If you’ve been to Cambodia, it’s a must-have. If you haven’t, it will persuade you to get there. And soon. I’ve tried for years to describe to people what it is about Angkor that puts it smack dab at the top of my favorite places list. McDermott’s book communicates visually what I have not been able to communicate verbally.

Through the use of special black-and-white film that is sensitive to infrared light, McDermott’s collection of photographs of the temples of Angkor is not just dramatic, but ethereal.

He puts it best himself. “It is the intangible spirit of a place that is most elusive when one is trying to create a visual portrait,” explains McDermott.

Not only do McDermott’s photographs capture Angkor’s physical beauty, but also that indefinable spirit that is so difficult to put into words.

For additional details, visit asiaphotos.net.

Knowing I’m always on the prowl for beautiful shop locations for the magazine, a friend suggested I check out the Cedros Avenue Design District in Solana Beach. The shops were wonderful, and varied—quaint garden shops, chic clothing boutiques, coffee shops…you name it.

A personal favorite, and one I wanted to share with you, is SoLo. It’s hard to miss. Its super-sized entrance complete with garage door, and cavernous loft-like interior make you feel as if you’ve wandered into a warehouse—albeit, a stylish and well-designed warehouse. With 4,000 square feet of retail space, it’s pretty much a given that if you can’t find something for your home at SoLo, you might as well just pack it up and stop looking.

Divided into separate niches, each created by a different artisan or merchant, the shop has something for just about everyone. Wandering from alcove to alcove, I couldn’t wait to see what was around the next corner. California casual furnishings housed in one space; Mid-century Modern in the next; antiques and collectibles across the aisle. Finally…a design store for those of us with Design ADHD.

Colorful accoutrements for kids pack the Emerson, Em & Me space. Interior designer Ruby Lang’s niche features antiques and vintage finds. Designer Jennifer Price’s space has an industrial vibe and is choc-a-bloc with vintage furniture and cleverly recycled (or repurposed) pieces.  And that’s just to name a few.

Hope you’ll check it out!

For more information, check out solocedros.com.

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is nestled in the rolling hills outside San Diego—just miles from Sea World and the San Diego zoo—but you’d never guess it. It feels seriously secluded.

Lilian Rice and team

Designed by architect Lilian Rice (one of the first women to graduate from Berkeley’s School of Architecture) in the 1920’s, the Spanish-style architecture has certainly stood the test of time. It remains as enchanting and appropriate to the surroundings as it did then.

Purchased by Stephen Wheeler Royce in 1958, the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe has now been under the same family ownership for 50+ years—a definite rarity these days. Having met a few of those family members, I can tell you that inn-keeping seems to be in their blood. They absolutely love what they do…and it shows.

Rooms are romantic and one-of-a-kind—down to the unique works of art by local artist Robert Ferguson. (Decorated by an in-house design team, designer Catherine Dunne recently updated many of the public spaces.) All but a few have wood-burning fireplaces. Deep tubs and showers-built-for-two are the norm. Terraces open to perfect privacy.

With 87 rooms/cottages scattered throughout the perfectly manicured 23-acre property, staying here feels less like a hotel experience and more like a visit to a private hacienda—although with all the amenities of a luxurious hotel. Spa? Check. Crystalline pool? Check. Restaurant complete with award-winning chef? Check.

And the quaint town of Rancho Santa Fe offers a host of shops and restaurants to keep you busy if you’re not lounging poolside or off surfing Del Mar beach (it’s just four miles down the road). I spent the day wandering through the boutiques and design shops on Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach (SoLo is a must see, by the way) and in Rancho Santa Fe itself (make sure you check out The McNally Company Antiques). And there is certainly no lack of good restaurant options.

Try Mille Fleur for a full-on French affair or simply swing by Caffe Positano for coffee and decadent baked treat. Just make sure you don’t skip InnFusion restaurant at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Chef John Beriker’s Roasted Chilean Sea Bass is a must. Or just make a meal of the Lobster and Avocado Bomb. I still dream about it!

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is located at 5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, 92067. For reservations or more information, call 858/756-1131 or visit theinnatrsf.com.

Here’s what happened: I got a puppy. A Golden Retriever. And, yes, he’s adorable—even when he’s destroying my new Osborne & Little wallpaper. (Don’t ask.)

