A Review: Veranda Decorating by Mario López-Cordero The ABCs of Interior Design

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From beautiful design details that inspire to pretty personal spaces you’ll want to call your own, this stunning volume from Veranda captures the allure of luxurious decorating.
Learn all there is to know about creating a glorious home. Veranda Decorating takes you on an A-Z journey through the essentials of decorating, from “Antiques” and “Art” to “Zoning.” Dozens of spectacular photographs showcase sophisticated furnishings and design aesthetics, and this book-authored by Veranda Senior Editor Mario López-Cordero with a foreword by Clinton Smith, the magazine’s Editor in Chief-perfectly juxtaposes practical decorating advice alongside inspiring images of fabulous rooms, chic home accents, and more.

[@thetartantopiary]

bit.ly/TartanTopiary_Brooklinen My Brooklinen Luxe Sateen sheets are the best I have ever slept on. Brooklinen is having their Labor Day sale right now through September 6th. Use my link to get 20% off your purchase! Have a happy and safe weekend!

[@louisegibbins9607]

I also see the beauty and history in this sweet piece of furniture. I am so glad you saved it and look forward to seeing it restored.

[@brenschilling3529]

Mary, as always I look forward to your weekly vlog, and this one did not disappoint. Thank you for sharing your ideal books and recommendations with us. Yessss, I so hope you can save and restore this beautiful fainting couch. What a great opportunity to find such a treasure from that era! Glad that someone is now restoring this beautiful former home and are saving as much of the interior details as possible. Please keep us posted on both your fainting couch and the home. Hope you and yours have not been too disrupted from the recent 1st of the season 'hurricane' . We received wind damage with power outage in The Golden Isles. Sending wishes for a happy and safe Labor Day to all!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks, we had winds and rain. A few limbs fell, but all in all, it was not too bad here in Wilmington. I'll keep you updated on the chaise. You have a great weekend!

[@brenschilling3529]

@@thetartantopiarythank you. Have you run across any good home organization books that you could recommend? I cannot keep everything in the garage, under the bed, top of the closet and in the attic. or small laundry room! Why am I running out of room in our traditional home?! I like to rotate some pretties, seasonal , special mementoes, some by preference and just don't know how to store them without taking them to a storage facility, which I will not do. Any ideas would be helpful.

[@TheFiown]

I moved to Brazil in 2006 and after a few months decided to do my own fashion label. I had worked in fashion all my life so the language was mine and I could do all aspects of it from design to patterns to sewing and even textile design and illustration. When I visited a huge fabric store of many stories I asked to see plain coton fabrics as I wanted to have my own designs printed. They showed me polyester and poly-coton mix, all horrible to touch for me, used to high end couture. I said 'you do NOT sell coton?' they replied no, they had no demand for it. Then one person said 'but we sell bed sheeting' ! I went up the only floor I hadn't visited and there as a treasure trove of Egyptien coton, double width 300 cms wide and more ! 200, 400 and 600 point coton, absolutely stunning and CHEAPER than the polyster sold downstairs !! I bought masses of it and even after returning to France and giving up that collection ( due to ramapant corruption in Brazil) I still have many metres of Egyptien coton in a satin/mat self stripe in white. I always meant to make pillow cases and a quilt cover, maybe now I will. I might try dying it first as white with two little dogs is not practical for my bedroom. I often make my own bedlinen, bolster and pillow covers and quilt covers. I use a single poly quilt as I am allergic to feather and I find it more practical than a huge heavy quilt. They told me that in Brazil coton was considered a 'poor' fabric and hard to take care off but they meant that it didn't stretch as they love their lycra over there. Strange when you look back at old photos of Brazil and the people were so elegant all in white pure linen as Brazil was a famous source of linen. Brazil also used to breed and spin silk before sending it to Japan to be woven but both these enterprises no longer exist. I did find an old stock of their linen in a tailors store and it was amazing, much finer that Italian linen.

[@shirleyprescott1528]

Oh My gosh! I would have done the same with that fainting couch! My husband is always apprehensive with me because I pick up junk and redo it! When it is done, he is always amazed at what it morphs to be ! I find it so fun to do this kind of work! I love what you do and it will be beautiful when finished! Cant wait to see what you have done with it!

