THE HAPPY HAVEN

As of late

2011-08-06T14:14:00.017-06:00

I am trying to be better about taking pictures of work. This is one of the projects that has kept me from blogging. It has been a great project. The architect is someone I have admired for a long while. It has been wonderful to get to know her. The clients are long-time friends, so really, it has been a dream all-around.

{The above photo is the back facade. They installed the clapboard
and started wrapping the columns this week.}

{office}

{mudroom}

{view from family room into dining room}

{dining room. the two alcoves will have built-in glass-front hutches. the walnut floors are covered in this redish paper until we're ready to finish them.}

{view from front entry}

{upstairs kid's bath}

{master bath}

brown box-it

2011-03-08T16:28:00.009-07:00

I'm pretty sure the interior design bug bit me quite early inside cardboard box houses and blanket tents like these.
So much better than playskool or little tykes.

source

Kelly Wearstler Vibe Trays

2011-03-05T14:16:00.009-07:00

I recently had a conversation with another interior designer about the process of creating, how often a project ends up all over the place. I wish I was one of those people who put the philosophy "a place for everything and everything in its place" into practice. In order to get the vision of something, I have to spread out...all over. Anyone who has ever lived with me knows this. When I saw this designer's space, I felt so much better about the way things run around here. We think alike and organize alike, if you can call it that.

I am intrigued by everything Kelly Wearstler, but am really digging on her "Vibe Trays" as seen on this site. By corralling things in trays, at least there's a sense of containment. This still allows for a very artistic, loose, free-floating creative feeling in the conceptual phase of a project. I could really benefit from something like this.

white kitchen love

2011-01-25T09:12:00.007-07:00

Isn't this kitchen gorgeous? It's similar to one I'm working on now: white flush inset cabinets, polished chrome hardware, lots of natural light and a contrasting color on the island. This is great inspiration.

via greige

Berkshire Beauty

2010-09-25T11:17:00.005-06:00

A post on Habitually Chic reminded me how much I love this house. (I have the picture of the garden terrace -- complete with koi pond -- tacked up on my wall.)

All images via Elle Decor

blue & white wedding

2010-09-17T00:16:00.009-06:00

Pictures from a wedding I helped with this week.

The ice cream parlor was a hit!

The colors were so vivid.

I loved all the blue & white pottery

The bride wanted each table to be different.
Coming up with all the vignettes was such a fun process.

I wish I got a picture of these lights when we turned them on.
They looked amazing on the patio at night.

{full album here}

sea bags

2010-05-24T13:41:00.005-06:00

How darling are these sea bags? I love sailboats and all things nautical.
Visit The Willows blog to enter to win a sea bag of your own.
{found via design mom}

lonny mag issue 3

2010-02-10T11:50:00.002-07:00

all images via issue 3 of lonny mag

"Concordia" exhibit by Brian Kershisnik at Meyer Gallery, Park City UT

2010-02-09T12:15:00.005-07:00

I attended the Artist Reception this past weekend at the Meyer Gallery. Brian had 20 new works on display. Most of them sold before the reception. This one, titled, "Mostly Yes" is a favorite among many. 66" x 84", the size alone takes your breath away. The exhibit runs through February 24th. If you're near Park City, you don't want to miss this. Info here.

oh, baby!

2010-02-01T12:25:00.005-07:00

I'm going to be an aunt for the first time. I'm so excited. I can't stop looking at kid's spaces and baby outfits.

1. white room. 2. mama & baby bird print. 3. planetary mobile. 4. paris onesie.

winter red + white

2009-12-27T14:01:00.002-07:00

It's been snowing quite a bit here the past few days. There's more in the forecast. Here are some images I've found on tumblr. I love how crisp white is against red. It makes everything merrier.

