Daydream of design

Midwinter is the season to nest, to pull the blanket over us and daydream. It is also the best time to make ambitious plans for the high-energy days that come with warmer weather.

We paid a visit to the bookstore and selected four volumes for just such purposes:

“Stone by Design: The Artistry of Lew French,” by American stone artisan Lew French, will lead you into a world of mossy stone walls, towering stone fireplaces, lichen covered paths and quaint stone cottages.

“The French Connection,” by Betty Lou Phillips, with its delicate lavender cover, will soothe and revive you as you turn the pages and gaze at beautiful photographs of exquisite rooms decorated with a French flair.

“Porches and Sunrooms,” by Roger German conjures memories of summer afternoons on the front porch, and “Courtyards: Intimate Outdoor Spaces,” written and photographed by Douglas Keister, will take you outdoors to gravel paths that surround a mossy pond and burbling fountain, or into the cool shaded space just outside the front door of a sprawling Spanish villa.

So put another log on the fire, pull that armchair closer to the mantel, pour yourself a little something and tuck into a stack of beautiful picture books.

Here’s to a daydream…

Cheryl-Anne Millsap can be reached at by phone

at (509) 459-5153.