[@thetartantopiary]

This was an emotional salvage, because I was always intrigued by this home. I see the upholsterer on Tuesday. I'm prepared to get a couple of opinions if I don't like the first one! lol 😄

[@annclark8573]

I absolutely adore things like the chaise you got. I imagine the home it was in and how lovely it was in a large room full of comparable furniture along with beautiful draperies and carpets. I long for beautiful things today. Even magazines. Veranda was such an enjoyable magazine as was Southern Accents., but not anymore. This modern non plus world has turned to black, grey, and whte as the go to in most design living. I'm fortunate to have kept my "Victoria' magazines since the 80's and I look at them when I have the time and just am soothed with the beauty and appreciation for the craftsmen who were so talented in the items they made. I so enjoy your channel, the music and all the things we seem to appreciated in common with each other. Thank you.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you! A copy of Southern Accents sitting at the park, while I listened to my children play...that was my happy place for years. Happy places change, they dissolve and they evolve, oh how I miss that one.

[@theenthusiasticgardenerind3490]

I love the fainting couch! Yes, it can be saved!

[@JEANNEHUNTER-q5t]

Thank you for introducing us to these beautiful books and their talented authors.

[@suzieq2493]

Mary, the fainting couch is going to be beautiful. Thank you for saving it. If only it could talk!

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes- I wish it could!

[@maryschlotter108]

Mary , as you went through this book and the red lacquered doors came up on my screen it struck me, how incredible the creative minds of these designers are. How do they walk into a room a blank canvas and say yes red lacquered doors would be perfect. I think many of us who come to your channel are of like minds and so when you told the story of the beautiful brick home and the chaise I nodded yes for sure this is why I can’t wait for your next vlog. I look around my home and have to think about what pieces in each room were ever purchased brand new. I once found two harp back chairs at the curb. They were in similar condition to your chaise. I painstakingly restored the wood frames ,painted them white . Then began to think about the upholstered seats. The next day I went to a yard sale and found a few yards of fabric It was a Brunschwig & Fils dragonfly design and it was just enough to cover the seats. I’m looking forward to seeing your chaise and the beautiful brick home restored. You saw the beauty in them. Thank you for another lovely vlog. ❤

[@laurabyrd9903]

Yes I can only imagine the colors that was used on this piece of furniture. It does tell a story thank you for sharing that.

[@sherrycatanese4312]

Oh Mary that chaise!! I think Josephine reclined on that chaise in Nepoleonic times😊 Hopefully you will be able to use it, maybe in your room refresh! Lovely book review. Luscious looking bedding too! Have a great Labor Day weekend🇺🇸

[@vickeypierce293]

I love the fainting couch!!! I do hope you can save it. I laughed at "I will be going to bed early tonight" lol lol...that sounds like me

[@janooskerful]

yes! the fainting couch is a gem...the holes make me think perhaps it was caned rather than upholstered??? anyway kudos to you.

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes- I think you are correct. That was often the style for an enclosed porch or veranda. Hopefully, I'll know more soon. Thanks for watching and have a great Labor Day weekend!

[@ar7tis5227]

I love the way that you look at furniture. I love the way your mind/soul works. Seems like the ladies who used that lounge were very tiny. It is so narrow. Ahhhhh to dream of life in a more innocent time........

[@mariesmith9507]

I love your bracelets Mary. You’re always have nice pieces of jewelry .

[@elizabethlara4070]

I don't blame you for wanting to save that beautiful chaise. It will take some love and lots of wotk bur worth it. If i may, I havr been using Amy Howard products for several years & would highly recommend staring with clean slate and furniture tonic. I can also totally see using milk paint on your piece too. I do recommend watching some of her videos on you tube. Looks like one top cross member is dry rotted, so you will likely need repair that piece (hopefully not). I too often rescue furniture! Thank you for the the fab revirew and thr glimpse of thr beautiful georgian home!❤ so glad someone is saving it!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for that suggestion. I will search for Amy Howard right now. I hope you have a great weekend!

[@gwenewing6837]

The most enchanting chaise ❤

[@lindaschmitz9318]

The frame is georgous. I really hope it can be saved.😊

[@kaylamson5161]

Mary, I’m so glad u saved that beautiful chaise from the dump. I too have stopped at peoples trash to retrieve something I thought was beautiful! No shame at all! Just a thought but maybe a perennials fabric indoor/outdoor for summer naps on the covered porch.😊. God bless, John 3:16

[@thetartantopiary]

That sounds dreamy! Thanks.

