the DUNMORE

So, this is what heaven looks like I’m sure.  No… Really, H.E.A.V.E.N. At least I hope so. Just look at the beauty called the Dunmore Hotel & Resort.  I think their design team nailed the look! The entire resort has a sophisticated yet relaxed look to it, one that allows you to exhale but reminds you that you’re somewhere special.  Just look at the dining room shot below, I love the collected treasures and old photographs… they add warmth and patina to an otherwise crisp and  bleached out space.  And, who doesn’t love a stripe?  They are clearly cuckoo for stripes judging from these pictures (pictures that were in fact found on Instagram, I give credit at the bottom for each individual who posted them).

In their own words…

Welcome to The Dunmore, a Harbour Island resort where the exceptional is part of each day. At our Caribbean beach hotel, you’ll experience the profound warmth of our people in a timeless retreat that blends classic elegance with contemporary comforts.

Our resort in the Bahamas overlooks the sea’s spectrum of blues and the celebrated pink sands that are uniquely Harbour Island. Join us at The Dunmore for your Bahamian holiday, and discover why we have been inspiring memories since 1963.

A little bit about the island…

Harbour Island, in the Bahamas, is one of the most celebrated destinations in the Caribbean. On the Atlantic side of the island are the famous pink sand beaches. A three-mile stretch of indescribable beauty, the sand here is truly pink. Sifted and smoothed by generations of waves, the sands are coloured by finely crushed coral. A light rose blush by day, they become a vibrant pink at sunset. With its gentle sands and the ribbons of blue in the sea, it is often called the world’s most beautiful beach.

Beyond the beauty of the beaches is the charm of the island itself. This precious place is a historic destination, dating to 1791 when Lord Dunmore, who had a summer residence here, planned the streets of the town. Today, well-preserved cottages are nestled along the streets where golf carts are now the transportation of choice.

 

I wanted you to see the folks who captured these great images… follow them on Instagram!

SNOW DAY!

There are things about living in New England that I like and there are things I dislike, there are also things I love… a Snow Day is one thing I truly LOVE when it comes to living Back East.  It’s a sick day without being sick, it’s an extra day off when your out of vacation time (or saving it up for that warm weather vacation to Tulum like me) and it’s a free pass to blog, bake cookies, cuddle with your fur-babies and stay in your jammies all day!  
Whats on my agenda? Shoveling is already done, so i looks like I’ll be Facebooking, Instagraming, Blogging and making cookies all day.  Diet be damned, I want Hermits! Fingers crossed I have all the ingredients.  Stay Warm fellow East Coasters!!  the rest of you… send some warm weather our way if you have any to spare.  
Parting glance: here is the view up and down my street.  Plows have been through, and frankly I’ve seen much more snow but I’ll take the day off gladly and appreciate the found time to catch up on things that somehow slip through the cracks and bake a little (and maybe some laundry too).

Happy Snow Day!

TULUMredux

If you have been following me for 8 months or more then you might remember my love letter to Tulum. I had the pleasure of visiting for the first time last winter and was blown away by the intense natural beauty. The small town is quaint, the people warm and friendly and the food is oh so good ( many local restaurants are a blend of local fare mixed with a hipster ex-pat vibe ) but the beach, oh my god the beach…

Prettiest beach I’ve ever seen, so I’m going back. I like the idea that I know where I’m headed, something exotic yet familiar ( I know where the best coffee is ). Yeah, I could discover another place just as mesmerizing but I’m just not done with Tulum. We stayed at a small resort called Zamas just off the main stretch of beach, in a cottage in the sand just steps to the water. I liked it, the food there was great. But I did long to be on the 7 mile strip of white sand where you can walk forever without climbing over rocks or popping up to the road. So this year we will stay at Ahau Tulum  (all pictures are of Ahau) it’s right in the middle of the prettiest beach ever! I can’t wait.

