Maison Margaux: Exploring Classic Contemporary Interior Design

"Surround Yourself with Classic Beauty" has been TTR's motto since my very first days in Second Life.  Now as most budding entrepreneurs can attest, choosing a business motto can be serious stuff so I took some time with the selection, wanting something that summed up the "visions of antiques that danced in my head".  Antiques & Classic Beauty, now there's a match thought I.



When I found myself seduced drawn to the dark side (see Chasing Judith ~ Finding Caravaggio), i.e. away from the 18th century and into the 21st, by the Princess Margaret Oakville Showhome 2015 I had to reevaluate my personal definition of "classic".  Can contemporary interior design also be considered classic?  And what about "eclectic" because if I'm taking a break from 18th century rules there's going to be a whole lot of eclectic going on.  All that dynamic tension that comes from pairing a "Louis" chair with a Lucite table is just too good to pass up!

Chasing Judith ~ Finding Caravaggio

I didn't know her name so I thought of her as "The Woman in Orange".  With her striking attire & direct gaze, she seemed familiar; someone I really should have recognized.  Nevertheless Judith lead me on a delightful chase before revealing her secrets.

I first glimpsed her in a photo of the hallway of the Princess Margaret Oakville Showhome 2015.  I thought she was stunning.  Imagine having a home where she is one of the first things you see coming through the door.

Unlikely to happen for me in real life but more than feasible in Second Life!

A Dance ... with Dragons

Great Balls of Fire!!  It started out as another beautiful day at the Petit Trianon; sun shining, birds singing, absolutely perfect for the All Hallows' Costume Dance.

The guests started to arrive; some on broomsticks, others just appearing out of nowhere.  This being Second Life their chosen means of transportation didn't raise much of fuss (well except maybe for that HUGE spider that scurried in ... not sure where that creature was hiding her invitation and I certainly wasn't about to approach her to ask!).  The costumes were fabulous ...

Painting Pumpkin Lanterns at the Petit Trianon

While Marie Antoinette had a gaggle of gardeners to prepare the grounds of the Petit Trianon for her elaborate parties, I'm very content to be working away on my own in SL.  After all, where else can you get away with wearing an elaborate ball gown while hauling fresh bales of hay!

My latest adventure in decorating coincides with the All Hallows' Costume Dance which is being hosted by the Duché de Coeur & Rocca Sorrentina on October 25th.  Having decided that the French Garden Parterre would be an excellent spot for a party, I waded in and got to work clearing the summer gardens to start with a fresh canvas.

BEEing Rocca Sorrentina

Rocca Sorrentina is one of those wonderful Second Life estates that always has something splendid going on.  Seeing as they are my southern neighbours I'm rather spoiled with views of their shores & news of their activities.

When I heard they were hosting the To Bee or Not to Bee Hunt I thought it was the perfect opportunity to snoop  er ... explore some of the less traveled routes through their fair land so I put on my best exploration outfit and set off on a summer adventure.

A helpful hint card gave me clues as to the whereabouts of the twelve hidden bees and warned me that my prey was going to be rather small, as bees tend to be.  Just as well as I really didn't fancy running for my life from an over sized bumble!  You just never know in Second life.

Now I have to admit that my hunting skills really aren't the sharpest as I tend to drift .....

Apparently the citizens of Rocca could sense this as everyone was eager to distract me from my search: the printer wanted to show me his latest work; the baker needed kneading help; the florist wanted her garden weeded (as though I don't do enough of this at home).

Enjoying Work in Progress

It took just over two years to construct the Eiffel Tower (January 28, 1887 to March 15, 1889). Given that the conception, planning, politics & design commenced around 1884, this cultural icon in the making was actually a "work in progress" for at least five years.

I'd like to think that Gustave Eiffel enjoyed at least part of this journey.

My Chateau Reno

Though I've had abundant experience with real-life home renovations, my Second Life renovation record is rather spotty.  When it comes to virtual homes I'd generally rather build them myself than buy them, especially because I know I just can't stop myself from remodeling my new purchase.

It was the same way back in my days of TheSims2.  I'd download a brand-new abode and spend the next week (or two or three) ripping it apart and putting it back together.  On the bright side, that destruction/construction cycle taught me a lot about architecture & 3D construction.  I'd actually recommend it to anyone interested in honing their own skills.

This year with spring just around the corner, I was anxious to add a few new rentals to my Duché de Coeur regions. Being long on ambition but short on time, I decided that a purchase was in order and after much consideration selected a chateau from Never Totally Dead.

Horse Tales: New Carriages come to the Coeurs

Toni & Axel meet at the Petit Trianon

New horses & touring carriages have arrived in the Duché de Coeur and Skye & I couldn't be happier to have this popular mode of travel back up & running through our estates!

It was a snowy winter morning back in December when we made the shocking discovery.

Dastardly horse thieves, working under the cover of night, had made off with all of our trained carriage horses.  May they be perpetually cursed with hoof & mouth disease (the thieves not the horses)!

The stables were empty; the carriages themselves taken.