Classic Outdoor

You know I don't normally care for a neutral palette (snooze), but I'm in love with the classic feel of these images. The black iron, natural elements of stone + pebbles, and the neutral fabrics. It all plays beautifully off the swaths of manicured greenery. What a great spot for a mellow Sunday brunch. Of course, I had to put a little outfit together. So in keeping with that mellow mood, I'll be toasting you all over eggs benedict (classic style) wearing this...

Gorgeous and serene.

Images: Veranda, Tory Burch, Ray Ban, Neiman Marcus, Frontgate

A Late Payment of Gratitude!

Frances Russell

This is embarrassingly long overdue! But I must send out the biggest thank you to one of my favorite bloggers and designers, Frances Russell, AKA, "M.A. the 2nd" of the unique and absolutely gorgeous blog, Beautiful Interiors of the 18th Century. Some while back she awarded my blog the Happy 101 award. I could not have been more flattered, especially since her blog is one of my favorites!  It's the epitome of what I call "classic pretty." 

She muses on the beautiful interiors of 18th Century France, in all its glory and elegance. As many of you know, I'm a huge francophile, but one needn't be to appreciate the refined beauty of her site, complete with magical snow! The whole thing has the feel of a winter's walk at Versailles. Stop by for your dose of roses, champagne and cupcakes.

In keeping with the tradition of the Happy 101 Award, I will pass this honor on to my top 10 favorite blogs (not in any particular order--and I'm telling you, whittling this list down was like Sophie's Choice hard!):

1.    High Heeled Foot in the Door

2.    Haven and Home

3.    A Perfect Gray

4.    La Dolfina

5.    The Zhush 

6.    Hamptontoes

7.    Chinoiserie Chic

8.    Pink Wallpaper

9.    The Decorista

10.  Pure Style Home


And a super big shout out to one of my favorite graphic designers/design aficionados, Jessica at The Love List. Thanks, Jess, for taking on the redesign my blog. (Okay, so maybe I cheated with an 11th ;-)

The perfect patio?

I'm crazy for these pictures, and derailed yet again. Just when I thought I'd settled on the black and white cushions for my patio, I came across these images of a rooftop garden on an old brick building. 

I love the feel of a true patio garden, with potting benches, antique linens and flea market finds. 

Imagine sitting out here with friends eating artisan cheeses + figs, with lots of bread, chased down by Lillet on ice (my fav summer drink!). My husband would be opening bottles of red wine for everyone. I'll be wearing this little mini tunic dress....

and listening to this hauntingly beautiful Carla Bruni remake of the old song You Belong To Me. (It was her thumbing her nose at the critics as she and Sarkozy vacationed along the Nile.)

As afternoon turned to night, guitars would come out and we'd sit under the glow of that giant chandelier of candles.

On that note, I'm off to meet my date/hubby at our favorite village restaurant. Happy Weekend!

Images: patio, Shannon Fricke; tunic on sale for $165! net-a-porter; sandals, Elizabeth+James

Color...

I know, we've all seen these by now, but I'm still swooning? I think after working on a very pale project for a client who prefers to be soothed and swaddled in pastels, these images were like chocolate mousse and foie gras after a long detox diet. 

Walls clustered with art, heaps of books, pink chinoiserie,

and strong contrast and juxtaposition everywhere. 

And I don't usually like purple, not even when you call it lavender. 

These are rooms in which I could live quite happily, 

        'cuz I'd rather be stimulated than soothed any day.

Images: House Beautiful (via thedecorista)

The Great Outdoors

First off, I do apologize for the long hiatus! I have been a little MIA. I wish I could say it was basic summer laziness, but the truth is I've been busier than ever! However, this morning I spent sipping my tea and visiting some of my favorite girls. I'm recharged and very inspired.

After months of working on other peoples' places, I've finally started to address the outdoor areas of my own home. I know, it's mid-summer, but considering we entertain outside nearly all year here, It's never too late. This week I'll be sharing lots of thoughts on outdoor spaces.

I'm really loving the ethnic inspired, loungey boho chic feel. There are some great outdoor ikats around these days...

Windsor Smith

Eddie Ross

(Okay technically it was more "event"  than "outdoor")

Veranda

This one above looks like the perfect spot for a margarita party.

Delight by Design

Blue and white still feels so cool and fresh...

               

House Beautiful

I'm finding these two images particularly inspiring, with black and white, boxwood topiaries. Classic yet fun. If only I had room for a tented cabana.

designactually

I think I might be headed toward a patio of Black and White. Think I'll start by painting my old navy wicker black...

House and Garden

Stay tuned...

By the way, we're shooting the latest project this week. Can't wait to show you how that Nantucket style house of blues came out. As soon as I get the shots from the photographer, I'll share them with you all.