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"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well."
-- Virginia Woolf
The annual "...into the garden" Tour at Virginia Robinson Gardens was on Friday, May 18. On that day each year the historic 1912 Virginia Robinson estate in Beverly Hills is opened to the public. Each room in the house is decorated by talented Los Angeles florists and interior designers and the guests can see the entire house before exiting out onto the Great Lawn for a garden party and lavish lunch. Each year the house is a wonder to behold. As I walked through the rooms on Friday I had many favorites. The library was one of them.
I have always loved the idea of a turning a library into a dining room. And this is exactly what designer Stephanie Grace and botanical illustrator Parnell Corder did. What could be better than eating a delicious meal surrounded by beautiful books? Great ideas, stories, and inspiration are all around you. Conversation would be enhanced as your eyes wander around the room noticing titles and you discuss favorite books and writers with your dinner companions.
Food and books are complemented by fresh flowers and greenery. What a visual feast!
I was enchanted by the botanical art work done by Parnell Corder that was displayed in the library. I love the charming way he hung these paintings. Here was another element that added to the overall effect of this room -- art and the unique way it was hung. Just gorgeous!
The richness of the leather bound books and the color and freshness of the flowers was such a great combination
Parnell Corder next to one of his lovely botanical paintings
The room was overflowing with flowers
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever."
-- John Keats
Books and flowers, fine dining and art -- these are the elements that went into making this an enchanting room and an inspiration for everyone who saw it last Friday at Virginia Robinson Gardens. Who says a room has to be used for just one thing? The gardener and the book lover would feel equally at home having dinner in this exquisite library.
-- John Keats
Books and flowers, fine dining and art -- these are the elements that went into making this an enchanting room and an inspiration for everyone who saw it last Friday at Virginia Robinson Gardens. Who says a room has to be used for just one thing? The gardener and the book lover would feel equally at home having dinner in this exquisite library.
Library decorated by Stephanie Grace and Parnell Corder. Flowers by Stephanie Grace and art work by Parnell Corder.