Disclosure.

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Open Door Disclosure

This site is a resource for my friends and me in the historic preservation, design, architecture, and education communities. It is not primarily financially driven. I'm here to build a community and learn from astute readers. I treat the content here with the convivial spirit of a casual cocktail party for people I enjoy spending time with. I operate under a make it right mentality, maintaining a collaborative environment that empowers clients to build a well-lived and contributing life.

For decades, I've gathered helpful information about art, architecture, history, and interior design. I use this information in my consultative work and in tandem with my Master's in Architectural History from the Architecture School at the University of Virginia. As an ongoing scholar, I use art, photos, sound and film in my writing and attempt to be courteous about publishing rights. I use the guidelines for fair use published by the College Art Association (CAA), which advance research, practice, and the impact of the visual arts. 

Fair use is a legal doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without acquiring permission from the rights holders. It is codified in Section 107 of the copyright law in the United States. The purpose of fair use is to allow for the use of copyrighted materials for commentary, criticism, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.

This site’s editorial content, design, and images are shaped with the help of a range of digital tools. Adobe, Microsoft Office, and Google Docs support document creation and organization, while Grammarly assists with clarity and polish. OpenAI’s GPT and DALL·E contribute to brainstorming and generate some of the distinctive imagery shown here, though this pliant, capricious technology is no substitute for the writing habits formed through reading masters and learning from teachers. The site itself is hosted by GoDaddy. Together, these technologies streamline production and free space for production of original, thoughtful, and creative work.

When I review products—whether books, textiles, rare editions, fine art, photography, furniture, decorative objects, finishes, or wall coverings; these items are sometimes provided to me at no cost. Unless otherwise specified, I may retain and use these samples following my review.

If you click on a link to a product on this site, it may be an affiliate link. This means I could earn a small commission if you go on to make a purchase.

In all of these situations, my opinions and recommendations are my own. They are not influenced by vendor relationships or the potential to earn a commission. My primary goal is to provide helpful and accurate information to my readers and the community I'm building here.

Regardless, as of December 1, 2009, the FTC requires bloggers to disclose whenever there could be hidden interests or unspoken biases related to relationships and recommendations. These could include:  

• A decorateur buys my latte for an interview, advice, or guidance. 

• A publisher hands me books to review. 

• A vendor gives me samples of fabric/metal finishes/wall coverings, etc. 

• I post Amazon, affiliate, or other links that may or may not give me pennies for a purchase.

• Someone loops a tote bag with a logo on my shoulder, and I'm seen in a photo schlepping it around.  

As you read this site, please assume the following is true in the past and the future of every link and product I use:

(Illustrations below courtesy of Louis Gray and Jeannine Schafer)

Last updated 7-Sept-2025