Today’s quote got me thinking about the interiors that have shaped my own creative vision and this of course led me to my Grandmother Rita (snapped above by family friend, photographer Lilly Dong). To me, Rita is in so many ways the epitome of grace and chic. Her home on a hilltop overlooking California’s Edna Valley vineyards in my favorite place in all the world. She and my grandfather Buddy renovated the old ranch house and gave it new life. Inside it’s brimming with treasures they collected during their travels around the world—India, France, Russia, Thailand, Nepal… My favorite part about Rita’s decorating is that it’s eclectic—new and old, heirloom and thrift. On top of an antique china cabinet sits an ultra modern artichoke-esque light fixture. The straight edged, mid-century dining table is set off by a mix of antique dining chairs (seats all upholstered by Rita in the same plaid). A pair of wooden wings carved by Tony Duquette hang high on the walls. Much of the art is by Corita Kent, others my Grandmother painted herself. Every room showcases the views of the vineyards. There’s nothing pretentious or stuffy about the place, it’s just full of light and life and oh-so-beautiful things. Below, some photos I snapped on my last visit. Love you Grandma-ma!
An old print of my grandparents on their wedding day. Miss you Grandpa Buddy, this one’s for you.
Oh my, your grandmother is beautiful and her house is absolutely TO DIE FOR! It’s my ideal from the cozy den to the great dining room. Love every bit of it.
Have a great weekend.
Lori
Thank you Lori. You are too sweet. My grandmother will be touched when she reads your kind words! Have a lovely weekend as well!
XXX Kate
Your grandmother has such a charming elegance to her. And her home is divine – something straight out of a magazine. Do you think she’d be willing to take me in? :)
Your grandmother is absolutely gorgeous and I love her home!
What a lovely tribute to your grandparents. Beautiful.
-maria
Thank you ladies! You’re all too sweet. I’m sure she would take us in—nothing like a glass of wine on the back deck at sunset! It’s a plan : )
wow… i had to reread where you said it was your grandparents house.. it looks straight out of a magazine! your grandma is so classicly chic too.. want to meet her!! next time i go for a visit i’m going to have have to do the same thing.. i absolutely draw from my grandma’s style..
Your grandmother is so glamorous! She has impecable taste in her home (and in men, Grandpa Buddy looked a cutie!). I love that you took photos of her home and I thank you for sharing such beauty. I love the gilt edged mirror above the chest of drawers and I love the cross stitched cat cushion, did she make it herself?
That print of your grandparents wedding day is so beautiful! What a special keepsake.
Your grandmother reminds me of my (awesome and classy) great-aunt.
Her house is so pretty and I love the view! It looks very peaceful.
The Tony Duquette wings are heavenly. I also love picture 5 with the splash of green on the wall.
Lovely picture I love old phtots they have such charm… Following for sure. And thank you for your comments.
Wow, I can definitely see how she influenced your style and taste! And why her home is your very favorite place. Gorgeous.
Absolutely lovely and inspiring. Thanks Grandmother Rita!
Gor-geous!
I love those carved wings. Kate, tell me about the two all-green pieces of art in the living room. I’m curious.
Your Grandma is so chic! What a beautiful home :)
Thanks for stopping by the blog! This is a fantastic post, very well done. You’re grandmother looks like one of those eternally stylish people I hope to grow up as. What a beautiful shot of their wedding.
What a beautiful post. I just adore her home. And I love that portrait of her, she looks so graceful.
What a charming post. Thanks for sharing with us.
brilliant!
rita kicks ASS!!!!!!
Thanks for the sweet comments on my blog!
Wow – what a beautiful house!! It sounds like you were fortunate to have 2 wonderful and interesting grandmothers, and your grandmother Rita’s house is certainly inspirational!! I love the mis-matched chairs, and the views are just to die-for.
Love your blog! Count me in as a Neo-Traditionalist!
Your grandmother oozes style and is incredibly gorgeous to boot! I want to be just like her when I grow up.
P.S. I love Edna Valley wine.
P.P.S. Would you think it terribly odd if I post her picture on my blog?
Joanna — I’m sure Rita would be flattered if you posted her picture — you are too cute. Post away! I’m not sure if she’s left for her month in Egypt yet—if not, I’ll have to tell her she’s internet famous! XO
I want to be a Grandmother just like that – smart and stylish.
pve