Tradition continues at the Swan Coach House

This is a story about two little girls, 

their mothers and how a tradition was born.

(Courtenay and Anslee)

When these two little fashionistas were very young,

(back in the early '70's) 

their mothers would dress them up 

and take them to Atlanta.

One of their favorite places to dine, was the

Swan Coach House. 

Good table manners were learned 

here at lunchtime. 

The Swan Coach House was established in 1965. 

A group of extraordinary women established 

the Forward Arts Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia.

Their steadfast mission to promote and support 

the visual arts in metro Atlanta continues to this day.

These distinguished arts patrons, whose dynamic leadership 

was matched by their determination transformed the garage of the 

Swan House estate into a restaurant and gift shop.

As you drive up to the valet parking,

you will see the first of many swans.

There are three doors to enter the Coach House. 

This red door is the entrance to the Art Gallery. 

In 1984, an art gallery was established. Throughout

its history the Forward Arts Foundation has 

raised significant funds in support of the visual arts

and has created an indelible mark on Atlanta's arts landscape.

The second door will take you into the Gift Shop. There 

are several rooms that house a children's area, household items,

women''s apparel and jewelry, antiques and gift items. 

Many fabulous finds have been discovered while you wait to be seated.

Also in the Gift Shop, you will find some beautiful design books

and these two treasures. 

The Swan's Palette Cookbook

If you are tired and want to sit, there is a lovely waiting area

that you can sit in. Notice the painting of the

swans over the settee. 

There are several dining areas. We always like to 

eat in the main dining room. When Anslee and Courtenay

were little, they called this room "the big birthday party."

At that time these walls were covered in fabric that had

beautiful balloons in soft pastel shades! 

But change must happen and now they have this gorgeous 

floral background! 

The menu at the Swan House is yummy.

I have a difficult time not always ordering

The Swan Favorite.

Their Menu!

And of course for dessert, there is nothing better than 

the French Silk Swan! 

This is one of the dining areas upstairs. 

It is perfect for a private luncheon. It 

will seat 15 - 24. 

Is this not a fabulous Ladies Room! 

Here is a close up of the walls. I can't think

of a more appropriate pattern! 

This is the glass porch upstairs on the front of 

the Swan Coach House. Perfect for a bridesmaid's luncheon.

There are white swans on the dark green fabric. 

A beautiful window treatment that does not hide, but

enhances the view.

Upstairs overlooking the gardens, is a large glassed in
room that is the perfect stop for a large luncheon or dinner.
This room is called the Katydid room!

On the lower level, there is another large dining room. 

This room has a more casual feel and would make men 

feel more comfortable dining here.

In the ladies room downstairs, we find 

another swan! 

The Forward Arts Foundation host and annual Swan Coach 
House Flea Market.This year it is on September 18-20. 
Admission to the Flea Market is free and 
open to the public. 

Not to long ago, we stopped by the Swan Coach House

and got to enjoy a lovely ladies luncheon! 

(L-R Our friend Vickie, Anslee's mother Elaine, and myself)

And those two little girls  ....

They grew up, but they still LOVE going to the

Swan Coach House! 

source: Debbie Jacobs Designs, Pinterest and The Swan Coach House

Designing with Black and White!

What is it about Black and White that grabs your attention, 

creates drama and screams elegance? 

I think the saying below explains it perfectly!

I think it's because it was an emotional story, 

and emotions come through

much stronger in black and white. 

Color is distracting in a way, it pleases the eye 

but it doesn't necessarily reach the heart. 

~Kim Hunter~

What do you feel when you see a black and white room?

Which one of these is your favorite? 

source: South Shore Decorating Blog, Surroundings, Decorator's Best, Centsational Girl, Interiors Style and Design.

Interior Design Blues

Sometimes I wonder what I'm gonna do
'Cause there ain't no cure for the summertime blues

Barclay Butera

I have never been a huge fan of the color blue. But this summer various 

combinations of blue have been flying around the design world.

I now have a good case of the summertime blues! It is really growing on me!

Cynthia Jorgensen

I love the blue ceiling! 

Thibaut wallcovering, waterbury trail in navy, really livens up
this laundry room.

 The walls are covered floor-to-ceiling in blue and white delft tile 
(expertly placed there by another blue and white lover and 
previous owner Carolyne Roehm).

The purple walls are an interesting choice with the 
blue bedding and drapery fabric.

Great choices of blue in this coastal chic room!

You will really feel like you are by the sea in this blue
and white bedroom.

I can never get enough of blue and white porcelains! It
works with almost any decor. I even have them 
in my house!

Blue and white porcelains work in a variety of rooms.

 Amazing blue lacquer for the cabinets. This room has
a large scale yellow and white wallpaper that doesn't 
show in this picture. 

Nothing wrong with taking your blue and white outside!

There are many shades of blue. This room pulls fabrics and 
paintings that are soft and calm.

The use of blue tile in this bath gives it a spa like feel.

I have always loved this Clarence House 
wallpaper in the blue background.

This blue wallpaper even looks great in the kitchen!

I could go on for hours adding blue pictures, but
if you want to see more blue go visit my 
My Blue e Bianco board on Pinterest.

Maybe this is why so many people love blue!

source: Pink Clutch blog, my design chic, Veranda, the glam pad, 
home bunch, belclaire house blogspot