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.

Is it spring yet?

I don't know about you, but around this time of year my decor starts to look a little like I feel after a long, cold winter.  Tired and worse for wear.  I had the urge to bring some spring to my house; I tried, I really did, but mother nature had other ideas.


  I had visions  of something  like this  for my front containers with a bit of fake thrown in until the real thing is possible - that means late June here.

Source 

 I bought pussy willows and some  short, purple flowers to  add to the greenery that is there.  Unfortunately the current items from Christmas are still frozen solid.   I have  what survived the raging winds and snow of winter ....

I guess it will be red dogwood, Spanish Broom and pine for a little longer! The berries are long gone.


Then I thought what about a new wreath to hang over the containers.  I wracked my brains.  Do you know a spring motif that would look great with Christmas planters?  I  couldn't come up with one thing apart from twigs.  That wouldn't help my craving for colour.

 My only recourse was to take in my Christmas wreath in an effort to remove a little more evidence that I am not with it.

cc960 french violet Benjamin Moore

 Then I tried to convince myself that my Benjamin Moore cc960 french violet door was my spring statement!  Feeble. But hold on a moment.

Would this convince you?  "... evoking thoughts of strolling along the Seine with an armful of violet bouquets"  according to the Benjamin Moore site.  That's close, I chose it because of my memories of the lavender fields in France. My granddaughters have noticed that I love purple, at times it is a little too obvious!

 As in my latest pillow thanks to a scrap of lavender velvet left from 

this little beauty my sister made for a bench in my front porch.  Don't you just love the decorative tucks that make a pattern?  My sister is a class act when it comes to sewing and decorating.  When I got rid of the nasty red accent pillows  I thought I wanted last spring, I knew my accent would return to purple and I would have to elevate this pillow to sofa status. Bye, bye porch bench.

 If you look up you can see where the idea for purple came from.  So spring has hit my house in the form of pillows.  I admit that isn't too overwhelming.

Where does that leave me?

Still thinking about the  dining room table.  Still thinking..... Hum....

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.