Bedroom

The magical things that can be created with paint effects!

April 23, 2013 By // by Penelope Bianchi 9 Comments

Sometimes people ask me about “faux” wall finishes.

The walls in our house are not “faux” anything! They are lime washed.

Lime (which is mined out of the ground); is mixed with natural pigments also mined out of the ground in Roussillon, France

in a way it has been done all over Europe for hundreds of years!

The lime is a natural insect repellent; and this kind of “paint” lets the mortar in old stone and brick houses “breathe”.

(A friend who has an historic plantation near New Orleans had some serious damage done to her

outbuildings by a movie studio painting with modern paints!)

I absolutely love murals; and am so lucky to have this one in our powder room. The animals all around our property

are represented; it makes me happy every time I peek in there! We always leave the light on, as there is no window!

(Done by Zoe Designs from Massachusetts; Brooke and Lena)

There is our rooster!

Often, ceilings are ignored and neglected. I love pale blue ceilings , and use them in much of my work!

It reminds me of the sky! This is pale blue lime wash in the powder room!

This delightful deer I haven’t seen; but she may be out there!

We had peacocks for a while! They “ran away from home”!

This is in our master bathroom; over a bathtub. From the tub; I can see the sky and the pale blue ceiling!

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A lovely post by a fellow designer!

December 13, 2012 By // by Penelope Bianchi 20 Comments

Yesterday, I was stunned when I received a post by my new friend, Julie of TG Interiors!

She wrote me to ask if she could speak to me about how I started my career;

and she wanted to see if had had advice for young people

thinking about a design career!

She lives nearby, and I invited her to lunch and we spent a nice afternoon chatting about our business!

I was so touched, I cannot tell you by this beautiful and generous post!

I was touched, and thrilled and surprised! You will see why!

Thank you , Julie, from the bottom of my heart!

Here is the link:

http://tginteriors.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-day-with-penelope-biancha.html

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The most beautiful thing about blogs!! Just wait till you hear!

November 19, 2012 By // by Penelope Bianchi 43 Comments

Hi my friends and followers! And thank you to the new followers……..I am struggling and my assistant is helping!

By the way; I am working on the second edition of “during” with the Monterey Colonial! I have a new assistant……I don’t know how to blog pictures well..

..blah blah blah! I’ll get there! I hope you can be patient!

I decided to “interrupt the program” with this, a truly heartwarming story !

And I think YOU ALL will have feelings about it!!

Background: After being in business for 17 years; I was first “published” (every decorator’s dream! I think!)

Perhaps not; but it’s always been mine! (not to be “famous”…but, to be able to inspire others to surround themselves with beauty!)

And to help show them how!! I started in 1970!

(decorating; not blogging! I am not Bill Gates..just so you know!)

The first time I was published was in 1987; in a one-issue magazine called “Tiffany Magazine”

It was published once……and it never hit the newsstands……it was an celebration of 100 years of Tiffany’s;

and it was given away at numerous fund-raisers all over the country!

I almost died of excitement! Beautifully photographed…….(I have no idea how they found me!! And our house in Pasadena!)

Second time was for a TV show! “Dream Living” about “people who live in their “dream houses”!!

(Lord have mercy….it is still on some channels…once a month I get a message…..or speak to an old friend…….

“Yikes! I was in this hotel surfing the channels and there you are leading a tour through your house in Pasadena!”

How funny is that!?

Yikes!! My goal achieved! “timeless decorating”! That is my philosophy !

Next time was 2002; in Traditional Home magazine! Be still my heart!

I was so excited I couldn’t stand it! I had heart palpitations on the way to the mailbox .

My new friend Bonnie walked into our brand-new house; and exclaimed……….THIS HAS TO BE PHOTGRAPHED RIGHT AWAY!”

And back she came the next morning with her camera!

She was (unbeknownst to me; a “scout” for Traditional Home”!)

As excited as I was; the magazine articles used to go into the stratosphere!

The only feedback (and believe me I don’t mean “only” in a negative way)

was a “letter to the editor” the following month.(they post very few, understandably; this letter to the editor is still one of my “peak experiences”!)

It said, (or something like it)! ” I enjoyed seeing the house that Mrs. Bianchi designed and built in Santa Barbara;

and I especially loved to see how Mrs. Bianchi used the furniture from her former house in the one that she just built.”