A man rides a sleigh carrying tourists in a park on a bank of the
Moskva River on the outskirts of Moscow.
(Image from telegraph.co.uk)

seeing stripes

2009-12-11T13:48:00.004-07:00

{images from J.Crew's Women's Collection store on Manhattan's Upper East Side}

The latest issue of Lonny Magazine is out. I'm loving every page. (Not a surprise considering there's a feature on the J.Crew Women's Collection store in Manhattan.) Other great reads: Nathan Turner on entertaining, pictures from the Kate Spade flagship store on 5th Avenue and a gift guide for everyone on your list.

glittery reindeer

2009-12-10T14:29:00.002-07:00

Last year friend Mare and I went nuts over these silvery glittery reindeer heads at our favorite local store, Hip & Humble. We almost bought them for our house three times. Here's a cheap alternative. Thanks, Abby!

christmas in the country

2009-12-04T15:19:00.009-07:00

Evergreen swags and silk ribbons are classic holiday decor,
in the city or the country. This classic barn red siding is so festive.

Ornaments dangling from the mantel and the banister
add whimsy to these garlands

I love decorating with fruit for the holidays.
Fruit (pears, apples, lemons and limes - the smaller the better) will last up to two weeks.

The combination of different shades of green and icicle blue are an
unexpected lovely holiday pairing.

*all images from country living

drenched in drama

2009-11-02T10:37:00.007-07:00

Would you, could you drench your rooms in these dark hues? Are they dreamy or dreary? Delightful or simply dead? I think it depends on the space. The amount of natural light. The room's components.

{interior by tom ford}

{image}

{image from house beautiful via habitually chic}

think zinc!

2009-10-12T09:59:00.010-06:00

I'm having someone local make some zinc tables. I'm quite excited about them. I found a good post about zinc on The Green Door. The tables I'm having made are a little daintier than these because of the space I imagine them in, but these definitely appeal to me.

For more information/images, hop on over to The Green Door.

Kershisnik Exhibit: Over Looking

2009-10-08T10:05:00.001-06:00

Young Astronomer 66 x 84

Brian Kershisnik Exhibit: Over Looking
David Ericson Fine Art
through Oct. 23rd 2009
418 South 200 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101

There are so many things that draw me to this painting: the combination of turquoise and red, the soft lines of the mother's dress against the square angles of the window. The dark red carpet. The intensity of the night's sky. The small town. The angel peeking in the window. How completely engrossed the mother is in her book.
The faces on Kershisnik's babies and children are so delightful.
Also...
The texture, size and color of Kershisnik's paintings do not transfer to the page.
Seeing them in person under gallery lighting is an experience not to be missed.

happy weekend

2009-09-04T16:20:00.005-06:00

{happy weekend. hope you're up to something fall-ish}

I've been completely absent this week, trying desperately to catch up on work and trying to have some semblance of a personal life; both are daunting. Although I haven't taken the time to write or post anything this week, I'll have pictures next week and some words of my own after reading Heather's advice in this post. Her blog is my go-to for all things inspiring and informational.

{image}

happy weekend

2009-08-28T01:00:00.000-06:00

{image via here}

in the treetops

2009-08-27T13:22:00.000-06:00

Cookie Magazine had an article about tree houses a few months ago. I've been enchanted ever since. Here are a few pictures I've collected in the last little while.

{image}

Meet Caitlin

2009-08-24T12:26:00.006-06:00

This is my friend, Caitlin. She has amazing style, a booming new business and a darling baby boy. Her head is full of fantastic ideas and she does design on a dime better than anyone I know. Hop on over to High-heeled Foot in the Door to see a day-in-the-life of this fabulous designer. Check out Caitlin's blog for more great inspiration.

This is a recent project she just finished. Isn't it darling? See all the details here.

happy weekend

2009-08-21T12:23:00.002-06:00

hope you're headed the perfect place.
{image}

front to back

2009-08-21T10:30:00.004-06:00

Habitually Chic has an all-access pass to Jenna Lyons' fabulous Brooklyn residence, from front door to back patio. See it here. Thanks to Heather for putting all the pieces together.

color therapy

2009-08-20T18:09:00.014-06:00

I can tell when I feel restricted by a project's color palette. I come home and everything but that color palette appeals to me. Like the following pictures.
above: turquoise tiles {blog?}

Hermes orange

these linen-colored chairs

contrasting and color-coded cookbooks in this black-and-white badgley mischka kitchen
via elle decor {view the rest of the slide show here}

jenna lyons' stepping stones, spring blossoms, and herringbone patio
via brown button

turquoise wing back with nail head trim
via little green notebook

this "fearless mix of old and new," (as quoted by the city sage)
and the arched brick ceiling. I love that Swedish settee in the background.
ahh...color therapy complete.