He LOOKS innocent enough...

Since I brought him home, I’ve found myself completely enthralled with doggy décor—something I’ve never before given a second thought. I’ve spent hours online searching for dog beds. Dog bowls. Dog pillows. Anything puppy-related. It’s an addiction really.

In honor of my new obsession, I thought I’d use this opportunity to share some of my favorite dog-themed items—for those of you not only infatuated with your dogs, but with design as well.

First, I wanted to mention a fabulous New York art gallery I visited on an AKC tour a few years back. William Secord Gallery specializes in nineteenth and twentieth-century dog and animal paintings and is a must-see for any dog lover. Filled floor-to-ceiling with animal paintings and bronzes, the gallery now also exhibits contemporary works by “modern masters of the genre.” It’s definitely worth a peek on your next trip east.

When it comes to quirky and creative canine-themed items for the home, I love Anthropologie’s “Barking Mad” wallpaper. It has just a dash of kitsch—perfect for an accent wall or hallway—and banishes the winter blues with its bright yellow hue. And for the kitchen, their appliquéd “Dog Walking” dishtowels might just make drying those holiday dishes a little less dreary.

John Derian "Dog Run" tray

John Derian "Pug Conductor" paperweight

John Derian, retailer extraordinaire, has decoupage accoutrements for just about any occasion—and featuring just about any subject you can imagine. His “Dog Run” letter tray and “Pug Conductor” paperweight are wonderful gift ideas—bound to brighten the day for any animal lover.

Jonathan Adler "Staffordshire Spaniel" figurine

Or for a modern twist on the oh-so-traditional Staffordshire figurine, check out Jonathan Adler’s new “Staffordshire spaniels”.  They’re one part solemn Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, one part chic, sleek, playful pottery.

Serena & Lily's "Buddy" pillow

On the softer side of home décor, Serena & Lily’s homage to man’s best friend is their “Buddy Pillow”. I’m not sure if I’m more partial to the color combination or the steadfast profile of this stoutly pup.

These sweet dog prints by Vivienne and Sponge, available through Ballard Designs , include written remarks on each breeds’ unique traits. Golden Retrievers? “Dependable, loyal, and good-natured!”

C.S. Post & Co, as far as I’m concerned, has one of the most distinctive collections of pet products around. The drool-proof “Woof!” placemat, made from recycled rubber, is bound to keep any kitchen just a little less slobber-saturated.

Harry Barker's toile dog beds

Harry Barker "Safari" bone toys

And, of course, I couldn’t blog about dog products without including some pet-pampering items from Harry Barker. For the true traditionalist, they offer toile dog beds. Yep…you can indulge your dog and stay stylish at the same time. PLUS, they’re eco-friendly—made with recycled post-consumer plastics and azo-free dyes.  (And my new puppy seems to have found a new favorite perch.)

He loves his toile...

So, yes, I’m obsessed, and will continue to scour the web for puppy products that go above and beyond the humdrum. I might just have to find something to replace that O&L wallpaper…I’m not sure it’s going to survive the puppy years.

Blair House

That’s when we called in the cavalry. Or, in our case, Virginia-based interior designer (and holiday decorator extraordinaire) Barry Dixon.

Thankfully, Barry didn’t flinch at the challenge. With his usual Southern charm (and the help of Barbara Hamilton of Ociana floral design), he set about transforming Blair House’s Lee Entrance Hall and Dining Room into a colorful-yet-understated, traditional-yet-unconventional celebration of the holidays.

He chose to steer clear of the tried-and-true red and green holiday scheme and instead opted for a chartreuse, jade, cornflower, and silver palette inspired by the 18^th-century wallpaper in the adjacent Lee Drawing Room. Set against the barely-there-blue of the history-rich dining room (President Truman once held weekly luncheon meetings with his cabinet here), the color scheme brings an energy to the space without overlooking the historical significance of the rooms.

“We want to be respectful of the history that Blair House emanates and at the same time look fresh and current,” Barry points out. “We want it to reflect a new administration and a new century. Even the most elaborate homes can radiate a sense of warmth, approachability, and invitation.”

Two overscale wreaths suspended (very carefully, I might add) on the windows overlooking the courtyard are dotted with edible treats—apples, lemons, and nuts—as well as Hypericum berries and osage oranges.

