Welcome to the wonderful world of Roberta Rose in Rockland County, New York. I had the great pleasure of meeting Roberta and briefly touring parts of her home this past September on a trip the the United States. My sister in law insisted that she must take me to visit Roberta, and I can't thank her enough! With a training and interest in interior design and architecture, I have seen many a wonderful home, but this one is truly special with its unique and consistent style created by Roberta! There and then I decided that she would be my first CJM Inspiring Mom to appear on this blog, and I'm so grateful for this opportunity to share her creativity with you.
When we pulled into the driveway of Roberta's home and I caught a glimpse of this entry, I knew that I was in for a real treat. Would you believe this gorgeous stone exterior used to be a suburban Ranch Style home, now transformed into something else entirely! And when I saw the galvanized trough holding the flowers out front, I had a feeling that I would love Roberta's style, though I certainly didn't expect the delights that awaited.
And really, it would have been worth the trip just to see how she planted this morning glory in the weathered urn, supported with a chicken wire column, a combination of formal and farm-chic, very much indicative of Roberta's self made style. I can't wait for spring to plant some of my morning glory seeds in a new way!
Then we went inside, and the first of many gorgeous vignettes appeared before my eyes. My jaw dropped and stayed in that position for quite some time. The wall color, the vase, the light switch, the table.......
This small mosaic covered chest works so wonderfully with the colors of the vase and the walls— like a beautiful water color painting. Just the details in the narrow entryway bowled me over!
Look at the combination of broken dishes Roberta used on this chest!
And I just loved this little corner, with the weathered window and the artificial hydrangea in a weathered terra cotta pot sitting on a small vintage foot stool!
And the authentic art nouveau tile detail on the transom, a really nice touch! And in case you are wondering, the original ranch house did not have French doors. Roberta wisely placed throughout her home to divide space and yet create a light open feeling.When I entered the living room, I felt as though I had accidently walked on to a stage set! I was so astonished to see such an amazing example of a creative mom who has not only developed a unique style, but was able to maintain a strong sense of that style in every detail!
Look at this bench she covered in mosaic, and those sconces with the glass pendants, so very special.
The candelabra and the colors and detail of the mosaic bench are so similar and yet different. And I just love how Roberta created mosaic details amidst seemingly random areas of mosaic.
A closer look at the bench reveals much thought in the placement of the ceramic plate fragments! Wow.The dining room table looks gorgeous, with more french doors in the background. Honestly his vintage Victorian era vase isn't the kind of thing I'd look twice at, but it looks so amazing here! Some more hydrangeas complete the look.
Roberta also applied mosaic to the fireplace surround (not exactly a mantle, but rather a ranch style fireplace, now totally disguised!) and her dining room chairs! (above right, detail of chair back)
Okay, I don't know about you, but I'm on total visual overload after these amazing photos, and so I've decided to keep the remaining photos of the kitchen and backyard for another post, next week, together hopefully with an interview. Can't wait myself to learn more about Roberta and how she does what she does!
Until then, check back for a few more posts with detailed instructions for making some of the projects seen in Roberta's home. And if you know of a creative mom who you'd love to see profiled here, do drop me a line at [email protected], I can't wait to be inspired!