It’s sort of Gilligan’s Island meets Yucatan jungle. Thatched roofs, romantic – yet necessary – bug nets and of course ocean views out every window. Now I am a pool guy I will admit, but with water that beautiful I think I’ll manage.

We’re Building A Pergola

The season may be coming to an end ( sad ) but we are gearing up for Fall planting and the construction of a pergola! at my house now that we have finished a much-needed fence across the back of our property.  We are hoping to keep the project simple but the more I study the construction of these whimsical pavilions, the more I realize that I may need to shell out more for something a bit more than “basic”.  What I really seem to like is a structure with double round columns at the corners.  Double columns means double the materials which adds up to probably double the money AND round columns definitely means more money.

So what that means is I can probably afford something that looks more like pergola in the image above.  Four square posts, no doubling up, simple cross pieces and not too many bells and whistles.  Our plan is to paint any structure white so disregard the finish of the above example.  I think if this is what I end up with I’ll be happy, but I’d be happier if the posts are doubled on the corners because I think the detail adds visual weight, a visual quality and a nice detail.  This is what I imagine it will look like…

This one is elegant, love the extra height and the trellis insert between the posts.  I think I like the idea of the additional sense of enclosure the trellis gives the structure.  And, I think I like the smaller more tightly spaced cross pieces.  I plan on experimenting with the spacing of the cross pieces to get the right amount of shade at the right time of day… those details will need to be discussed with the carpenter including and maybe most importantly, the direction of the cross pieces.

I pray that my rose, or climbing hydrangea or clematis is half as happy as this rose.

Promise to post before, during and after pics.  Stay tuned.

 

TULUM a loveletter

As most of you know, I grew up in the Bay Area, San Francisco-ish.  Living in such close proximity to Mexico I have had the pleasure of visiting many times and,  just for context – this is not a brag – I have seen the beaches of Hawaii, Thailand, Spain, Italy and the Caribbean and I’m here to tell you that Tulum beach on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is one of THE prettiest beaches I have ever seen.  No lie.

Of course anywhere you go where your responsibilities don’t follow you is a happy place, a total checkout… But to add to that a warm sunny place with beautiful breezes and a relaxed and kick-back atmosphere surrounded by beauty like this?  Well, I’m sold and frankly ready to buy!  Did I mention the food? Giant fruit salads, yummy coffee (yes all the cafes had soy) and a yoga class within a stones throw starting practically every ten minutes.  The real test for me was the lack of pool.  I’m a pool guy.  In fact I love pools, laying by them, getting a drink brought to me while I’m near one and yes eating at the pool (the height of decadence) is something I love.  Well, there was no pool.  And I’m still in love with Tulum.

You will find almost every type of resort in Tulum.  All inclusive, Yoga and wellness focus, fancy & not-so-fancy, but the thing they all have in common is a underbuilt (3 story max from what I could see) and place sensitive architecture that allows the natural surroundings to stand out and remind you that your somewhere between a jungle and the ocean, with a sky filled with stars (and avocado on every entre!).  My architecture of choice would be something along the lines of the beach structure shown above.

the VICEROY Anguilla – Borrowed Blog

I had to “borrow” and re-post this blog from BAD (Blog About Design) because It’s so beautiful and you know I’m a big Kelly Wearstler fan!  AND, having just come back from Mexico… I’m an missing and “jones-ing” for more beach weather!!!  I give you the Viceroy Anguilla.

http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/anguilla

The Viceroy Anguilla is located in West End, Anguilla. The property features fantastic living spaces as well as beautifully manicured grounds and great places to eat, designed by Kelly Wearstler. (ABOVE) The architecture of the hotel is quite modern. It’s clean and smooth like that of the sand. With just a few short steps from the water, it’s the ideal location for the beach bum! (BELOW 1) The hotel features breezeways that one passes through to get to their suite. The tiling is modern, and gorgeous! I love the armchairs, they have that beach feel, but are very chic. (BELOW 2) The infinite pool is a phenomenal place to kick back and relax. It’s definitely a great place to swim laps or sip a drink and look at the views! (BELOW 3) One can relax on a lounge chair or one can have a seat at one of the seating areas and read a great book. The seating areas or wonderfully designed. (BELOW 4) Half Shell Bar is a great place to enjoy a drink or a quick meal. With fantastic views of the sea and cliffs, it’s a must visit while at the hotel. (BELOW 5) The Ocean Villa’s are detached large size homes. The Ocean Villa’s are three and four bedrooms. The Living Room of the villa is bright with floor to ceiling windows. The villa’s have an infinite pool! What do you think of the hotel?

