a precious galley kitchen

Just finished styling and shooting a wonderful home.

 

 

Here is a sneak peek at the absolutely adorable galley kitchen!

 

Can you tell we are in a beach front home...?

 

Sea shells had a strong influence on the styling...

 

...it's all in the details.

From the beautiful pottery mug to the scalloped shell silver tea spoon to the delicate madeleines.

 

It's a wrap!

 

I hope you enjoyed it.

 

Now I'm off to my next project...

 

 

Never Forget...

 

Today is a day to remember those who died in the attacks of September 11th...

Today is a day to pray for those who lost loved ones...

Today is a day to remember those soldiers who bravely fought and still fight for this country...

Today is a day to pray for military families who have lost a precious family member...

Today is a day to be thankful for the freedoms we all hold so dear.

 

 

In the words of Rudolph W. Giuliani on December 31, 2001

 

The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom.

 

Today is a day for hope.

But most of all...

Today is a day we should never forget.

 

May God Bless you and May God Bless America.

 

 

THE END OF SUMMER SALE

 

www.surroundingsbymelinda.com

 

Site-wide sale begins today.

Many items have been drastically reduced.

Take a peek, you just might find something you can't live without!

 

This gorgeous beach bag is now only $28

click on the image for details...

 

 Remember...when you order $50 or more the shipping is FREE!

 

We will ship anywhere in the contiguous 48 states.

If you live elsewhere please call the shop for shipping rates. 239.579.0409

 

Thanks for your friendship and support!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

just because...

No words, no thoughts, no rhyme nor reason...

sometimes things are beautiful...

...well, just because!

a work in progress...

My design aesthetic is pretty obvious...at least on the surface.

I am surrounded with a neutral palette

and I adore china, primarily crazed Ironstone, tattered linens, weathered garden treasures and a hint of industrial charm. There is also a strong presence of Asian inspiration...

Somehow it all meshes together to create...

...a serene quiet elegance.

When asked how I define my personal style my answer is simple...

I don't define it I enjoy it!

Here's to never defining personal style

and allowing it to be a work in progress.

rainy day...

This has been a lazy Sunday, the clouds are lying low and steadily raining down upon the island. This is so unusual for Sanibel...

and I love it!

It is the perfect day to stay inside

and fulfill my domestic duties...

it's laundry day!

I love washing my collection of vintage pillows.

They need extra special care to preserve their

incredibly delicate beauty...

...but it's well worth the effort!

Some are made of vintage tablecloths and quilts...

...some are crochet

...and matelasse

...while others are embellished with doilies and embroidery.

Each one has a story...I even made a few on TV for an episode

of Home Matters on the Discovery Channel!

Even the tiniest little pillow gets my full attention.

This itty bitty candlewicked seashell pillow is precious.

I adore them all from big to small...

...but this beauty stole my heart!

If you would like to add to your vintage pillow collection,

take a peek at what treasures are awaiting you on my website...

click on image below to see vintage linens for sale

The rain has subsided

and the sun is now peeking through the windows.

My beautiful pillows are aglow!

I am so spoiled by the constant streaming sunshine that warms our little island. It makes rainy days so very special.

I hope you had a special day today...no matter the weather.

collecting...

Well, here's the article about displaying special collections

(not hoarding) as featured by...

Vintage Living Magazine

click image to read the article

To add to your hoard...I mean "collection"...

please check out the special items at

Surroundings by Melinda

Thanks for visiting...and thanks for your support!

a little preview...

I just finished a story for Vintage Living Magazine...

here is a sneak peek.

Can you guess what the article is about...?

No...the answer isn't HOARDING (but that is a good guess)!

I'll be sure to let you know when the article is posted...

stay tuned.

pearls of wisdom...

Do you ever have days when you could use a little encouragement..?

I sure do.

Today was spent as many days around here are often spent...in search of inspiration. As I was downloading images for an upcoming shoot, this photo stood out.

Pearls.

Sometimes I need encouragement along with inspiration. I began reflecting on pearls of wisdom that have brought me strength. I wish I could remember all the words that have carried me through the years. I may not remember them all, but I wear a long strand comprised of many quotes, both infamous and anonymous, as well as kind words from those I love.

Here is one I would like to share...

THE TIDE

The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand.

The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land.

The music stops, yet echoes on in sweet, soulful refrains.

For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.

Author: Unknown

I love pearls of wisdom.

Some are gentle and poetic and others are blunt and direct. I am so very grateful to have a long beautiful strand.

Always look for strength, encouragement and inspiration...

then be sure to pass it along.