[@annettehowell9392]

Loved the book as usual, that young man certainly has a wonderful multi background of accumulated mentions. So many great photos in this book, really love the classic and traditional. Your bed linen is certainly something to look into, I appreciate good linens and usually these kind of quality sheets last many years. My granddaughter laughs at me because I iron my nice cotton sheets and they look so crisp on my beds. Guess I just found it natural being from England 🇬🇧, my grandmother did it and my mother did it, I'm told by quite a few they don't even own an iron. I look forward to your decorated room next time. Always look forward to the next book review. Take care have a wonderful long labor day week end.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for sharing this, I can't imagine not owning an iron. I have 2 and a steamer. I hope you have a wonderful long weekend as well!

[@alexandra2jerry]

You are funny Mary, I laughed out loud at your antics on the bed. They should hire you as their spokesperson for those marvelous sheets. I do so want a set now. As for your book review, oh my, what yummy pictures. There was one of an all black room with lacquered tables and walls with two fabulous gold framed mirrors… talk about Wow! Very impactful. Refurbishing any piece of furniture is costly, I’ve been reupholstering several items lately but if you can resurrect that chaise you’ll never regret it. What a crime to have neglected such a beautifully crafted antique so. We should start a “Go Fund Me” for the chaise. She needs love xxxAlexandra 💕🐥💕

[@doyeworrell1680]

Thank you Mary for another wonderful video. The sheets you selected look 👀 awesome. I’m happy you saved the fainting couch, hopefully you can bring it back to life. That house 🏡 was beautiful, nothing that nice is being built today. I’m looking forward to you bedroom update. Thanks again.

[@thetartantopiary]

I was SO glad when it finally sold. The activity has slowed down, but I am still watching. You're right, they do not build like that today!

[@coleenstarling1217]

Can't wait to hear more about the chaise!

[@rosariopaiz6158]

I do see the beauty on that furniture, the wood shows the quality, please show it to us when ready, thanks so much .

[@thetartantopiary]

Will do!

[@lindaortolano7837]

Hello Mary again.....I forgot to comment on your recent find! I think this piece when new was beautiful! It's going to take a very talented furniture refinisher to repair the wood pieces. However, I think with a good upholsterer and patience it can be restored to all its glory! I hope it works out for you because I would love to see the finished product. Good luck! Hugs! :) PS: This is just my opinion.

[@angiejones7401]

I sure do see the beauty! Way to go! Not being g proud myself I am envious!

[@Al-cd2bk]

Oh Mary that chaise is beautiful ❤️❤️

[@thetartantopiary]

YES! I'll see the upholsterer on Tuesday.

[@DarlaPenados-rp1ss]

Omg I sure do see the beauty love it I hope to see what you do with it very excited for you 👍

[@JJ33438]

Love your videos so elegant and tranquil and so much beauty! thank you.

[@rosariopaiz6158]

You look so comfortable sitting on you beautiful poster bed .

[@thetartantopiary]

That's funny- I almost took a nap!

[@TreadleLady]

The sheets look yummy and luxurious, I will keep them in mind next time I need sheets. The book review was great as usual. I love your weekly vlog, thank you.😊

[@lindaortolano7837]

Hello Mary, Thank you for another great book review. I loved this review!! Your new bedding looks luxurious and compliments your bedroom beautifully. I too get so excited by such beautiful fabrics. (LOL) My heart fell as you were videoing the beautiful Georgian home!! I custom built a Georgian colonial and while my home was not the stature of this one, I could see the beautiful detailing that was in this neglected, beautiful home!! I was so relieved when you said the home was purchased!! I hope whoever purchased this home appreciates the beautiful detailing and restores it back to its glory and does not decorate it with contemporary decor! Have a great week and I will see you in the next one! Hugs! :)

[@inglishhomeandgarden8386]

Beautiful chaise longue! I would renew the inner, invisible wood, and try to keep the patina of the frame as intact as possible.

[@rogerhughes8998]

That is a fabulous find!

[@tc7486]

I think the chaise can be restored. It’ll take some major elbow grease but I’d certainly try. It’ll be gorgeous!

[@lynneh9744]

The chaise is beautiful. I am fairly certain (ex antque dealer) that it was a bergere style without a fabric cover attached to it. It would have had cane woven in a honeycomb sort of pattern. That is why there are holes all around the frame. Saying that, it may well have been used in a conservatory/winter garden room,but could really have been used in any room (bar kitchen! and probably not in a mans study! The woodwork may have been painted. It is definitely savable, and I am very jealous! lol

[@thetartantopiary]

Lynne- thank you so much for the information. I was able to ask my upholsterer (who is also familiar with antiques) about this piece and his thoughts were on par with yours. He gave me the name of a gentleman that restores antiques and still recanes. I will pay him a visit next week. Any idea of the wood? I really appreciate your knowledge!