I don’t have that exactly right..but you get it! 15 years after being “published” in a small (yes, rarefied) magazine;

15 years later this lady in Maine is loving my way of reusing!!!??!! (it is my religion!) my “things”!

I had to go find a copy of “Tiffany” magazine to see the pieces she was talking about! (I asked for 20 copies; I just had to find them in my house!)

Yikes! I can’t even describe how happy that made me!

The feedback that showed one decorator learned something so important and elemental to me! Honestly; maybe I am easy to get excited…….

but that was a major milestone to me! “Use what you have!” Good Grief!

And that is the only feedback from several magazines I was featured in subsequently (the thrill never diminishes!; by the way)!

In the “olden days” when any of us were published;

it just went out into the “ether”!! I adored it; but none of us had really any idea

who read what or who liked what……or any of that!

The internet; as we all know, has changed our lives and our businesses profoundly !

Tonight I received an email! And here it is!

I was choked up with tears in my eyes! Totally wonderful for me and all of you; in every way!

Look what happens! Astonishing!

“Hi Penelope,

I just read your sweet reply regarding my name, Poppy, at Tone on Tone, Loi Thai’s wonderful blog. I was so moved by your lovely words that I clicked onto your name and your blogger profile came up. As soon as I saw ‘interior decorator’ and ‘Montecito’, I recognized you from a magazine article featuring your beautiful home that I had bookmarked in one of my decorating magazines! I clicked onto your web page and then onto ‘Press’ and, lo and behold, it all came back to me! Your gorgeous home and impeccable style were the first things that inspired me in the job of designing our first country home, here on the island of Crete, way back in 2002.

Today, ten(!) years later, to have been noticed, albeit because of my name, here in blog land, by the person who influenced my design style, is truly serendipitous!

I am a Greek Canadian living in the Cretan countryside, and I have been writing about my home in the village since May of this year on my blog: www.poppyview.blogspot.com. Interestingly, your name is derived from the great Penelope, wife of the hero, Odysseus, who is known for her faithfulness and feminine virtue, in Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey. In my case, my lovely daughter nicknamed me Poppy (after the flower’s delicate quality and colour), a long time ago and friends and family picked it up immediately; it was the most natural thing!

It was a pleasure to ‘meet’ you! I still can’t believe my luck!

Hope you’ll drop by Poppy View sometime, and have a look around.

Sincerely,

Poppy”

Now it is me, Penelope again!

Can you wrap your mind around this?

Exquisite and heartwarming and soul-feeding; and words fail me!

(Whenever that happens…….I say “YOWZERS!!!”)

I cannot imagine anything (except from my family) moving me the way this did!

I was almost breaking into tears standing in line for popcorn at the movies! I bailed…tears streaming down my face! (no popcorn for me!)!

Honestly; one of the most meaningful and soul-strengthening things I have ever received!

And I am sure you all know why!

Sheesh!

I hope you all understand that there is no “bragging” going on here! (I do not mean to “brag”)

It is just “MAJOR” to me that I, (completely unknowingly), helped a woman build the house of “her dreams” on Crete! in 2002! Because of the article she read

(and SAVED) for 10 years!

She thinks SHE is excited! I haven’t even answered her yet!

I have to go to sleep first! I am way too filled with emotion!

I am posting this before I even go see her new blog ! (I think I am new, and I am, but she started in May this is just this last May!)

How lovely of her to send me this incredible feedback.

Thank you Tone on Tone; (for having such a great blog that people in Crete are reading your beautiful ideas!!) That is a wonder in itself!

and thank you for publishing my comment……

thank you Brooke…..”Velvet and Linen”..without you I would not have a website…..and this thrilling thing could never have happened..

Thank you , you wonderful woman.

And thank you all my subscribers!

If I knew how; I would send you all a personal thank-you note!

I will learn how; but until then, please know I get so excited every time I get an email…new subscriber!

I will get back into the swing of things as soon as possible!

Penelope

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Thank YouT&G Interiors !!!! for such lovely compliments!

April 7, 2012 By // by Penelope Bianchi 11 Comments

Here or click on the image above

Thank YouT&G Interiors !!!! for such lovely compliments!Read More

Corsica, Villa Murtoli

October 23, 2011 By // by Penelope Bianchi 4 Comments

This post was originally written in Jun of 2011, but has been revised just for you!

