This is a wonderful subject. The internet and tv have made "designers" out of so many people, just as it has created Doctors, Attorneys etc. The second you look at a designer as a merchant, you are cooked. Both of you. Folks can point and click for furniture but not as many can convert a farmhouse or re-imagine an outdated floor plan including HVAC, electrical, plumbing etc or be truly INSPIRED. Or the reflection of light, sound, seasons etc. Design is a holistic profession. There are several factors to the job of a good designer, the first is to assess the project for you and separate it into parts which are understandable. Show you angles you cannot see of hear of feel. The second is to glean your needs and desires and compose them into something beyond what you can imagine: a whole project in itself. The next part is to supervise, order, build, deliver and install your project which is akin to the CONTRACTING part and is most of the work the client does not see, in a large project it takes years of know-how and experience and a strong constitution. Do you know the right seat depth would be for your family for a custom sofa? A good designer is up on the best and the latest and also knows the tried and true of what works and does not. Design brings the best out of you, as well as all trades, artisans and talent which are involved in a project. Another factor often overlooked is the designer as ARTIST. Sometimes an interior or exterior can be seen as a commissioned piece in which the client has a tremendous voice. This is where I often feel clients miss the boat. If I thought I could do better, I would have no reason to call my attorney, Dr or financial advisor. The end result gives all involved great satisfaction and ultimately changes who you are and how you perceive your world. Design and Art are intertwined and a huge rift has been cleaved in its misconception. Degas said, "Art is not what you see but what you make others see."

Yep...fall is the absolute best IMHO. The crisp, cool snap of the air; just cool enough for a light sweater or jacket. The smell of the bonfire and people having cookouts (love those s'mores!).....the explosion of colors when the leaves finally become the colors they were intended to be (they are only green due to the chlorophyll in them).....the crunch of the leaves under your feet after they've fallen from the trees....the rousing of the band playing at the local football game. All of these things make for a very special season. And yes, I must admit that I do hate to see the summer end....those lazy days when you can just slip on a pair of sandals and head outside without having to bundle up first, yet there's just something about fall that truly makes me come alive! It's funny how we all have our favorite season. Do you ever wonder why? I mean....why do some of us prefer the coolness of fall and others love the heat of the summer? Hmmm.....interesting!

If anyone is in the know on Hickory Chairs, would appreciate input on when these chairs may have been made. The woman that owned the antique store thought they were early 1900s, but I cannot find anything online that is similar. Thanks in advance.

The closest to weathered wood in the Owens Corning line I believe is "Teak", "Driftwood", or "Flagstone". OC Teak OC Driftwood OC Flagstone