Design Inspiration (Vacation - Part II)

During our last week of vacation, my family and I decided it was high time we visited Nantucket. If you remember, last year we spent the day on the Vineyard, but we had all been there many times before. This would be our first trip to the "other island". But instead of showing you photos of the harbor and the ocean, I thought I'd share some photos I took that inspire my creative side.

What I love: Mixing the old with the new and combining stained and painted pieces in a room. This shop had lots of goodies that caught my eye, including this mix of modern and countrified pieces combined in perfect harmony.

Did you know that interiors are actually inspired by fashion? What you see on the runways will make its way into your home before you know it. I adore Ralph Lauren for his classic look, so I just had to take a peek inside. What I love: That floral arrangement! You could easily place this beauty in a more formal setting, but I adore the juxtaposition of pairing the formal with the informal. It still looks fabulous sitting on this humble painted table.

Although this store did play up the typical summer look everyone has come to expect, it still caught my eye. What I love: The mix of scale. The large chair paired with the candelabra and the chandelier says drama. When you put things together, when it doubt, think big. 

Stores aren't my only source of inspiration. As I was walking down the cobblestones streets and brick sidewalks, there were several vintage trucks spilling their wares onto the sidewalks. These flower arrangements were gorgeous. What I love: Using things in unexpected ways. Now I realize not everyone is going to have a lovely vintage vehicle to park on their lawn, but what about a wooden bench or a piece of fencing? Give your gardens that much needed vertical element every yard should have. Enjoy hanging, placing, leaning, and arranging pots to create a beautiful focal point in your yard.

The houses in town were fairly close together, but somehow they all managed to keep their properties very distinct from the next. What I love: gravel driveways (I'm not a fan of ground seashells) and mounds of hydrangeas. Did you know that you can plant hydrangeas throughout different parts of New England? There are different varieties that don't require sandy acidic soil like these do.

Speaking of secret gardens, I just had to jump off my bike to take this shot. What I love: The mix of different size stones and the stepped planting beds... and the natural arbor. Clearly trying to create different levels in your yard requires a bit of help and some heavy-duty equipment, but the rest is easy to duplicate. Regardless of how large or small your yard is, the trick is to create several gardens to give your eye a place to land as well as your bottom. Place a set of tables and chairs under some trees and prune the area until you've created your own grove. Add a few pots of plants and flowers and you're done.

The island of Nantucket is just beautiful. Once we were off the ferry, we got on our bikes and rode through town. It was quite the bumpy ride on all that cobblestone, but once we got out on the main road we were able to ride out to Madaket beach. Madaket is located on the southwest corner of the island. Because of its location, the surf was incredible coming off the open Atlantic. I'm told, the next patch of land you'd reach is Portugal. Once back in town, we rode on to Perry Street. It's a charming road filled with incredible architecture. We ended up finding a circle that led us back into town. 

I came back inspired to try new looks and continue to build upon my own aesthetic. I feel it's not only important to be open to new things, but to also hold onto the look that suits you and the way you live best. 

P.S. Remember to look for other design posts under the old heading design & decorating.

Blast From the Past

Last week, I mentioned that I would share old magazine clippings with you to see if you think the "look" would still work today. Here is another. This clipping dates back to 1998. The two pieces - the table and the twig chair - are an unexpected mix of textures and styles. Why does it work? Because the table's distressed finish makes this formal piece much more compatible with the rustic chair. This is one of the key elements in blending styles with ease. But, is this look still in? Again, my vote is an enthusiastic yes. I love mixing the formal with the informal and combining contemporary and more traditional elements together.

Image scanned from Better Homes & Gardens magazine

Blast From the Past

I love looking through my books of magazine clippings. Some date as far back as 1985, and a few are even older than that. Are the looks still in? Most are not, but a few of the designs have withstood the test of time. I thought it would be fun to share these photos with you to see if you agree.

