feeling tropical and this swan!

I have tons to accomplish today before I leave for Bermuda at 5 am tomorrow...I did want to share two of my new favorite fabrics. I love the elegance of a neutral home but I can't deny that I crave color too! It just make me happy, especially when used in the right amounts. The top fabric, Seychelles from Schumacher, is stunning in person as is the newest Chiang Mai Dragon colorway in black! I know Chiang Mai Dragon has been done and done again but the vibrancy of this one can't be missed. I may use it for a window treatment in my kitchen!! I consider it a classic.

This swan has been turning up everywhere. I think I need one!! (and the pool to go with it - as mentioned in yesterday's post). Buy it here

swan images: HGTV, Towne and Country, Captainandthegypsykid

Cheers! I'll post next week when I return! xx

Shelter Loves

Bonjour! It's been a gorgeous week, so my spirits are high! ;)
I'm getting ready for my trip and buttoning up my business!! Here's what I'm adoring this week!

1. Pools! I hope my next house has a pool. They bring out the inner child in me!
2. I'm not overly religious, but I strongly believe in the power of positive thinking and faith in something "bigger" than yourself!
3. It's straw clutch season!
4. This blog is unique and fun. The sentiment this photo sends is: don't be afraid to embrace who you are!!
5. I'm loving this stool at Horchow. It's 30% off!!
6. What a great braid and chignon. This "lady" has some serious locks!
7. I'm all about rope details during the summer. This bracelet would pair so well with sun kissed skin.

Love the look....

I'm headed to Bermuda for some much needed r + r on Friday a.m.. Here's a sample of what is going to be in my suitcase. Matty and I have decided to share one, so I'm packing lightly!

1. I'm not one for spending a fortune on a bathing suit. They fade within a year or two anyway. This palm inspired Target one is fabulous and inexpensive!! (bottom)
2. I often wear classic Raybans..I'm kind of liking the pink shades!
3. A straw clutch will work perfectly in Bermuda. This one from J.Crew is currently on sale!
4. I'm popping into Lilly this week before I leave. No summer is complete without a new "preppy" sundress. I may get this one (not pictured here).
5. I ALWAYS wear sunblock on my face! I did too much damage in my teens and twenties not to be a fanatic about my skin now!
6. How cute is this classic t? I pair them with cut off shorts and white jeans.
7. I'll be packing a bohemian beach cover up for sure!
8.  Jack Roger's sandals. They're timeless. I mean they still look amazing on pictures of Jackie O. !!
9. White jeans...nuff said!

Have a great week! xx

Loving....

Happy Friday! The weather is finally gorgeous in New England...I'm inspired by all things tropical. Palm leaves are popping up everywhere lately, especially in fashion!

1. This Miles Redd foyer in Cole and Son paper is so pretty!!

2. Loving her blog and this fabulous dress. 

3. I would toss this short set on to go to the beach!

4. Palm prints are a great way to add a bit of tropical decor to your home.

and the inspiration....

Rachel Zoe at home

I haven't posted a swanky interior lately. So today I'm sharing this stylish ladies chic abode.

Enjoy! I'm off on another adventure...I'll be sure to share a post on Thursday! xo

I am LOVING this kitchen and large built in window seat. I am also obsessed with Milo Baughman dining (images below) chairs right now. I'd love a brass set someday when I actually have a dining room!!

I knew her closet wouldn't disappoint.

Shelter Loves....

Here's what I have my eye on this week!!

1. Everyone is NYC was wearing the slip on espadrille. I'm ordering this pair for my trip.
2. If I ever got remarried it would be a small, intimate affair. I love this little tent and the set up inside!
3. I'm always scouting for new artists. This is one of my recent faves! by Sarah Otts - available here
4. Agreed!
5. A peaceful bedroom works for me....

Clark+Kensington and OPI (nail lacquer)

Good Afternoon! It has been an exciting kind of whirlwind week!! I've missed you all and my blogging time! 