Artist Alcove: Don Prys

2009-08-20T07:16:00.000-06:00

Grand Canyon Suite 24x24 by Don Prys

Can you tell I've been looking for art for a few projects? I enjoy the work of Don Prys. A native to Utah, he shows at several galleries in the city, and also at one of my favorite showrooms. These three mixed media paintings are part of a contemporary collage inspired by music. "Grand Canyon Suite" is painted over a map of Arizona and the Grand Canyon.

Song of the Traveller 24x24 by Don Prys
from Mendelssohn's "Song Without Words"

Ave Maria 24x24 by Don Prys

for the love of kate

2009-08-18T13:29:00.010-06:00

Kate Spade, oh how I love you. Kate Spade, oh how I wish I could afford you.

Please pardon my drool.

bodie + fou and aimee wilder

2009-08-17T17:46:00.001-06:00

Since I've been on the hunt for wallpaper of all kinds for clients of all kinds, I've come across some pretty great papers.I've posted about Bodie and Fou posters before.

This one would be darling in a Union Jack-themed room.
Their posters fit perfectly in IKEA frames.

They have some fun wallpaper, too.

I love the designs of Aimee Wilder.

I think the robots are my favorite. Up close, these little guys are even more tempting.
I found her papers at this local store.

Artist Alcove: Chad Wys

2009-08-17T13:02:00.000-06:00

Thank you to Leslie from A Room Somewhere for the introduction to Chad Wys. I'm such a color geek, so I love his color application and how it relates to space. Check out his website and his shop on etsy for more color deliciousness.

crewcuts for fall

2009-08-13T13:46:00.001-06:00

Don't even get me started...

{full catalog can be seen here}

fall flowers

2009-08-11T08:16:00.001-06:00

I'm loving everything fall. I always do. Emerson Made is no exception. I've decided I could wear flowers and frills most everyday. Here are some favorites.

For more bunches of lovely blossoms, visit the Emerson Made blog.

fireplaces

2009-08-10T10:36:00.000-06:00

I'm helping a client design a mantel and fireplace surround. I've been looking at S.R. Gambrel for inspiration. His attention to detail is impressive and I like his use of asymmetry.

His rooms evoke serenity, but his style is still edgy, quite the balance.

Turner's Turquoise Cabinet

2009-08-08T12:21:00.006-06:00

I fell in love with this painted cabinet the minute we walked into Nathan Turner's showroom in L.A. I would plan a whole kitchen around it. I'd mount it in a prominent place in a Spanish-style kitchen with a terracotta floor and painted tiles with pops of turquoise. Nathan's showroom is a fabulous mix of old and new; a world all its own. We got to chat briefly with Nathan, who is as charming in person as he seems. Hollywood at Home, located directly behind Nathan Turner's shop is a cozy space full of fantastic finds -- Peter Dunham Textiles among my favorites.

Dan Marty Design

2009-08-05T22:19:00.013-06:00

I love the way DMD pulls together a room full of randomness. Grouping like things with like, achieves a layered look, and evokes a sense of evolution.

The DMD showroom in the PDC is a lesson in scale, balance and proportion.

Union Jack pillows from Dan Marty Design PDC

The botanicals on this wall have such an impact hung 6-deep.

Retrospect Water and Light {SLC}

2009-08-03T12:00:00.001-06:00

Buzz, the owner of Retrospect Water & Light in Salt Lake City, is the most pleasant of persons. Plus he has a killer inventory of vintage and vintage-inspired fixtures. He also carries some great lines: Hudson Valley and Hinckley, to name but a few. In addition to lighting he has some wonderful retro sinks, fixtures, faucets and fittings.

