Fall Weekend

It feels like Fall here in the Pacific Northwest. I love Fall. Don't get me wrong, I love Summer and this year I'm sad to see it go. Actually it never really came but that's another post. Fall is the time for me to organize the house, watch football and movies with the boys, and start my cooking marathon. I love to cook in the Fall. Maybe it has to do with the ritual of drinking a glass of red wine while I cook. Regardless, I love to make hearty fall and winter foods. Butter, salt and cheese are my middle name. Bottom line is I love to hunker down and hang out without feeling guilty that I should be outside.

What better place to do nothing and escape your everyday chores than a weekend getaway or 2nd home. Since I don't have a 2nd home so I thought I'd create my own mountain hideaway. I can smell the stew and the crackle of the fire (over the wrestling of the kids )

My dream mountain escape vehicle. These are a classic. Wish our Michigan friends still made them.

Home sweet home

Designer - Susan Tully

Dreamy mountain living room for when I need a serene moment...

But, being a Gemini, that mood can change in a instant and I'd want a more vibrant living room.

Designer - Ray Booth

Dream rustic, modern kitchen

Designer - Tom Shearer

Designer - Meg Braff

The perfect place to relax after a long day of snowshoeing or cooking. Not to pretty for my husband or the house.

Designer - Phoebe Howard

Bedroom for the boys. Yes, I would really make them sleep here. I want my boys rooms to be designed for me - not for them. Sorry boys.

I'd wrap up each night with friends and family at this magnificent outdoor fireplace.

Here's to dreaming.

Mrs. Howard, Jacksonville store

A friend of mine went to Phoebe Howard's Jacksonville, Florida store and sent me a couple pictures. I can't believe this is a store! I wonder how many people try to hide and spend the night. I think I might be tempted. Visiting one of her stores is on my wish list for 2010.

Enjoy the pictures. Blow them up so you can see the details. Always styled to the "T" without being overdone. Gorgeous Southern simplicity.

P.S. I'll try not to post about Phoebe Howard for a while to give you a break.

P.S.S Okay, so I lied. I just went over to her blog, Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper, and had to share this post. In this before and after post, Mrs. Howard told the homeowner to buy books at Goodwill since her budget was tight. Then she painted the spines a greyish blue with a notched out strie brush. Gorgeous! Wish I had thought of that idea. Unified books make such a statement.

Hope you had a great Monday.

If it works

Mrs. Howard is the queen of calm sophisticated southern style. Phoebe has developed a style over the years and it never disappoints. Each house has a distinct look yet it's unmistakably Mrs. Howard in it's color palette, use of symmetry and fabulous yet refined furniture and accessories.

Mrs. Howard seems to love sunburst mirrors as she uses them in a variety of rooms and in most projects. I too love them. I don't care if the design community says they are out and over used. They are so happy and add great dimension to every space. And they come in so many variations, finishes and sizes now. What's not to love.

If it works, it works. I for one, would be sad to see Mrs. Howard replace the sunburst mirror with another accessories. It's the LBD of accessories. Now every time I see one I think of her.

Here's a small sampling of some of her rooms and love of sunbursts.
All images from phoebehoward.net.

I hope the sunburst is here to stay. Thanks for making it so iconic Phoebe.

The Future of Design

I was very excited to read the NY Times article on Friday "Renovating an Industry". The article mentions a couple of my design favorites, Phoebe Howard and Celerie Kemble and how they are adapting their business to the new economic environment.

It also features a pioneer in the e-decorating business, Burnham Design. Betsy Burnham started offering her instant/space service two years ago when she noticed the economic downtrend. As an alternative to the traditional design service she creates a master plan on line, including resources and unlimited phone advice for a flat fee. Then it's up to the consumer to buy all the products and put the space together.

Our very own blogger, Turquoise, is also mentioned in the article for her involvement in the Designer Tag Sale. Vanessa De Vargas has been pushing the envelope for the past couple years by offering e-decorating services and selling restored antiques that have revamped for today's modern client. She is an inspiration to me as I love her multi-faceted approach to today's client by blending the past and the present.

The recession is making designers re-think their approach and re-invent their services to make the design process more realistic and accessible. Gone are the days of interior design only being accessible to the wealthy or clients who are willing to invest years in the process.

I, for one, am excited about the future.

Who needs sleep?

This is the first summer I've been home with the kids and it is an experience to say the least. I have new respect for full-time moms. This is the hardest job in the world and it doesn't come with lunch or 15 minute breaks.

On top of being home full-time with two boys who are trying to kill each other at every turn, I haven't slept for years. And I mean four years. Unless you count the quick overnight business trips but those aren't very restful. When I do go out of town and leave my kids for my mom or sister, they sleep. They sleep like no tomorrow. They are WORKING me.

Last night I woke up at 12:30 and couldn't believe that my youngest was still asleep. He typically wakes up every night at 12:00. Every night and he usually gets up more than once. I really need to take him to a sleep specialist but I know they are just going to tell me that hes waking up because he can. I'm the problem - not him.

Anyway, I thought "this is it," he's finally going to sleep through the night. I was so excited that I couldn't sleep! At 12:45 he appeared in my room. We did the quiet walk back to his room and I snuggled with him. Which means, I fell asleep in his bed. I know, I know. But, what would you do if you hadn't slept in four years?

To make matters worse last night, my eight year old came into his little brothers room in the middle of the night and told me he had a bad dream. So, out of one twin bed and into another. Not sure what happened after that, but I woke up this morning back in my four year old's bed.

Stop the merry-go-round, I want off. I miss my big king bed, down pillows and down comforter. I miss feeling like an adult. I don't want to drink a pot of coffee to feel human in the morning.

I'm dreaming of crawling into this bed and sleeping through the night. Without my 4 year old.

Peaceful bedroom courtesy of Phoebe Howard.

Timeless Kitchen

I'm loving the warm neutral palette of this kitchen by Phoebe Howard. It's so refreshing to see a kitchen that's not all white but is still crisp and light. This is a classic palette that will never go out of style and looks different as the light changes throughout the day. The style is a perfect blend between classic and modern, which in my book equals timeless. Once again, Mrs. Howard has exceeded my expectations.