Bethany Seawright


Latest Stories

Literary Style: 15 Writers’ Bedrooms
It’s true; we find the secret lives of others fascinating. Especially if those others are writers. We get to know them through their work, and we yearn to learn more about them as people… We feel a kinship, with their experiences or with their characters, and we begin to imagine what their lives must be like. We read biographies about them, tour their homes and visit their graves, all in an effort to gain insight into their own particular genius.
Aug 21, 2019
Before & After: Corner Fireplace Update
I recently came across this design project that Michelle Morelan, designer and renderer extraordinaire, did for a couple in Toronto.The clients had some general ideas of what they wanted to accomplish with the project, and Michelle created a plan to help them achieve their goals. The major objectives were to expand the space, replace all of the finishes, and to update the corner fireplace.
May 5, 2019
Inspiration Gallery: Jaw-Dropping Bedroom Details
This post is all about gasp-inducing details – elements that stop you in your tracks, take your breath away and, in one fell swoop, transform an ordinary space into an extraordinary one.Some of the details are architectural, and some are the result of dramatic furnishing choices, but each provides an undeniable “wow” in the experience of the room.TOP ROW:1.
Mar 29, 2013
Print Out Your Own Free Vintage Style Posters (Yes, Free!)
Like many of you, I often struggle with finding artwork I like versus artwork I can afford. For example, I love vintage posters. But good, interesting (not to mention affordable,) prints can be hard to find. Until now, that is… Now, you can download hi-resolution vintage posters for free at Free Vintage Posters and put your printer (or a commercial printing service) to work (just remember to change your printer settings to their highest resolution color mode and use good quality paper).
Mar 8, 2013
Before & After: An Art Gallery’s Picture-Perfect Basement Renovation
Just off of Washington Square Park in Philadelphia, there’s a small art gallery called the Bridgette Mayer Gallery. A champion of innovative contemporary art, owner Bridgette Mayer exhibits international artists from around the world. She also just finished an amazing year-long renovation of her gallery. With it, the exhibit space has more than doubled in size. However, it’s the basement (or Level A, as Bridgette calls it) remodel that really struck me.
Mar 2, 2012
Toby & Samy’s Mid-Century Makeover
Name: Toby Shawe and Samy Badawy Location: Roxborough – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Size: 2300 square feet Years lived in: 18; Renovated 2008 – 2010 “Space becomes more an exciting entity that is allowed to exist purely for the pleasure of experiencing it.
Dec 5, 2011
Pillow Talk: Pillows for Long Distance Lovers
If you’ve ever been separated from your loved one, or been in a long distance relationship, you know how hard it can be. For me, the worst part is always at night. When the busy-ness of the day recedes and it’s time to settle down and go to sleep – that’s when I miss my sweetheart the worst.
Nov 4, 2011
American Style Through the Decades: The Forties
The 1940s were a tumultuous time. It is impossible to understand those years outside of the context of WWII. The war not only defined the decade but from a design perspective, split it virtually in half. During the first half of the decade, new design was halted, as supply shortages and rationing demanded that all available resources — material and otherwise — be directed towards the war effort…Socially, the decade featured a similar split.
Jul 14, 2011
Felicia & Douglas’ Warm, Mid-Century Modern Condo
Name: Douglas and Felicia GreenfieldOccupation: Douglas, professor; Felicia, social workerLocation: Queen Village — Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaSize: 1,100 square feetYears lived in: 1 Felicia and Douglas weren’t looking to buy a place when this light-filled condo became available in the Queen Village neighborhood of Philadelphia. However, long before Felicia met Douglas, she had attended parties in this very space.
Dec 16, 2010