http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/anguilla 1

http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/anguilla 2

http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/anguilla 3

http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/anguilla 4

http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/anguilla 5

James Perse

James Perse Furniture is a natural extension of the brand, with the same essential qualities as the clothing. It is classic, simple, and timeless — the essence of casual living. The collections – Malibu, Nor Cal, Los Angeles and Brentwood – appeal to a broad style of homes, from traditional to modern, and include both indoor and outdoor pieces.
James Perse Furniture is made in the USA and sold exclusively at James Perse Boutiques and the James Perse Showroom in Los Angeles.   For more information, please contact furniture@jamesperse.com or visit the James Perse Showroom.

Brentwood Collection
The Brentwood collection is sleek and sophisticated lending itself to a wide variety of décors. Its design is classic and suits both elegant and casual environments. The collection is available in ash wood with an espresso or white finish, as well as top quality teak grown on an environmentally friendly farm.   The collection includes the Balfour Dining Table, BurlingameTable, Barrington Coffee Table, Hillcrest Console, Concord Desk, and the Helena Dining Stool.

 

 

Los Angeles Collection

The Los Angeles Collection is a modern interpretation of the Craftsman style – warm and rustic with clean elegant lines. Pieces are available for indoors, in rough sawn white oak and can be upholstered in 100% Belgium or Italian basket weave linens or a cotton linen blend. For outdoor use, the collection is available in top quality teak grown on an environmentally friendly farm and upholstered with premium all weather fabrics to ensure lasting outdoor use. The collection includes the Craftsmen Bed, Sofa, Chair, and Ottoman. 

Nor Cal Collection
A collection of upholstered pieces that capture the refined and relaxed quality of the James Perse aesthetic: modern and timeless. Fabrics are offered in 100% Belgium and Italian basket weave linens as well as a cotton linen blend, and express a lived in and laundered look. The collection includes the Sonoma Bed, Sofa, Chair and Chaise, the Napa Sofa and Chair, and the Carmel Ottoman.  

    

Malibu Collection
A collection of classic outdoor furniture updated and refined to reflect the James Perse aesthetic. Made of top quality teak grown on an environmentally friendly farm, the Malibu Collection is upholstered with premium all weather fabrics to ensure lasting outdoor use.  The collection includes the Malibu Sling Chair, Westward Wedge, Montecito Daybed and Chair, Carbon Chaise, Cross Creek Director’s Chair, Colony Chair, and the La Piedra Side Table. 

     

Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90069
Tel 323 606 7660

 

 

 

Wet Dreams

I don’t have a pool.  When I go on vacation I always look for the house, hotel, resort, friend that has a pool because… well I love them and we have established I don’t have one.  I like being in and around all the action of a pool, people are a bit more conscious of their “look” at a pool, there is typically a server near by offering drinks, snacks or even a spritz.  You don’t have to go far to dip in and cool off and there is no pesky sand to find its way into your lobster club sandwich.  Pools are usually the “right” temperature.  Oceans, lakes, ponds (eewww ponds), lagoons and streams and rivers can all be unpredictable, pools can be too, but your odds of “the right temperature” are better when entering a controlled body of water.

I love the ocean, long walks along it… picking up rocks and shells is something I could do for hours… I even like going into a warm softly rolling sea that’s temperature tolerable and I’m a huge fan of snorkeling…  Hawaii, St John, Phuket all great places to get in the water and snorkel the day away.  But there is something about sitting by a beautiful pool, with fresh absorbent towels on hand, a mock-tail and every amenity near by and…well… I’m happy.  

