Cottage (feel) Love #10

I had a moment to flip through the digital version of Trad Home's Spring edition this am. I love color, especially a mix of blues and greens. These shades are fresh, vibrant and livable. I'm a firm believer in taking some risks with your home decor. This way you're sure to be moved by the end result of the design! I was instantly drawn to Tamara Kaye-Honey's design of a California home......I had to share these inspiring images. 

Traditional Home with a twist!

Hello all! I just arrived home from my very successful business trip to Houston. My collaboration with ACE Hardware is going so well. I have a number of exciting developments to share in the months to come, including the peeks of my holiday vingnette for their Spring Trade show. In the meantime I wanted to share the photos of a home I designed for a great young family in a suburb just west of Boston!! I designed a number of the furniture pieces including the living room ottoman, foyer settee, living room sofas, and the family room ottoman. Hope you enjoy it!

You can also see more details on Style Me Pretty's home tour!

**See product sources on Style Me Pretty.

LOVE print: Isabel Harvey

Shades of green

I've been running around like cray cray today with a three year old in tow trying to pull some last minute details together for a photo shoot tomorrow. You probably look at the styled glossy magazines and the pretty pinterest shots almost as much as I do. I can tell you first hand it takes a LOT of work to get those perfect pics!

One of the perks of my job is to scan and analyze images almost daily and I've been thinking about and dog earring green chairs for years now. I think I'd have to go with Emerald, do you have a favorite? I may be silent tomorrow.. but promise to return Thursday with this week's favorites post..

Second Image Left: By grantkgibson.com

Inspired: Street Style to dining

Happy Almost December. 'Tis the season for entertaining so I thought an inspired dining post would be appropriate. When working with client's I'm inspired by both their lifestyle and the world around me. I love this "street style" photo. Her entire look is fabulous as is the architecture, the color palette and the array of textures and light. The furniture boards below show two versions of dining room ideas based on this image. I've come up with two visions, when you switch a few items out, the room can take on a new life. In option one the light fixture and rug are the dramatic features, in option two it's the deep smokey wall color that's moody and eye catching. I LOVE emerald green and those leather covered chairs are to die for! I always try to incorporate one of a kind objects into my designs. It is the key to devising rooms with depth and interest. I've linked all the items below each design. Cheers, I'm excited to kick off the holiday season this year!

1= paint color match, Inspire Awe - 3058, by Clark+Kensington
2/3/4/5/6/7/8

1 = Paint color match, Colonial Shades - 5066 by Clark+Kensington

2/3/4/5/6/7/8

* 6 is the knock-off version of the Eero Saarinen table

Cottage Love 4

I guess I'm cheating a wee bit because architecturally speaking this isn't a cottage, but it still has a bit of chic cottage feel to me with it's mix of high and low - old and new vibe! Either way I like the graphic quality (I'm actually about to shoot a project where I used a similar Kelly Wearstler rug), color use and the overall look of this home by designer Maria Barros. It's featured in the October/November 12' issue of Adore Magazine. 

These dining chairs are killer.....I need to find the original designer but for a similar look: Milo Baughman originals pop up on 1st dibs now and then. You'd have to search for a correct dining height.

If I ever need them in my life, these bar stools are on my wish list. They also come in cream leather,  which would be my first choice! Find them here.

Al fresco with friends

I love this time of year. The weather is finally warming up in Boston. It doesn't get be much then dining outside with amazing friends, wine and good food. My friend is coming over Thursday night with her kiddies, our children will run around the yard while we sip wine. I've decided that I'm going to make Avocado and grilled corn salad. It's delicious. I'll most likely serve it with a side salad, with some grilled chicken and a crusty french bread. Dessert is going to be ice cream sandwiches. If you're pinched for time and can't make the homemade version just purchase cookies from your local bakery and fill them with your favorite ice cream or sorbet. (I think that's what I'll be doing on Thursday)

I love the concept of this image,  delicious food displayed for all to enjoy.

There's something very romantic about dining under the stars

Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

5 Ears Corn, husk removed, brush with olive oil and grilled, remove corn with sharp knife
2 Avocado’s, diced and sprinkled with lemon juice to prevent browning
2 C. Tomatoes, red and yellow cherry variety or equivalent
1 Small red onion, finely diced
¾ C. Feta, crumbled
1 ½ C. English cucumber, skin on and chopped small dice

Add to a large bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cilantro Vinaigrette

6 T. Olive oil

2 T. Sherry vinegar
1 t. Garlic powder
2 T. Fresh cilantro, minced
½ t. Salt
10 Grinds of fresh ground pepper

Add all of the above ingredients in a small glass jar with a lid. Shake really well. Taste and adjust seasoning and ratios of oil and vinegar as you desire.

peanut butter and jelly with raspberry yogurt ice cream sandwich

home made ice cream sandwiches - I have to try these this summer! Yum. Father's Day maybe?

   1. Pillow / 2. Bench / 3. Wine Glass / 4. Outdoor Globe Lights / 5. Dining Table / 6. Kate Spade 7. Pottery Barn

Bring color to the table with the food and fresh flowers!

We can't forget the wine selection, 14 Hands Red Blend,  is under $12.00 and very good!