Love the look - Kentucky Derby

Everyone has a bucket list, one item on mine is to attend the Kentucky Derby someday. I love an excuse to dress up and have fun! Are you heading to a party? Here's an idea of what you might wear! Cheers!

Hat//Necklace//Lipstick//Dress//Mint Julep Recipe//Bracelet//Sandals

House Love (I would say cottage but this pretty home is quite a bit bigger) #25

I am working on a number of exciting projects! So I am on the hunt for not only inspiration but new products and vendors. I met with a new client today (We always create names for and devise a binder for each project. I often refrain from using a client's last name, this job is called: Brookdale) who would like to incorporate a soft color palette into her beautiful, light filled home. This home designed by Massucco Warner Miller. When creating a more neutral soft palette it is key to layer texture, subtle color, and patterns. Julie and Melissa have done that here beautifully.

My design will be incorporating lots of smokey hues, pattern and detail. Think David Hicks meets Vincente Wolf. I strive to create interiors that speak to my client! I am excited to get started on this one.

How great is this ottoman design??

I am loving the style of this Chaise lounge! It is so feminine and inviting.

Shiplap

1. Definition of SHIPLAP. : wooden sheathing in which the boards are rabbeted so that the edges of each board lap over the edges of adjacent boards to make a flush joint. (via Merriam-Webster)

I love how crisp and clean shiplap walls look. I'll add this project to my: *must try list.

Here is a simple tutorial on how to add this architectural detail to your own home.

Via: Studio McGee

Shelter Loves...

I've had a very productive week but I am always happy to see Friday. Thank you to my parents for helping out with the kiddies during this vacation week! I have been designing like crazy, so I'm feeling pretty inspired. I have a number of amazing projects at all different stages. I'll be sure to share a "happenings" post soon! Here is what is on my radar.

1. Okay, I'll come clean. My heat is still on 70. It's very chilly here today and I refuse to sit around and freeze. This will basically be my attire when we take the kids out for pizza tonight. I also must be getting old because if I'm not going to a client meeting I'm a pretty casual dresser. Luckily it's a trend! I am buying these espadrilles today. (another trend I love) I am on the fence as to which color. 

2. I never tire of stripes. I just started a design project with a client I worked for in the past. She has fabulous taste and also loves stripes. She used stripes in her the hallway of her brownstone and now we need to find a place to incorporate them into her new home. Stripes in a hallway add interest to what is often just circulation space. Why not make it beautiful? Image: Elle Decor

3. Matty cleared out the side yard at my home.(Thanks baby!!) It looks great. Now it is my turn to start planting. I'm going to devise a plan and have decided to incorporate pale pink Poppies. I love the warm pink contrasted with the black center. (side note: Poppy is also our cat's name)

4. I adore chinoiserie. This fabric would be a great starting point for a  little girl's room.

5.  I love the idea of using a fretwork pattern on a porch or as a stair baluster.

6.  I've been looking for an inexpensive mirror for my daughter's room. (I'll do anything to try and get her to brush her hair!!!!! ) This one is a great deal.

7. I'm getting good at this!! I credit my divorce. See, something good always comes from something bad!

Daybeds

I finished up a nursery design yesterday..children's spaces are so fun to create.

We are using a day bed in the room. I love to devise not only gorgeous spaces but flexible and functional environments too. Every child needs a crib but investing in pieces that can grow with your child is always a smart idea!

The room design got me thinking about day beds.... They are the perfect spot for lounging but also function well as a guest bed and/or a bed for your babe in the future. There are versions for almost any style preference. Here is a peek at some of my favorite uses!

 In an office that doubles as a guest room:

I am using a day bed similar to this one in the nursery design.

If you're up for the challenge, construct your own

On a sun porch:

In a bedroom:

A build in version creates a beautiful nook under a bank of windows

Image via Helen Davis


They are unexpected in a living room:

                                     

Day Bed Options:

Pottery Barn Kids (technically not a day bed but this cutie could work well as a built in  version.)

Pottery Barn

Serena and Lily

Pottery Barn Kids

Ballard Designs

Sea grass day bed

Love the look for running....

This post is in support of everyone running the Boston marathon today...My brother in law is going to be running so we are heading into Boston to cheer him on in a few minutes!! I do a little running myself, nothing crazy, but I do enjoy an occasional 5K and run about four days a week! Running keeps me sane and in pretty good shape. It's also efficient when you are tight on time.
Here is a peek at my typical gear for a race. Good Luck to all the runners!! Go Jonnie go!!

