Pretty pink, please

I started my day off with a delightful client meeting. She embraced her own style and wasn't afraid of color! Her home had loads of character and she had a great eye for one of a kind vintage finds! That's always a bonus in my world. We got to talking about colors for her home, prints, schemes and all that design "stuff", which got me thinking about the idea of introducing one colorful upholstered piece into a room. I think pops of color look best balanced with neutrals, and moments of peace, not everything in your design should shout for equal attention.

Come March, I crave the shades of pretty blooms and fresh grass. I definitely think I see a pink upholstered "something" in my near future and hopefully home! I've been saving an array of inspirational images this winter....

I helped choose this punchy pink shade with white piping for my friend Sarah, from Lil Hoot blog. (Sarah has fabulous taste! How cute is this photo of her french bulldogs?)

These metal chair's look fab in pink. Hmm, not sure if that's an actual shutter but it feels out of place to me!

India Hick's home

Love the design of Lee's sofa. Custom, custom indeed.. I also love the idea of an over sized coffee table.

Shelter Loves..

So the green references weren't really intentional, I guess subconsciously my 1/4 of Irish heritage is shining through. Here's what's on my radar this week!!


1. I love classic studs with a twist, I wear them everyday!
2. This Spring's floral prints are not only sophisticated but more sexy then sweet.
3. These mint storage boxes are very sweet!
4. I'm working on a number of projects right now, including a teen aged girl's bath room. This springy Christopher Farr fabric happily made the cut this week!!
5. I'm also starting a kitchen renovation, at the end of our initial meeting I told the client to hand me her favorite kitchen inspiration picture, she handed me this photo. I love it! The windows make the space!
6. This vintage, brass towel caddy would surely add a dash of glamour to your powder room. Buy it here!
7. Hello, Stella!
8. I miss having a house, this pretty moment reminded me of my black, lacquered table, it's in storage... via Elizabeth Foy Larsen, via NY times

Happy Weekend!

Love the look

I actually get bummed out when I can't squeeze in my daily post! It's been a busy, busy week which is a good thing but my poor little blog didn't get enough attention. 

Sleeveless dress + sandal season is (almost) around the corner..eek! I came across this beautiful photo shoot last week. I thought the location, look, + pup were all perfect! I've put together my own version below. (sadly this pretty frock was sold out) I'm booking my trip to the Nantucket wine festival this weekend! Whoo Hoo!  I'd be a happy lady sipping wine in this outfit! (links and other images below) p.s. I had to throw off the look with that green Milly bag!!! It's o.o.c., I need it!! I don't do overly matched anything...it's too predictable.

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images via: 

A goodie!

I'm big on transformations, they'e truly one of the best parts of my job! A happy client makes for a thrilled designer. This little cottage was beautifully updated. I would have opted for a charcoal paint color over the brown but it's still adorable!

 BEFORE (a sad little house)

 All images via HGTV.

Arbre de Matisse

We're on our hundredth, I mean about tenth snow storm here this winter, so thoughts of spring and blossoming buds are heavily on my mind these days. I've decided when I finally move (slim pickings on the market right now) I'm going to mix things up and make some decorative changes...(obviously) I have an old tired chair with classic lines sitting at my upholsterer. I think a classic print is the way to go, this way I won't tire of the design. Quadrille's Arbre de Matisse may be a contender.

Bill Baldwin's original design in 1965

They look pretty perfect to me Tory B.!

Garden Party....

I spend my winter's dreaming of garden parties and beach days...I'd love to say I prefer skiing but that's just isn't the case! Mix in some yummy food, good friends + a fabulous play list to the board above and voila = instant party!

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Shelter Loves 3.6.13

monogrammed charms, spotted sweaters + summer inspired cooking..are just a few of the items on my radar this week!

1. My friend has had this monogrammed charm for years, I've admired it for a long time. Someday I'll buy one and wear it along with the charms I already wear around my neck daily. (more on that later) Charm and Chain is sharing 20% off every purchase through March 18th - use code SPRINGFEVER20 at checkout.

2. I'm guessing I'll be wearing sweaters for a few more months, polka dots are still a favorite. This cutie looks like it would fit perfectly. (not too short)
3. Tilton - Fenwick in the NY Times. Loved the peek of Anne Maxwell Foster's loft. How great are those fab barn doors??
4. I needed a taste of summer this week, that's why I made this dish last night. It was simple and yummy! And a reminder that Spring is around the corner (I hope) I found the recipe via the beautiful cooking blog Roost.
5. I think I need these minty green sandals..They'd actually look sweet with the black sweater above and a pair of skinny white jeans. 
6. I'm making a few changes here at Shelter, love the idea of a unique, customized logo. This beautiful book cover illustration is by design extraordinaire Jessica Hische!
7. Gilded eggs for Easter?? Need I say more! Directions here.

Flora by Gucci + Cole and Son

I love a design story with history, especially when it's so well done!  For the Salon De Mobile Wallpaper magazine commissioned Cole and Son's to translate Grace Kelly's Flora - Gucci scarf into a wall covering.  Let's hope this beautiful paper goes into production for the public! I would cover a wall in either my daughter's room or a powder room with this gorgeous fashion inspired print.

Grace, you are one of my top style icons! She's such a classic beauty.

via Cole and Son

Farm House Fresh

What a gorgeous shot this is! I adore this modern take on a classic farmhouse by interior designer Laura Day. Bright + Beautiful! I've definitely been seeing a trend of lighter walls for the past year or so.

Love the simple kitchen floor!

The exterior of this house is perfect, perfect, perfect!

Love the Look

I'm so happy we're heading in the right direction weather wise. Hello March. Yes, cold and raw here but soon enough I'll be spying buds on the trees, and that makes this girl very HAPPY! Have a fabulous weekend. xx (oops two Olivia pics in a row) all links below

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