Three Ways to Give the Gift of Beauty

this Christmas...

 

e Linda Applewhite's Architectural Interiors

e Linda's Over-the-Top Pillows

e Appleglow Candles

Linda Applewhite's Architectural Interiors

To order a copy of the book with

the inscription of your choice

directly from Linda, click here.

 

Uninscribed copies are available at

bookstores everywhere, and online.


A personally inscribed copy of Linda's book, now in its second printing, is the perfect gift for someone on your shopping list who is decorating or remodeling a home, or simply appreciates good design.

If you have your own copy, you already know what Linda Applewhite's Architectural Interiors has to offer, and here's what others had to say:

The Los Angeles Times:  Applewhite wrote this book... to show owners of more modest homes how to get that high-end effect without a total tear-down. This book could be an eye-opener for those willing to explore the fascinating possibilities she presents. What it amounts to is adding character and elegance that looks as if it were built in.

 

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer:  The tale of [her home's] transformation is the back story of this book, in which Applewhite tells about a structure's "good bones" and how, with assistance from the temporal side of life, its "soul" can be revealed. Applewhite's book, however, is not just about [her own home] but aims to boost the possibilities available to readers hoping to etherealize all those other Ugly Ducklings. 

 

The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat:  The stellar woman of design, whose animated face is familiar to HGTV fans for her work on "Sensible Chic" and "Curb Appeal," says even the dullest old tract house can be retrofitted with elements that will make it look positively custom. And to prove her point, she's come out with a new book, "Architectural Interiors", that shows how to create character in a home -- whether it's a brand-new custom house or an ugly "rancher."


BRAND NEW ON OUR WEBSITE:

Linda's New Line of "Over-the-Top" Pillows

is Now Available!

Linda calls it her “Over-the-Top-Pillow-Line,” not only because they are her most intricate designs yet - each one comprising layer upon layer of her favorite fabrics and trims - but also because she uses pillows to give the final bit of panache to her rooms by placing them “over the top” of the rest of the decor.

 

Every “Over the Top” pillow was designed by Linda personally, exactly as she designs them for her clients. She hand selects the finest fabrics and trims, then works with artist Laurie Soldmann to create ruffled flanges, pleated ribbon edges, contrasting borders and layered center medallions in combinations coordinated to pull together the colors and textures in your rooms. Each pillow is a piece of art, sewn right here in Northern California with impeccable workmanship far superior to anything you will find in a retail store at any price.

 

Since our “Design in the Desert” seminar in September, where most of the pillows sold out, Linda and Laurie have been busy adding new pillows to the line, and they are now available in our online store.

Master Bedroom Pillows

 Linda's four-poster bed at Casita Alegria shows off her new "Boca Roca" triple-striped accent pillow.

Applewhite Pillow Grouping

The new line is designed to use in any combination.

Above, two "Va-Va-Va-Voom Vortex" pillows sit behind a "Fanciful Fitzgerald" to add a punch of color to a lemony-yellow sofa.

Three Top of the Line Pillows

Grouped together in a cozy corner are

“Gutsy Gulliver A” (rear),

“Va-Va-Va-Voom Vortex C” (left), and

“Mighty Malabar A” (right).


Applewhite Pillow Corner Detail

Over-the-Top quality and impeccable workmanship

go into every detail, from ruffled flanges

and pleated ribbon edges to the placement of

imported ball trim in the corners.


 

LINDA'S MAIL BAG: HOLIDAY FAQs

Q: Can I still get Appleglow candles in time for the holiday?

A: Yes, but please call us (415 331 2040) or order from the online store right away, since shipping times increase every day. Appleglow candles come wrapped in cellophane with a pretty bow, ready to give as a last-minute gift that doesn't look last-minute. They also make a thoughtful and exquisite gift to bring when you are invited to someone's home.

Q: Can you please talk about how you achieved the lavish yet natural look in your decoration of the Wine Country home featured in Traditional Home Magazine (2003)? It is just gorgeous, without looking overdone.

A: My philosophy about holiday decorating, whether extravagant or simple, follows one primary rule: use nature as much as possible to embellish articles already in your home. Instead of shopping the crowded malls and pricey catalogs for more things to buy, start by taking a look around your home. Select subjects that lend themselves to embellishment such as tabletops, candlesticks, art objects, chandeliers, sconces... anything that fires your imagination. Then look to nature and your crafts box to add color, texture, sparkle, glitter and glow. Add a big bow to a spray of lush greens on the mantel... scatter colorful berries, seeds and flowers over pine cones in a lovely bowl... hang glittery balls or sparkling garland to a chandelier... be creative and take pride in your beautiful holiday home.

Holiday Table with Candles

Q: I would love to use candles to add "glow" to my holiday table, but after I set the table and place the flowers, I have no room left!

A: Combine your flowers with your candles (carefully, of course!). A candle holder such as the one in the photo - or any container that has some height - serves double duty by holding greens and a beautiful candle. Plant material can be hot-glued to a base, or stuck into a piece of floral foam (called oasis), taking up the same amount of space as a a single vase would. This works particularly well with my Appleglow candles, since you need only one or two to create a major GLOW on the table.

 

Holiday Stairs

Q: What is the name of the long, droopy greens you used on the iron stairway in the kitchen that was in Traditional Home Magazine (December 2003)? I can't find them in any of the stores.

A: The official name is Araucaria Columnaris, sometimes commonly called Norfolk Island Pine, Cook Island Pine, or Monkey Puzzle Tree.  The species is native to the South Pacific Islands and frequently found in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and California. Have fun decorating with this dramatic and unusual gift from nature! 

 


 Warm and Wonderful Winter Wishes

from all of us at

Linda Applewhite & Associates

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