FIVE WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE FOR SUMMER

This weekend I enjoyed every hour possible outside; walking, biking, lounging…to name a few.  It was the perfect early summer weekend.  I also happened to be visiting one of my favorite places, The Chatham Bars Inn.  Perfectly situated along Shore Road in Chatham, Massachusetts, this converted historic hunting lodge serves as a wonderful backdrop for events, weddings, and vacations.  While enjoying a Pinot Grigio on the patio, I was inspired to share my top five suggestions for updating your outdoor space this season.  This is a great time to get your porch, patio, and lawn ready for outdoor entertaining.  Here are my suggestions to inspire your outdoor  updates: 

Images: 
Intro image via Pinterest  
Oversized Wicker Furniture www.janusetcie.com
Fire Pit via Pinterest 
Planter via www.shopterrain.com
Outdoor Rug via www.serenaandlily.com
Hurricanes via www.restorationhardware.com

COUNTDOWN TO THE DERBY: OAKS LILY

Hats and horses may be the most important part of the Kentucky Derby, but you can not forget the iconic drinks.  Many opt for a traditional mink julep, but I fancy the prettier and tastier Oaks Lily. This refreshing Spring cocktail is sure to match your Derby Day outfit, here is what you will need: 

1 oz Grey Goose Vodka (the official vodka of the Kentucky Derby) 

1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz Simple syrup 

3 oz Cranberry juice

1 splash Orange liqueur 

Garnish: 

1 Fresh blackberry 

1 Slice of lemon 

"Fill glass to slightly above rum with cubed ice.  Add all ingredients to the glass and stir slowly.  Garnish with a fresh blackberry and a slice of lemon."

Recipe Source: www.liquor.com  

Image via Pinterest 

COUNTDOWN TO THE DERBY: WHAT TO WEAR

Whether you plan to visit Churchill Downs or attend a party, you will need a Derby outfit.  Preppy, colorful, extravagant, and whimsical are words that all come to mind when explaining what to wear.  Last year, I opted for a garden floral dress and bright pink oversized hat.  Scott chose a blue and white windowpane check suit, yellow tie, wingtip shoes, and classic straw boater hat.  Here is a quick rundown on how to get the look: 

In the past, I have had the best luck with Anthropologie for Kentucky Derby dresses.  Here are a few of my top picks.  Stay tuned because one of these made the final cut for my outfit this year: 

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I believe that accessories make an outfit.  For the Kentucky Derby, a hat or fascinator is a must, but don't forget the clutch!

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A bit of inspiration for the guys…

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SOURCES
Dresses:
1. www.anthropologie.com 
2. www.anthropologie.com
3. www.anthropologie.com
4. www.anthropologie.com

Bags:
1. www.katespade.com
2. www.katespade.com
3. www.katespade.com


Men:
1. www.brooksbrothers.com
2. www.nordstrom.com
3. www.ctshirts.com
4. www.ctshirts.com

First image via @againteriordesign Instagram 

COUNTDOWN TO THE DERBY

The Kentucky Derby is the one of the most exhilarating sporting events and my personal favorite.  I look forward to this day all year.  It may have something to due with the extravagant hats, preppy pastel wardrobes, and iconic cocktails...oh and the horses too!  

Many travel to Churchill Downs to experience the thrill first hand, but you can have just as much fun with friends from afar.  First step is selecting your outfit.  Think preppy, colorful, floral, and fun.  Extravagant hats are a must! The race may be about the horses, but drama and color are key when selecting your Derby Day attire.   

With less than a week till the races, the countdown to the Kentucky Derby has begun.  I will share a few of my tips for selecting the perfect Derby Day outfit, as well as ideas for hosting a festive gathering to watch the race.  

Image via @againteriordesign instagram 

FIVE WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME FOR SPRING

This week may feel nothing like Spring, but this doesn't mean you have to hold off on updating your home for the season.  Here is a quick list of my go to's for refreshing your home for sunnier days.  

