Shelter loves.....

1. I have to give a loving shout out to my hometown of Marshfield, Ma. I love living in this seaside town...but living near the water has drawbacks during large storms. I am thankful my home and family were all safe during the blizzard this week, but much of my town was under water and a number of people lost their homes due to the storm surge. My thoughts are with them! xo

The picture of the beach above is about five minutes from my home. The second picture (below it) was taken yesterday during the high tide. The water literally took over much of the small village area of Brant Rock. I have never seen this area so flooded in my life, the waves were crashing over the seawall and into homes. ( I grew up in Marshfield and am back after leaving for 17 years).

2. Sometimes we all need to remind ourselves of this...
3. I love a feminine mix of floral and leopard print. This image is making me rethink my daughter's room rug choices.
4. Art is subjective, but these cheery watercolor prints by Sarah Martinez would add a beautiful pop of color to your home or office.
5. As you know Superbowl Sunday is this weekend! Go Pats! I am heading to a friend's house. I think I may bring these. They look somewhat healthy, right?? This entire site is filled with yummy recipes.
6. I love layering graphic tees under blazers and sweaters this time of year.

Take me away...Cottage Love #19

The sights and sounds outside as I pen this post are of five foot snow drifts and howling winds. My coastal town was hit pretty hard by the storm and the high tides. Many people had to be evacuated this morning. I am thankful that I live far enough from the tides and that I am still with power...

I have no plans to travel to a warm climate this winter. (We may try to sneak away to Florida for a long weekend but nothing is planned) I do however dream of tropical beaches and warm sunny days. I have never been to Harbour Island but you can bet it's on the top of my travel list.

This home designed by Allesandra Branca is a chic, colorful, cheery getaway. Just what we all could use by the end of January in New England!

 Images via Lonny Magazine. 

Hunker down....

As I'm sure you have heard, we are bracing for a blizzard over here in the Northeast!! I think we are pretty much prepared for the storm. School was just canceled for tomorrow..My fingers are crossed that we don't lose power! (cause that is never fun with two little kiddos)..Here's my essentials prep list! Stay safe and warm everyone! (and lucky you if you reside in a toasty climate!) xx

1. A cozy room!! Someday I would love to design or buy an over sized sectional with big ottomans. I would live on this sofa... This room looks well loved....
2. A flashlight - why not a pink one?? It is no secret that I love pink.
3. Games! Matty and I love scrabble - we are both competitive types. I'm sure my son would too.
4. Hot chocolate with Baileys. Sorry but I can't get through a storm with a drink... ;)
5. A cozy sweatshirt..love this layered one. 
6. Slippers!! I worship them. Honestly, what is better than slippers around the house?
7. A big blanket for snuggling on the sofa. I think my entire family could fit under this one.
8. Plenty of candles.
9. Snacks!! Lots and lots of snacks!!
10. A good shovel, cause we do have to get out there and shovel at some point. 
11. Firewood!

Shelter Loves

Sorry for my silence yesterday. I threw my daughter's 5th birthday party!! It was a success and so much fun! I'm working this am and then heading up to Vermont to go skiing later today. Here's what's on my radar this week....Have a fabulous weekend. xx

1. An apres ski look. My Ray bans are my go to sunglasses. I have some others but for a classic look I always grab my aviators. I've been also wanting a pink hued pair like these!
2. Classic black and white homes....this is what I love. The second image on the bottom is perfect. (via Elle Decor - 2015) The scale, the full sized windows, the grounds..PERFECTION.
3. I need a fun dress like this!! Isn't it funny how your outfit can change your mood? I think I would feel exotic and special in this floral frock..;)
4. Charlotte Olympia now has her iconic kitty flats in leopard!!
5. Truth!!
6. Natural woods and a small cozy kitchen...I like it...David Netto's designs are so warm and cool...

Celebrate!

Today is my daughter's 5th birthday! I can't believe how quickly the time actually goes. She is still super snuggly, I just hope she stays that way!

I am throwing her a party for 14 of her little besties tomorrow (not sure how they are all going to fit in my house). It won't be nearly this eleborate but I thought this party was sweet without being too over the top! I adore pink and gold.