Sixx Design

2009-07-21T09:20:00.004-06:00

A friend told me she just bought Downtown Chic, a book published by husband and wife team of Sixx Design fame. I guess I've been under a rock -- they've been renovating New York City spaces for over a decade. See a blog interview with the artsy duo here. Browse their funky-fab portfolio and read more about their business adventures on their website, Sixx Design.

2009-07-19T23:39:00.003-06:00

Back from a week in sunny CA. Spent time at the PDC and along the quaint streets of the La Cienega Design District, where work turns to play, especially with N by my side. Despite the fact that tomorrow it's back to the daily grind, I'm inspired and ready to hit he ground running. {Stories and pictures to follow}

sinking into summer

2009-07-08T20:07:00.004-06:00

thanks, emma!

100 Abandoned Houses

2009-07-07T20:21:00.000-06:00

I can't stop thinking about this project. And these houses. I want to know who lived in them. What went on between their walls. And why they were left and abandoned. I want to take this book and this one and preserve them. Don't you?

I don't know if I have a favorite among the 100, but there is something particularly heartbreaking about these two next to each other.

*thank you to Carrie from bloomacious for posting this.

walls

2009-07-06T21:11:00.001-06:00

One of the reasons why I love my job: these came free in the mail!

All of a sudden several of my clients want wallpaper.
There is a local store in town with some great selections.
I'm hoping they like some of these.

red white and blue

2009-07-03T10:54:00.010-06:00

{images from domino, flickr, nytimes, remodelista}

happy weekend

2009-06-26T02:10:00.001-06:00

{image source unknown}

500 Days of Summer

2009-06-25T14:12:00.000-06:00

can't wait to see this!
{image from here}

wide open spaces

2009-06-24T14:01:00.001-06:00

{image sources: house beautiful, martha stewart living, real simple, CB2}

happy weekend

2009-06-12T10:21:00.000-06:00

{image}

the blues

2009-06-11T10:51:00.010-06:00

house of turquoise

image from domino

Paris map from Elle Decor, by Lena Corwin

cb2 9-cube wall shelf via just beachy in the city

bold and bright

2009-06-10T09:31:00.006-06:00

Sunset Magazine's Menlo Park Home Tour

This salon-style living room is dramatic with Benjamin Moore's steel blue Flint (AF-560)

The transition from the living room to the dining room,
in this sunshine hue, is soothing. A white ceiling helps heighten the ceiling.

This family space at the top of the stairs is furnished with pieces from Ikea.
For the full tour, see here.

office envy

2009-06-10T09:08:00.014-06:00

have everything at the ready
{by modern seed}

I'm loving the bold colors of these two spaces. The organization is also amazing -- if only.

the natural wall covering, the weathered desk and the brass lamps give this room great texture. It would be easy for me to be inspired here.

clever ideas from that Martha Stewart lady!

Nate Burkus' office

these spaces are both streamlined feel lived in, but not cluttered.

California Design Dreaming

2009-06-10T01:27:00.013-06:00

I bought my ticket to Cali today to see this girl and her little darling Lauren.
We shall go here. (I can't wait to hit up all of Almont Yard!) And here.

{images via my notting hill.
I'm madly in love with the print on that settee!}

I would love to go to the Huntington, if time permits between all the designing, to see the Mausoleum and this Mary Cassatt, which is sister's favorite (one of mine, too) and many more lovely things.

And of course the Gamble House.
Then it's off to Sunny San Diego for a Girl's Trip to the beach. Can't wait!

I'm open to suggestions for favorite LA area design showrooms.
I'd love some recommendations.

Simply Green

2009-06-09T09:32:00.013-06:00

This outdoor space featured in Elle Decor is simple yet stunning.

The ikea foot stool looks great painted green.

Cinder blocks as a base for a patio table? Brilliant, especially when filled with greens. Black and white on the diagonal is always classic. Look how fresh that green paper looks from the entry.

These over-scaled stripes work well in these two spaces.
The combination of shades of green are very stimulating and not overwhelming
when paired with white.