Feature image via Pinterest 
1.), 2.) 4.) Images via Pinterest 
5.) Image via shoparchipelago.com

FRIDAY FURNITURE FACELIFT

Today marks the start of a much anticipated long weekend, in celebration of the Boston Marathon and Patriot's Day.  Long weekends make me giddy because it means an extra day to work on  projects.  Since I was very young, I have always kept busy with creating, crafting and painting.  These days I am occupied with custom lampshades, reupholstering chairs, and painting furniture.  Maybe you are not looking to repaint an entire piece of furniture, but still want a fresh look?  Replacing furniture hardware is one of my favorite quick updates.  I recently bought a very simple dresser for our guest room, the piece arrived with a set of conventional bronze knobs. They were fine, but right away I knew this was a great opportunity to install some unexpected and fun hardware.  

This furniture facelift is great for dressers, side table drawers, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities.  The opportunities are endless!  Here is a roundup of a few of my favorite cabinet knobs to inspire your weekend projects: 

1.) www.anthropologie.com

2.) www.anthropologie.com
3.) www.potterybarn.com
4.) www.anthropologie.com
5.) www.anthropologie.com

OBSESSION: SKIRTED TABLE

While recently reading a few of my favorite design books, I stopped and asked myself "what do I like about these spaces?"  At this moment, I realized that most of the rooms featured skirted tables.  In the past, I have seen this design in frumpy floral patterns, but with solid colors and tailored details these tables take on a fresh look.   

Since discovering this obsession, these skirted tables seem to be everywhere. The design is quite brilliant.  If you have a boring or old table, throw on a skirt.  This design also lends itself to seasonal updates.  Maybe you want a slightly darker and patterned skirt for the wintertime or a crisp white skirt for the summertime. Here are a few things to keep in mind, if you are planning to design a skirted table for your home: 

Tastefully Tailored: Your skirted table should not look like someone threw a table cloth over the top.  Tailored details are a must.  

Pretty Pleats: Add inverted pleats for a timeless tailored look.  

Pattern in Moderation: Select a fabric with little or no pattern.  I am typically drawn to skirted tables in solid fabrics, but if you prefer a pattern, try a tone on tone damask or a subtle stripe.  

It's in the Details: If you are planning to add a skirted table in a solid or subtle patterned fabric, I suggest adding a trim or banding detail to the bottom edge or pleats.  This will help add a decorative element as well as accentuate any tailored details.  

A skirted table is a quick and easy way to add glamour.  This new obsession may even find its way into my home this spring, if it does, I will be sure to share.  In the meantime, here is a bit of skirted table inspiration: 

Images via Pinterest

SPRING ENTERTAINING IN A SMALL SPACE

The holidays may be long over, but Spring is wonderful for entertaining.  This Easter was my first time hosting family and friends for a holiday.  Limited space can sometimes make entertaining in the city a challenge.  I found myself stressed at the thought of how everyone was going to enjoy themselves without feeling cramped; imagine parents tripping over each other and plates flying through the air like Frisbees.  After a bit of methodical planning I found an enjoyable set up an easy, but well planned gathering.  Here are a few entertaining tips to inspire your Spring entertaining:

Buffet is the way to go: With limited space and seating, it is too difficult to arrange a formal sit down dinner.  Instead, pull chairs from the table, for extra seating in the gathering area.  Instantly transforming your table into the perfect setting for buffet style serving. 

A little drama goes a long way: There is no need to fill the space with streamers and balloons, this will only make the area seem smaller.  Select a focal point to showcase festive decoration, for example an assortment of flowers at the buffet, for a colorful spring pop. 

Bring the inside out: If you are fortunate enough to have an outdoor space in the city, open your doors and allow guests to flow from inside out.  If the temperature allows, try adding ice buckets filled with grab and go beverages. 