As I mentioned I am hosting a jewelry making- cupcake decorating celebration! Wish me luck..:)

Well, I'm off to read my daughter a story at pre-school now..Have a fabulous day! Images via 

Snowbound...

I say: If you can't go south, head north! I would LOVE to be jetting of someplace toasty this winter, but I don't think it's happening..There's just too much going on at my home base. I am lucky enough however to have my parent's log cabin in Vermont to visit! (Top photo is of my brother in law, niece and nephew). Their home is 30 minutes from Killington Mountain. Matty and I are heading up there this weekend for some outdoor fun and a bit of apres ski of course!!

Other images from top to bottom: 

- This bathroom by designer Frank de biasi is pretty much what I would design if I had a ski chalet. 

- Aerin Lauder's ski house in Aspen is by far a favorite! Image via: Vogue

- I love cozy hats. I think I need to scoop up a Canada Goose one just like this!!

- Being outside on a mountain, under sunny skies with perfect conditions is fabulous!!

- Apres ski in front of a fire after skiing all day is even better!

Frank de biasi

http://rstyle.me/n/v3yf2pwjn - hat

Trend predictions with staying power

In late 2012 I wrote a post about  2013 trends that I thought would have great staying power.  Several days ago I reread that post, and if I do say so myself I definitely hit the bullseye with my predictions.
These are still going strong:

• simple geometric patterning 
• nature inspired motifs (birds, feathers, florals, plants, etc. )
• lighter woods in furniture and  floors
• gold toned finishes 
• open walls in kitchens 
• backsplashes to the ceiling
• mixed colours in kitchen cabinets
• reclaimed/eco-friendly materials 

In addition it seems that there are variations of these trends that will also have great staying power.  
Consider:

More geometric patterning 

Not only will you see geometric patterning used on textiles and rugs, it has moved to furniture  and lighting as frameworks, overlays and inlays. 

Sculptural light fixtures

Yes,  still going strong and branching out a little from the  large scale, voluminous fixtures seen in 2014 to a whole new skeleton/wire look that will be big for 2015. This look is also strongly influenced by geometry.

The wire/ skeleton look also extends to furniture especially tables.  

Global inclusiveness  

No longer is travel the instigator of interest in the products of other cultures. As the world becomes a smaller place because  of technology, homeowners are exposed to a range of products and looks from different countries.  Access to these is as easy as a keystroke.  Rather than a themed look, think about integrating special pieces  with  what you already have.  

Any of these pieces could be easily added to any decor unless you are averse to yellow!

Patterned tiles

The geometric trend is popular in  wall and floor tiles as well as textiles. The new looks range from herringbone designs  to elegant parquets in one or two hues. 

 Even rugs have taken on a tiled look. 

Mixing up warm metals 

Yes we know that silver finishes are being overtaken by the golden tones of mellowed brass, but the orange glow of copper isn't far behind.    Mixing metals is a trend that will be a safe bet for years to come.  Just think how long the silver tones have been popular, that will be the staying power of mixing things up for variety.  

Marble is hot 

One noticeable trend for this year is the the use of marble in everything from backsplashes and furniture  to lamp bases and accessories.   It isn't only  white marbles either, think black, blue, golden and champagne. 

Mixing materials 

In furniture and accessories designers are playing with interesting combinations of materials.  Raw woods and lacquer, glass and concrete, metal and marble, wood and fur, resins and metal, glass and filagree metal, the list is long and the look is interesting. 

Statement art /walls 

Go big and bold in artwork, splurge on a hand painted mural or a whimsical wallpaper.  Think about a wall of texture.   Large and textured is definitely in. 

Focus on hand made and recycled

Anything that shows the hand of a creator is a sure bet for home decor.  It reads as unique, honours natural materials, and supports artists.  Such products are usually sought out, well considered and support local economy.  All good and very trendy right now-  if such sensible choices can be  trendy.
 Think about woven objects, hanging sculptural forms, pottery and ceramics, fibre art.

 If you are handy yourself consider the upcycling of objects.  There are enough  ideas on Pinterest to keep you going indefinitely. 

And there you have it, what's trending for 2015 that will be a safe bet to invest in for the coming years.  What are your thoughts on buying into trends?