I first heard about Patrick Dougherty in 2009 when Southern Accents did a story on him, and I couldn’t believe what he could create out of twigs! These incredible works of art seem to compliment each setting in which they are constructed. In nature, they look as though they’ve existed there forever. When placed against buildings or in galleries, the contrast between the natural and the manmade — is gorgeous! I do want one of my own.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Garden Art, Garden Design, Patrick Dougherty, Southern Accents | Leave a Comment »
If there is one thing that can change a space more than paint — it’s a light fixture!
Any room can go from drab to fabulous by just addressing the lighting. This is especially true for those of us who rent, as well as those buying a tract home. Changing out the standard issued light fixtures for an amazing chandelier or retro pendant will not only make the space more appealing, but it will help reflect your sense of style.
This is such a fantastic light fixture. I have seen it used in living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms and in every situation it really makes the room.
Heading to the Rose Bowl Flea Market this Sunday, still looking for a light fixture for my dining room. Crossing my fingers I’ll find something.
Happy Friday!
Posted in Decor | Tagged Light Fixtures, Remodeling | Leave a Comment »
I was reminded by my last post how much I love beach inspired interiors! I have always been smitten by California’s take on interiors, especially along the coastal towns like Venice Beach, Santa Monica & Big Sur.
In the mid-90’s, I used to love to go to Indigo Seas on Robertson for Lynn von Kersting’s take on island/travel decor. Another great place (in LA) is American Rag’s Maison Midi on La Brea. I have also heard great things about Surfing Cowboys in Venice Beach, but I haven’t had a chance to pop in myself. If you are not in the LA area, there are loads of other resources for your island-inspired home & garden.
Casa Tua‘s hotel and restaurant in Miami has a relaxed Mediterranean feel. Tom Scheerer’s work, especially his “Bahamas Veranda House” and “Salt box house” are incredibly fun! India Hicks has loads of photos and ideas you can browse through on her website. And, of course Pinterest has tons of beach-themed boards to fit anyone’s taste.
This photo framed (large-scale) anywhere would be amazing!
Posted in Decor, Home | Tagged Casa Tua Miami, India Hicks, Indigo Seas, Maison Midi, Malibu, One Kings Lane, Pinterest, Tom Scheerer | Leave a Comment »
Some of the most enjoyable entertaining I’ve done has been when friends happened to pop over last-minute. There is not that initial pressure of having everything perfect, and people are usually more relaxed with little expectations for the evening ahead. When this happens, my “go-to menu” typically consists of some type of salad, a good cheese and meat platter, some nuts and some kind of cracker/bread. I also keep some good chocolate in the fridge for something sweet at the end. No cooking involved. Super easy!
Posted in Food, Home | Tagged cheese, dining alfresco, entertaining, Food, outdoors, tomatoes | 2 Comments »
(a very handsome bar)
1. Tray
2. High Ball Glasses
3. Ice Bucket
4. Cocktail Glasses
5. Goblets
6. Bar Items
7. Dish for Lemons/Limes
8. A Lamp
9. Cocktail Napkins
10. & just add your favorite bottles
Posted in Decor, Entertaining, Home, Shop | Tagged bar, barware, cocktails, entertaining, One Kings Lane, Restoration Hardware | Leave a Comment »
When designing an outdoor space, I always like to include a console table. The console table, on its off time, serves as a place for a lantern, potted plant, and an interesting object or two (as in the photo above). However, when there is entertaining going on, the console becomes the perfect place for food & drink.
A great example of this, is Bunny Williams’ patio area. She has a lovely huge console table that can easily transform into a buffet table when entertaining.
Here, for a friend’s garden, I had a potting table and mirror made for the patio area. When entertaining, the table becomes the perfect place for beverages and food, otherwise, it displays the owner’s fabulous plants and objects.
The table you use for you buffet doesn’t necessarily have to be a proper console table, you could use an old picnic table, potting table, small bistro table or even your outdoor coffee table — it all depends on your needs/space.
Items for your buffet…
Posted in Home, Shop, Uncategorized | Tagged Bunny Williams, Inner Gardens, Jayson Home & Garden, Outdoor Console Table, Pottery Barn, Serena & Lily, Terrain | 3 Comments »
I’ve had this picture at my desk for years! I tore it out of W Magazine in ’03. It’s not a fancy or staged photograph – just family and friends around a table for an afternoon lunch. A good reminder to me to take time out and enjoy the small things in life — a long meal with family & friends.
Cheers!
Posted in Entertaining, Food | Tagged entertaining, Outdoor dining, summer | 1 Comment »
If you haven’t heard of One Kings Lane, the trendy home and style source, you definitely need to check them out. It covers all tastes and styles from traditional to mid-century. Today, I came across some fabulous finds that reminded me of Big Sur style, the hippie/bohemian coastal town along the Northern California coast.
Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton in The Sandpiper, filmed in Big Sur
Posted in Decor, Shop, Travel | Tagged Big Sur, Bohemian Decor, Hippie Decor, One Kings Lane, The Sandpiper | 1 Comment »
My sister just inherited some antique Duncan Phyfe Mahogany chairs from our mother (they had originally belonged to our great-grandmother). So, Heather’s first question to me was, “What do I do with them”? This is a typical conundrum that many face — how to incorporate our family’s antique furniture, that has deep sentimental value, into our own spaces? The trick is weaving them into your style so that they feel a part of your home. The tip is to mix them with modern pieces — maybe even updating them with paint or upholstery. All images are from Lonny Magazine.
Above, the antique chairs are painted white, upholstered in a fun stripe and paired with a rustic table. Plus, there are modern and industrial pieces in the room that really contrast the chairs allowing the chairs to stand out even more. Very fun!
Above, the kitchen is more modern but the dining table, tablecloth and chairs are more rustic. The modern chandelier over the dining table really helps bring these two spaces together nicely.
Painted white – very sweet.
Antique chairs upholstered in a modern fabric and paired with a modern table and rug.
Above, the antique chairs are upholstered in a traditional fabric and paired with a beautiful marble table and a clean modern kitchen – lovely!
Happy Decorating!
Posted in Decor, Home | Tagged Antique Chairs, Dining Room, Home Decor, Lonny Magazine | 2 Comments »
The Long Table 