Outside The Formula

I consistently appreciate, and incorporate in design work, a more mixed sense of style- less taught and more from ones life picture.   Beauty in a meaningful way.  For me, this means building from a simple base and adding layers of personality.

Although simple, the base and all incorporated details require thought and planning.  Here are some pics of inspiration I refer to often.  They remind me that the safe and timeless  neutral tones allow for interchangeable texture of personal objects so that your space can best reflect you.

The rich tones paired with vintage objects and furniture work so beautifully against simple white and natural wood. This has been a top reference in my go-to board of inspiration.

If this room were to be cleared, the space as a whole is entirely minimalistic- white and wood with the most basic trim.

Again, the combination of simple lines – no ornate detail at all- I totally love! The refined painted beams against the natural wood portrays a sense of rawness, while the lighting and finish detail bring the space warmth.

Two words-  Dramatic and simple.  Both winners in my book.

This week’s song of inspiration: “Mess Is Mine” by Vance Joy.   Keeps me moving.

This week’s addiction: Coconut water, mango and almond butter smoothies.

This week’s focus: designing a new kitchen for a beautiful old farmhouse. Stay tuned for a before and after.

Thank You Earth

I’ve been a little astray lately (as far from screens as possible these days) with the intention of re-entering a new season wholeheartedly.  Each phase of a year inspires us in different ways… inside the home with textiles and colors and outside with attire, gear and motive.  One constant that I can rely on is the great expanse of the sky and what it brings to me emotionally, spiritually and how it propels me professionally.   I would be lost in design without the gift of nature.

Here is a photo (just one this time) of inspiration devoted to our one-and-only… Mother Earth:  I recently swapped an earthy color scheme for heavenly hues shown here.  The outcome was quite satisfying!

This Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, I hope my big THANK YOU that I send up to that sky that I so often rely on will be heard in all sincerity.  And with it, a reminder of how grateful I am to be moved from the view from straight above all the way to where the ocean meets the land.

Please share, like and comment!

Say Whaat, Mother Nature?

The joy of a season change… new hues, endless energy, shift in palate- a restorative  metamorphosis during the start to Spring.   Many of us are feeling an unyielding force to march on, regardless  of Mother Nature’s cruel seeming shenanigans.   However, this can be a challenge when in one week, with complete enthusiasm, we store away our winter gear, move away from “comfort” eating and towards cleansing and healing foods.   Our deck furniture made it outside to our deck last week- my son and I spent an entire morning lounging together in the sun… last week.  Today that deck furniture is covered in snow.

With hope of offering encouragement to joyfully trek on with full steam, I am sharing the little things that have recently helped bring me to a happy and healthier existence.  Because how we relate to the issue, is the issue, right…? Thanks, Gwyneth for that one!

Created by Hlynur Atlason, an Icelandic designer, who has so nicely incorporated a contemporary design with natural fibers. This is my new obsession.

Pulling out that blender helps remind me that food is medicine. Starting the day loading up right sets me on the right foot. I’ve been amping our morning smoothies with a dose of Juice Plus powder for extra health benefits and the kids love it!

Raw vs. The Refined

So often I’m torn between rustic and refined.  I LOVE natural materials left in their raw form – reclaimed wood and weathered teak, stacked mossy stones and raw edged marble, similar to the alluring effect of shiny tousled locks.

Equally, I am drawn to a classic, clean and “refined” look- shaker style trim, cabinet faces with no trim at all,  a white pallet, minimalistic faucets, and a good pair of pearl earrings!

When these two balance each other, a stunning one-of-a-kind look has been created.  A design I am drawn to, akin to the beloved Scandinavian form.

RUSTIC RULES:

As long as a vintage rug is (generally) stain and tear free, natural wear is beautiful to me, especially when set against pristine floors.  Raw edged stone inside a home reminds me of its fascinating natural origin.  I love when my plant pots become weathered.  And there is no better way to wear jeans than in an unaffectedly worn-in state.

FOREVER REFINED:

Ah, whites… whether worn (under or over) or slept upon, they must always be crisp and refined, never dull! The stone courtyard is a dream space for me- modern windows and doors set into the aged stone create an amazing backdrop for pure and graceful decor. Like impeccably white lingerie, a pallet of whites on walls and floors set the stage for a multitude of layers and textures. And if the quality of material is carefully selected (oiled teak handrail shown), then the detail can be simple.

Curating Clutter

Clutter seems to spark a chord in all of us- mostly the rage chord in my book!  And it can be especially discouraging when the clutter carries sentimental value or brings joy when it bears its sometimes ugly little head.  And you have no place for it.  I’ve battled this dilemma for a long time and I’ve finally reached a conclusion… let’s curate it and design a setting in which to make our nic-nacs (beautiful or not) work for us- piece by piece.  Otherwise, toss it or file it away.

Here are my favorite methods:

1. Open shelving and pinboards for displaying the ‘meaningful’ clutter (childhood memorabilia, grandparents ‘nic-nacs’, children’s artwork, gift, etc.) Because ultimately this is what makes house a home.

2. Artful containers– boxes, baskets, jars… for all the stuff that we cherish but don’t necessarily wish to have in eyes sight, because a steady diet of unattractive things would drive most of us a little crazy.

Over the years I’ve collected containers. I like having a stash to choose from, so my collection ranges greatly in size, shape and texture. My office corner, for instance, is designed with open upper shelving for color-coded binders and file boxes. I chose clear acrylic paper and mail organizers for my desk top to coordinate with my white and silver computer creating a clear and organized visual.

This could be a favorite estate find of mine! I would bring this to the Antique Road Show if given the chance. And it happens to house my most special little things.

