Monday, September 15, 2008

circa urban grace


Illustration by pve design - circa 1834 Captain Coleman Jenkins Cottage

Ever since I joined the ranks of blogging, I love to refer to as "before" and "after" or shall we say circa.  The above home is circa 1834, posted by interior designer, Erika over at Urban Grace.  She has a way for posting about things that make my heart beat a little faster.  Be it her obsession with plumbing, or her ability to scout things out at various markets and give something an "after" life which is an art.  Erika traveled to Bean Town to shed some urban grace on this cottage.  Would you look at this, ain't she a "beaut!" Ahoy Mate.

photo courtesy of urban grace, 1834 cottage
Imagine being the Captain of this cottage, out to see before the storm, and then coming home after and seeing this baby still standing- stalwartly.  Enter into the cottage and smell something simmering on the stove and finding things just as you left them, only better.  I love things that have a story, a history and a before and an after.  If only those walls could talk.

photo courtesy of urban grace, a whale of a hearth.
I am excited to see future posts on this home and to see what Erika has in her heart for this home.  Erika always does a whale of a good job. ( sorry, just could not resist!)

(My thoughts are with each and every one of you as you perhaps are without power or picking up after the wrath of "Ike."  Please know that I keep you in my thoughts for order restored.)

20 comments:

erika said...

patricia! you are toooooo much! thank you so very much for such a lovely post and a beautiful illustration. annmarie is gonna FLIP out when she sees it!
XOXO
erika

pve design said...

erika,
with every stroke of my pen, and whisp of paint, I thought how much fun you must have to collaborate with such nice people in the pursuit of urban grace,
where-ever one lives.
keep inspiring our hearts and our homes.
pve

Joyce said...

Patricia-
As I was reading this I had a feeling Erika was going to flip!! The funny thing is I don't even know Miss E, but I knew if I was in her shoes I would flip- smile...

Your illustrations are simple out of this world!

I'm already sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one!!

Kwana said...

Lovely post. I love the illustration. What a beautiful home.

pve design said...

joyce -
nothing makes my day more than knowing the level of appreciation from admirers like yourself-
pve

pve design said...

kwana,
don't ya just love a good "cottage!"
pve

Emily said...

Patricia, beautiful illustration. I too am always sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for your next creation. Thank you again for the lovely illustration you did for my sister's baby shower and for the gift I'm giving her. They are the best!

We felt the rain in Chicago, but not nearly as devastating as in TX - my thoughts are with them as well.

Unknown said...

oh my, what a gorgeous illustration. i love the red door.
in the west we don't usually see houses that old...so what a treat! love the nautical details.

Mrs.French said...

I love this post and this illustration...I actually just love your blog....

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I'm so happy you did this, as it led me to her wonderful site! I've had a whale of a good time wandering around there!! Thanks!

Such a treasure for the home-owners to have! Such a lovely illustration, Patricia!

Tara said...

P

Great illustration!

:0)

Visual Vamp said...

Every time I visit, I have such a good and gracious time.
Thanks you!

Treehouse Press said...

Dear Patricia, I am (almost) at a loss for words!! What an awesome surprise! It's Annmarie - the current co-custodian of this cottage! Thank you for capturing its essence in your whimsical, beautiful style. I am a BIG fan. Indeed, we have several old photos, correspondence and even an unfinished watercolor from the 1950s that the previous owners passed along. I think I will have to write a book - or start a blog - to tell the house's story! Your illustration will star in it! We feel very lucky to live here, updating the home to make it our own (with Dreamboat Erika's help) - while retaining all of the original character. Capt. Jenkins might well have a heart attack if he walked in here today to see all the plastic toys strewn about!! But we are proud to call it home. Thank you for honoring the whole thing today. You bloggers are something else!

Treehouse Press said...

Dear Patricia, I am (almost) at a loss for words!! What an awesome surprise! It's Annmarie - the current co-custodian of this cottage! Thank you for capturing its essence in your whimsical, beautiful style. I am a BIG fan. Indeed, we have several old photos, correspondence and even an unfinished watercolor from the 1950s that the previous owners passed along. I think I will have to write a book - or start a blog - to tell the house's story! Your illustration will star in it! We feel very lucky to live here, updating the home to make it our own (with Dreamboat Erika's help) - while retaining all of the original character. Capt. Jenkins might well have a heart attack if he walked in here today to see all the plastic toys strewn about!! But we are proud to call it home. Thank you for honoring the whole thing today. You bloggers are something else!

Brilliant Asylum said...

What a perfect house--and a perfect illustration to match.

Kim said...

I love a red door!!!

Patti S. said...

I'm with you. I LOVE old houses. I feel like they just take on a life of their own. I would rather live in an older fixer upper than a new cookie cutter house any day!

pve design said...

Captain Annemarie-
Well, shiver me timbers, if it is not the current day keeper of the cottage! Why -thank you for your glorious comment. Glad to know that your eyes have seen the glory of my interpretation of your home sans the plastic toys which run amuk inside. Toys are good for the soul my dear, along with blogs. C'mon, you can do it, join in the fun of keeping a blog while raising your clan, or we may have to make you walk the plank.
PvE

annechovie said...

What a beautiful illustration of a charming and historic house!

Anonymous said...

Ohhh how this makes me miss living on the East coast...I am waxing wistful now...