It takes a village to hang these wreaths!

“It’s not the expected holiday formality,” Barry says. “But it’s still rich. And the edible nuts and berries are perfect for the feasting room. It’s a bespoke Christmas décor. You simply have to look around your house and find inspiration for your Christmas scheme.”

On the banister of the Lee Entrance hall, a traditional cedar garland is given an update with persimmons and oranges embellished with cloves. Across the hall, on the English carved mahogany console table (circa 1730), the blue enamel Chinese bough pots are dressed with arrangements of Ilex berries, persimmons, magnolia leaves and orchids—a non-traditional holiday mix that partners playfully with the Clarence House foliate pattern wallpaper.

Barbara Hamilton hanging the wreath on the front door of Blair House

Tight deadline or not, the installation process was almost painless. The only hiccup occurred when Barry inadvertently left his drivers license at home (security is tight and identification is required for entry) and was forced to craftily volley design direction from across the wrought iron fence and through the front door (while a security guard stood diligently by, of course).

No drivers license, no entry. Barry temporarily, thankfully, directed installation from the front walk.

Security snafu aside, team Dixon had the decorations up in one day (giver or take a few hours). All was perfectly placed for the December 7^th open house for families of State Department employees who are stationed in locations too dangerous for accompaniment by family members. Concluding with a meet-and-greet with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Ben Franklin room of the State Department, the evening was a smashing success—with 300 guests touring Blair House and attending the State Department event with Secretary Clinton.

Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, with family members of State Department employees on Unaccompanied Tours.

We now have twelve months to recover our strength for “Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays” 2011. That’s assuming they invite us back, of course—and that we all get through the security screening with proper documentation. I’m not pointing fingers here…Barry.

Keep an eye out for the full story on “Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays” in Traditional Home’s 2010 Holiday issue.

Roy Lichtenstein's "Drowning Girl (1963)

The impetus was a recent visit to London. While wandering around one of my favorite museums there—the National Portrait Gallery—I stumbled upon an exhibit exploring the cultural impact of influential 60’s bands and musicians.

Entitled “Beatles to Bowie: The 60s Exposed,” the exhibition showcases photographs of everyone from The Dave Clark Five to the Rolling Stones to, well, Bowie and the Beatles.  If you’re in London before January 24^th, I highly recommend it. It’s fascinating. Even if you’re not a Sixties enthusiast.

Always enthralled with a theme (it’s a hazard of the job), I called a friend at Andrew Martin when I spotted their new catalog on top of my pile of post-vacation mail. It seems that co-founder Martin Waller has a bit of a 50’s and 60’s obsession himself. His newest collection includes pieces with (you guessed it) 60’s pop culture references—from Beatles fabric on a traditional-with-a-twist wingback chair to Picture Show cushions in great eye-popping candy colors.

Andrew Martin's "Picture Show" cushions

Andrew Martin "Flemming" chair in "Discovery" and "Headliner" fabrics

At the bottom of that same towering pile of mail? The Restoration Hardware holiday catalog. On the cover? Yep…the Beatles.

Restoration Hardware's Holiday catalog

Restoration Hardware's LP Converter Turntable, $249.

Inside? The “Ultimate Beatles” collection and some really fabulous retro gifts. Love this 1960’s-style turntable…

And while paisley didn’t exactly originate in the 60’s, it certainly made a big comeback. Remember John Lennon’s oh-so-fabulous Rolls Royce painted in the psychedelic pattern? One of my personal favorites for the home is designer Paul Smith’s “Paisley Aubergine” rug from The Rug Company.  Puts that 70’s shag to shame…

Designer Paul Smith's "Aubergine Paisley" rug from The Rug Company

Finally…while designer Nicky Haslam may not be a 60’s rock star, he’s designed for a handful of them and certainly dresses the part. His new memoir, Redeeming Features, is a dream come true for those of us who like a little dish to go with our design. Haslam spent the 60’s hobnobbing with everyone from Warhol to Dorothy Parker, The Rolling Stones to the Queen Mum—and isn’t afraid to share all the juicy details! Stocking stuffer, anyone?

Redeeming Features: A Memoir, by Nicky Haslam. ($30, Knopf, November 2009)

Now, if only I could dig up that Jimi Hendrix poster from my high school bedroom…