As far as pools go, I’m more a formal, urn at the ends type than I am a free form type and to be honest, I could take or leave the infinity edge.  It’s pretty but my favorite style is reflecting pool style. Long rectangular in shape, surrounded by a border of bluestone or other hard surface and that surrounded by lush green lawn and perfectly groomed gardens, heaven.

Picture 2 and 3 are courtesy of… Doug Friedman, Photographer.  WWW.THEFACINATOR.COM to see all his images & catch him on Instagram too for a daily injection of his photographic wit AND to live vicariously through him as he travels the globe living a life of adventure and luxury… Pretty places, pretty people, and he’s pretty too.

White Kitchens

Some day I’ll have a summer-house, and in it a small WHITE KITCHEN.  Not a trophy kitchen, just a simple white kitchen, with cutting board countertops and painted floors.  My big splurge might be a soapstone or farmers sink, and maybe inset doors on my base cabinets, that is of course they need replacing.  I’m hoping for funky, old and paintable.  Easy feeling and relaxed… I might even paint the cabinets taupe, who knows… inside glass cabinets could end up a color… if it’s really tiny, I might put a shelf in front of the window…...but it will be white, easy and casual.  I want to feel relaxed in my summer (all year) escape and for visitors to feel like they can exhale.  Til then, I’ll keep dreaming.

Pool Envy

I love a nice pool, and a nice bathing suit for that matter.  The suit part is easy… check out Charlie by Matthew Zink.  And, while the ocean is great for snorkeling, surfing and talking long walks beside it, I’d take a clean warm pool with interesting people around it, a bar near by and fresh dry towels (sans of sand) any day.  That’s not to say I’m opposed to taking a warm weather vacation to a resort without a pool this winter, I’m good with that… I just love a pool.

This one will do quite nicely… it’s the pool at the Delano Hotel in Miami.  Private cabana Mr. Barr?  Yes, please.

And I guess if I was to dig a pool in my own yard and space permitted, why not add a cabana of my very own?  Mini-fridge and a sound system, oh and a very comfy nap spot would all be on the punch list. If you’re going to have a pool, I guess the only thing that might trump a cabana – fully stocked – is a pool alongside the ocean.  Who wouldn’t want the best of both worlds?  Like this pool I had the pleasure of enjoying over the summer…

Located somewhere on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, this pool is wrapped on three sides by house and one side by the ocean, views to Chappaquiddick and the beach club.

This pool by the ocean is in Sri Lanka, pretty right?  wishing you were someplace warm yet?  Wait til February!  BRRR. Better book your warm weather now, and start working on the post-Thanksgiving body! (we have Christmas to get through as well).

This magnificent pool is part of the Hearst Castle estate on the coast of California, somewhere near Santa Barbara.  Love the inlay bottom, so glamorous.  Who wouldn’t want to host a pool party here?  Toga sounds fun, and everyone loves a theme…And then, of course there is the “just too much”  seriously… do you really need to block the entire beach for “the worlds largest” pool?  Imagine having to swim to get to the ocean.  weird.

 

California Castles, Dream Machines & a Glamourous Hangout

I really only need three things to live happily in Los Angles… a beautiful Spanish Mediterranean house with a tile roof and interesting windows, iron work and maybe a pool.  Any of these will do:

A beautiful car (vintage please with a soft top because it’s always warm in LA).  I love all things Mercedes but put me behind the wheel of a vintage 280 and there would be NO STOPPING me.

And, of course a chic, beautiful place to hang out that is the epitome of Glamour… Someplace like Cecconi’s.  The food is great, servers are nice, the Maitre d is charming and the restaurant is beautiful…

I’m Back! …and I’m loving “real” seaside style.

