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Spring
2013

Garden Memories
By Matthew White

Gardens, I believe, are a part of our collective subconscious, even if one’s personal experience with gardening is nonexistent. Maybe this stems from the ancient story of the Garden of Eden, or perhaps because we are all fed by the most noble of gardeners – the farmer. No question, gardens are in our blood.

When I was around 9 my parents bought the five-acre parcel of land behind the trailer park where I was born (signing a note for $10,000, to Grandad’s warnings of financial ruin). Suddenly instead of a tiny lot, we had plenty of space to spread out. It was hardly Eden, but seemed so to us, with its many shady elms surrounding an old two-bedroom farmhouse.

We started by clearing mountains of tumbleweeds that had piled against two old barns...

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Margaret Roach ~ Garden Goddess

Margaret Roach, gardener, author and blogger extraordinaire used to be a big mover and shaker in the world of Martha Stewart. She gave that up some years ago to work in her now famous garden in Copake Falls, NY. The result is, well, there is no “result”… one might call it a process. Her most recent book The Backyard Parables tells the story of how her garden teaches little life lessons, while at the same time offering valuable how-to information to the budding or serious gardener.

But, as true gardeners know, it’s not always about “how to.” It is, as Margaret puts it, also about “woo woo,” meaning the spiritual aspect of what gardening brings to those who practice it responsibly and with an open heart.

Margaret’s blog, A Way to Garden, has a devoted following, not only because of her know-how, but also because of her voice, at once filled with wide-eyed discovery and keen interest in plants and the animals that protect (or devour) them. And then there’s her great sense of humor. Add into the mix the delicious fruits of her labor as she shows us what she creates in the kitchen from her own garden.

Margaret Roach has left city life behind to create her own version of Green Acres ~ a benevolent Eden where toads, bees, fox, snakes and her crazy cat, Jack, all live side by side. Thanks to the Internet, we can visit Margaret’s wondrous world anytime we want and watch how she thoughtfully shapes it with her own heart and hands while learning little lessons along the way.

Clearly Classic is White Hot!


Photo by Daniel Root

With Spring here and Summer soon to follow, we're excited to introduce the latest color in our line of acrylic occasional tables: super white!  Rendered in a new, opaque material, our designs take on a fresh, jaunty crispness, making them perfect accents for sun-dappled garden rooms and sea-sprayed beach houses.  Need another reason to stock up on these snow white beauties? It's only a matter of time before fashion's latest black-and-white trend makes its way to interiors.  With Clearly Classic, you'll always be ahead of the curve. Contact your local Donghia showroom for more information.

Slipcovers ~
Changing with the Seasons


Decorating a room is an exciting endeavor, and if done beautifully and wisely, should last generations. Although today’s disposable society may seem to favor trendiness over timelessness, we are staunch believers that well-designed rooms have classic qualities that transcend mere fashion and ensure many years of comfortable, stylish living.

That’s not to say a little injection of seasonal décor is out of place. The easiest way to keep a room from going stale is with slipcovers. They not only extend the life of upholstery, but also wake up one’s eyes and give a room a fresh lease on life.

Photos by Matthew White

This sofa is normally covered in a lovely rust and ivory linen print, perfect for fall and winter. As soon as spring comes, however, it gets a new look with a crisp pale green linen cover. Both looks work well in the room even though they are very different, and both reflect the seasons in which they are used. If your upholstery works, but you feel the need for an occasional visual break, consider investing in slipcovers. They can provide practicality and a welcome change of scenery.


Pink Lady


Photo by Stephen Nillson

What is it about the fairer sex and the color pink? You have to admit there’s a strong attraction. Granted, not every female wants to surround herself in rosy splendor, but it’s kind of amazing how many do. Whatever the reason, the love affair with pink transcends all ages, from girls of eight to ladies of eighty. In fact, we can support this scientific hypothesis with hard evidence from our archives. Herewith, we present two pink rooms designed (over a decade ago) for two of our favorite gals - one eight, the other eighty.


Photo by David Phelps

For the young miss, we created a room (above) filled with the fresh exuberance of springtime. Cherry blossom pink walls and a princess-like canopy set off a crisp white daybed strewn with pink geraniums. On the ceiling, sprays of hand-painted flowers encourage colorful daydreaming.

For a dear friend, who personifies the term “lovely lady,” we swathed the room in a complexion-flattering seashell pink and dressed the bed with a neoclassical chintz with swags and bloom-filled vases. French antique furniture lends an added elegance, but can scarcely hold a candle to the lady herself.


Acknowledgements:
We want to thank our clients for their generosity in allowing us to show their projects. Each one represents a wonderful experience for us. Thank you!

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