“Like nowhere else on Earth”

This is a perfect way to describe the luxury villas at Villa Murtoli on the island of Corsica. I have dreams of visiting this place, strolling the beaches and meandering through the rolling hills and countryside. As you will see in the photos below, this rambling property is a true work of art, and an exquisite example of architecture being preserved over time and made into something unique and enchanting.

There are 12 buildings that make up the Villa Murtoli and each can accommodate anywhere from 2-14 people. Many feature their own swimming pool and are set apart on different parts of the property.

Pictured above is a shot of the beautiful cove, where several of the cottages are located. I could just dive into the crystal clear water!!

The houses are all former sheepfolds, or shepherds houses. All are built of stone and date back to the 17th century. They retain warmth in the winter and provide protection from the heat in the warm summer months. I love the large stones placed on top of the terracotta roof tiles in the picture above.

Villa Murtoli features some of the most beautiful pools I have ever seen! Some are built directly into the rock and feature views to the ocean and the rolling hills below. I could definitely spend some time relaxing here!

Another picture of the cove, a private beach belonging to the Villa Murtoli. The beach is equipped with a open air bar and a massage area. I love the thatched umbrellas!!

Here is one of the larger buildings , able to sleep 14 (family vacation, yes please!!). It features this amazing pool as well as a outdoor dining area built directly into a natural grotto.

I don’t think this view could get much better! Leisure activities at Murtoli include: a spa, horse riding, hunting, fishing, and hiking. I think I would do just fine with sitting by the pool and admiring the view!

Above is a shot of an interior sitting room. The design of Murtoli is simple and understated, keeping with the architecture of the sheepfolds. Some of the exquisite materials used in building these sheepfolds include: hundreds of years old dry stone walls and tile roofs, adobe bricks, terracotta floors, antique oak floorboards.

The property has been working as a boutique hotel since 1994, when the owner inherited the ranch and renovated the sheepfolds, bringing them up to date and habitable for people on vacations; instead of shepherds and their sheep. It is still a working farm as well, and guest can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetable as well as see livestock roaming the valleys.

Here the pool is built directly into the stone, Amazing!

A simple bedroom, I love the old brick in the archway and how they used paint as a simple wainscot effect.So simple and elegant!

This cute little sheepfold is perfect for two! It has plants growing on the roof, how charming and lovely; and a way to keep cool! Very energy efficient!

One of the larger properties, this villa is set in the Maquis, or mountainous area of the ranch. Corsica has many “micro-climates” it is almost as if you go to 10 countries all contained on one island! And each season has wonderful things to offer! There doesn’t seem to be one “better” than the others! Just different!

another of the former sheepfolds with a fireplace in the bedroom. The taste level is beyond!!!

Please click here to visit the website of Villa Murtoli. The images alone will take your breath away, and if planning a vacation in the near future, keep this in mind! I know I will be recommending this to all my friends, and hopefully visiting the crystal blue cove soon myself!

Bon Voyage!

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Picks of the Week! Round 2! Thanks to "Pinterest"!!!

October 4, 2011 By // by Penelope Bianchi 22 Comments

Well, I have a new addiction that involves the internet.

Oh dear! “Pinterest”!!! It is a genius idea! One can see a sublime picture on a post or blog or magazine, or whatever, and you can “pin it” just like that! And that is saved on your “inboard with its information of where it came from! And people can follow you if they like the same things you do!

I haven’t figured out how to put the photo information on my blog , but I will! You can go to my “Pinterest page” and find it there; but my next “Favorites”, I will be posting the credit!

I try to do the right thing by the photographers and bloggers who provide such delectable images! I just have to learn!

I will begin!!!I hope you enjoy my picks!

Above is one of the most beautiful canopy beds I have seen! There is so much attention to detail !

The fabric on the canopy is embroidered “Chelsea Editions” and it is on a hard valance with wonderful trim!

And the lining is divine as well!

The coverlet folded at the bottom is also Chelsea; and with the antique tapestry pillow….just heaven!

The bedroom itself is lovely; note the faux painted paneling on the fireplace wall. Very subtle and pretty.

Also note the slightly “tattered” rugs on the neutral carpeting. I love old worn rugs. (Even on their “last legs”!)