Thank you all for hanging in there with my two-week (plus) absence.  I had an amazing time with close friends in Provincetown, MA.  Of course, I can’t wait to get back there and of course I am loving all things seaside inspired.  I happen to think that you don’t need bright colors and seashell print fabrics everywhere to create a seaside inspired home… in fact, it’s more authentic and genuine if you don’t.  An anchor coffee table or a ship’s wheel fire screen will give off an even better vibe.  I love the layered up boat and ship prints in this space, I love the mix-matched furniture and I love the neutral palette.

Here is where I spent my vacation…

The view from our wharf, never get tired of the beautiful light on Cape Cod.

the other side of the Wharf… this view isn’t too bad either.  We had a second floor private deck the first week, love!

Week two we were lucky enough to share the end unit with close friends.  Do I really have to say anything else? How about a few more shots of our room…

Candle light cocktails before an evening out.  The room was a mix of blue and white stripes, Ralph Lauren meets sea shanty = perfection.

With the extra-large window open sea breezes blew through all day and all night.  Every window had an amazing view and the attitude was easy and relaxed and quintessentially seaside… and not a seashell print in sight.  The season for seaside style is coming to an end ( goodbye summer ) but I’ll be busy all winter long creating beautiful and neutral spaces for clients and I’ll hold this vacation in my heart… true seaside style.

 

Provincetown

Darn it, I’ve been a day (or two) behind for as long as I can remember getting a blog post up… sorry, life has been full to say the least!  I’m not complaining mind you.  The amount of travel and social events this summer has been staggering and I’m off to Provincetown today for a two-week stay – lucky for me I have family that stays with our dogs.  But I digress, I’m behind by two days and I’m feeling the same pinch in life so the vacation couldn’t come at a better ( or depending on how you look at it worse ) time.  I need to regenerate and build up the creative juice it will take to get me through a productive fall and a long cold winter.  What better  place to relax and unwind than Provincetown?  It’s an easy hour plus drive, countless friends will all be there, the beaches, restaurants, shops, bars, shows and the like can keep me busy all day and all night if I choose, or I can stay on the wharf and watch the beautiful cape light chance throughout the day and simply read, draw, sunbathe and of course eat.

I’m not a cyclist per say, what I mean is i don’t do long bike rides for exercise but I have to say one of most favorite parts of a Provincetown vacation is not getting in a car for two weeks.  And, I love my old-fashioned olive-green bike, bell and all.  It’s really not a good bike for long treks out to the dunes, Herring Cove or hatches harbor but I make it work.  And no, that’s no one I know in the picture above… it’s just a very cute ( and very vintage ) image of the camaraderie and playful nature of people drawn to Provincetown.  I guess it is a bit surprising to think that the community has been so accepting for so many years, what a wonderful tradition and what a wonderful spot to feel so safe, included and equal.

What does all of this have to do with design? ..not much really.  But, it is a magical place where everyone – for the most part – is happy and pleasant, creative and smart, or at least silly and fun.  A guilty pleasure for me in the next few weeks is the Provincetown pool at the Provincetown Inn.  It is literally at the very tip of Cape Cod, the end of the continent and I am somewhat embarrassed to admit I love going there.  Surrounded by natural beauty, the most amazing beaches, and I’m happy to sit in a plastic lounge chair listening to loud dance music and being served burgers n the hot sun all surrounded by a safety fence and attache to a motor inn that frankly could use a facelift.  Why? well because it’s sorta fun to relax into the casualness of the place, it’s not the type of resort where you have to mind your maners, think too much about your outfit, or have the right pool bag… it simply is what it is… thats what Provincetown really is for me.  Simply put it’s a place where everyone is accepted, they are who they are, and we all coexist, beautiful right?  I think so.

