BRIGHTEN UP: LET THERE BE LIGHT

This is a great time to reconsider the lighting in your home.  A new table lamp is a wonderful quick fix for both updating and brightening a space.  I frequently advise clients to incorporate color and pattern using lamps and accessories.  Here are a few of my top picks for all budgets: 

1.) Ballard Designs, Suzanne Kasler Gourd Lamp www.ballarddesigns.com

2.) Layla Grace, Jaipur Table Lamp www.laylagrayce.com

3.) Lamps Plus, English Blue & White Porcelain Temple Jar Lamp www.lampsplus.com

4.) Circa Lighting, Mimi Table Lamp www.circalighting.com

5.) Layla Grace, Samantha Triple Gourd Table Lamp www.laylagrayce.com

6.) Layla Grace, Bunny Williams Home Chicken Feather Brown Table Lamp www.laylagrayce.com

BRIGHTEN UP: YELLOW

Growing up, my mom decorated with all things yellow and tree of life themed.  To this day, her taste remains the same.  Classic, warm, and welcoming are all descriptions that come to mind when I think of the yellow rooms at my parent's home.  Our house was positioned so that it received both the morning light on the front and the afternoon light on the back.  In the summer the sunlight was shaded by the full trees, but in the wintertime the trees were bare, allowing these rooms (particularly the living room) to take on a stunning late afternoon glow.  On winter afternoons, my mom could be found with her companion (Prudence the Pug) reading or catching up on emails, in this sun filled room.  It is spaces like these that can help us get through the gray days ahead.  Color can affect our daily emotions and behaviors, so why not go with a color that makes you happy?  

With this in mind, I recently designed a yellow guest bedroom for one of my clients, which got me thinking about color and trends.  We seem to be stuck in a navy and gray rut.  I think this color combination can be very beautiful, but does everything have to be in these colors?  With this in consideration, I thought I would share inspiration for bright and cheerful yellow rooms.   

Images via Pinterest

BRIGHTEN UP: IN COLOR

I was recently at an event where I was asked about a pale blue cashmere sweater that I was wearing.  My friend was in love with the color and brought up a very valid point, as New Englanders we frequently find ourselves in shades of gray and black this time of year.  We have the cardigans, the "V"-necks, the crew-necks, and the turtle-necks all in black. Try brightening up your wardrobe with fun colors like fuchsia, yellow, chartreuse, and periwinkle.  Here are my top three suggestions for a little November color. 

1.) Jcrew for bright and cheerful coats: 

2.)  Cozy cashmere, in various styles and colors from LordandTaylor: 

3.) Maybe all you need is a pop of color, like this cashmere wrap from WhiteandWarren:

All images directly from online source. 

BRIGHTEN UP

This weekend marked the end of daylight savings time.  One of the most depressing days of the year for me.  Everything is suddenly gray and bare, in anticipation for what is supposed to be a snowy and cold winter.  

Thank goodness we have the holidays to look forward to, but if these next few weeks seem a bit drab, here are a few ideas to brighten things up.  And just remember there are only 224 days until next summer! 

Image via Pinterest

RETURN TO HOME: WHAT TO WEAR

Visit the following websites for more information about these products and designers: 
1.) www.nantucketlooms.com
2.) www.pomelinejewelry.com
3.) artemisdesignco.com

Images via websites above 

RETURN TO HOME: LIGHTING & ACCESSORIES

Visit the following websites for more information about these products and designers: 

1.) www.dunesandduchess.com
2.) www.warrenchairworks.com

3.) www.jillrosenwald.com

Images via websites above

RETURN TO HOME: THROWS, LINENS, RUGS, & TEXTILES

Visit the following 
1.) www.nantucketlooms.com
2.) www.ellishaalexina.com
3.) www.matouk.com
4.) www.meridastudio.com

Images via websites above

RETURN TO HOME: SEPTEMBER

The end of summer is always bitter sweet.  This summer was a good one, filled with busy weekends visiting family and friends, at many of my favorite spots.  Hours were spent reading on the beach and hanging out on the golf course.  As sad as I am to see summer come to an end, there is also a feeling that the time has arrived to return home. I find myself revisiting my favorite nearby restaurants and returning to household projects, that were left unfinished since the start of June.  This change inspired me to share a few of my favorite local products and designers for your home and wardrobe.   All trips may not be over completely, these talented designers and craftsmen are located in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.   Fall is a beautiful time to travel, especially within New England, or maybe all you need is a trip down your street.  