Patina!

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House Beautiful

May 2, 2011 By // by Penelope Bianchi Leave a Comment

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House Beautiful Sept. Interview – Mediterranean Style Home with a Well-Worn Patina

April 17, 2011 By // by Penelope Bianchi 23 Comments

Mimi Read: Your house is filled with collections. Are you a Victorian at heart?

Penelope Bianchi: I don’t think of myself that way. I’ve been a decorator for 39 years, and I never believed in any kind of a trend. My husband and I inherited about half of what’s here. A lot of it is from my mother. She collected antiques in the ’50s with basically grocery money. Everyone was getting rid of them and buying Danish modern. The rest of this stuff I found over the years. I have no idea what some of it even is — I just buy things that move me.

What moves you most?

Patina. I even use old fabrics. I’m crazy for antique toile. The one on our bed is an 18th-century toile that shows George Washington and two cheetahs being led to the Temple of Fame. It cost $140 and it’s the best thing I ever found on eBay. A professor friend is horrified that I keep it on my bed. He thinks it should be in a museum.

Tell me the story of the house. It has a picturesque Mediterranean look. The way you’ve arranged furniture seems European. And it’s both formal and rustic at once, isn’t it?

We built it 12 years ago. We had been living in Pasadena, where I grew up, but we were looking for a house in Santa Barbara. My friend, a real estate agent, showed up one day and said, “We’re looking at a vacant lot in Montecito today.” It was two and a half acres of nothing, only a few trees. But she pointed and said, “Over there is a 45-acre nature preserve with a huge grove of eucalyptus trees and millions of monarch butterflies. On the other side is a 45-acre estate.” Then she looked me in the eye and said, “And there are deer in there.”

You’re an animal lover? And she took advantage?

Oh, completely! She’s known me since high school. I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. We bought the land and decided to build a rustic Provençal farm — everything about the site felt like Provence to me. Then we went to the real Provence to get inspired.

What did you do there?

I probably took 200 photographs of doorknobs, chimneys, doorways, rooftops, shutters, and slipcovers. In all the small hotels where we stayed, I kept asking about all the incredible walls and learned about lime-washing.

What color are your exterior walls? They’re so faded and romantic.

It’s called pink ocher. It’s a pale pink with a bit of yellow in it. The pigments were mined out of the ground in Roussillon. They have little shops there that sell them by the one-pound bag. I bought all the bags in two shops and had them sent home. We put the pigment in the stucco and lime-washed it.

And inside?

We put a coat of plaster on the walls and left it unprimed and untreated. Then everything got a coat of lime wash mixed with the same natural pigments in various amounts. I contend there’s a difference between artificial and natural pigments. Natural ones are more beautiful.

What’s that vine rambling all over the house and trailing over your loggia?

Virginia creeper. It comes in pots on sticks — I bought 200. If you take the vine off the stick and Scotch-tape it to the wall, it will cover the house eight times faster. People think vines hurt the stucco, but deciduous vines do not. This one is always turning colors, and in winter, it’s just tracery with no leaves. Right now, I’m trying to train it to come inside the house. Did you know that Rose Tarlow has vines growing in her living room? You have to dodge the tendrils. I love that.

Hey, you’ve got interesting chickens! I hate to inform you, but raising fancy chickens is officially a hipster trend. Susan Orlean even wrote about it in The New Yorker.

I guess Martha Stewart started it. Mine are Mille Fleur bantam chickens. They’re just so beautiful, with feathers on their feet! I had them sent to me in a taxi from San Diego.

Your loggia seems like the essence of Santa Barbara living.

That’s where I am 90 percent of the time, on that little sofa reading or at the stone table, where we have breakfast and lunch. If for some reason I can’t be out there, I’m in those red chairs in front of the fireplace. They used to be slipcovered in antique paisley shawls, but the cats shredded them. Now they’re in old French toile. I got a whole bolt of it in an antiques store in France.

What do you love best about your home?

The landscaping. Every single thing we planted to attract wildlife. We have all kinds of animals coming around — raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, rabbits. And boy, do we have birds. When the woman who wrote The Birds of Santa Barbara was here for a nature benefit, she counted 78 species in two hours. I’ve counted 130 species by their sounds. I got this new iPhone app about bird-watching, and an oriole landed on my hat as I was playing its song.