gorgeous natural light streaming into the kitchen area. 
The living room also has incredible light. The blue delft tile fireplace is lovely. Again notice the painted furniture, lace curtains, light upholstery and rugs - so unique for ski house.
I like how designer, Jan Chenault, mixed antiques with reproductions, like this amoire with a mirrored front to disguise the weight of the piece and to reflect light around the room. Very smart!
But my favorite is the Ski Locker Room. I love the paint combination on the ski lockers.
It also looks like the owners names are painted on them in blue. What a wonderful retreat for a lucky family.
(All Photos Mountain Living )
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Did you ever wonder who actually lives in those homes that are shown in the magazines? Or, what happens when the actual owners decide to move? You might recognize this home from an older issue of Better Homes and Gardens. It is located in North Carolina and is currently for sale. I was over at 
Much like America's Norman Rockwell, Larsson became quite famous by depicting the images of everyday life in his artwork. 
I am always intrigued by spaces that were artist studios and have become living spaces or the other way around. Perhaps it's knowing that someone put their heart and soul into creating there or would be trying to create beauty makes the space very romantic to me. I was sent this wonderful little house that was formerly an artist studio and the new owners turned it into a guest cottage.
Named "Openview", because of its spectacular views of the English countryside, this artist studio turned guest cottage is located just outside of London. 
Upon entering you immediately notice the open, airy style and wonderful light. Both indicative of why it was a great artist studio to begin with.
The furnishings are warm and inviting. Danish white soaped floorboards add a wonderful patina and ambiance to the entire space. Notice how a wicker trunk becomes a coffee table and a stack of book a side table. I love the mirror leaning to the right.
In the dining/kitchen area an old church bench is painted white and paired with an old farm table and bench. White paint unifies the non matching collection. You can see how the painted concrete floors tie in seamlessly with the outdoor antique brick patio. I love the series of prints hung behind the bench.
Opposite the table is the kitchen area. Enameled appliances, open shelving and old fashion linen skirting continue the cottage charm.
Here is a closer view. Notice the apron front sink, a must in any cottage kitchen.
If you happen to pick up this months Veranda magazine (this cover is from last March). You will see a write about Tara Shaw's "New Classics". 
As you might recall, famous antique dealer and designer Tara Shaw, launched a line of reproduction pieces that are just stunning called her Maison line.
I own several pieces myself including the Mora Clock, which is a copy of Tara's own clock.
And this lovely little gilded iron table - it sits next to my sweet Swedish chairs in the conservatory.