I've just spent the last four days in NYC setting up for a fabulous new strategic alliance with Clark+Kensington (Ace's boutique brand paint) and OPI nail lacquer. Clark+Kensington has teamed up with OPI and will now be selling 18 of their top selling nail colors in mixed paint. Nail lacquer color choices are so personal and individual and so are paint color choices. I think it's a wonderful collaboration!

The following photographs are of a room I conceptualized and designed around a collateral image ACE presented me. The original image featured the "miami beet" (an OPI color) painted dresser, the green tray and the painting hanging above it. I then devised a concept and designed this bedroom to work back to that image. It also incorporates one of the three paint palettes and all of the colors included in the "artist" palette.

My goal was to create a peaceful space, with graphic elements, soothing colors and feminine details. I mixed new and vintage items throughout. This entire room was designed with a budget in mind, that is what makes it so great. Everything is attainable and paint works wonderfully at transforming a room/home. It is also a cost effective option! I'd be happy to list the sources if you wish. 

This was a great experience and the launch party was a huge success! When I receive the professional photographs I'll be sure to share those as well. I snapped these with my i-phone!

Wall color:  Don't touch my tutu - will be available in stores on 6/23

Dresser color: Miami Beet

Trim color: Designer White, 1066
*see below for sources

1. Bedside tables are from Ikea. I had a carpenter apply the wood detail and I selected updated ring pulls. A quick and cost effective update for sure!
2. The brass mirror is vintage
3. The bedside lamps are from Wayfair
4. The vanity is from Home Decorators
5. White lamp is from Robert Abbey
6. Greek Key Bedding is from Ballard Design
7. Flower Print is from The Pink Pagoda
8. Louis Ghost chair is from Kartell

T.G.I.F.

Having a backyard barbecue and mixing some rita's tonight! I'm going to whip up my own sour mix, cause who needs all the extra junk in the pre-made mixes! Have an amazing weekend!!

My go to summer salad. I keep a basil plant on my sun porch all summer! Maybe I'll even grow some tomatoes this year!

Love the look

I've had a super productive work day, hence the 4 pm blog post! Wow, my blog is looking preppy this week, must be my upcoming trip to Bermuda or all the depressing rain...either way, here's the look I'm loving this week!

1/2/3/4/5/6

Notes...

#1 - similar shirt here
#5 - Lauren Hope has so many cute new items on her site! I NEED this bracelet!

Shelter Loves...

Hello hump day! Colorful living is on my radar this week!

1. This is the perfect summer watch...I'm getting my outfits ready for my trip to Bermuda. woot woot!
2. Loving this laid back look for summer. I live in cut off shorts when I'm not working. I now need a white pair.
3. Nautical details add the perfect texture to sea-side decor. This one is a steal at Target. 
4.  This handwritten menu is beautiful. Emerald green will always be one of my favorite colors.
5. I need to finish my children's rooms. I'm definitely going to frame some of their art! My son brought home the greatest little painting last week!

Sail Aweigh

Good Morning! It's gorgeous out here today! I spent the morning catching up on work but I wanted to share a nursery project that I recently completed with you.

The biggest challenge was the size of the space but we wanted to make it as user friendly as possible. (it was hard to capture even the crib area with the camera). Luckily the client (my sister in this case was able to use a changing table/dresser in a nearby room).

I don't like to create rooms that are obviously too thematic and cutesy but I was inspired by the sea and sailing on this one! We created a space that little Alex can grow into. There's room for a twin bed and dresser once the crib is removed.

I used all Ace hardware's Clark+Kensington paint on the project. Here are the colors:
Walls: in a deep navy blue: Heirloom China 37C-7, vintage table: Precious Peonies 06D-4

Other sources: lamp: vintage, artwork: boat bottom photograph (will provide name), pillows: misc. all via Homegoods, table: vintage repainted, chair: Boston Interiors, crib: Room and Board, Rug: Rugs USA, chandelier: Pottery Barn (slightly different version now, I would change the shades to white linen, Aweigh Print: here - then I had it custom framed, beach photograph: Christian Chaize

Photography: Ann-Marie Rollo - images property of Ace Hardware, Interior Design - Julie Richard, Shelter.