Feminine living......thoughts on home

As I have mentioned, my goal to finish my home by the holidays.. (or almost finish it anyway). I figured I would take the advice I give to my own clients when they are feeling frazzled by their projects:  "Let's finish the room(s) that you (or we) have started so you feel as though one space is finished." This gives you both a clear sense direction and accomplishment!

My bedroom is almost finished. It only needs a few finishing touches so I have decided to wrap that up. The room will be the most feminine one in my home, besides my daughter's bedroom.

It is a fairly calming space except for a slightly graphic rug. The colors I've used so far are shades of navy, pale pink, and white. There are feminine details that I am drawn to in all of these bedrooms and I too have used a oatmeal color linen bed and fairly neutral bedding. 

Natural living....

I just returned from my trip to Bermuda. We had a fabulous time! Technically I'm still on vacation (because I promised myself a full week off - I take about seven days in a row off about once a year)

It's hard to believe that a two hour plane ride can transport you to paradise. I'm always inspired when I travel....This home isn't in Bermuda but it does share some of the traits I did see...which include textural fibers, mixed finishes of natural and painted woodwork in the same spaces, pops of color and graphic stripes. The interiors appear more peaceful, while the exteriors were colorful and bright. I'll be sure to share some photos of my wonderful trip, I just haven't gotten that far yet! 

 images and design by Phoebe Howard

These textural rugs from Serena and Lily will instantly add island charm to your home. Be sure to use the code SUNNYDAYS  when checking out to receive their summer sale discount. 

Shelter Loves

1. I know Gwennie is everywhere but she always looks flawless! How can I not worship her style?
2. 'tis the season for layering bracelets! This cutie would look fab added to my mix.
3.  How beautiful is this scarf? I think I would have to display it when I wasn't wearing it!
4.  Summer staple - nuff said!
5. My fingers are very crossed that I find a little home very, very soon. One of the first rooms that I can't wait to create is a peaceful but sassy bedroom. Image: Emily Henderson

Chocolate + Caramel

If I can't have a chic getaway this winter then I'm craving warm, cozy + rich...I love the idea of caramel, cream and chocolate anything at the moment..layer old and new elements with lots of texture to perfect this look. The chocolate cupcakes are filled with a salted caramel. Yum. Find the recipe here.

Kelly Wearstler

november

It seems right when November rolls in the temperature in Boston drops 20 degrees. It was 65 in October now it's 40, but I've decided instead of complaining I'm going to try and embrace the cooler weather this year. If you can't beat it, join it kind of mentality. I've pulled together some inspirational images and positive points of the cooler weather setting in..I also love using a color palette of amber, camel, rich grey and cozy browns with brass/golden accents this time of year!

The gorgeous necklace pictured is by Elva Fields and would be perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday fete! I live in my hunter boots during Fall's rainy season, I'd love to get a second color maybe even the trending red shade pictured. Find them and more colors here.

i heart

via Rue

See like I said earlier, good design, all goes back to layering!! I have a moroccan wedding blanket on my wish list for my new bedroom digs! Wedding Blankets available here. 

Shelter loves 9.21.12

I'm adoring ALL things cozy and camel this week!

1. The Wendy Schwartz (image via Lonny) seating area within a bedroom. The mix of textiles, colors and shapes are fabulous. There are those sheep skin rugs again. Perfect for this time of year! I dread the day I have to turn the heat on in my house, today was it. It was a chilly 61 degrees in here this morning!

2. Camel bags! This Prada version would work.

3. A Fall plus? Scarf season. I love layering scarfs with outfits. A burberry classic is the way to go!

4. Albert Hadley design board!! - Simply inspiring.

5. Feather details and motifs. I'm seeing them everywhere.  Bracelet

Lonny love!

I find like attracts like, so if you read my blog or most interior design and/or fashion magazines, then you most likely read Lonny Magazine and have probably already poured over this drool worthy space. I highly admire both Michelle Adam's style and drive! Now there's an example of a girl who seems to have it all together! This month's issue of Lonny was great, I always look forward to their latest issue and try to read it the day it arrives onto my lap top!  I loved Michelle's bedroom and the canopy bed that she carefully created and featured. Something I too would love to do but I'm not sure when I'd have time to do it. I'm also not sure that my five year old son wouldn't try to swing from the hanging drapes. Is it me or do young boys have more energy then they can ever possibly expend? :) I also adore the sharp and stylish black. grey and white combo used. She beautifully mixed an array of textures and patterns. Thanks for sharing another perfect design with us Michelle!

Screens in the bedroom

I love the idea of using a screen behind a headboard. Screens also look pretty as a headboard but I prefer screen floating behind a headboard from a functionality and layered design stand point! This top room by Nick Olsen, is one of my current favorites!

This picture has been around for a long time but I LOVE this bedroom and screen.

Vintage Screens are my favorite! This room incorporates a very cool balance of modern and traditional design idea.

This is a great use of a tiny space. Not enough closet storage? Set up racks to display your best and fun pieces.

A Peek

Hello, hello. Here's a little peek at a project I'm wrapping up. I love this client, I've been working on their house now for a couple of years. We choose one room to work on at a time and run with it!! Hope you're having a great week. It's been a busy one for me!

california cool

Stylistically my tastes are sort of all over the place. This mind set affects both my wardrobe and my home selections. I tend to stay very focused while creating and devising concepts for my clients. I of course throw their designs off a bit with unexpected patterns and textures and my client's actually appreciate being pushed out of their comfort zone a little. (key word being "little") but for myself, I like to experiment. One day I may feel a little Boston preppy, the next coastal chic, the next slightly bohemian. I think the strongest designs blend a few styles seamlessly. Today I'm feeling California Cool. I read this weekend that January 23rd is supposedly the most depressing day of the year. I'm not sure if that's true or not but the rainy, raw weather, certainly doesn't help. No complaints here, I'll take this winter over last year any day!!
Today I'm drawn to fresh, warm, colorful styles, that use both modern and classic elements. The two homes below are from CA home + design magazine. The first space is by designer Vanessa De Vargas

I'm loving these Ikat throws at the end of the bed!

AND  the second was created by interior designer Chloe Warner

beautiful door design