This lovely chest of drawers is a clipping without a date, but I know the book it came out of dates back at least 5 years. Does it pass the test? Would you consider putting this piece - provided it was a style you liked - in your entry? My vote is yes. I wouldn't change a thing. In fact, a chest of drawers is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can own. And it's a smart addition to an entry where mail, the dog's leash, hats, and mittens can be stored away and out of sight, but within reach.

Consider adding a small chest to any room of the house - for linens in the bath, as a TV and media center in the den, as a bar in the living room, or to keep office supplies in style in a home office.

Image scanned, magazine unknown

Makeover: Now and Later

Much of my design career included working with what the client already owned. Why oh why would I ever want to throw out something that was functional or could be made more attractive??? It's simple. I wouldn't. And you shouldn't either. In today's economy and with "green" design methods cropping up all around us, using what you have - yet still making small improvements - is what it's all about. So how can you make changes in an afternoon, a day, a weekend, or even a week, in your own home? Start by taking a good long look at your room. What do you love? hate? What would you change if you could? Look at how the room is being used. Is every corner being utilized? Do you love hanging out in that space? For example, in the picture above, you see a very ordinary, white/beige/brown non-descript kitchen. It's not very functional either. The table under the painting is too small. And although I do love a breakfast bar or island in a kitchen, it's best to pick your battles and realize what your room can and can't do. My function first motto says it's best to re-purpose this room by moving the island and bringing in a table and chairs.

That's better. In just one hour, you can re-position furniture (the butcher block island now sits on the wall and allows the homeowner to use it as both storage and a functional prep surface) and bring in a table from another room. I realize you may not have a proper table, but you'd be surprised by playing with what you do have available. If the table is dented or scarred, throw a cloth over it. And don't forget to infuse a little color (flowers and fruits work well) into the room. Now this kitchen looks more inviting.

And speaking of color, if you have a weekend available, you can paint the walls and the table for more impact. The white cabinetry now pops against the blue/gray walls. The color is warm enough to invite you in, yet doesn't overwhelm. (Be careful not to use too cool a color in "cold" rooms like a kitchen or bath.) Because the wall color is a bit more sophisticated, the green table was painted white to coordinate with the chairs and cabinets. The black chair was also painted white to blend with the rest of the woodwork. Switching out artwork from room to room is an easy way to update a space.

If you have the whole weekend, and a little more money in your budget, consider hanging shelves to add style and storage. These easy-to-install shelves came from Ikea and work wonders for the space. Once they're up, pay attention to items you display. Bring in a new color into the room, like this French blue, with vases, plates, bowls, and tumblers that can be used for a variety of tasks. Move the color around the room to help balance each element. And while you're at it, add an inexpensive pendant light over the table for added drama.

Images via O Home magazine

Vintage: Bringing Back Croquet

I have my parents old croquet set in my basement. One of the mallets needs some glue and the wickets are a little worn for wear, but since it's about 35 years old, it's in pretty good shape. It usually makes its way onto to the lawn around Memorial Day weekend when the yard has been lovingly tended to in anticipation of the first summer backyard BBQ. It marks the beginning of end-of-school sleepovers, swimming in the lake until dusk, and watching the fireflies light up the sky. To me, it symbolizes all that is right with summer - take it slow, look around and enjoy the view. It's the perfect family game that you can set up just about anywhere. And, if you think this game isn't competitive enough, think again.

I found a selection of beautiful wood sets here, here, and here.

Bright Idea?

The jury is still out on which light bulb is the best, but you can be sure that incandescent bulbs are on their way out. Beginning in 2012 (2011 in CA), incandescent bulbs will be phased out. Each year, another wattage will be eliminated (starting with the 100 watt bulb), making them all extinct by 2014. So what will take its place? The push for CFL (compact fluorescent light) and LED (light emitting diode) bulbs are leading the way.

Fans of the CFL argue that they can be used in most household fixtures, lasts 10 times longer, and use approximately 75% less energy than an incandescent bulb. However, CFLs take a while to reach their full brightness and consumers complain that the light quality is less than satisfactory. Myself included. Today's CFLs do not "read" color well making our rooms, and each other, look washed out. And, let's not forget that trace of mercury that requires us to handle them with care. Technology is improving. We are starting to see "soft white", "cool white", and "daylight" varieties on the market that mimic the light quality of incandescent bulbs.