Image via Pinterest

FINAL DAYS OF SUMMER: TABLESCAPE

When I first began my search for summer inspired table-scapes I grabbed a random group of images.  When I revisited my selection, I realized all but one featured a blue and white palette.  Once again my love for this color combination is apparent, but what better time to enjoy this classic pairing than the final days of summer?

Blue and white or not, my number one suggestion for creating your next table setting is to not be afraid of layering multiple textures and patterns.  Here are a few examples: 

Images via Pinterest

FINAL DAYS OF SUMMER: SURF'S UP

During a recent trip to Martha's Vineyard I visited the Black Sheep in Edgartown.  As I approached the register, hands filled with sandwiches, drinks, and sweets I noticed a captivating image of a thrilling surf. 

At first glance I thought the image was a photograph, but as I moved closer I could see the artist's incredible talent.  Using hefty impasto, Annie Wildey created a foamy effect, while capturing changes in light within a cresting wave. I looked around the shop and discovered more of these surf paintings, each unique in their movement and lighting.  Some featured surf in foggy settings, while others focused specifically on the wild, but serene nature of a cresting wave.  

Sometimes you come along a piece of artwork that completely captures your attention.  I have always been drawn to the ocean and perhaps that is why I had such a strong reaction to Ms. Wildey's work. Here is a sampling from Ms. Wildey's website.  I suggest visiting www.anniewildey.com for more information about the artist and her work. 

Images via www.anniewildey.com

FINAL DAYS OF SUMMER

The month of August brings a sense of urgency to partake in every summer activity that has not been completed.  Back to school commercials begin to air, as department stores begin to decorate for Halloween.  Instead of focusing on the fall mayhem, take this time to enjoy the outdoors.  This week I will share a few of my fashion must-haves for the final days of summer, as well as a new artist that I discovered during a recent vacation to Martha's Vineyard.  I will wrap up the week with outdoor table inspiration, because the final days of summer would not be complete without a few outdoor parties. 

Enjoy! 

Image via @againteriordesign on Instagram 

SUMMER STYLE: HOT SPOTS

I typically do not spend much time discussing travel and where to go on this blog, however in keeping with the "Summer Style" theme I thought I would share a few of my favorite stylish spots for warm summer days.  All of these are in New England and great for day trips or long weekend get-aways. Enjoy! 

Images:
Cru www.crunantucket.com
Harbor View Inn via Pinterest
Clark Cooke House www.bannistersnewport.com
Lawn at Castle Hill www.castlehillinn.com

SUMMER STYLE: ESPADRILLE

Summery espadrille's are a must this time of year!  Here are a few of my favorites from this season. 

1.) www.jcrew.com

2.) www.neimanmarcus.com

3.) www.lordandtaylor.com

4.) www.neimanmarcus.com

1.) www.solesociety.com

2.) www.soludos.com

3.) shop.nordstrom.com

4.) www.jcrew.com

SUMMER STYLE: BEACH HOUSE

Whether your home is five feet from the beach or miles away you can easily add fresh beach layers for a fun summertime look.  Natural textures such as jute, rattan, and rope are a must.  These rough materials create an almost ship-like look when paired with crisp white linens, bold stripes, and glassware.  Here are a few of my recommendations. 

1.) www.ballarddesigns.com
2.) www.williams-sonoma.com
3.) www.serenaandlily.com
4.) www.serenaandlily.com
5.) www.potterybarn.com

SUMMER STYLE

After what seemed like the longest spring filled with chilly gray days, it finally feels like summer has arrived.  Summer is about kicking back and enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.    Maybe you are looking to redo your summer home or perhaps you want to update your main residence with a new look for the season?  And what better time to do this, than now with The Fourth of July just days away!  This week  I will share a few of my favorite ways to add beachy layers to your home. 

In addition to your home, this is a great time to update your look.  There are so many great espadrilles out there this year, I can barely control my excitement!  I will share a few of my favorites for summer get-aways or for everyday activities. 

Last but not least, I will suggest a few New England summer hot spots to enjoy all summer long. 

Happy Summer! 
Image via @againteriordesign on instagram 

HIGH GLOSS: LOOKING UP

These days no one seems to paint their ceilings "ceiling white." Try a high gloss color, metallic, or paper for an elevated look.  Here is some inspiration.  

Images via Pinterest