SHELTER

Shelter Loves

2013-05-15T07:48:00.000-04:00

1. I know Gwennie is everywhere but she always looks flawless! How can I not worship her style?
2. 'tis the season for layering bracelets! This cutie would look fab added to my mix.
3. How beautiful is this scarf? I think I would have to display it when I wasn't wearing it!
4. Summer staple - nuff said!
5. My fingers are very crossed that I find a little home very, very soon. One of the first rooms that I can't wait to create is a peaceful but sassy bedroom. Image: Emily Henderson

reader ?

2013-05-15T06:54:00.001-04:00

I love receiving feedback from my readers. Your questions and comments are always welcomed! I try my very best to respond to each and every one of you. Blogging is a more enriching experience when it creates a dialogue.
Yesterday I had a reader request to see more of the first home featured in my post. Wish granted! This glamorous and modern gem was designed by L.A. designer David Hicks. (not to be confused with David Hicks, the English design maven from the 1950's - 1970's) Article + images: here

I'm especially appreciating the architecturally detailed doors in his design!

Welcome Home!

2013-05-14T07:21:00.000-04:00

My house hunt is in "full effect." The market is tight but, I'm convinced I'll find the perfect little abode soon enough. My search has got me thinking about homes in general but mostly about first impressions. Luckily, I'm able to drive up to a shabby place and envision the best. I feel blessed to have this ability especially with my budget.
The homes I'm scouting are about an 1/8 of the size of these but almost any home, no matter the dimensions, can be treated with love and made beautiful. My plan is to start with a classic foundation on the exterior paint color (in either light grey or crisp white) and then add a layer of interest and unexpected detail with either a detailed front door (image 1) or a pop of vibrant color.(image 5)
Your home should be a reflection of you, a welcome presence that greets you after a long day. From farmhouse to transitional to modern to classic this round-up of homes proves there is a look and style for everyone! Do you know your style? Or favorite look?

Love the Look

2013-05-13T20:55:00.005-04:00

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This statement is simple + classic. White jeans and a neutral tank can easily be mixed up with a colorful scarf and accessories. I adore this look during the warmer months!

Shelter Loves

2013-05-10T10:20:00.002-04:00

1. I love being a Mommy! Wishing all my reader's with kiddies A very Happy Mother's Day!
2. I adore this affordable gold clutch from the Gap.
3. I need to toss some old summer sandals and get a couple of new pairs. I'm thinking one pick will have a bit of fringe detail.
4. I'm seeing love knot rings everywhere, now if I could just find the one I owned in high school....
5. This is a perfect summer staple!
6. I'm adding a wine pantry to my "dream house" wish list.

Have a fabulous weekend! xx

Sneak Peek

2013-05-09T09:36:00.001-04:00

I'll return later this afternoon with my "Shelter Loves" series for the week.
I did however want to quickly share a sneak peek of a "bedroom on a budget" photo with you!
The original design boards for this project are here. I'll post the reveal when we are finished.

Over here...

2013-05-07T22:36:00.001-04:00

My fabulously fashionable and funny friend Sarah of Lil Hoot blog asked me to be a part of her Mum's Day "gift guide" series. She posted my wish list here today! Thanks for asking me to share my pics Mrs. Crawford!! xx

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Bow - Wow!

2013-05-06T14:06:00.004-04:00

A whippet!

I was putting together a Mother's Day wish list this morning for my friend's blog, Lil hoot. She'll be sharing my pics this week! I've always wanted a porcelain whippet statue to place next to a fireplace in my (hopefully new) home.

I used this guy in a recent photo shoot of a project I designed! Though not a whippet, he's pretty cute!

Purchase these versions here!

Love the look

2013-05-02T14:44:00.002-04:00

It's finally warming up here! White on white is just "right" for this time of year. It's an easy and flattering look. The outfit above is inspired by what I wore last night!
Happy May! I threw out this question a while ago to my readers: Are you are comfortable wearing white before Memorial Day? The answer? An overwhelming YES!

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Shelter Loves

2013-05-01T10:24:00.001-04:00

Here's what I'm LOVING in the world of design this week:

1. I had a photo shoot of one of my projects yesterday. Here's a sneak peek of the foyer. I custom designed the blue velvet settee. I can't wait to share the rest of the shots. My photographer Sarah Winchester and I work well together to get the perfect shots!!

2. I'm in need of a new pair of ballet flats. I'm liking these Chanel inspired version from J.Crew. (p.s. - they are on sale)

3. Can you ever own enough baubles? I'm constantly wearing mine.

4. I'm thrilled that tunic season is finally here!

5. I never tire of black and white awning stripes. I like this simple table settings. Peonies are in season soon, they are one of my favorite blooms!

