2006 Mansion in May

What a thrill to be chosen to participate in 3 Mansions! The Women's Association of Morristown Memorial Hospital, sponsors a Decorator Show House every 2 or 3 years to benefit the Hospital. All of the Designers and artists chosen donate their time and creativity to the cause. Not to say we don't have some fun along the way! I Designed this "Under The Sea" Bathroom utilizing the existing 1960 fixtures. That is why my Snorkeler has on a little yellow polka dot bikini. I enlisted a lot of help in this project. Leigh Bollinger, a spectacular Interior Designer, helped me with all the creative aspects, from the sand in the tub , the window treatments, to the "driftwood" beneath the sink. Her Son, Bryan, fabricated the cornice and Radiator cover. While my daughter, Amy assisted me by painting Seashells! The floor is made up of hand painted tumbled marble tiles. The Artist who painted them, and was responsible for their installation, is Annette DeMetro. The Under Water Murals around the room were all me. It was a real collaboration, which we have received some great Press from.

2003 Mansion in May

When I was invited to submit a design for the 2003 Mansion in May Show House, I immediately thought of Dawn Mullins , a Friend of mine who is an extraordinary Interior Designer. We came up with the idea of "A Yankee Doodle Dandy Room". The Mansion is located at Jockey Hollow National Park, in Morristown, NJ. We thought that it would be fun for me to paint Murals of the surrounding Encampment of Washingtons Continental Army , during the harsh winter of 1779. Dawn designed the fabulous window seat, chose the furniture from Ethan Allen, all the bedding and accesories. I had fun researching the different uniforms that the Army wore, and also created faux wainscoting. But my biggest challenge, was painting the Trompe L'Oeil Patriotic Bunting, that encircles the room. We were later rewarded by having pictures of this room published in some Newspapers and in the Design NJ Magazine. You must click on the photos to see all the detail!

2001 Mansion in May

In 2001 I was approached by an Interior Designer to help her Decorate a room in The Mansion in May. This room was called, A Naturalists Study. I have since displayed my panels in my own home and studio. The Door panel, photographed in my back yard is usually on the door to my studio. Both pieces are acrylic on Luann. To see the detail in these works click on the pictures for a larger image.

Trompe L'Oeil Grisaille Fountains with a splash of Color!

One of my favorite clients faced a dilemma when a peculiar door was cut into the wall next to her bed. Well, feeling just like family, I jumped right in, painting the faux fountain on both sides of the bed. Although, technically not a Grisaille, I like to think of the fountains monochromatic feel, as one. Of course, that was before I added the water.

Blue Grisaille Tray Ceiling

Although stretching the definition, this Monochromatic Grisaille, mimics the pattern on the Bathroom Tile, while adding interest to the tray ceiling. A soft glaze finish was applied to the walls.

What a View from the Jacuzzi Tub!

Now this is the Life! Sitting in your Jacuzzi Tub, watching the swans. I used Trompe L'oeil devises to create the illusion that the arches, columns and tiles are real. I matched the patterns in my faux tiles to the existing ones, helping to support the illusion.

Bridge Company Mural on Canvas

I painted this Montage Mural on canvas so that the Acrow Bridge Company could move it, if they change Office location. Different important Contracts are Depicted. For example A ramp leading out of the World Trade Center was erected by this company. The painting illustrates a scene from a ceremony removing the last beam draped in a flag, on the back of a flat bed. Other Scenes involve relief efforts for the UN , Pedestrian Bridges, and Dam Construction.

A Boys View from A Train

Damien Rocks! This bedroom was so much fun to do, and what a challenge! The idea is to feel as if you are inside a railroad car looking out. Damian's personal items are stowed above the windows, like his School Backpack, his baseball bat and glove. His Mom's Guitar is hanging from the luggage rack, and he can see the deer that graze on his lawn. His parents cars are on the road, a view of Giants Stadium, the NY skyline and his name is painted in lights on a blimp! Could he ask for more?

African Savannah

What little boy wouldn't want to wake up in an African Savannah! One of my favorite little boys, Paulie, pretends he just climbed out of his jeep to take a closer look at the lion cub in the tree, and the hippos in the lake. You can get a better look by clicking on the photos to enlarge them.

Sleeping with Dogwoods

I much prefer a freestyle form of a border, to a stenciled frieze, along the ceiling line. In this Young Woman's room I was able to pick up the Flowering Dogwoods from her Upholstered chair and bedding. If you click on the photos it will enlarge them, giving you a much better look at the details.

Just Enough for a Teen!

Often, just the quickest, most graphic touch will enhance a teens bedroom. In both these rooms, I had an Intern, Vicky, from a local University, assist me. Vicky helped in a lot of other rooms as well! We used a pearlescent paint to print out the phrase in the pink bedroom. Just by pulling out graphic flowers from a bedspread, we were able to create a splash in another girls room.

Another Country Nursery

Using the Striped Faux Wainscoting, again, I was able to match the bedding, curtains and rug in this Nursery, and the proud parents kindly e-mailed me pictures after the room was all put together.

Farmers Nursery!

Quite an interesting turn-around, Painting the blue sky around the white background to make the clouds in this corner mural.