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

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

SEPTEMBER UPDATES: FOR AN ORGANIZED OFFICE

Crate & Barrel Sedona Honey Totes www.crateandbarrel.com

SEPTEMBER UPDATES: FOR A WELCOMING LIVING ROOM

SPRING: CHINOISERIE

This Spring I am loving Chinoiserie wall coverings for any room in the house.  Of course, my favorite are the gorgeous custom hand painted panels by Gracie, but there are many others including De Gournay and Zuber.  If you are looking for a way to turn your entry, dining room, powder room, bedroom, or maybe even your laundry room into a stunning gem, I suggest adding vibrant Chinoiserie paper.  Here are a few examples for inspiration. 

Images via Pinterest

MIXING & MATCHING: DINING CHAIRS

I was recently asked how to mix and match dining chairs.  This eclectic look has become increasingly popular in the world of design.  As the holidays rapidly approach, so does the time to arrange eating areas for large festive gatherings.  Many times, mixing and matching chairs is something that is bound to happen as more guests arrive. However there is a way to  successfully create this look for the entire year.  Here are a few tips:

1.) Select Similar Proportions: Seat heights and back heights should be relatively similar.  You don't want one guest to be sitting higher than the person next to them.  Keep in mind that side chairs should be uniform, and the same for end chairs.  This will help maintain similarity while creating contrast and interest.  

2.) Play with Materials:  For example pair wood with metal, upholstery with leggy wood, or wicker with modern plastic. 

3.) Play with Mass:  Select a grounded, heavy looking chair juxtaposed with a  characterful wood side chair.  For example, a heavy upholstered settee with light wood side chairs.  Another great combination is with an upholstered Parsons end chair with leggy side chairs.   

4.) Create a Unifying Element:   Select chairs with similar bases but varying back designs.  Or a settee and chairs in the same finish.  

5.) Have Fun:  Play with color, texture, and pattern.  Mixing and matching chairs is a great way to create an unexpected dining area for any time of the year.    

Image by Tom Sheerer via Pinterest 

LEATHER: AT HOME

One of my favorite things about Fall is Sunday football.  Crisp weather has set in, the days are short, and the time to be at home curled up by a fireplace has arrived.  After college, I lived with my aunt, uncle, and cousins for a brief period of time.  Every week I looked forward to Sunday football.  The fireplace was lit, and platters of Italian cheeses and meats would fill the counters, as comforting stews would simmer on the stove. Family, friends, food, and football, it was the best way to end a chilly November weekend.  

When I think back to those Sunday games, an oversized leather sofa is one of the first things that comes to mind.  It was always filled with dogs, cousins, and neighborhood friends.  Comfortable and casual, but yet sophisticated, leather is great material for any room in the house.  I love a large upholstered leather ottoman, a sette, or maybe pillows at a seating area. Here is some leather inspiration for your home.

Images via Pinterest

THIS WEEKEND: BRIMFIELD ANTIQUE SHOW

This weekend people will come from all over, to hunt for all sorts of treasures at the Brimfield Antique Show.  This well known event happens in May, July, and September, but I find the September show to be the best.  Open from the 2nd to the 7th, the show hosts 5,000 dealers selling everything from the finest antiques to classic yard sale clutter.  Visit this weekend, and you're sure to leave inspired, and without empty hands.  

For more information visit http://brimfieldshow.com/

Images via Pinterest

BLUE & WHITE STRIPE: AT HOME

Blue and white stripes add a crisp summertime feel to any space.  I love a great blue and white awning for an outdoor space, or a set of Cornish ware cream and blue china by  T.G. Green, for a summertime breakfast.  Here is some blue and white stripe inspiration for your home.

Images via Pinterest