Talking tradition

I'd call myself a "transitionalist." I love modern, forward thinking designs. I can't help but ground them with a classic foundation. I often look to iconic designers such as Billy Baldwin, Albert Hadley, Dorothy Draper, and David Hicks for inspiration. I'm using this transitional time in my life to decipher how I'd like to live in my next home. I'd eventually like to venture out and set up an office on a quaint little main street in a town such as Hingham, MA.  Until then, I'm going to take over the dining room space to set up as an office.

Below are pictures of Bunny William's and Charlotte Moss's (first images) design offices. They are grand, functional, and yes, classic, but they are also warm, and inviting. These leading ladies have proven themselves as both forward thinkers and design icons.

I think an office should be functional and comfortable but should also embrace the designer's vision.

Lastly, I've shared Betsy Burnham and Kelly Wearstler's spaces. They are younger, fresher and hipper.

Shelter's office will, of course, have a strong identity but will incorporate aspects of all four of the offices featured:  a large central table, check;  fabulous lighting, check; storage and more storage, check;  art, check; tack boards, check; vintage glamour, check.   I think you get the picture.

Charlotte:

Bunny:

This entrance and central work table is perfection!!!

Betsy:

and then there are Kelly's offices...glamour galore!! I'm impressed by the design empire she continues to build...

Thoughts on home

One of the most important spaces for me to bring to life this year will be Shelter's design office! Since I've moved I have a temporary space set up but I definitely need lots of organization and creation space! My dream is to someday have a small space on a sweet main road in a town such as Hingham, Ma. but until then I'm thinking it'll be housed in an extra room or even better = a large shed or detached garage on the property were I live. Don't mind the pool table, this building would be ideal for an office. Kelly Rutherford's sweet little space featured in Domino years ago comes to mind too. Here are some other ideas I'll include..

A central meeting and work table would also be ideal, as would large wrap around desks that could seat at least 3! Myself, assistant and an intern!

Inspired: New Home

image via

Hello loves, So I've sort of put my house hunt on hold for a few reasons; one being that everything in my price range in the towns I want to live in are absolute DUMPS. Holy shiz it's depressing. I'm trying to stay positive, but this single mama can only afford so much if I want to keep my sanity. I need to maintain a bit of a social life! Yes, in a perfect world I'd just stay in with my hubbie and sip cocktails as we painted walls after the kiddos have drifted off, but that's not the case and TRUST me right now I'm okay with that. I'd rather lose a creep of husband early on than spend twenty miserable years with him. I mean don't get me wrong I wasn't a fool, I didn't marry a creep (he had us all fooled), some guys just can't keep it together after you have a family. They stray and become detached in every way possible and that's precisely what happened to me. So in all honestly if Santa could bring me anything in the world it would be a charming little house at a reasonable price. I'm OKAY with a little elbow grease I just can't buy a money pit nor can I live in a money pit with two kids under the age of six. Anywayyyyy onto my post! :) I've shared this top photo before. (My apologies because I don't remember the source, but I'll find it and link back, promise). A little cape like this would be perfect, I'd even be open to a little house that I could eventually add on to. I love the glassed room off of this home and adore the classic simplicity of the black + white facade and the beautiful bucolic approach. This would be my little dream pad. See??  I'm not asking for much am I? A little pretty like this would cost quite a bit in the Boston area. I've been collecting images via the web and started a pinterest board, new home, it's full of a bunch of dis-jointed goodies, but I guess they all make sense to me. I've assembled a mini-inspiration board below showing the overall feel of the space. It'd be fairly simple with graphic details, patterns and pops of brownish-grey, pink, tan, cream and white. And of course splashes of other accent colors like emerald green, brass and yellow. The agate stone was really the impetus and inspiration around the color palette. I love it! I like fresh clean kitchens and bathrooms, and am undecided on white or black cabinets but I guess I have some time to think about that!

This marble wrapped counter, brass hardware and glass door cabinet are beyond amazing! I will absolutely have ALL of these in my kitch! image via 

A little sunny, happy banquette would also be perfect and makes such efficient use of space in a small home. I'd switch out the fabrics and colors and would plump up that seat cushion a bit but you get the idea!

I'd love to have comfy seating area and a lounge worthy sofa like this!

My daughter's room will be a mix of pink, yellow and charcoal and no matchy, matchy concepts here.

I can envision my son's room but I have yet to find a photo that comes close to my vision. A little reading nook like this would be dreamy though! I read multiple stories a night to my children, they love it. I think it's one of the most important things you can do for your child besides smother them with hugs and kisses!

I can't deal with a big yard but I would love a small garden path and patio area for outdoor cocktails and alfresco dining. 

Anyway, that's all for now, it's way past my bed time.... I just wanted to keep dreaming...and share my thoughts and ideas. I'll make this all come true and promise to share it with you all on my little ole' blog! 

xx

Thoughts on home...

I've decided to include a weekly feature post simply titled "thoughts on home". As you know I'm moving, in one month from today actually. Holy Shiz, that date has crept up on me. I'll take any packing/moving advice you have, and thanks in advance for that...I am going to be staying somewhere temporarily while I search for a house. I have a couple of details to button up but I really hope to find a place this winter!! As a single mama, an unlimited budget is something I don't have (and something I know most of my readers don't have)  I am keeping the faith that I'll find a wonderful spot for my two kiddies and me! 

Onto the post...I've of course set up a Pinterest Board entitled "new home" that will include inspiration shots and deets on my thoughts. Feel free to follow along..

One of the first spaces I'll need to set up is my home office. I eventually want to rent an office space in a quaint town but as long as my children are in childcare/preschool, that's not happening!! I currently love the idea of using a large over sized farm table as a desk. They're ideal because they are often too narrow to dine on but are rustic enough to take a little abuse.  Farm tables can often be found at Flea markets for a reasonable price. A large surface is key for a designer because we need a multifunctional work area to read plans, sketch and look at a slew of finish and fabric samples.

I love the balance of sophisticated feminine details and simplicity in this shot.

image via: Oughton limited (I adore her bags and studio space)

Restoration Hardware has the best selection of tables and this desk could work really well because it's actually a desk, and includes storage.

I will absolutely include pretty organization and gold and white accessories a la Aerin's Lauder style. (obsessed) I love. love, love her entire office space!! A close second idea to the wood table would be a gold leaf X base desk, like the one below but for me right now the wooden desk is just more dare I say, practical.

desk via Shop Ten 25