Bits + Pieces

2013-04-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

I feel as though we have some catching up to do. The past three weeks have been a whirlwind. As I said, I was in Atlanta last week shooting a 60 second tv spot (of all things) for Ace Hardware's Clark+Kensington paint line. I re-vamped a tired dining room in roughly 12 hours with a $4,000 budget. The transformation was pretty exciting. When I can, I'll be sure to share the photos with you.
It was my first time in the Atlanta area. I had to shop for furniture and accessories on a minimal budget. I'm always up for a design challenge, so we hit a few key areas including Buckhead. It's beautiful! I could have easily nestled into one of the hundred adorable cottages and colonials I saw.
I also really wanted to pop into Pieces Inc. I have never been but have always admired Lee Kleinhelter's style and eye for vintage pieces. When I saw her home on One King's Lane this evening, I knew I had to share it! She's so deliberate with her design decisions. Her edited, clean choices are always stunning. I'm especially loving the dining area. I've had my eye on those dining chairs for some time! Lee's tastemaker tag sales began on 4/27, take a peek if you have a moment!

Adoring...

2013-04-29T07:12:00.000-04:00

the flawless preppy + graphic details of designer Elizabeth McKay and her hubby's (Teddy) NYC abode. Their home and Elizabeth's shop and clothing line are featured in this month's issue of Matchbook Magazine. And that elephant pendant? Don't even get me started! It's adorable.

Her kiddie's quarters are so fresh and clean! I'm having a nursery photographed next week that used the same approach. I prefer to create rooms that a child can grow with!

Kitchen Love

2013-04-26T11:37:00.001-04:00

Phew, what a week! I'm working on a three kitchen designs right now. One of my clients is in the process of selecting the stone. We both love the look of Chinese Calcutta and Carrara marble but don't love the maintenance issues. The kitchen pictured here uses Chinese Calcutta stone in a honed finish.
Quartzite is another option. It is much more durable but with the durability comes a pretty steep price tag of $100-$185 a square foot!
I'll keep you posted on our progress. I'm actually going to be uploading a recently photographed kitchen design to my website very soon.

Have a wonderful weekend! I'm hoping I can maintain my regular blogging schedule next week!

I love well thought out kitchen details such as a storage knife drawer.

All images via New England Design Works

Remember these?

2013-04-25T13:31:00.000-04:00

Remember this fabulous photo I posted a couple of weeks ago? J.Crew is now selling the pants!! Woot-woot.

My apologies for the silence, I have been in Atlanta all week shooting a television commercial! I'll return soon with some great pics and posts!! I promise!

Shelter Loves

2013-04-22T11:21:00.001-04:00

I'm heading down to Atlanta today to work on an exciting venture! I'm thrilled to be heading someplace warmer for a few days. Hopefully, I'll return to better temps and budding trees later this week. I hope to share a blog post or two but thought I'd start off this week with what is inspiring me! Have a wonderful week!

1. + 2. I adore the pretty pink, cheery shades of cherry blossoms. They also make gorgeous indoor arrangements.
3. LOVE this bling, bling of a cocktail ring by Aerin.
4. I suggested this fixture to a client a few months ago. It's a great price and looked so cute in the space.(link to come)
5. ACK trip possibly? via Kayce Hughes
6. The back of this Tibi top is adorable. I'm always searching for cute shirts to wear out at night..
7. I'm inspired by the classic styling of this cabinet interior. I set aside a few Jackie O. covers of original life magazines from my grandmother's home. I may need to borrow this idea.

Love the Look

2013-04-21T11:11:00.003-04:00

I hope your are having a fabulous weekend. It's dipped down to a blustery 45 degrees today. Ouch! Here's what I'd really love to be wearing today! You can't go wrong with Jackie O. inspired style.

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Boston Strong

2013-04-19T08:01:00.000-04:00

It has been difficult for me to wrap my head around blogging this week. Not only have I been busy with client meetings but in light of the recent tragic events in the city, I just can't seem to fit it in. I will, however, return this weekend with inspiration and uplifting finds.

In the meantime, I feel I need to find a way to help! Here are just a few upcoming events aimed at aiding the victims of this terrible tragedy.

I have never been more proud to call a city home. The outpouring of help among citizens and the area's first responders has been astounding!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend. xxx

Ivy and Vine

2013-04-17T08:14:00.004-04:00

I've blogged in the past about Heather of Ivy and Vine's fabulous style and shop! We became instant design friends via email a few years ago! Be sure to catch her One King's Lane sale. It ends today. She's chosen an array of amazing vintage and inspired pieces for the home (my favorite) for this exclusive sale!

