If you haven’t guessed by now…I’ve been showing you
photos from Lillian Williams’s Louis XV chateau in Normandy…
photographed by Fritz von der Schulenburg and featured in
World of Interiors in April of 1994…
Lillian restored the chateau, reproducing 18th century fabrics
such as “Quinconce” above, that was based on a Ikat like fabric
indigenous to Normandy. Lillian lent many of her antique
fabrics to textile companies for reproduction before, unhappy
with less faithful editing, she created her own…
These Walker Zanger “Contessa Damask” tiles
have been so appealing to me…
Though I’m normally not big on pattern…
I’m just drawn to their charming exuberance!
Have been considering how I could weave
them into my more staid decor…
In Lillian Williams’s Swedish style bedroom…
A Laura Ashley sprig fabric on the polonaise and chair.
Lillian painted many walls herself with free form whimsical designs
drawn from surviving antique screens found in the chateau…
Another free-form wall painted by Lillian…
Her painting tip “If you’re not fast it doesn’t work…
the minute it gets refined it loses its charm”
I used to love dropping into Lillian’s shop in San Francisco La Ville du Soleil
back in the 80’s…a complete wonderland for the Francophile…
Another shop in New York was called La Vie de Chateâu…
Her passion for 18th century France is carried through in the
world she spins in her homes in Normandy and Provence…
down to the details that she carries through herself…
I’m inspired by someone who lives her passion…
engaging herself even in the small details.
Sometimes its the little details…the little
finds…and the times we roll up our sleeves to
hi Trish
Love the boudoir and the tiles
happy new year fay xx
This post takes me directly to heaven. I can only imagine the adventures that this lady had in learning, buying and creating. What an extremely gifted person. I have loved these posts–thank you so much for starting my year off right. Happy New Year!
Mary
Trish,
I love the tiles and the rooms Lillian painted herself…unexpected whimsy in such a grand setting. So refreshing and fun.
Karen
Total patience to do that kind of painting!
I agree- I love it when someone is passionate about what they do. You can just tell that they can’t wait to get up in the mornings and return to it. The secret is to have a job like that- then you never have to go to “work”!
Happy New Year, Trish! May this be the year that we meet!
-Ann
Splendidly beautiful, Trish. I have a collection of antique blue & white and over the years I’ve grown to love it more & more. Happy New Year, my friend! To 2011 !!
Love this!
Just love the painting on the walls – have done a little of that myself and know how liberating and exciting it is. Isn’t it funny how Laura Ashley remains so immediately recognisable, even out of context?
A very Happy New Year to you Trish, can’t wait to see what goodies you’re going to show us in 2011
Sharon
All absolutely beautiful images!!!
Trish, my heart and mind are racing! How simply inspirational and affirming this post is to all of us who do things ourselves, albeit not with all that gifted talent. I love the fact that this is from an article from 1994. Again testament to the fact that great design and treasured objects of good taste endure. Thank you , Happy New Year and
and every blessing for you and your family, Nella XO
Hi Trish,
most of all I’d like to wish you a Happy New Year.
Thanks for all the great inspirations during this year…passion for creating is often the key to a splendid result, even if takes a little longer. I think you’ve found the key!
I received my Bella Notte Linen just in time for Christmas, really beautiful. I chose the Whisper.
The pond is halfway done, we are awaiting spring to complete it. Right now we are covered in snow and the cold is persistent.
I guess Lillian Williams’s store in SF is no more?
I’d love some great suggestions for antiques and fleamarkets in the area, I’ll be visiting late Jan for a week!
Xo,
Ingela
Fabulous! Love the blue & white painted wall with all the B&W china. I agree with Nella, Great design is never dated.
Happy New year to you and thanks for all the lovely posts.
This post takes my breath away! And I also agree with Nella, good taste endures.
I think what you say you admire in others, that one lives one’s passion, is what we admire in you. Endlessly fascinated by what it is that sets people alive, that makes their eyes dance and their days too short. Wishing you a new year of delights in your home, your garden and your family.
I am obsessed with this house!!! Just gorgeous!!!
Thank you for this inspiration — I am ready to jump up and gild the lily that is my home, sans worrying about rules and based on intuition and feeling.
This is a fabulous look at elequance and fun. Love the paint on the wall.