Tile Shopping

Came across these gems while scouting tile the other day. How pretty are these?

It's Fall: Project Update

Oh man, I've really gone dark lately -- my last post was on the 4th?! Where did September go?!

I've been neglecting the blog lately because true to form, the fall seems to be my busy season. Kids are back in school, people are back from vacation and perhaps the biggest thing: they are nesting and prepping for the holidays.

We kicked off a project in Queen Anne with a very short timeline and in just one month my client moves in. Between now and then we are giving the kitchen a facelift (a dramatic one -- like Joan Rivers-style), staining the floors, re-doing both fireplaces, all main floor lighting, changing the entry and beginning the first stages of furnishings.

And here is the direction we are going -- These are some of my inspiration images that we've been referencing:

But first, this is what we're workin' with. These are the listing photos (not my client's furnishings) and it's a beautiful house that was unfortunately the victim of a Home Depot flip at some point. Out most of those windows are stunning views of Magnolia and the Puget Sound. To die for.

I'm so excited to be working on this project, as it will be a great example of realizing a home's true potential.

Stay tuned!

15 Years Later: Weddings & The San Ysidro Ranch

This week, my husband and I are celebrating 15 years of marriage. I was 27 and oddly, the last of my friends to get married, so with numerous bridesmaids dresses hanging in my closet it was my turn to walk down the aisle. Thanks to all the weddings I had been to, I had a good idea of what I wanted and stuck to my guns on a lot of things that helped make it special and (in my opinion) as timeless as one can. But I can't help to think about what my wedding would look like if I were 27 in 2012 and could take all the knowledge from my 15 years of fashion, design, interiors and well... just plain old perspective.* 

I was sent a link to a wedding today that makes me think (hope?) it would look a lot like the wedding at the end of the post, but really, it's an ode to the venue: The San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara. Oh man, is it pretty. The grounds overlook manicured gardens and the Pacific Ocean, the interiors make me want to stay awhile and the pool makes me want to get out my magazine and just sit. Plus it's dangerously close to wine tasting. And if it's good enough for John and Jackie's honeymoon, then it's surely good enough for me!!! I must visit it someday.

The grounds - breathtaking.

The Stonehouse Restaurant

Reception: Who says it has to be huge and intimidating? 

A cottage living room

Another cottage

Pretty swell, huh?

Now THIS is a hotel bath!! It's light and bright and that rug just kills me. It's everything a bath in this setting should be.

The hotel is a Ty Warner Property and this is the Warner Cottage -- needless to say, it's the nicest cottage. 

Main Pool

Now for the wedding I mentioned: This just illustrates how beautiful the property is and what you can do with a venue when you let it shine. This looks like a particularly small wedding, but larger groups can be accommodated. The full post is on 100 Layer Cake for more details. 

When my sister gets married, she swears she will not tolerate the idea of round tables. Such conviction makes me laugh, but she's another opinionated designer who has been to her fair share of weddings. These long tables are swoon-worthy and, to her point, would help break up the routine from those who have gone before her. 

Beautiful flowers, right?

If I was re-doing my wedding, I would want an outdoor element to  it. And a Vera Wang dress. 

Good pics of the bride and groom made even better by the alley of trees. 

*In addition to perspective, I would also have the ability to predict the future and not have "the best day of my life" on the same day as Princess Di's funeral... talk about a downer. Woof. 

Kitchen Pass Throughs

A client of mine wants to open up her kitchen to the dining room.   For storage purposes we need to keep the lower cabinets.  Most kitchen pass throughs to the dining room or living room look like these.    

Instead of the above columns,  we want to add some upper glass cabinets and make it look like a built in china cabinet so the rooms are visually separated but still open.  

These are the options we are exploring with the contractor.  I'll keep you posted on what we determine to be feasible in the space and with our fast, fast, fast timeline.

A little bling

A little bling goes a long way in making a room sing.    I've always loved Ochre chandeliers for their clean modern sparkle.   They make and ordinary room extraordinary.   And for years, they've been the go to source.  

And this chandelier paired with a rustic wood table is one of my favorite dining rooms.   Wish I knew the source of the chandelier.  

But there may be a new source for bling in town.  Monique Lhuillier, the queen of amazing bridal gowns, has just launched a new line of lighting with Waterford.   She may give Ochre some competition.   Her Melrose chandelier is as stunning as her couture dresses.   I can't wait to see the rest of the line.  

If I can't have one of her dresses, maybe I can at least have one of her lighting fixtures.

Living Room Love

This Steven Gambrel living room caught my eye.   First, the mill work is amazing.  Second, the furniture layout for a large space is genius.   I really like that he used two sofas with different yet complementary coffee tables, and then multiple chairs.  A great space for large gatherings or a quiet Sunday morning reading spot.  Proving again that he is one of the masters.  

Southern Living Idea House

I've been a fan of Tracery Interiors for the last couple years so I was excited to hear that they were doing the Southern Living 2012 Idea House.  This years idea house was a restoration of an 1830's historic farmhouse instead of new construction.  Tracery Interiors and the whole team did a beautiful job creating a modern house while leaving the historical charm.  Wish I lived closer so I could visit it in person.  

Front Exterior

Back Exterior

Entry

Staircase

Living Room

Kitchen with rustic touches

Dining Room.  I think this is my favorite room in the house.

Keeping Room

Master Bedroom

Master Bathroom

Khaki Gingham Bedroom

Powder Room

Front Porch

Side Porch

Check out the website for pictures of the whole house and background on the project.