I use well made baskets for trash cans, toys, and plants, and large plant pots for recycling and kindling. I’ll incorporate charming little antique boxes for most important keys and irreplaceable things, while the marble key tray holds my make-up in my master bath vanity. Large jars are used for laundry detergent and pasta, while melamine pencil trays house my flatware. My grandmother’s mushroom cookie jar- which I inherited and cherish so greatly but find so…unattractive- has become our new little puppy’s treat jar carefully tucked away on his shelf.

I have splurged on many imported baskets. I love to support the talented Senegalese craftswomen.

A stunning statement piece for any room. Think of all the storage space they provide!

Set in a striking display.

Baskets are commonly found at antique stores and yard sales. Some of my favorites have been found at estate sales. I always have a basket filled with my favorite throws.

I love pin and magnet boards. This is the ultimate form of curating clutter… the board becomes the ONE defined piece of playful and thoughtful artwork. This is an opened photo album- a place for children to gain pride in their artwork and awards. For me, it has become a collage suggestive of beautiful reminders- trips, mantras and tokens- what has brought me to this moment, and what continues to grow on a daily basis.

A framed linen pinboard ups the quality to help acheive a more artistic feel. I bought this at restorationhardware.com.

My tune of the week: Dearly Departed, Shakey Graves. Keeps me running!

What Comes With Light

The clock has a way of governing us.  The recent loss of one hour has thrown me for a loop- pure and utter exhaustion.  A week ago, I was deeply rooted in the dark, frigid and nesting months of  winter.   And by Sunday my schedule, focus and mood shifted 180 degrees.

This dramatic time change also seems to lighten my soul each spring.  It brings me to plot, plan and focus on embracing life full heartedly.  I (oddly) recall dreams I had as a child and young adult imagining what this parenting stage would “look” like.  The overall vision was perhaps tainted by quintessential  80’s shows like The Brady Bunch, Silver Spoons, Cosby Show and Family Ties.  Little did I realize my heart would be so wrapped around protecting and nurturing that that overwhelming maternal burden would often times override that “picture perfect image.”  And then, as I confronted this “block”, I realized this:  when life gets away from us and we forget about our seemingly attainable dreams, we must bring ourselves to the moment and feel enough gratitude that we can feel we ARE living a dream.

And so I vow now, more than as a resolution in the New Year,  that with this opening into Spring, I will embrace the playful child-at-heart edge I envisioned carrying with me for life (as soon as I get my feet on the ground from the loss of one hour).  Leave me to my own devices and I am OK.  Let’s all let go of the unrealistic vision and grab on tightly to all those attainable dreams.   Or just for today, consider them reachable when the timing is right.

This is my photo of aesthetic inspiration this week. Wouldn’t it be nice to simplify a wardrobe?

At home, I am decluttering- sifting through and updating my children’s posted artwork. Pinboards and metal magnet boards have been my source for displaying good “clutter” (stay tuned for my next blog on THAT topic)! I continue to freshen the atmosphere with plants and treat myself often to fresh tulips. I’m beginning to deviate wardrobes from winter to spring with each load of laundry. I love it. It brings the greatest sense of organization and purity. My mind is on cleaner foods (for the most part), lighter clothes (perhaps preemptive) and beaches. My planning is on spring entertaining, my favorite and most energized intention. Here is what is on my mind….

A simple change of pillows is a resourceful way to update a room. My trusty choice, entering a warmer season, is neutral toned linen.

Ahhhh, tulips.

Perhaps reminiscent of Antiquan sun! Loving a good Rum Punch these days.

I’ve swapped rugs to natural textures and lighter tones.

Preparing windows for brighter days. Check out this highly rated score with www.ewg.org.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK. Wow, I can’t get enough of this. Really nothing to do with change of clocks or Spring or design at all for that matter, but a product that is so crazy good must be shared. Try balancing the useless nutritional load by spreading on rice crackers.

A good friend recently said “spring fever is real, it’s not just a metaphor.  I either want to sleep or jump out of my skin.”  Hang in there, friends!  I’d love to hear what this shift of seasons has brought you.  Here’s to a life filled with quality and ease!  As always, please “like”, “share”, comment (below) and subscribe for more inspiration, recommendations, offers and more!

Bless The New Hue

I’m stuck on spring- dreaming of my morning coffee outside on my deck listening to the birds and feeling the first rays of sun on my feet. I can just about hear the lawn mower but the smell of cut grass is just too damn far away, still. I do believe this is why green is my new grey.

With a focus on mint and limes, cut grass, green house plants, emeralds (yes, the God-given girls-nearly-best-friend-gem), the classic green vintage Land Cruiser I’ve been obsessed with since my last visit to St. Barths (nearly 7 years ago), and now Patrick Dempsey’s green chaises set perfectly in his gorgeous Malibu home, I’m just diggin’ the color.

And here is why….

Patrick Dempsey’s designer nailed the statement pieces in this gorgeous space.

My stand-by rule- there must always be a statement something!

Cocktails, as with pillows and throws, change with the seasons’ mood.

Sometimes bold calls, especially on foot.

A classic and timeless color paired with the ride of my choice.

Landscape and nature is often a reliable and dependable source of inspiration- never changing to an altering course of trends.

Stay tuned for an upcmoing showcase of how I will incorporate my new hue into my project boards.  And always be sure to like, share and comment!

The Triumphant Sirens

The winners of the “Sirens Call ” are….

OK, the choice was hard, so I chose to take on TWO fabulously inspiring before and after projects.  Please stay tuned for more pics and details to both remodels- a quintessential Maine farmhouse needing a living room make-over AND a 1970’s kitchen and bath remodel.

Perfectly differing in a compelling kind of way.

Like and share to help amp the excitement!