2013-04-16T07:05:00.000-04:00

I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the incomprehensible tragedy that occurred in my home town yesterday. My heart and prayers go out to all those directly affected (because ultimately we are all impacted) by yesterday's senseless and horrific tragedy at the Boston Marathon. I LOVE you Boston!

* So thankful to hear you are home safely from the hospital SMB.

Naturally...

2013-04-15T11:32:00.004-04:00

I often suggest natural fiber rugs such as seagrass, jute or abaca for client projects. They beautifully expand and unify rooms and furniture layouts. They also work well with an array of design styles and can be custom cut to fit almost any angle or space. Sometimes clients fear they'll be too scratchy for young children. If that's the case, go with abaca. It's a bit softer. Better yet a wool version with similar textural qualities would be even softer. I have recommended a few options below. Image via: Lonny

Elle Decor

House Beautiful

Patterson, Flynn, Martin rug by Mary McDonald.

William Sonoma abaca

+ Sisal Rugs Direct - this is where I order all my custom sized rugs. If they need to be templated, then I order them from a local rug store.

Love the look

2013-04-12T15:35:00.000-04:00

Color, color, color. I'll take some brights and warm, sunny weather please! I'm adoring all the colorful hues around the fashion world this ~~winter,~~ spring! Hopefully I'll be able to wear some of them soon. Today I'm wearing black leggings, a sweater and Hunter wellies! It's 39 degrees in Boston! Yikes!

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initial belt buckle

Designing Duo

2013-04-11T11:25:00.000-04:00

I came across the creative home collaboration of couple Cinda and Mark Boomershine this week. Their space is unexpected, colorful and fun. Cinda also designs and owns an amazing hand-bag, travel tote and accessories line aptly named: Cinda B. I pictured a few of my favorite pieces below. Read more and get all the "deets" on their home here.

The charcoal trim and wallpaper look fabulous surrounding this banquette area.

The Cinda B. line

Shelter Loves..

2013-04-10T13:58:00.001-04:00

My poor little blog hasn't received much love this week. I've been out straight. I had a photo shoot for a publication on Monday, followed by a quick trip to Chicago for a video Tuesday. I'm back in town, and am sharing what's on my mind this week.....

1.+ 2. I was sad to read about the passing of Lilly Pulitzer this past Sunday. The princess of prints + prep, was 81. I own just one happy, iconic "Lilly" shift dress. I may need to buy another for my collection or better yet track down a vintage one. The little girl versions are
sweet too. Dress link.
3. + 4. I wore a chunky necklace and a tweed blazer for both my video and photo shoot. They are perfect wardrobe staples. Flattering and functional, I wear both over and over again. I am obsessed with this necklace. It's been on my wish list for about six months! My friend wore hers when we went to the ballet the other night, it looked stunning.
5. I gravitate toward fresh, clean spaces this time of year. In a perfect world I wouldn't expose my television but sometimes it's the best option for the room.

Image via: Decor Pad

Shelter Loves

2013-04-04T12:23:00.001-04:00

I had the opportunity to see Boston Ballet's Sleeping Beauty last night. It was a gorgeous performance. The ballerinas never cease to amaze me with their courus (ballet term), plies and pointe techniques. There is an entire glossary of ballet words and definitions, read more here. I'll have to admit, I can't wait to sign my daughter up. She wears tutus over her leggings all the time as it is!

Here are the details on this week's love list!!

2. I love entertaining friends and family. A party just isn't the same without a beautiful drink selection...
3. I'm ordering these pretties for my ACK trip!
4. James Perse : ballet top, is a summer staple!
5. I'm working on two kitchen projects right now. These black lacquered cabinets and classic pulls are so pretty!

Love the Look

2013-04-03T13:19:00.001-04:00

I've decided to share another casual fashion post this week. I guess you know where my head is. I'll go with something frilly + springy next week, promise. I'm looking forward to wearing my colorful frocks and printed spring/summer pieces, but it feels more like February here lately. I also just realized most of my spring clothing is in storage; sounds like just as good an excuse as any to go shopping for some new attire! I also booked a trip last week for the Nantucket Wine Festival in May. I'll surely need a new wine tasting outfit.
I was inspired by the above photo but decided to tweak the look slightly. I don't really wear ripped jeans. I have one vintage pair and might throw them on once a year, if that. Wow, do I sound old? I do, however, like the look of washed out jeans, so I shared a J.Crew version instead.
Happy Wednesday! It's been a bit of a rough week. I'll be happy when cocktail hour rolls around. Cheers!

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image via