[@davidwalker5463]

What an amazing find.!

[@thetartantopiary]

I am excited.

[@gklpang]

beautiful salvage!

[@cooperwesley1536]

"Lush" was really the perfect word choice for this book, Mary. You nailed it. Never have I seen so many breathtaking spaces packed into one publication. I'm definitely adding this one to my list... thanks for the recommendation. Cheers!

[@mouriefeeney1903]

Wow, what a review! I especially liked the review on the bed linen and you, what a hoot! I would have taken a nap with kitty right on the spot. I too loved the old lounge and could see it redone in all it's splendor and hopefully so. Book review was good and I liked all the color the pages offered. The old home was truly a masterpiece in it's days. Thank you Mary ~💕 Going to check out the site for the sheets now.

[@thetartantopiary]

I almost did just that! My kitty (Bobbie cat) was enjoying it so much I had to make the bed and complete the video around her schedule. I enjoyed this book also (both text and photos). Thanks for watching!

[@nancylaponzina8272]

Your beautiful day bed find looks as if it were canned/not upholstered, with all those holes for the woven cane? Of course, there can be many fabric choices for decadent large cushions upon which to relax and read and enjoy a cup of fine Yorkshire Gold tea (my favorite with milk/cream). The linens you introduced are lovely as well! Thank you!

[@DLynne222]

You are really expanding your content! Your guest room is gorgeous, where do I sign up for a visit? The book is so beautiful, like all the books you review. I love all Veranda books and magazines. But now you've truly piqued my voyeuristic interest when it comes to viewing an "abandoned" (as in no human currently lives there) historic building, and the possibility of restoring a true antique!! Almost anything can be restored, even if only a fragment of the finished product was part of the original item. I enjoyed it all very much!! Thank you and I will be watching for more!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for the encouragement and I appreciate your comment. I'll keep the channel updated on this restoration project.

[@barbarastephenson6885]

A light, sanding (with fine sandpaper) may do the trick in removing the exterior film of the chaise. I too have picked up items other people throw away. I have not yet found such lovely furniture. Mostly baskets, and smaller items. We picked up and fixed a few bicycles to use along the Jersey shore. They have been great.

[@thetartantopiary]

There is something delightful about saving an item from the landfill, no matter what it is.

[@psin0373]

Great review! I want this book! Also, what a find, that chaise is a keeper. Can't wait to see what you do with it and your guest room. Happy Labor Day Weekend to you & yours and thank you so much for the Brook Linen discount. I've always been interested in their linens.

[@thetartantopiary]

Hello- I did enjoy this book immensely. Thanks for watching and I hope you have a safe a peaceful Labor Day weekend! 💗

[@barbarastephenson6885]

The desk you found sounds lovely! Where is the Georgian home? Barbara

[@thetartantopiary]

In Wilmington, NC (on Market Street).

[@bwiseok]

Oh my goodness. Out of all your videos that I’ve watched up to this point none have made me giggle like this one. Particularly the part where you’re saying you’re going to bed early and collapse on top of your sheets. I love that because I can relate not that I have those sheets but they are times that I love going to bed early and just drop like a rock. The fainting couch looks like it could’ve been a cane weave instead of upholstery but I could be wrong but I used to have a rocker with those holes all around the perimeter of the seat and I knew it used to have cane in it maybe you’re fainting couch had the same thing.

[@thetartantopiary]

I thought the same thing. That was the style for an enclosed porch or veranda. It would have had cushions. You could be right about that. I'll know more on Tuesday and hopefully will have that info for next weeks content. Also, I'm having one of those "drop like a rock" evenings tonight. TGIF!

[@Dina-md3ji]

Every night should be slow and relaxed your book review was as usual fabulous

[@marilynrhoads5555]

It’s grand!

[@gabrimenini4464]

Your lounge chair is probably of oriental origin and made of teak, that's why it is so sturdy despite the exposure to rain. No metal nails but wood ones. Treat it like you would with outdoor teak garden furniture 😉

[@emiliebova]

Ooh! The chaise is lovely. I hope it won’t cost a fortune to upholster!

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so invested in this piece - I hope so too! I think the real cost will be in the restoration.

