Sights unseen: Home, sweet home

: Jose Leiva/Sun Journal The kitchen in the home of Dr. Thomas and Bethel Shields is a feast for the eyes with baskets and copper cooking pots hanging from the ceiling a mix of rugs on the floor; part of the kitchen counter is apothecary counter that came out of and old drug store in Alabama where drawers are used for storing everything from paper clips to candles.” I don’t think anyone else could work in my kitchen , it’s unconventional but so am I.” said Bethel Shields. From the kitchen window on a clear day a great view of Mt Washington is visible.

: Jose Leiva/Sun Journal The kitchen in the home of Dr. Thomas and Bethel Shields is a feast for the eyes with baskets and copper cooking pots hanging from the ceiling a mix of rugs on the floor; part of the kitchen counter is apothecary counter that came out of and old drug store in Alabama where drawers are used for storing everything from paper clips to candles.” I don’t think anyone else could work in my kitchen , it’s unconventional but so am I.” said Bethel Shields. From the kitchen window on a clear day a great view of Mt Washington is visible.

: Jose Leiva/Sun journal The entrance to Bethel Shields studio in her home on Maple Hill Rd, Auburn features a step down entrance with picture frames and a bright tapestry decorate it’s walls with a sign over the entrance from a store she owned and operated in Auburn.

: Jose Leiva/Sun Journal A quilted cover with the name Bethel fits over the back rest of Bethel Shields sewing machine table in her studio where works of colorful quilts are fashioned. The studio designed by Bethel Shields offers a feast for the eyes where books and yarns are arranged in a mosaic fashion .Tapestries decorate the studio walls and baskets numbering about 150 in her collection hang from beams on the ceiling. The studio also features a computer desk and lounging area. Husband Dr. Thomas Shields said Bethel comes from a family of architects and engineers so the art and design are in her genes.

: Jose Leiva/Sun Journal A quilted cover with the name Bethel fits over the back rest of Bethel Shields sewing machine table in her studio where works of colorful quilts are fashioned. The studio designed by Bethel Shields offers a feast for the eyes where books and yarns are arranged in a mosaic fashion .Tapestries decorate the studio walls and baskets numbering about 150 in her collection hang from beams on the ceiling. The studio also features a computer desk and lounging area. Husband Dr. Thomas Shields said Bethel comes from a family of architects and engineers so the art and design are in her genes. The studio is also a gathering place for Shields’ quilting friends.

: Jose Leiva/Sun Journal An oriental rug over the hardwood floor is the center piece in the Shields living room with a brick fireplace dividing the space from the dinning room. Hand hewn beams accent the ceiling .” It’s a great room for gathering with friends “Said Dr. Thomas Shields.” Our home is livable and unconventional , we love our home, we have made it our own” said Bethel Shields.

: Jose Leiva/Sun Journal Light from skylights and wraparound windows light up the sun room with a native American design rug over a terra cotta tile floor with an accent green plants.

: Jose Leiva/Sun Journal The guest bed room is one of Dr. Shields favorite rooms. Oriental and native American rugs decorate the hardwood floor and quilts by Bethel Shields accent the walls and beds in the room. “The room is restful and warm” said Dr. Shields.