{images from desire to inspire , cote de texas, and design crush}

UP

2009-06-08T22:44:00.001-06:00

{image source}

This film is absolutely magical. You will fall in love with the story and the characters. If you haven't seen it, go. Brilliant Asylum posted about the production designer, Lou Romano. It's a great behind-the-scene read. Romano's blog goes into more detail about the artistic direction of this darling film.

wisteria

2009-06-02T00:25:00.008-06:00

Some recent favorites from Wisteria

mod tots

2009-05-23T15:22:00.003-06:00

for modern-minded mothers and fathers

fat boy jr. bean bags, star light, doodle desk, mobile home, paper cut London map, Cuisine Lili kitchen, HiLo Chair, ruby shoes, elephant party mobile, freckles movable stickers, Saab roadster ride on

Kid's Spaces

2009-05-20T00:38:00.005-06:00

an inspiring space for homework and a spot to
plan future voyages

darling fabric-backed shadow boxes
make room for little collectibles

what girl wouldn't love to cozy up in this over-stuffed love seat
with a great read?
{images from home and garden (uk) and lovely design}

movie art

2009-05-19T23:28:00.007-06:00

This led me to here, which led me to these.
These would look great in a home theater.

Thanks JoAnna. Go exploring.

Models at the Met

2009-05-12T22:57:00.003-06:00

If I was in New York City this weekend, I'd go ooh and ahh over this exhibit.
See here for details.

Photo: Dovima with Elephants, Evening Dress by Dior, Richard Avedon.

bubbles, bathtubs, and rockstars

2009-05-12T18:33:00.014-06:00

This post by the lovely Naomi has me curious. I'll post the results tomorrow, in case you forget to check yourself. I took a cue from one of the comments and found these pictures via NotCot. Hats off to creativity and everything Audrey-inspired .

And, for those of us not ambitious enough to take on such projects, here are some lovely claw foot tubs as they are.
{from desire to inspire and remodelista}

Rub a Dub Dub!

2009-05-11T16:48:00.005-06:00

I'm feeling rather into rustic lately. These baths fit the bill.

{images from desire to inspire and remodelista}
Tipping the "P" on it's cheek gives it just the right touch of charm, doesn't it?
Not too perfect, but just right.

The Way We Live

2009-05-08T00:11:00.004-06:00

N called last night after she'd been to the bookstore. She picked up a few new design books and thought they would help me on a few current projects. Can I tell you how fantastic it is to have the dearest of friends as a designer, too? We bounce ideas off of each other and send inspiration back and forth between here and LA. Here's a book I can't wait to pick up. (I already have "The Way We Live With Color" and "The Way We Live in The City" is on my to-purchase list). One of my favorite design creeds is to make a space look like it has evolved over time. With a title like "The Way We Live With the Things We Love," I imagine this book is chock-full of ways to accomplish such an atmosphere, making your home/space seem lived in and rich in personality, rather than a page out of a Pottery Barn catalog. Uniqueness and touches of personal flair are highly favored above the cookie-cutter I'll-take-everything-on-page-28-of-the-catalog-please design approach, if you ask me.

My Notting Hill has a recent post about some other great design books -- all feasts for the eyes. Thanks to N and My Notting Hill for sharing their great finds.

ok, seriously?

2009-05-05T22:51:00.004-06:00

This is his dorm?! My roommates let me pretend-decorate our apartments, but come on! This is ridiculous. Then again, if you rub shoulders with the likes of Charlotte Moss...

{found via Brilliant Asylum}

the rest of the story

2009-05-04T11:56:00.009-06:00

House of Turquoise (a daily read) found the rest of the photos from this favorite room I posted long ago. I love the contrast of the dark floors, the blue walls and the bright white entry. Not to mention the creative use of storage in the fireplace.

color, pattern, picture

2009-05-01T01:37:00.004-06:00

Design Mom's cute and colorful kiddos have been popping up all over the web. Being the color and pattern freak that I am, I just adore their little ensembles! How cute are these photographs?! Such a clever idea and such darling children.