[@nancywhitehead6397]

Be still my heart!! I have often remarked in these pages how alike we are but when i saw that Chase and how you got it It confirmed what i have often thought about you Mary. I think we may have been twins separated at birth lol lol How often have i done the exact same thing stopping by furniture thrown to the curb in rain or snow and gathered up the pieces and brought them home to be restored often in several pieces. To be fair my entire life has been deeply in the various Arts from age 4 on through Fine Arts studies at our local Museum mentored by a well known Michigan artist while still in my Classical Ballet lessons started at age 4..At Unversity it was majors in Fine Arts. Architecture and Interior Design and last but not least Englsh Literature. In Architecture my Special Area of interest was the Georgian Period. I see Beauty everywhere and my one great love is restoration in everything The worse shape its in the better i love the challenge. And over many years i have found the skilled craftsmen to help me do these things. That Chaise or Fainting couch is to die for and i can hardly wait to see what you do with the restoration. It speaks to you so I am sure it will be gorgeous and well done once its restored. Trust me Mary you were meant to have this piece. I have always felt that when things like this happen we are meant to be the ones to restore them to their glory...A higher power and unseen hand are at work here and its Spiritual..Well that is how i have come to see this as it has happened to me several times.. A couple of times odd things happened to make sure i got the pieces lol So looking forward to your next video updates on this piece. Many thanks for posting this and sharing it.

[@thetartantopiary]

Hi Nancy- thank you for sharing your comment. I love that we have this in common. You and I don't live in a "throw away world" and I appreciate your views on restoration! I wanted to leave the videos that contain the chaise lounge update and then the final completion. I was very happy with the outcome. Thanks again for your comment! (update) kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4DPdoR4YrN2qq8 (completion) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKSqkIRrmLV1eas

[@nancywhitehead6397]

Mary, it really came out beautifully; and thankfully you had skilled craftsmen who knew and love their work. I agree with you that the cane would be better served if you lived in the tropics, as in my experience lying on stretched cane is not exactly comfortable. I also love the choice of fabric you chose and the contrast piping really sets it off. I love it when I see the right folks get historic pieces like this and carefully restore them to their original glory. Now , Mary if they began actually restoring that magnificent Georgian Mansion you featured that someone finally bought I think we all would love to see what they actually do with it. At times like these how i wish i was younger again I would be so tempted to come and buy and restore it myself. I'm now 85 and still very active but doubtful i do have a lot of common sense and at my age someone else hopefully will bring it back, modernize it and thoughtfully and return it to the original magnificence.. That is a beautiful Georgian home and stately and well balanced from an Architectural standpoint. Again, Mary thank you for sharing all of this with all of us..FYI.. I am a bookie like you too.. You do not want to know how many books I own in our houses lol And I am still buying several a month on various subjects lol I love it and it keeps my mind active. i will add I am not a fan of Kindle. I am a true Bookie from the Old School.

[@curiousassortment]

I'd love to see you review Michael Greer's "Inside Design." Thanks.

[@thetartantopiary]

I’ll do that one and The Art of Home Decoration by Mary Harrod Northend! 😁

[@curiousassortment]

Wow, that would be great! I actually knew the author. @@thetartantopiary

[@cynthiahenry6788]

Sweet sleep!

[@jessicacarlson5845]

Any updates on the chaise lounge frame?

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes- it's all good news so far. My upholsterer has quite a backlog, but we are in the que and it shouldn't be too long until it's complete. It took me a while to choose the fabric. I had a lot to consider and didn't want to regret my decision. My hope is that it will be ready in late January.

[@missmurrydesign7115]

Captivating fainting couch...

[@rickdejean4649]

As for sheets I spend 1/2 my day in my sheets( I love naps)

[@thetartantopiary]

So does my husband. For some reason I can't nap. The only time I've ever napped was during Covid and when I was pregnant.

[@jomeyer13]

a few great shots in some... it is less romantic book decor

[@guldenaydin9918]

🌈💝

[@christinahand973]

Mary, if you are ever walking down the street and some strange woman stops you, gives you a gentle hug and a peck on the cheek…don’t panic! It’s just me. Showing my appreciation for your wonderful and relaxing videos.

[@thetartantopiary]

Okay- this made me chuckle. I'll prepare myself for a random hug and peck. You have a wonderful Labor Day weekend and thanks for supplying me with a good laugh!

[@Dina-md3ji]

Interesting time's we live in

[@PandoraSummer-d9v]

I. Turn. Off. The. Volume. On all. These. Wonderful. Videos.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for the feedback. Could you expound on this? Is it my voice, the music, microphone or other issue on my end?