'Let's Build a Squadron of Dirigibles in Lenin's Name'

No, I'm not running for office. (And I'm not sure what kind of office one runs for with dirigibles.) In fact, the above slogan was one of the catchiest ones in an exhibit I saw in 2005.

Hosted at the Cantor Arts Center, this was a show of political posters lent by the Hoover Institution. There were wartime exhortations ("Lend your strong right arm to your country"), protests, and Norman Rockwell images, all drawn from the expansive archives.

Now the posters have hit the big time. I mean, the really big time. "Antiques Roadshow."

On May 24 at 8 p.m., the program airing on KQED will focus on Hoover. The episode is described thusly: "Mark L. Walberg and appraiser Nicholas Lowry visit Stanford University's Hoover Institution and its huge collection of political posters to discuss the origins of Uncle Sam."

While there, the "Antiques" folks zero in on a particularly valuable find that has nothing to do with posters. Maybe they got lost in the halls. If so, that was a productive meandering, because they found three Great Basin baskets crafted in Nevada. The "conservative" auction estimate: $60,000-$75,000. Cha-ching!

By the way, you can click here to search the Hoover's database of political posters. Fascinating stuff.

Pictured: The three Great Basin baskets. Photo courtesy of "Antiques Roadshow."

Mark Hampton's Home

 Mark Hampton was one of  America's high profile classic decorator's and his style lives on. Since his death in 1998 his wife, Duane Hampton still lives in the Park Avenue apartment she and Mr. Hampton moved into in 1971. Mr Hampton redecorated the apartment in 1991 and although Mrs. Hampton has made changes much remains in homage to the decorator. I love the feel of this beautifully decorated space. It's sumptuous and elegant. The walls,... decorated with richly patterned wallpaper. The use of color draws the eye and I absolutely love the lavish use of fabric.... this style and space is timeless. 

  Duane Hampton is elegant on this tufted velvet couch.

photos: NY Times

Timeless is the only way to describe this richly decorated space...especially the fabrics.

The use of color adds a muted drama to the dining room.

The silver wallpaper adds the WOW factor.

Once it was decorator Alexa Hampton's bedroom... now Duane Hampton's office.

Known for his numerous water colors, they now fill the kitchen

A classic Mark Hampton Design... still fresh today.

Dream On

Sleep is important. We spend a lot of time in bed. So, why not look good being there?

I love a beautiful upholstered bed. Don't they just make you dream better?  Headboards can be found in most furniture retailers in a number of fabrics...velvet, micro fiber, leather, linen, or simply cotton. If you don't find that special one at retailers like Crate & Barrel or Arhaus Furniture try online bed company John P. Rogers. When you have a specific fabric or room decor in mind you can always go custom. 

Lighting

While searching for lighting for a project I came across these light fixtures and I had to share. They are beautiful, simple and will work just as well in a contemporary or traditional setting.  Let me know which is your favorite...or if you want one for yourself.

The cool nickel finish on this chandelier adds elegance to a neutral living room.

Go for the drama with an antique bronze finish.

 The table lamps are understated but have high impact

Antique brass is always a classic finish

Add this French inspired scone to a long hallway.