LEDs are long-lasting and low-wattage, so although they will cost more initially, they will save you money overall. LED bulbs are also versatile and illuminate artwork and work spaces well. These bulbs are mercury-free, making them the greenest choice. But, beware of bulbs that throw off a blue cast.

The good news is that by the time incandescent bulbs are completely phased out, technology will (hopefully) have addressed all of these issues. Hybrid bulbs are now being produced that combine the best of CFLs and halogen (the closest light we have to daylight right now, but runs too hot for most indoor use) like the GE Reveal hybrid bulb. I'm a big fan of the original Reveal bulb, so let's hope this one looks as good.

Image via denverlightbulbs.com

Keep It Together

When any container will do, keep it simple and repeat. Organize pens, pencils and the like with this vase, these glasses, or a few bowls.

Image scanned from Pottery Barn

Color = Emotion

Do you know why you are drawn to certain colors? Color tugs at our heartstrings. They speak to us on an emotional level. And depending on how old you are, if you are happy or sad, or going through a major life change, the colors we love (and hate) can actually change over our lifetime.

I pulled some colors from this fun birthday card my friend gave me years ago. Although we met in our early twenties, we knew we would have been best friends no matter what age we met. In this picture, I would be the girl in the yellow T-shirt - only because she stole my red jacket!

Red: If you love red (my favorite color) you do not suffer fools gladly. Our no-nensense approach to just about everything may seem a bit combative, but that's only because we hate having to do anything more than once. We strive to do our best at every turn. And we work very hard. If you decorate with red, be careful. Use it in small doses unless you tone down its vibrancy. Red also wets the appetite, making it the perfect color for a dining room. Red conjures up conflicting emotions of love and hate, passion and violence. But, it is also the color of joy, sexuality, sensitivity, and love.

Orange: If you love orange, you'll probably very creative. You're also known as a peace-keeper and you work well with others. People tend to either love or hate orange. Orange encourages socialization, it makes us feel bolder, and helps us let go of unrealistic expectations. Use orange as an accent and choose shades with brown or black undertones.

Pink: Ahhh, sweet pink - the most passive color in the spectrum. If you want to neutralize an opponent, pink is your man, or girl if you'd like. Pink is youthful, fun, and exciting, and depending on its vibrancy, can take on the same high energy as red. Complementary to all skin tones, it's great to use in a powder room or spa. Pink is very affectionate and can make you simply "feel good".

Yellow: They don't call her Ms. Mary Sunshine for nothing. Yellow can brighten your day and your disposition. It stimulates the mental process, activates memory, and encourages communication and creativity. Yellow is also the color of knowledge, so if you like yellow, you probably want to know "why" - you need to know every little detail. Use yellow in places that lacks natural sunlight.

Staying Motivated

If the view outside of your window looks like mine then you may feel like hibernating for the rest of the winter. Mr. Groundhog has assured us that we will see an early spring, but for those of us who have piles of snow lining our walkways, well… that’s little consolation. This time of year it can be especially hard to stay motivated, so this weekend I decided to try and change my attitude since I couldn’t do anything about changing the weather.

The target: my office. Thankfully I had the foresight to paint the walls a warm green a few years ago so there was no need for any big changes. (Green is one of my favorite colors, but I wasn’t thinking that the color would remind me of greener days ahead when my world would be blanketed in white. A nice little bonus.) I had gotten rid of piles of paper and spent a good deal of time re-filing the rest – the only thing left to do was thin out the bookcase and surround myself with inspiration. New books, with new topics, were placed on the shelves. I changed out some accessories and added mercury glass candle holders to brighten my mood. Finally, I replaced a piece of art with a decorative bulletin board from my studio.