1. I start with a warm layering piece before I start a run.
2. Wireless headphones. I am investing in these!! The less cords the better!
3. A tank
4. Sports watch. I love to keep track of my mileage and pace.
5. Water bottle. It's tough to run with water but I once got heat exhaustion and dehyration. I feel panicky if I don't have at least a little water with me. This bottle should clip to a running belt. I may have to try it! I ran a 5K last week with a bottle in hand. It's a pain!
6.  A colorful sports bra for extra support!
7. Fitted lulu lemon running tights.
8. An armband and a great music play list for my phone!
9. I have had good luck with Adidas running sneakers. They seem to be a little wider. I try to replace them every eight months or so! I'm in need of a pair now.

I've also recently downloaded this running app.by Nike.  I love the larger font!

Shelter Loves....

Happy Fri-yay!! I had a great design meeting today with a client I have worked with in the past! A big part of my business involves building relationships. I love watching my clients lives evolve and their families grow. The personal connections I make through my job is one of the most rewarding aspects!
I was working away on quite a few projects this week so my brain is in need of a day off.. Here is what caught my eye in the process! Peace out, have a relaxing weekend!

1. I designed a nursery yesterday. I love creating spaces for children that they can grow into. Designer, Nick Olsen did just that with this beautiful nursery design. Image via Veranda.
2. I'm kinda digging the platform wedge shoes that are out right now. They are stylish and comfy..A win, win in my book!
3. God, don't we all know this!! I've got to learn to move on a bit better.
4. I've decided to finally finish my personal photo wall in my home. I loved this mix of images and the simple framing used here.
5. + 6. My wonderful client and I walked through her new home today. It is a beautiful house with so much opportunity. We talked about injecting her home with moments of black and white stripes. The classic combo is perfect when done right! This Dorothy Draper designed floor is a great example of the look I adore! I'm also loving this moto jacket layered over a summery striped dress. Find a similar dress here.

So darn cute

Have I mentioned that I love before and afters? I've been working on a nursery project today. I'm actually lucky enough to have two pregnant clients right now!! I love designing children's spaces and could not help but share this adorable transformation. Oh and I HAVE to use Osborne and Little's Coronata wallpaper on one of my projects! :)

See the rest of the deets on this attic space here. 

One Boston Day...

(John Lennon + Robert Fulghum have both been given credit for this quote. I am not sure who actually said it first but I like the message)

Today marks the two year anniversary of the explosions at the Boston Marathon. I wanted to take the time this morning to remember the survivors, those who lost their lives and their families. My thoughts are with them all.

Martin Richard, was an eight year old boy who lost his life that day. His message of spreading peace resonates with me. His family has started a wonderful foundation in his name. I made a donation this morning to this cause. I truly believe we all have the ability to make this world a better place. Wishing you a wonderful day...

Here is the information on Martin's foundation.

"The Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation

The Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation Inc. was formed by the parents of eight-year-old Martin Richard, who was killed during the April 15, 2013 bombings near the finish of the Boston Marathon.

In the days after the bombing, a photo of Martin holding a handmade poster that read “No more hurting people. Peace” went global and made many see Martin as a symbol of peace. Martin loved learning, sports and the world around him. He participated in the BAA Children’s Relay on Marathon weekend for three consecutive years, was a school "peacemaker," and recognized at a young age that while we are all different, we are all the same. The way Martin saw the world, anything was possible.

His parents, Bill and Denise determined it was fitting that the foundation should honor Martin’s message of peace by investing in education, athletics and community.

The mission of Martin’s foundation is simple: The Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation honors Martin's message of "No more hurting people. Peace" by investing in education, athletics and community. To donate, click here."

Seaside (P-town get away)

 The weather is finally warming up here in Boston! It's a whopping 70 degrees today! It hasn't been this warm in six months, so needless to say, I'm a happy girl!! The screens are down and I am working away! Matty and I were talking a bit about our summer plans this morning. I've mentioned our annual Provincetown trip in the past but this year we are also going to plan a short romantic get away to the Cape at the end of June. I'm not entirely sure where we are going to stay but I'd like to sit by a pool and the beach and just relax. I came across this adorable little water side shack in my searches. There's something so comforting about the thought of switching to a more casual way of life during the warmer months. (Just putting away the layers of boots, gloves and snow pants for the kids is freeing) I can imagine a weekend away spent in this little home. Images and more information on the house and pier via New York Magazine. 

I also came across Map and Menu today. It's a wonderful site full of beautiful photography and tons of travel destination tips. I'll be adding this one to my list of favorite travel sites. I think I need to visit all of their Provincetown recommendations. 

Get the look: Switching out the lighting, rugs and accessories in your home with seaside inspired ones will give it a quick summery update. 

Get the look:

Links: Photograph, light fixture, rug, mud cloth pillow, pillows (right), oyster dish, scallop door knocker, door mat.