Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Joy of Mrs. Howard


Other than Brooke Shields and Phoebe Cates, I was never aware of models by name.  Not until I lived with three cheerleaders in college was I introduced to the concept of "super model."  I came into decorating the same way.  I read and I tore and I saved, but it took a while for me to begin to recognize designers.  That mirror, above, did it for me with Phoebe Howard.


From a long ago Southern Accents feature, that mirror introduced me to the world of Mrs. Howard, Phoebe's shop, and the amazing work that she and her husband, Jim, both do.


It's a world of casual elegance, of relaxed refinement.  Many people seem to be yearning for pretty rooms, uncomplicated beautiful spaces.


Phoebe's work combines a traditional foundation with an understanding that we have evolved; mid-century tables, fresh fabrics and contemporary art co-exist beautifully in her spaces.


And now we don't have to wait and hope for a magazine feature.  Phoebe has published a new book, The Joy of Decorating; Southern Style with Mrs. Howard and she is offering Mrs. Blandings's readers a discount.


If you buy the book from her site HERE and enter the code MBJOD you will receive the book, normally $50 at 20% off (that's $40 for the math-challenged.)


Another bonus for ordering from the site is that you will receive a prize.  Included with the book will be Mrs. Howard's Favorite Paint Colors, which is a handy little supplement organized by palette for wall, ceiling and trim.

All images courtesy of Mrs. Howard.

11 comments:

  1. Phoebe's rooms are delicious and the cover on her new book, ahhh!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  2. I'm so excited, we're going to be chatting with her on The Skirted Round Table. Their work is always, just simply beautiful.

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  3. I loved Phoebe Cates, too! I think she's got a children's clothing shop in NYC.

    xo

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  4. I was loading your blog and Cote de Texas at the same time.

    I started reading the blog that popped up first...yours....but I thought it was Cote de Texas. I thought wow...Joni has sure changed her design style love.

    Quite funny when I realized I was looking at your blog.

    Enjoyed the pics and how Mrs. Howards colors are put together.

    This is just a throw away comment, really - but it made me laugh.

    It is like I was talking to two different friends and was getting mixed up who was whom.

    Best -

    Ann

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  5. I NEVER buy design books off the shelf at a bookstore. They typically go on my wish list for a few months (years?) before I decide to make the investment for my collection. But I picked up this book and I was hooked and paid full price. Based on previous pics I'd seen, I wasn't even a huge fan of the author/designer, but the book is great, and I am a convert.

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  6. wooow so nice i like the first room i like pink

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  8. a dear friend used to work in Mrs. Howard's flagship store in Jacksonville years ago. Loved stopping by the shop while there visiting...perfectly curated

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  9. The rooms are beautiful. I especially love the first one, so romantic and beautiful.

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  10. The first picture looks very soothing with the white furniture.

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  11. I love your blog ... the first picture looks amazing, I love to have a room in my house .. so I really would like my home to look like the images

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