Happy May Day!

2009-05-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

Hope it's just lovely.

{photo}

she dreams of sea shells

2009-04-16T19:51:00.007-06:00

Remodelista has had a run of nautical posts as of late. I was supposed to be in New York and Boston this weekend, but am staying put because of a work deadline that is fast-approaching and a slight injury. (I'm not quite up to hooffing it around the Big City just yet). As for now, I'm dreaming of the sea shore and sand between my toes.

Other dreamy faves of the week:

This Sag Harbor beauty.
A wedding on Nantucket.
This grand entrance in a sea-shade, via House of Turquoise.
Not quite the beach, but I'll take it.

{image from Pottery Barn, via Remodelista}

finger food

2009-04-13T11:55:00.008-06:00

In the kitchen of Simon and Rebecca Finger, sleek and simple is the menu. I love the juxtaposition of the modern and the classic in the dining area, Saarinen tulip chairs paired with a pedestal table. This look is carried into the alcove, a guilded mirror atop the black stone counter top. The chalkboard paint above the garage door front cabinetry is a whimsical touch.

{all images via design*sponge}

and it was all yellow

2009-03-31T15:09:00.010-06:00

{yellow door via remodelista}

Winter in April is a problem, yes? And although the sun is out, it's not the happy yellow sun that warms your winter-weary soul. It's the sun that bounces off the snow and blinds you in the eyes; the sun trying to poke through the grey clouds. I've gone through my design folders and picked out favorite images with happy yellow. Problem number two: I can't remember the sources. If any of you could help me out, I'd be happy. Yellow, warm spring sunshine happy.

round table

2009-03-27T00:52:00.004-06:00

I love round tables. They seem to foster conversation more than other shapes. I especially love round pedestal tables like this one.
It adds such warmth to the cool white kitchen.
Check out that spread!

Sale at Fishs Eddy

2009-03-25T09:33:00.004-06:00

All bowls at Fishs Eddy are 25% off. These colorful bowls would cradle perfectly in your hands, full of your favorite soup, ice cream, or fresh fruit. They would look oh so pretty stacked up in a glass-front china cabinet for all to see. Visit the Fishs Eddy website (or, head to their fabulous store in Midtown Manhattan) to see the whole collection (the alphabet bowls are also a favorite) and to shop their sale!

Images of the Day

2009-03-23T21:06:00.007-06:00

favorite images today from Sunset

Thonet in Red

2009-03-23T12:26:00.004-06:00

Red Thonet bentwood dining chairs with leather seat from Bauhaus to Your House via Remodelista. See here for details. Doesn't the name of the company just make you want to click?!

spring jackets

2009-03-19T11:08:00.012-06:00

Nanette Lepore Navy Campfire Jacket, mywardrobe.com
(Row 3) Trench Coat in bright green, bodenusa.com |Rainy Day Mac in bright swirly floral, bodenusa.com (Row 4) Monogram Shiny Trench, banana republic |Chloe Collarless Hemp Coat, Net-a-Porter

go green

2009-03-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

{images via Polly Wredford}

captain's quarters

2009-03-12T15:49:00.001-06:00

Favorite images from Costal Living.

bentwood chairs

2009-03-12T09:27:00.006-06:00

A furniture-making method invented by Charles Thonet in 1836, bentwood chairs are molded after the wood is steamed to make it more pliable. Widely used in cafes all over the world, the Thonet bentwood chair still represents the modernist concepts of economy and durability.

pottery barn's x-back bentwood chair

Country Home

image from Farrow & Ball

desire to inspire

Remodelista via Katy Elliott

country spring

2009-03-11T20:13:00.026-06:00

With warmer weather on the doorstep, I can't wait to get up to the mountains. Here's some spring inspiration. Interior shots via Country Living.

Wool tweed jacket: Toast. Jeans: 7 For All Mankind.
Boots: Armani, Hunter, Lands End Kids

All furniture and accessories: Sundance Catalog.

top kitchens by southern accents

2009-03-10T15:58:00.005-06:00

I know 99% of the time I say go white, but then I see a kitchen like this. How dramatic is this red?!

