DWR & House Beautiful

I fell in love with the home of Design Within Reach CEO John Edelman's Connecticut home in this months House Beautiful. It is the perfect mix of modern with traditional elements. A timeless masterpiece.

The white antler chandelier makes a fun statement when paired with traditional dark hardwood floors and grass cloth covered walls. And those black doors take a traditional french door to fabulous. This room would lose it's edge with traditional white french doors.

The living room is perfection. The windows and mouldings are too die for and then the furniture and color palette is classic perfection. I can't even discuss the fireplace as it's a piece of art. And I love that they threw a traditional sunburst above the fireplace - so unexpected in a modern room.

A great gallery wall in the living room gives the stairway importance and personality. It's one of the reasons this house is so appealing and warm. You can tell that the owners only add what they love and each item tells the story of the owners lives.

The dining room is amazing with the Satellite chandelier, Saarinen oval table that seats ten and the amazing leather Saarinen chairs. The traditional moulding in this room grounds the space and keeps it from being too modern or cold. You can tell that stories will be told, and bottles of wine will be poured around this table for hours. The perfect tell tale sign of a dining room. I'd love to spend hours in this room with friends and family.

Hello pool and amazing yard. Really??

And then you have to throw in the outdoor kitchen, casual dining table and 16 foot marble bar. It was inspired by the Amanyara resort in the Turks and Caicos. This space makes me crazy jealous. I can only imagine the entertaining and family gathering that's done in this space. Perfection.

Kudos to John and Bonnie Edelman for creating a beautiful but casual classic modern home.

Check out the April issue of House Beautiful to see the rest of the house.

Dreaming

I'm dreaming of a little "Father of the Bride" inspired house today. I'm such a sucker for traditional architecture and white houses. Anything that reminds me of the idealized American home and I start tearing up. Really. I've probably watched "Father of the Bride" over 50 times just to get a glimpse of any details that I've missed during the previous 49 viewings. It was my first love before "Somethings Got to Give" and Nancy Meyers came along.

While these images aren't all from the same house they seem meant to be.

A beautiful, not too grand entrance, but with incredible details. Those pots had me at hello.

Then from the back you see how grand this house and guest house really is. But comfortable and family friendly too. Can't you just see the kids playing tag? Or in my case, playing Lacrosse in the backyard and breaking all those incredible windows. And what I wouldn't give to have the guest house as my office. Far enough away to work without being interrupted and no commute. Heaven.

Then a little cozy spot to take an early evening break with family and friends. Sigh.

All images via my pinterest.

A little pick me up

It felt like Spring in Seattle today. It was exactly what the doctor ordered since we still have a couple more months (really until July 4th) of the winter dull-drums. But nothing feels more like Spring than beautiful pink and white flowers.

I hope it's beautiful where you are. If not, fill your house with some pink and white flowers to make it feel like Spring. It's the best pick me up.

All work, no play

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, but it's been all work and no time for play or blogging for that matter.

Wish I was working at this beautiful little space. I've always loved this pale blue zebra fabric. And I especially love it paired with the pale gray walls, parson desk and Chinese Chippendale chair. A little nook of serenity in a crazy, fast paced world.

I'll be back soon. Hang in there with me.