Classical Fireplace

Absolutely beautiful. Love it all. The fireplace surround, the antiquarian books, the vintage photograph, the fencing sword. Not sure about not having any andirons or fireplace screen though. via

Bermuda Shutters

I have several windows that could use Bermuda shutters in the summertime. Especially one in my bedroom that gets the late afternoon sun. I wonder how hard it is to find the hardware? I love this old carved marble dog statuary too. via

Lovely Orange Cat Nose

via

My New Microwave Oven

I finally broke down last week and got a microwave after all these years. We have one downstairs but how inconvenient is that to have to run down a flight of steps to use one? So I put mine in the pantry and it worked out ever so much better than I ever thought it could. We have been having healthier meals too -- like a baked sweet potato for lunch. It seems right at home in the pantry too. It wouldn't have been appropriate on any of my kitchen counters. Why did I wait so long?

When you look in the pantry from the kitchen, you don't even know a microwave is hiding just around the left corner.

Door Disguised as a Bookcase

When closed, this door is indistinguishable from the other bookcases that lined the walls -- except for the doorknob. It is the study door of Charles Dickens at his home at Gad's Hill Place. The dummy books contain some humorous titles invented by the author. This was an extremely important room to Dickens that was always kept locked when he was not occupying it and no servants were allowed to enter. More pictures and descriptions of his beloved home here.

A Very Long Book

I adore illustrations by Franco Matticcio. Found here. See a great collection of his artwork here and become a fan too.

Tiger Elephant

Isn't this wonderful? Now he's the King. What good handlers this elephant must have! via

Fabulous Marble and Stone Bathroom

designed by Thomas Hamel and Associates via. So elegant in its simplicity.