Of course seeing friends from all over the world is priceless.  There is always a gang willing to go out, beach it, hit the pool, take a walk, sit for hours at the coffee shop or to swim with off the wharf.  I was going to take two weeks off from blogging, but the truth is I think I’d miss it… so if it’s ok with you, I’ll post throughout my vacation when time and WiFi allow.  I can’t say that the posts won’t influenced by where I am and what I’m doing, because they probably will.  But I’ll continue to troll Pinterest, and the great blogs I read daily and sometimes share with you.  Thanks, as always, for reading Billblog… Hope the remainder of your summer is filled with fun and laughter.  xo

Edgartown Holiday

We were on Martha’s Vineyard for an overnight to see my sister and her family and friends, that’s why this post is so late.  Rewind 48 hours ago.. After scoring an early 1970’s Hobie long board for our hosts on Martha’s Vineyard off of Craig’s List it was a quick one hour ride from State Pier in historic New Bedford (a mile from my house) to one of my most favorite places, Edgartown. The town is so well maintained, the shopping is great, the beaches are beautiful and it’s only an hour away!  This beautiful view was our backyard for two very relaxing days.  The sun was out, the water was warm and we had a great time   splashing around, and eating, and shopping… did I mention shopping?We managed to get invite to a wonderful garden party.  You wouldn’t have believed the brightly colored outfits!  Lilly, Tory, Trina… they were all there ( their clothes anyway ) and would you believe the men were just as into it?

At the opposite end of the spectrum from the cocktail party there was a great bike ride to Morning Glory Farms and the wonderful grocery store full of fresh produce, healthy food, flowers and delicious prepared foods.  Go there! next time your on Martha’s Vineyard.

I could have taken 1000 pictures of the lovely gardens on the island alone and 5000 of the houses and the architecture.  As a matter of fact I took so many that I’m going to do a part 2 blog tomorrow on the houses and history.  This yard was most definitely worth getting off my bike for.

I almost forgot to post a picture of the beach, well one of the many, but the one I was lucky enough to hang out on today!  Warm water with a slide into the ocean – yep, a slide! – a shady spot for lobster salad lunch, and of course charming beach umbrellas and Adirondack chairs for lolling.

…And just incase all this charm isn’t making your teeth hurt, this was the view on our way home from the beach today.  Seriously this isn’t a postcard, I took this shot – along with all the others – with my iPhone.  Gorgeous!

Obsessed With Mr Porter & Orlebar Brown

I’m obsessing over these cute shorts and every other piece from this collection from swimwear aficionados Orlebar Brown – the ones above printed with a design from the archives of Mr David Hicks. With a flattering fit and three pockets providing ample room for the “essentials”, this mid-length pair is ideal for both social times and serious sun bathing not too much fabric but just enough. The shortest length is a sunbathers dream, and the jackets and tee’s are all cute.  Anybody got connections to these fine fashions? or a $10,000.00 gift certificate to Mr Porter they aren’t using?