This may be a bit elegant for some, but this banquette is stunning.

I love the upholstered chairs and bench.

This costal kitchen is so soothing.
{all images via southern accents}

spotted. hearted.

2009-03-09T18:02:00.015-06:00

Favorite finds of the day, as follows:
The windows in this house via all stripes

This ark print from Bold + Noble.

Alexis Bledel as Rosie the Riveter for Glamour magazine

Number the stairs, via flickr

Beautiful floor-length skirt, via J. Crew.

kate spade wedges.

Country Living's House of the Year

2009-03-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

{images via Country Living}

everything's coming up ruffles

2009-03-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

Everything spring is lovely: all the feminine touches...the soft colors and especially the ruffles. Oh, my weakness for ruffles!

above: cotton organza blouse, Thomas Pink, via Easy Living, UK

pink ruffle sweater, zac posen

ruffle tank, j. crew

ruffle jacket, ralph lauren

pleat front jacket, boden

stripes & vines

2009-02-27T10:01:00.020-07:00

Style Court had a post on 2.25 about Dash & Albert's rug collection. I perused the online catalog this morning. They have some lovely things. I especially like these.

...and these two from anthropologie.

For other favorites, see here, here, and here.

AND...

For a fabulous renovation, (and great before and afters -- who doesn't love those?) see here.

Picture-perfect accessorizing by Eddie Ross

2009-02-25T12:45:00.007-07:00

A step-by-step guide to creating the perfectly proportioned tablescape via the great Eddie Ross. For the full article (complete with before-and-afters and all the how-to's) see here.

colors in the kitchen

2009-02-24T11:22:00.013-07:00

Natural elements like fresh veggies infuse this mostly-white kitchen with bursts of color.

The painted ceiling and the colorful tableware brighten up this space. The open shelves make entertaining easy. Can't see much of the light fixture, but that shade looks fabulous.

I've had this desk picture in my file for a long time and can't remember the original source, but I love all the fruit prints, striped wallpaper, green glass and that green chair.

It's amazing what adding green to this table top does for the whole space.

I like the grey-green mini-subways and the sunflowers on the windowsill.

Apparently, I like green. These lower cabs in this dreamy shade tie in the tiled floor.

More green! The open shelving (except in this charming nook) and all the natural light help pull this green off. So does the stain on the island and the painted floors. I love this look!

{images from the little big house, house beautiful, and domino}

Happy Weekend

2009-02-20T12:15:00.004-07:00

Been looking for great papers for a few projects. I love red (as if that's new information) and that dark blue is dreamy. Red: domino. Blue: desire to inspire, found via this is glamorous.

Nautical Brights and Chevron Stripes

2009-02-20T11:43:00.006-07:00

Spring collection by Diane von Furstenberg. I love that yellow coat!

Daybeds

2009-02-20T11:29:00.004-07:00

I've always wanted a daybed and these lovelies look like they have some good history behind them. Isn't that mirror in the bottom photo amazing, too?

{image from we heart it}

shades of grey

2009-02-17T12:29:00.009-07:00

My mom would love this room...all the neutrals. It's very Scandinavian. I love the bold checks on the two arm chairs and the blue plates on the wall. It is all rather soothing.

In Katie Joel's kitchen, two red Le Creuset pieces warm up the cook top.

Red pops in this grey room. Isn't that swing arm lamp fantastic? It reminds me of a Calder mobile, adjacent to the black abstract art on the wall.

The grey shows off the beautiful white woodwork in this entryway. I love the light fixture, too.

A New Old House

2009-02-10T15:09:00.007-07:00

Another NY Times "Great Homes and Destinations" article to drool over.

{Photos: Phil Mansfield, NY Times. Architecture: Gil Schafer}

It's got the charm of an old house, with all the amenities of a new one. I la la la LOVE everything about this house! For the full slide show, see here.

