From HGTV and it is dreamy! First of all, you know I'm a sucker for a contest or giveaway, but I have to admit my love affair with the HGTV Dream Homes goes back several years. In fact, it's something I look forward to during the bleak days of January... curling up and watching either the on-air special (click HERE for the schedule) or scrolling through the videos and pictures on hgtv.com. Either way, I'm transported to inspired … [Read more...]
Divine Retreat
October 26, 2010 by · 1 Comment
Last weekend, while travelling in Newport, R.I., I had the pleasure of brunching at Castle Hill Inn. The inn itself was constructed in 1874 as a summer retreat for the Swiss scientist Alexander Agassiz. He was intent on studying marine biology on the beautiful coast but ended up hosting many of the "thinking sorts," such as Thornton Wilder and many of the so-called "naturalists". The interior of the inn still exudes 19th century … [Read more...]
J’Adore the New Adore Magazine
October 14, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
Yet another fabulous online decor magazine to bookmark: Adore Magazine. This Australian online publication, the brain-child of designer Loni Parker, is jam-packed with inspiring ideas and tidbits. I had to get past the "Spring Issue" tag to realize that it's spring down there right now, but found loads of great home office ideas (think Mom Cave), designer profiles, travel and lifestyle features, plus fresh … [Read more...]
Ideas Abound in the Coastal Living 2010 Idea House
October 5, 2010 by · 1 Comment
Exterior of 2010 Idea HouseThis year the editors and designers of Coastal Living magazine take us to scenic Seabrook, Washington for their 2010 Idea House. This house is packed with fabulous ideas, so I'll be posting more than once about this treasure trove. The first bright new idea that caught my eye is the use of windows and natural light in the bathrooms. If you think about the dilemmas of large windows in the bathroom-- … [Read more...]
Arrangement Assistance
September 27, 2010 by · 1 Comment
So, you've begun your collection of art and photographs, purchasing those pieces you love and framing your treasured photographs, but you're stumped on how and where to hang them. Sound familiar? How about hanging a piece or a group of pieces and deciding something's not quite right? Believe it or not, art placement is an art in and of itself. My Museum Studies seminar in graduate school spent a great deal of time on where … [Read more...]
September To-Dos: Inspect and Refresh!
September 14, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
I always think of September as not-quite-fall: more of a transistion month. And it's the perfect time to get your game face on for holiday decorating and entertaining (yes, it's right around the corner!) without going whole hog. Here's a few tips from my own To-Do list this month.Inspect all of your outdoor pots or containers, patio furniture, and outdoor dinnerware. Will they be good for next season or is it time to … [Read more...]
Provence Paradise by Michel Biehn
August 10, 2010 by · 3 Comments
Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by a magazine cover? This is exactly what happened to me in the airport a few weeks ago, when I caught sight of the August issue of Veranda. I splurged and picked up a copy for my flight and I've been repeatedly engrossed ever since. The images of this stunning Provencal villa restoration are captivating! The result of a ten-year collaboration between designer/antique dealer/author … [Read more...]
Emily Giffin at Home
July 15, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
Imagine my delight to find my FAVORITE author Emily Giffin showcased in her home by the fabulous Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles! I have adored EG from the beginning with her first novel, Something Borrowed (now being filmed for release next summer!!) and to hear her thoughts about life in the ATL and see glimpses into her home is beyond bliss for this book/decorating junkie.Her "reading nook"... I love the simple lines of the white … [Read more...]
The Emotional Value of Redecorating
July 14, 2010 by · 1 Comment
Have you ever, at a crossroads in your life, found yourself redecorating, repainting, rearranging furniture? Something beyond the usual boredom with our decor and desire for something fresh to look at that we all experience from time to time. I'm talking about anything to change your surroundings, to demarcate today from yesterday, present from past. Following my divorce, I painted woodwork, turned my dining room into … [Read more...]
My New Motto
July 13, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
If you haven't already visited the adorable site Cottage- A Coastal Store, today may be your day. I am in love with these plaques... if I didn't run the danger of being redundant, I would put one in the kids' bathroom, one in my office, one in the playroom... you get the drift. Choose your color... and breathe. :) … [Read more...]
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