Furnishing the House of Usher

Craig's production of "The Fall of the House of Usher" is taking on a life of its own.

Madelaine's second dress, an Empire number in blood red crushed silk, is almost finished.

Craig deconstructed a Goodwill coat and we've transformed that into the valet's coat, and bought the fabric for a coordinating vest.

And -- TA-DA -- Steve Landry, the set carpenter for Blue Rock Productions, where the movie will be shot, has finished Roderick's chaise longue, AKA Recamier couch.

We looked at lots of period paintings and photos of existing pieces. Craig designed what we wanted, gave the drawings and dimensions to Steve, and he ran with it. We have a long cushion for the seat, and found some great fabric that's appropriate to the period to cover it. I also picked up a bolster pillow, and will cover that, too. Of course, the wood will be finished; there are a couple of treatments we're considering.

I love this piece so much that I'm going to find a place for it in our house when the shoot is over. Craig has thoughts of his own, though. He wants to set it up in the lobby when we have a screening and let Madelaine recline tragically on it, in the red silk gown. I'm sure we'll do that at least once, but eventually it's going to end up in the upstairs sitting room.

Thanks to Steve for doing such a beautiful job. Don't you love all those gentle curves?