Southern Style

I love Southern Style. I often tell people that I'm living in the wrong part of the country as I'm so drawn to everything Southern - especially design.

Southerner's USE their houses. Entertaining is a way of life. So in turn, their house represents them and they invest in creating the perfect space for their lifestyle. There's no way a Southerner would build a huge house and then fill it with Ikea furniture.

I thought I'd do a series this week on some of my favorite less know Southern design.

I love the carefree style of this Mia James house in Baton Rouge.

She used a neutral base and then choose a signature color palette of blues to create a sense of uniformity and flow in the home. Even right down to her outdoor spaces and her daughter's room. Continuity is so important in creating a peaceful and beautiful home.

This house has the right amount of interesting pieces without being overdone. That's the kind of Southern Style I love.

True

As someone who has reinvented herself and believes we are constantly evolving and changing as we move through life, this quote from www.fromupnorth.com spoke to me.

Anythings possible. Go out there and create your true self - don't wait for it to find you.

Design Crush: Bonesteel Trout Hall

I took a little vacation and unplugged from all technology for a week. It was much needed. Now I have to work overtime to catch up and I'm finding it hard to get moving again. But then I saw Bonesteel Trout Hall today on One Kings Lane. I love their clean traditional design. They are geniuses at creating timeless yet fun rooms. Just the jump start I needed for my Monday.

Back to business. Have a great start to the week.

Nate Berkus Associates - Lauren Gold

Lauren Gold and Sasha Adler's project in the premier issue of TradHOME was one of my favorite projects this year. I'm still dying over their casual chic beach inspired dining room.

This months Lonny magazine features Lauren's Chicago apartment and a glimpse into their office space at Nate Berkus Associates. She has a great down-to-earth yet traditional style. You can see the influence of Nate in her work and in her own space.

I love how collected her space is - a mix of unexpected modern and vintage. She believes that if you buy what you love, you will find a place for it and make it work. The mirror, contemporary art and Milo Baughman chairs are a great juxtaposition. They make you want to soak in every detail to make sure you don't miss anything.

Dying over the monochromatic styled bookcases (black, white and cream) and the wheat table with the Ballard Louis chairs. They add the perfect balance to the gold table and relate to the color story of the bookcases.

Love the dark walls in her home office and bathroom. Unexpected, dramatic and cozy all at the same time.

And if her apartment wasn't enough, their workspace at Nate Berkus Associates has me envious.

She is a star in my book. I look forward to seeing more of her projects.

Pool Time

What better way to kick off summer in the Pacific Northwest than an 80 degree day and a post about beautiful pools. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order).

Hope you are enjoying some down time around a pool as beautiful as these.

All images are from my pinterest.

Summer - It's official

I love the 4th of July. Especially because in Seattle it means Summer has officially started.

So get out there with your friends and family and enjoy the long weekend. Take a break, breath in the fresh air, have a few laughs, take in the scenery...

Show some patriotic pride and decorate your house

Whether you're just lounging around letting the day unfold (which means reading home and fashion magazines to those who know me)

Or spending the weekend sailing

Or enjoying a bonfire and sparklers on the beach

Enjoy your long weekend. May it be restful and full of laughter, good friends and great food.