That’s when the real fun began. It’s still a work in progress, but this new board is meant to reflect what I’m doing now. Heart-felt notes, words of wisdom, and a few of my old magazine columns now greet me each day.

I know how important it is to surround yourself with the things that you love, I just had to get snowed in to remind me.

Color: Just A Whisper

I'm dreaming of chocolate. Shades of malted milk and cafe au lait look lovely paired with a touch of vanilla cream and peach.

Color Inspiration

BM Chocolate Mousse 1025, Farrow & Ball London Stone 6

Valspar Milk Chocolate 2007-9B, Farrow & Ball Buff 20

Top image via thecherryblossomgirl.blogspot.com

Winter White

The color of freshly fallen snow, tufts of cotton, and swirls of cotton candy spun clouds. White can be dramatic, warm, and oh-so versatile. Not words you would have associated with white? Let me change your mind...

Color Inspiration: Benjamin Moore

Winter White OC-21, Moonlight White OC-125, White Dove OC-17

Atrium White 79, Horizon 1478, Floral White OC-29

Decorating With Cranberries

Just look at all of the wonderful decorations you can create with cranberries. Growing up, my family would sit and string strand after strand of popcorn (it has to be stale) and cranberry garlands for our tree. But if you're looking for something a little more unique, take a peak below.

1. Insert toothpick halves into each berry and then use the other end to pierce a foam ball for perfect pomades. 2. Freeze berries and water in a bundt pan mold to make a punch bowl ice ring, fill an ice bucket with layers of berries and mint for a luminous ice bucket (as seen above), or simply freeze berries in a regular ice tray for drinks. 3. I use cranberries, instead of stones, to hold my paperwhites. Cranberries are perfect for hiding the stems of any flower arrangement. 4. Fill small bowls with cranberries to place around the table as is, or to hold votives or place cards.

Images scanned from '06 Holiday with Matthew Mead

Oh Christmas Tree (Part II)

This tabletop tree is adorable and just perfect for the kitchen. If you have a collection of old teacups you don't use, or if you're willing to purchase a few new ones, you can recreate this look by affixing the teacup to the saucer with liquid nails, and then tie a ribbon through the handle to hang it on the tree. Finish it off with a few wrapped tea bags just like you see above.

I love Christmas red and green, but this tree makes me smile. Who says you can't decorate with crayon box colors?

Totally glamorous, this tree is perfect for the decorating enthusiast. I just love the chandelier tree topper.

Tree decorations don't have to be expensive either. Just look outside for inspiration and you'll have so much to choose from. This tree is wrapped in grapevine and coxcomb covered styrofoam balls. Add a few berry branches, some pine cones, and a little sparkle and you're done.

If a tree is just too overwhelming to put together, then dress up a mantle or chest with pine branches, and fill decorative containers with ornaments as I've done here in my studio.

Images scanned from Victoria and Country Living magazines

Oh Christmas Tree (Part I)

My trees are up and (almost) decorated... but I still have a little more to do. As we selected our fresh tree over the weekend, I was reminded of just how many trees I have decorated - for myself and for clients - so I thought I'd share some photos I've collected over the years and walk you through my process.

I don't care for tree skirts, I prefer containers or additional greenery. I have "planted" trees in baskets, boxes, urns, and various pots. However, most of the tree stands in my home are covered with wreaths that I've simply split open and placed around the stand itself. Once you've gotten your tree up, here's what you do...

1. Start wrapping the lights around your tree starting at the top. If your tree sits in a corner, you can simply swag the lights back towards the front once you've reached the wall. I don't go over the top because I prefer the decorations to take center stage. I use approximately 400 lights for a 8' tree. As you wrap, stand back occasionally and squint. You'll be able to tell if you're distributing the lights evenly using this very (technical ;o) method.
2. If you're working with garland, this gets placed next. Use the same method as above, but be sure to swag the garland in either the opposite direction or just below or above the light strands.
3. I place my tree topper before I decorate the rest of the tree so I don't knock anything off afterwards.
4. Unwrap all of your ornaments and hang the largest, prettiest goodies at eye level and right in front. If you have several identical ornaments, place one towards the top, bottom, and on either side for better balance. Do this for all of your collections. Now place smaller ornaments at the top and work your way down to larger ornaments at the bottom. Create depth by placing large balls on the inside limbs for added sparkle and shine.
5. Nestle unique items in among the branches. I have several pieces of sheet music I place in open nooks and crannies as a surprise.
6. Finally, I place crystal icicles on the very tips of the branches as my finishing touch.