ORLEBAR BROWN
Reversible Lightweight Jacket

$385

ORLEBAR BROWN
Setter Short-Length Printed Swim Shorts

$265

ORLEBAR BROWN
Bulldog Mid-Length Printed Swim Shorts

$265

EXCLUSIVE

EXCLUSIVE

EXCLUSIVE

ORLEBAR BROWN
Setter Short-Length Printed Swim Shorts

$265

ORLEBAR BROWN
Setter Short-Length Swim Shorts

$230

ORLEBAR BROWN
Bulldog Mid-Length Printed Swim Shorts

$265

EXCLUSIVE

ORLEBAR BROWN
Bobby V-Neck Cotton T-Shirt

$85

ORLEBAR BROWN
Carter Hooded Sweatshirt

$325

ORLEBAR BROWN
Bulldog Mid-Length Swim Shorts

$250

ORLEBAR BROWN
Bulldog Mid-Length Swim Shorts

$240

ORLEBAR BROWN
Sebastian Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt

$175

ORLEBAR BROWN
Baron Cotton-Piqué Beach Towel

$125

ORLEBAR BROWN
Setter Short-Length Printed Swim Shorts

$265

ORLEBAR BROWN
Sebastian Cotton Piqué Polo Shirt

$175

ORLEBAR BROWN
Bulldog Camouflage-Print Mid-Length Swim Shorts

$275

EXCLUSIVE

ORLEBAR BROWN
Setter Short-Length Swim Shorts

$230

ORLEBAR BROWN
Bobby Lightweight Cotton T-Shirt

$85

ORLEBAR BROWN
Bulldog Mid-Length Geometric Print Swim Shorts

$240

ORLEBAR BROWN
Bulldog Mid-Length Swim Shorts

$240

ORLEBAR BROWN
Bulldog Mid-Length Swim Shorts

$240

ORLEBAR BROWN
Setter Short-Length Swim Shorts

$230

ORLEBAR BROWN
Sebastian Cotton Piqué Polo Shirt

$175

ORLEBAR BROWN
Bulldog Mid-Length Water-Print Swim Shorts

$250

ORLEBAR BROWN
Baron Cotton-Piqué Beach Towel

$125

ORLEBAR BROWN
Felix Marl Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt

$120

ORLEBAR BROWN
Bobby Lightweight Cotton T-shirt

$85

ORLEBAR BROWN
Bulldog Mid-Length Swim Shorts

$240

August

 

August can give you some of the most beautiful days of the year.  The water (if your lucky enough to live on the East Coast is warm, the days can still be hot and yes sometimes muggy too.   In my yard the oak leaf hydrangea are already blushing into soft pinks and the Nikko Blue hydrangea couldn’t be happier it helps that they are planted on either side of the hose spigot that leaks… they love the extra water.  our hot July really cooked things and the rain was light this year, leaving only the established and hearty plants standing.  The Ladies Mantle is gone I’m afraid and south-facing hostas are burnt but they’ll come back next year.

 

 

Here’s a view of the side yard from the second floor.  The dogwood tree was a wedding gift and it’s grown much in 8 years.  I’m thinking about beginning to manage its height if it gets too much bigger but I love seeing the large white blossoms from the upstairs windows.  Peonies, more hydrangea and a dark purple Rose of Sharon run along the side of the house.  This part of the yard also provides herbs, cutting flowers like lilies and an apple tree trained to grow flat up house.

 

I love pruning the boxwood hedges, if i start early enough I can typically trim them all in a day.  In this last picture the foreground should have Ladies Mantle but I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to replant that bed with something a bit more hardy.  I’ll miss the delicate yellowy-green blossoms and the way the leaves captured beads of water.  The terra-cotta pots add a bit of structure and punctuation.  August is a great time to be in the yard on the East Coast, just sayin.

 

Clam Bake

Well as you can probably tell fro my late and nonexistent posts that Summer is getting the best of me!  Friends are here for the weekend and instead of catching up on blogs from the back yard, we drove them out to the charming town of Westport for a clambake and lobster feed.  Nothing says summer like a clambake.. well bug bites and a sunburn say summer too but not quite as nicely.

 

The homemade chowder was served under the tent in the yard of the Westport Point church and it was really quite yummy… of course I’ve been dieting and avoiding diary so the diet flood gates were flung wide open, all bets were off and I ate with abandon.  The folks couldn’t have been more welcoming and sitting at communal tables inside the meeting hall was quite fun and it was nice to escape the heat of the day.  

 

A real clambake involves making a large fire to heat stones that are smothered with wet seaweed creating the steam that cooks the clams.  The crowd gathers round the clambake before the mounds of hot seaweed are pulled back exposing the cooked clams.   My lobster that got boiled with sausage, potatoes and corn in giant pots was delish.

So If you don’t mind I think this weekend will be dedicated to summer and we will get back to art, design and furniture monday. Happy Sumer everyone!

 

I’m Working On It!

Some of you long time readers may remember the sweet cottage I did for clients some time ago, well they are hosting a wedding reception at the house this September so I’ve been brought back to freshen things up and to add a pergola (among other things).

