Kitchen Love

19th Century English cabinet, Oriental rug, and Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray walls... what's not to love? I'm drawn to kitchens that look as though they've been around a while.

And a butler's pantry too? Swoon!

Details, details, details. You can still mix a little of today in with the past and make it work.

Thomas Smythe's kitchen is stunning. I would love a black kitchen too.

Open shelving is perfect for showing off a collection, whether it's white ironstone pitchers, English transferware, or these beautiful copper pots.

Images via styleathome.com and houseandhome.com

Scenes From the Cape {Series}: Subtle Color

Inspiration comes in many forms. When I talk with people about the decoration of their homes, I'm more interested in the "feeling" they want to evoke more than anything else. If your idea of home is a tranquil haven, a place that makes you feel refreshed and relaxed, is filled with light and air... then this particular color palette - inspired by the beautiful Cape Cod scenery - may be just what you're looking for.

Color inspiration from Sherwin-Williams...

Whole Wheat SW 6121, Sand Dune SW 6086, Breaktime SW 6463

Upward SW 6239, Supreme Green SW 6442, Rice Paddy SW 6414

Now it's your turn. Take a good long look around. You never know when you'll be inspired.

Camping for Grown-ups

By all accounts, I'm what you might call an 'indoor girl'. Dressing up each day for work or dinner was part of my regular routine - until I moved to the woods! We built our house on several acres just outside of a beautiful small town, but little did I know that cable television and street lights would become a thing of the past. Instead, I spent my first summer up here listening to the sounds of the coyotes outside my bedroom window, and praying for the loud beeps and constant rush of city traffic instead. However, if you stick a girl in the country long enough, she learns to adapt. If you asked me what my favorite room in my house is right now, I'd tell you it's my porch. I'm taking two-mile walks with hubby through neighboring woods on a regular basis. I've slept under the stars and showered outdoors... and I gotta tell you - I really like it.

Ever since my dad built my sister and me our own little house when we were children, I've been hooked on creating little hide-aways and secret places all my own. I couldn't wait to take my children to see the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse at Disney World, knowing that they would love it as much as I did. As an adult, I've longed for my own 'little house' in my own backyard. I'd even settle for a stylish treehouse like the ones creatively crafted in the movie Robin Hood. And that's when I found these pictures. In my little dream world, there are no creepy crawlies, slithering snakes or rain to spoil the fun - only lots of fresh air and sunshine followed by cool breezes that lull you to sleep. Camping for grown-ups is anything but child's play.

Inspired? If you can't build something as elaborate as the tent structure pictured above, this version uses a simple platform floor instead of decking. If you plan to build a semi-permanent structure, some type of flooring is ideal so you can keep furnishings (and yourself) away from damp grass.

This simple canvas and pole structure can go up in a matter of minutes, and a no-fuss outdoor rug will make it cozy.

Images scanned from my collection

Inspiration

I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from gazing at one of these quiet sources of inspiration. Okay, maybe a lawyer... or an insurance salesman. But every artist (in any form) draws inspiration from the visual.

This board from designer Barbara Barry reflects her own personal style. She prefers clean lines, a simple color palette and quiet elegance - and her linen-covered board delivers just that. Let's take a peek at some other examples...

Cosmetic guru Bobbi Brown has covered several boards with fashion and beauty photos that resemble large art canvases. I created something similar back in my college days using sturdy cardboard and lots of glue! 

Julie from Shelter Interior Design covers her 'image board' from top to bottom. I like the way she included fabric and wallpaper samples into the mix.

Jennifer at Made by Girl has covered her board with wallpaper so that no matter what she chooses to display (or not display), she'll always have something pretty to look at. You can also try using fabric remnants and sheet music to personalize your board.

Laura from The Order Obsessed, likes to keep things simple and on budget. This is an actual piece of plywood attached to the wall with d-rings. Apparently cork is for sissies. Who knew? Find her complete tutorial here.

Here is a close-up.

The inspiration board in my studio is filled with notes, pictures, postcards and decorative push pins. I fell in love with its gilt frame the first time I saw it in the Ballard catalog. I knew I could probably make something similar, but sometimes a girl has to splurge. I've chosen not to fill every corner so I can change things out more easily.

This collage/inspiration board is a collection of letters and pictures, and serves as a memory keeper. You can check out the original post here.

Here is a close-up.

Some images via traditionalhome.com, shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com, madebygirl.blogspot.com, theorderobsessed.blogspot.com

Get This Look for Less

This beautiful room is actually the lounge at Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport Maine. Inspired by this room’s fall palette, I went searching for some less expensive finds. Before I unveil the goodies, here are some tips to get this “designer” look for less.

• The bi-fold screen can be made on the cheap by simply adding bullnose molding to inexpensive hollow core doors. Once the molding is attached, caulk the edges and then paint the doors an off-white. When dry, paint all of the molding antique gold and then brush the entire surface with antiquing glaze. (It’s a bit of a project, but it’s worth the effort.)
• The birch log lamp from Jamie Young is a tad on the pricey side. If you’re the proud owner of fallen birch trees, you can drill a hole right through the middle and then thread a lamp kit through the trunk. If you don’t have a drill that can do the job, you can section the tree into thirds and glue it back together once the lamp kit has been installed. Secure the tree with a sturdy base and top with a cream shade. (There are two birch log floor lamps in the room not pictured in the photo above.)
• Embellish a simple wood mirror with crown molding stained or painted to match. Attach the mirror to the wall, then attach the crown molding over top.
• There are many resources for upholstered ottomans such as Ballard Designs and Calico Corners that allow you to “custom” upholster to your hearts content. Better still, find an ottoman at your local consignment shop and have a custom slipcover made in the fabric of your choice. Just be sure to save extra to cover a pillow or two for the chairs.
  

Mirror and Picture : Home Decorators, Tray: Ballard Designs

 

Chair: Home Decorators, Sconce: Lighting by Gregory, Lamp: Lamps Plus, Garden Stool: Home Deco Direct