Keep it simple: Select a menu that requires as little cooking as possible.  Items like cheese boards, shrimp cocktail, and salads are perfect for easy entertaining.  If cooking is required, prep ahead so that you can enjoy your party and guests. 

Image via Pinterest

WARM WEATHER THOUGHTS

If you live in New England, you know first hand how frustrating the month of March can be.  Spring is close, yet so far away.  We are teased with warm sixty degree days, then reminded of Winter with brutal Nor'easters.  For this reason, March is a great month to update your closet, in anticipation for sunnier days.  With vacations and Spring in mind, here are a few of my recent wardrobe purchases and warm weather must haves: 

1.) www.jcrew.com
2.) www.jcrew.com
3.) banana republic
4.) kinilush.com
5.) www.soludos.com

2018: HYGGE

HYGGE: (promounced Hoo-Gah) 

A Danish word, used for a special feeling or moment. A term for both home and personal lifestyle, that has become increasingly popular over the past few years. "Hyggee" focuses on living in the present and enjoying comfortable, familiar, and intimate elements in your life and home.  For example an evening ritual of a cup of hot cocoa or candlelit hurricanes on a dark winter evening.  

Here are a few ideas to make your home more Hygge for 2018: 

1.) Turn down the lights and introduce candles:

2.) Add cozy throws and pillows: 

3.) Take time to get away from your screens (computer, cell phone, TV, etc.) Enjoy reading or spending time with family and friends: 

4.) Decorate using calming neutrals:

2018: SO LONG WHITE KITCHENS?

I will always love a classic, clean, white kitchen...but color is becoming increasingly popular.  Here are a few of my favorite kitchen palettes for 2018.  

 

And if you can not commit to blue kitchen, maybe try an accent color for your kitchen island, like this AGA Design project from 2016.  

Photo by Sarah Winchester Studios, other images via Pinterest

2018: COLOR & THE ART OF SILENCE

During a time when we are constantly connected, I think we are finally acknowledging the beauty of silence.  Sherwin Williams's color forecast for 2018, is a perfect example of this in the home.  Their "Sincerity" pairing features a quiet, but very rich palette.  Proving "less is more as we're de-cluttering...Blending in is the new standing out... (and) flaws are treasured." www.sherwin-williams.com

2018: WOVEN TEXTURES

Anyone who has visited my home knows that I love baskets, baskets for blankets, trees, books, and all sorts of accessories.  This is so true, that Scott recently came up with the following hashtag for AGA Design: #BWRBW (aka Blue and White, Rattan, Basket Weave.)  He captured my style perfectly.  Baskets add texture and a natural element to a room, while also serving as a great place for storage.  Here are three of my favorite basket styles for the home.  

1.) www.crateandbarrel.com
2.) www.potterybarn.com
3.) www.potterybarn.com

Also try adding texture with woven furniture, like my favorite South Seas coffee table from Serena & Lily: 

www.serenaandlily.com

First image via @againteriordesign 

2018: TO FOLLOW TRENDS OR NOT?

I am frequently asked, "What is your favorite new trend?"  I personally allow trends to appear and fade with little attention, because all good design is timeless.  Most trends are bound to look dated and overused within five years, so why not design your home with elements that can be enjoyed for many years?  

When it come to trends, I think of my home and closet in the same way.  Key pieces like furniture, rugs, and lighting should be classics, much like a tailored blazer, pencil skirt, and trench coat.  These are investment pieces, that will last for many years.  If you want to throw in a trendy side table or pillow, these can be your fun pieces, that may fade with the passing of time, much like a trendy scarf or pair of fur lined slip ons.  

Your home should be a welcoming and comfortable place for you to enjoy all year round.  Albert Hadley is a perfect example of timeless design and I look to his work for inspiration.  Many of his rooms were designed forty or more years ago, but still look fresh and up to date. Rather than running through new trends for 2018, I thought I would share some of my favorite looks for updating your home in 2018.  

Image via Pinterest by Albert Hadley