A few months ago I traveled down south and went shopping with my clients at the most amazing resource for reclaimed architectural elements, antique furniture, lighting and handmade furniture that uses shutters and house parts. We bought a truckload of furniture to bring back to Massachusetts to furnish the pergola I designed for them. Now, this isn’t your typical pergola, we’ll have decorative lighting and additional electrical outlets for stereo equipment and matbe even ceiling fans, an enormous outdoor fireplace made with stone that matches the fireplace we built inside their sweet cottage, and of course a BBQ!

The custom cushions for the ceiling hung day beds and swings are still with the upholsterer but that’s ok because as you can see we are a few weeks out on a final product. My favorite part of this project had to be the four antique columns we bought to flank the openings to the pergola. The columns are weathered and have a great patina. They give the structure a sense of history – a bit of soul – and add charm while making a statement and giving a focus to the design. The focal point will no doubt be the fireplace, over 14 feet high when done, we bought a beautiful mirror for over the mantel framed in reclaimed trim from the same resource down south where we got the furniture. The entire project will have a time-worn vibe and more than a hint of southern charm. I’ll be sure to repost this project when complete, maybe even wedding photos… I’m invited!

 

Mr Porter

www.mrporter.com

I’m writing this blog backwards and finishing this post with an ensemble that will be more apropos cooler weather (best time of year for fashion is Fall if you ask me).    I intend to post smart summer fashion… what was hot right now.  My quest brought me to Mr Porter a great resource for men, they have everything that is hot, and have it for sale.  So just to be clear… this outfit is where I ended up, not where I started.

I came to this image of the autumnal outfit of  turtleneck and tweed shown with the most beautiful pair of Gucci wingtips (love Mr Porter).  I had gotten past the outfit and was cruising for shoes, summer chic was on my mind but… BAM!  I saw these brown beauties and I almost started begging for fall.

But the perfect shoe was to be found.  Who doesn’t love a navy leather loafer after all?  This was the perfect shoe to take a t-shirt and jeans up to the place where you could still go almost anywhere. Paul Smith for a Mr Porter exclusive, I’m adding this shoe to my wish list.  

I knew finding a pair of Gant Rugger corduroy shorts paired with a white T-shirt and a cardigan was a perfect look, but and I  am having second thoughts on the color of the sweater… I still like the idea of a layer of some sort.  It dresses up the outfit a bit if it’s into evening, cocktails or just a classy ; ) place.   A white T is just a white T after all.   

AND, to think it all started because I recently got an awesome – natural linen with a thin double stripe of navy running the long way with a bit of fringe – that a bestie game to me : )

Beach House Love

Had a great meeting with a young and fun client who is making an old family home into a summer-house for her family.  We picked neutrals as a foundation for the major living spaces, white washed wood trim, grasscloth dining room walls, painted floors! and maybe a big sisal rug.  I love the living room above and especially the painted backs of the bookcases.  We are going to use this idea in the built-in hutch in the dining room or the bookcases in the living room, and add a few “splashy” pillows to shake things up a bit.

Aside from the tragic air conditioning unit, the only other things I’d change about this room is the rug.  I would love a more current feeling chevron flat weave wool, or Ikat patterned rug or even a seagrass area rug would be more to my taste.  the other thing I’d change is I’d put me in it.  Wouldn’t you just love to wake up in there every morning?

I just really liked this shot.  I’ve never used to chaise lounges together like this, but I love the way it looks.  One question: Do you think they turned these chaises around to make a pretty picture with the view behind the furniture?  I do.  Who would turn their back on that view?!?!  (oops that’s a second question)

DREAM HOUSE! there is, my perfect house.  White, rustic, quirky… perfect.  I dream of the day when I’ll have a small place close to the ocean, that’s so relaxed and funky everyone who enters is put at ease.  Antiques mixed with found furniture, good silver used as everyday flatware and one of a kind mouth blown drinking glasses mixed with CB2’s ultra thin glassware.  Maybe I’ll call my house High-Low.

All around yummy…  maybe a tiny bit “propped” but still so charming.  Best part: LOVE the paintings, vintage for sure they add a layer of soul and time gone by and I love that.  I also love the beamed ceiling.