{Also, if you haven't perused Jennifer's blog, "The Newlywed Diaries," I highly recommend it. She has introduced me to fabulous designers and websites and has flawless taste.}

Map it Out

2009-02-10T13:03:00.006-07:00

I love the idea of using maps as wallpaper. I posted this a while ago. I like the idea for bedrooms, baths, and studies better than dining rooms. Images from Desire to Inspire and Far Out Brussel Sprout.

C is for Chair

2009-02-09T10:35:00.003-07:00

Found via Simply Grove, these are classic and remind me of early morning history of modern design classes.
{more at feel more human}

Together, we can do it!

2009-02-05T11:23:00.001-07:00

Join the crusade! Check this out...

Tablescapes by Phoebe Howard

2009-01-31T15:13:00.008-07:00

Thank you to My Notting Hill for the introduction to Phoebe Howard's work. I narrowed it down to her tablescapes for this post, although her whole portfolio is gorgeous.

Domino Goes Down

2009-01-28T13:35:00.017-07:00

Domino announced it's folding. Another favorite goes under. I'm not sure what will happen to the blogs, the website or all the files I've stored online. Domino is so good at pushing the design envelope and tipping creativity on its ear. I find ideas that are bolder and fresher than anything I could ever think up on my own. Here are a few favorite images via the Domino web gallery {d ominomag.com}. Where are we to go now for tips about "living with style?"

Timothy Horn

2009-01-27T20:02:00.005-07:00

I spotted Horn's work on Miss Jane. There is something Edward Hopper-esque about his work that draws me in. I love finding new artists. More images here.

bunkbeds and built-ins

2009-01-27T14:20:00.011-07:00

My obsession with all things nautical makes these top two my absolute favorite. I'd love to stick a pair of bunch of brothers or cousins in these or build them into a summer house on the Cape.

This would be a fun place for a bunch of pretty-in-pink girls to whisper late-night secrets or sit and read on a sunny afternoon.

red doors

2009-01-20T13:28:00.002-07:00

Liked this image, similar to this post on the HH about painted doors.
{image from here}

2009-01-13T00:14:00.011-07:00

Thank you Erin of House of Turquoise for the introduction to Hamilton Design Associates. Ellen Hamilton's portfolio is definitely worth perusing. (And subsequently drooling over).

How dramatic is this entryway?! I wonder what the finished ceiling height is. (And what the dimensions of that great piece of art are).

So bright and crisp. Love all the natural light on this landing.

decorology chalkboard paint photos

2009-01-09T22:28:00.005-07:00

Found more chalkboard paint photos today on decorology.

chalk it up

2009-01-09T01:57:00.005-07:00

Perhaps it's the enduring doodlist in me...I love the idea of a chalkboard wall. There was a recent article published in Domino about J. Crew's creative director Jenna Lyon's home where she used chalkboard paint in several rooms. Truthfully, I think a whole room of slate gray is quite the color commitment. However, I thought this photo is just the right amount of chalkboard paint. Then...

Then...on the same page of pics, I found this! How cool would it be to send your boys (big or small) off to play/study in a room like this?!

{Image 1. Erik Johnson Image 2. New York Times}

clean slate

2009-01-06T22:37:00.004-07:00

Here's a much beloved Anthropologie bed with beautiful white linens I'd never dare own. I like the mis-matched side tables and the simple swing-arm side lamps. Below is the kitchen from the same house.
Images via oliveaux

I love this room! The white kitchen (surprise, surprise) the antique chairs, the shell chandelier and the over-sized totes around the mirrored table. To see the rest of the article, originally published in Elle Decor, see here.

HAPPY 2009

2009-01-03T02:00:00.005-07:00

image from this is glamorous

Cottage Christmas II

2008-12-06T21:57:00.009-07:00

I read today that Cottage Living is being discontinued. Just another one to add to the stacks of favorites (along with House & Garden and Blueprint.) Thought I'd post this house outside New York City from last year's December issue, along with a few wintry cottage images. Apparently my dream of a Vermont Christmas (which can be traced to my mother and White Christmas) is coming out full-force this year! Can you blame me? Look how cozy!

These middle images are from Country Living.