I love this tabletop tree. You can use lots of household items you may already have on hand as ornaments and hang them with pretty bits of ribbon.

We strung miles and miles of popcorn and cranberries on our tree when I was a child. Because our family ornaments were a mix of handmade and store bought, I decided that my children should have a tree of their own so they could have fun creating their very own designs. I have been buying each of them their own ornaments since they day they were born. Now family and friends join in on the fun. (They make great presents!) Here is a wonderful and simple children's tree you can recreate with paper or felt.

This photo was the inspiration for the tree in my daughters' room. The Nutcracker came to life with wooden character ornaments, yards of candy dot garland, and gumdrop branches. Gather twisted branches from your yard and place one gumdrop on each end, then simply stick the branches in among the boughs.

Here's another great idea. Who says trees need to have branches at all? Now use lots of candy - lollipops, candy necklaces, candy canes, shoelace licorice... whatever you can come up with!

Images scanned from BHG, Country Living, and Victoria magazines

Color: Cracks & Crevices

This tree trunk is a study in color. Here are some colors to inspire you...

Row 1: BM Bear Creek 1470, RL Blue Green GH81, BM Graytint 1611,

Magnetic Gray SW 7058, BM November Rain 2142-60

Row 2: Pratt & Lambert Autum Dusk 12-19, F&B London Stone 6, BM Middlebury Brown HC-68, F&B Buff 20, BM Brown Horse 2108-30

Change of Mood

Moody, rich hues have us grabbing that fur blanket, tossing another pillow onto a bed or sofa, and mixing an array of textures together. Go ahead - pile it on. Tis' the season to create a room that's warm and magical.

Images scanned from Country Home and Traditional Home magazines

Happy Halloween

Yes, I am a bit nutty when it comes to holidays, and here's your proof. This is just a small area of my living room that has been decorated in what I like to call macabre-chic! Each year I use the same decorations, but I sometimes switch out the way I display something or mix and match until I get the look I want. Almost everything you see was purchased on the cheap and I did not spend more than $5 on any one item. I can't remember where I scored the foam skull head, but I haven't been able to duplicate it since. The skeleton garland was purchased at CVS years ago, and the crows came from a local costume store. I framed an old herb print straight from the internet... I wonder what this motley crew will cook up!

I find that a nice layer of dust gives the whole thing a more authentic feel, so I am feather duster free the week before. (:o) Here is a close-up of the skull, and a trio of books Mr. Crow and a certain baby skeleton have claimed!

I keep with a theme - crows, skeletons and spiders - and use the same materials in each display. I thought one of the crows made a nice lamp finial, so I stuck him up there so he could keep an eye on things for me. So far so good.

My youngest daughter is having a party this weekend, so I still have to decorate the dining table, but my costumes are just about done. As of today (ahem) my youngest is trick-or-treating as a Greek Goddess and my oldest as a Witch. It should be a good time.

Happy weekend!

Color: Orange vs. Red

How about a little of both? As you may know, red is my favorite color (followed closely by green), but I LOVE orange. So much so, that's it's starting to nudge out the competition. So when you pair the two together... you create a highly energized, happy-to-be-alive kinda space!

All I have to do is look outside my window to see my favorite colors come to life. I'm so lucky to live in New England this time of year.

Color Inspiration:

Gypsy Red SW 6865, BM Chili Pepper 2004-20, BM Corlsbud Canyon 076

BM Audubon Russet HC-51, Habanero Chili SW 7589

Images via elledecor.com

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