Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Design Crush - m.elle

I'm dying over the whole thing -- seriously weak in the knees-sign me up-crazy for it. You've seen it if you devoured the new Elle Decor like I did, but here are some more goodies that I got from their site. Elle Decor could have devoted a few more pages to their home if you ask me, as every room is print-worthy.















Dreamy. This image alone makes me want a second home where I can build these bunk beds. I've always wanted to do that, and this picture reminds me that I am. still. not. over. it.

Love the mix of casual and formal in this dining room. The modern art elevates the look to a young and timeless room. If they had done botanicals or something expected the room could have gone country.

The striped drapes ala Pendelton blanket are to die for.

A big lock on the door and I'm set. This bathtub is a piece of art in it's own right. I've never been a bath person, but hellooo bubbles.

I never tire of a white slipcover, seagrass and a touch of Asian influence. I always try to push clients towards the ease of white slipcovers and a little bit of chinoise.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Blue Monday

After a week off and countless 5,000 calorie meals it was back to reality today. As I walked out the door I was feeling a little blue and overwhelmed. Then, I stumbled across the new feature on Windsor Smith from Rue Magazine, and my blue feelings suddenly gave way to inspiration.

No one does navy like Windsor Smith. Comfortable, cozy and glamourous!





I hope these blues inspire your Monday.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving













Better late than never! Here is some last minute Thanksgiving inspiration for you. I love some of the variation in these tables -- Particularly the idea of straying from the traditional colors, either by introducing blues & purples, or by the absence of color. I've been reading about some of the unique holiday traditions that families have this week and it got me thinking, maybe some of these non-traditional table settings can qualify too?

I've been helping my mom cook today in preparation for our family's Thanksgiving -- 10 adults, 9 children and 2 dogs will invade my parent's house tomorrow. And with those people come multiple bottles of wine and more cream cheese than you even want to know. And that, my friends, is why thanksgiving is my favorite holiday!! After we polish off 5 pies, you can find me in the living room doing mock-aeorbics, trying to convince myself that it offsets a dinner of dreams. Sadly, it doesn't, but it makes me feel better :)

Happy Thanksgiving All -- may you holiday be filled with family and friends.

(Photo sources are available in their file info)

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Fabulous Beekman Boys

I just finished reading the book The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentleman Farmers, and I'm hooked on the Beekman boys! I have to confess, I haven't watched their series "The Fabulous Beekman Boys" on Planet Green but I can't wait to catch-up on season one.

It's a charming story about how two city boys stumbled upon an old mansion in upstate New York. They fell for the house and in turn ended up reinventing themselves, their careers and their life. Haven't you always wanted to make a situation for yourself that truly changes your life?

Kilmer-Purcell worked in advertising and his partner, Dr. Brent Ridge, a Martha Stewart Omni Media VP, became weekend farmers after purchasing the 19th-century Beekman Mansion near Sharon Springs, N.Y. The book takes you through the challenges of trying to live two lives (one city and one country) in the pre-2008 crash. What started as a weekend and holiday home quickly turned in to a personal and emotional drain for the couple in the months following the economic fallout and while weighing their options, carried on trying to make lemons out of lemonade -- or rather, soap out of a barn full of goats.

For me, I think the book hit particularly close to home since like so many people, 2008 was when I let go of the safety net and embraced my passions full-time. While reading Kilmer-Purcell's book I was reminded of the life lessons that accompany following your easy and familiar path or taking the leap of faith to follow your passion. I'm sure a lot of us can relate to this subject matter on all levels because everyone has their "farm dream" -- starting your own business, moving, marrying, divorcing, etc.; All of life's changes and the winding road to happiness. For the Beekman Boys, it looks a little like this:

The house was built in 1802 - 1804.

A glimpse of the 60 acres on the farm.

The boys' Master Bedroom

The Living room with one of the two original fireplaces in the house. The house now boosts 7 fireplaces.

The arch separating the music room/library from the living room.

The kitchen where all the cooking and canning magic happens.

And of course, the wonderful soap that came to their rescue and is now famous.

I'll continue to keep my eye on the Fabulous Beekman Boys. In my opinion, everyone can use a little pick-me-up in the form of Josh and Brent and a reminder of what can happen when you take a risk and work hard at it.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

I'm back!

Boy was it a long few weeks of misery. I know cold season is terrible, but I never expected my house to be it's own little petrie dish of pneumonia. My husband was the only one to not get it and on Tuesday night, right as we emerging from the darkness, into the light of happy healthiness, he says he isn't feeling good, feverish even. That was enough to make me pray to whoever will listen "please, do not get sick!!" Thankfully, he seems to be okay, but I'm watching him...

In the dull-drums of sickness, I was scavenging on the shelter mag sites and after much disappointment that Town and Country's website is still so terrible, it lead me to the "Designer Visions: Cinema Style" series that House Beautiful, Veranda and Town & Country did. Of course I've seen the apartment by Jim & Phoebe Howard because they are one of my favorite teams. But I missed the apartment done by Richard Hallberg.

The main reason that it caught my attention: Wall Street. I know it's silly because I should have been attracted to the design aspect of it, but do you all remember the original Wall Street apartment?! I saw it again recently and it is so comical! I wish there were photos online, but for good reason, no one has given it the time of day. 1987 wealth meant something VERY different, that is for sure!

Richard Hallberg saw this project as the roost of a Wall Street titan. I'm not sure a real titan would be this understated, given what's come out over the last few years about the lavish lifestyles of the Wall Street rich and infamous, but it's a nice interpretation of how it could all be in a more restrained world.







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