Ralph Kylloe - Rustic Elegance

With all of that said, Im compelled to offer my profound thanks to many people, including Larry Pearson himself. I could go on and on about him but I think a simple thank you will do.

I also want to mention my editor, Madge Baird, at Gibbs Smith. Madge is the absolute sweetheart of all editors and I greatly appreciate her prodigious efforts to clean up my work and keep me from losing my mind, which, on many occasions, has nearly happened!

I also need to thank a group of individuals who helped style my photos when I visited the homes. These stylists fluff the pillows, arrange the flowers, build the fires in the fireplaces, organize the kitchens and make my life easy. So, a sincere many thanks to Eleana Montoya and Rain Turrell from the Pearson Design Group. These ladies are fun-loving, professional design people that have the ability to turn just about anything into art. Also, a special thanks to designers Bill Peace and Hillary Linthicum, with whom Ive worked on many occasions.

Thanks also to Michele and Lindsey Kylloe (my wife and eleven-year-old daughter), who have styled photos on many occasions and always make my work better than it was. I also thank them for allowing me to virtually disappear in my study and work for hours, days, weeks and months on these projects.

I also need to thank my good friend Norman Van Diest. He is the mother of all computer wizards and has solved more problems for me than I can remember.

Special thanks to architect Keith Anderson from the office of PDG. Julia Miller from the PDG office was invaluable as she professionally arranged my hectic schedule and organized tons of information for me. Robert Esperti was also incredibly helpful with his ongoing mentoring and encouragement. (Bob, youre the best!) Dennis Durham was also helpful, offering insights on each project I photographed. Chris Lohss of Chris Lohss Construction was gracious in providing access to the different projects he completed that are featured in this book.

Thanks to Betsy Swartz for the artwork that hangs in many of the homes we photographed; to Kevin Hanly, Carly Gates, Carol Lehmann, Justin Tollefson, Greg Matthews, Joshua Barr, Jed Thomas, Patrick Johanson, Ben Kennedy, Nathan Crane, Alyssa Ruffie, Jacque Spitler, Carole Young, Hilary Heminway, Elizabeth Schultz, Catherine Lane, Charles De Lisle, Carole Hamill, Will Callahan and many others.

I am certain to have overlooked some individuals that should be acknowledged, and for that I apologize. Please feel free to e-mail me if I have inadvertently and thoughtlessly failed to mention an individual who was associated with the homes included in this book. Ill do my best to include such individuals in future printings.

With that said, I cant say thanks enough to the owners of the homes. You have all been gracious beyond belief. If any of you would like me to visit again during fly-fishing season, just let me know, cause Ill be there in a minute; and if I stay longer than a month, I promise to pay rent!

As a rule, I never say where these homes are located or mention the names of their owners. These are private homes not open to the public. Unfortunately, they are not open for viewing, casual visits, tours, cocktails, sleepovers, parties, reunions, bacchanalias, dinners, lunches, conferences, weekend happenings, or gatherings of any sort.