NEW ENGLAND AUTUMN: HOME SWEET HOME

I was very excited when my copy of Gil Shafer’s The American Home, arrived on my doorstep.  To this day, this is one of my favorite design books. Many of Gil Shafer’s designs feature traditional, classic, and livable spaces, similar to the home I grew up in. 

My childhood home is an old farmhouse constructed in 1831 featuring reused doors from the 1700’s, wide plank floors, horsehair insulation, and large fireplaces with beehive ovens.  As a child I didn't understand the unique qualities of an old house.  I remember the sad day, when my little brother dropped my spiral glitter wand, between the wide plank floor boards.  Oh the frustration!  I could see it, but it was beyond my reach.  To this day, the wand remains beneath our bathroom floor.  As the years went on I got over the imperfections of our old house, and gradually fell in love with its charm and character. 

Today I often favor the look of older homes, and for this reason I feel a strong connection to many of the interiors in Shafer’s The American Home. In honor of Autumn, and the return home, I thought I would feature some of my favorite interiors in Gil Shafer's book.

Images via Gil Shafer's The Great American Home: Tradition for the Way We Live Now

NEW ENGLAND AUTUMN: OUTFIT INSPIRATION

This time of year always makes me nostalgic for my home, in Western Massachusetts.  After a long summer filled with vacations and visits, Autumn is a time to return home, as well as the routine of school.  As a young girl, I would spend long afternoons at the kitchen table, with a pencil in hand and blue lined paper scattered about. My homework sessions were often complimented by fresh Atkin’s Farm apple cider and cider doughnuts, and homemade pumpkin seeds.  Other Autumn activities included apple picking, re-stuffing Stanley the scarecrow (complete with worry lines on his forehead, thanks to my 5 year old handiwork), horseback riding, trips to the Big E, soccer games, and collecting fallen leaves. 

Today I live in the city and my activities are slightly different, but one thing remains the same; my love of Autumn attire.  This time of year the air is too warm for a parka, but cool enough to wear layers. There is something very comforting about putting on a pair of riding boots and a blazer, to enjoy the Autumn chill.  One of my favorite sources of inspiration for Autumn attire is Ralph Lauren; here are some of my favorites.

Images via Ralph Lauren

NANTUCKET: COLOR, TEXTURE, PATTERN

During college, I studied abroad in Italy; at this time I discovered that some of my most inspirational photographs were of a specific detail or texture.  An overall photo of a structure is a great memory and reference, but most do not credit the smallest details.  When I was on Nantucket, I tried to take overall photos, as well as detail shots showing texture, pattern, and color. These are great inspiration for projects and color schemes.  Here are a few of my favorites. 

Images by AGA

NANTUCKET: IN THE FALL

As many of you know, I love the seaside. The constantly evolving color of the ocean and sky, mixed with salty air and the rustle of sea grass, is one of the most calming and inspirational atmospheres.  I am someone who is happy on the beach, rain or shine.  This time of year, few think of travelling to the Cape and Islands, but those who do discover a hidden secret. 

Many families plan their seaside trips for the summertime; leading to crowded beaches, gridlock traffic, and impossible dinner reservations.  After Labor Day, school begins and vacationers return home.  Soccer games, fall activities, and homework become the focus. On the Cape and Islands, numerous activities continue, including; farmer’s markets, live music, museums, and walking tours. These happenings combined with late summer weather, provide the perfect setting for visitors.
 

Last weekend I had a chance to visit Nantucket.  Growing up, I only visited the island a few times.  My vivid memory of over-crowded streets and beaches, is like many other seaside towns during the summertime.  This trip was very different.  There was a sense of relief and relaxation.  The weather was absolutely spectacular, so good in fact; that we even made it to the beach, for a quick swim in the surf.  Restaurants were busy, but not to the point that you couldn’t get a table.  There were farmer’s markets and plenty of sales at the local shops.   Museums and walking tours eagerly shared the history of Nantucket. At night, it was warm enough to sit outside at the wharf side bar, Cru, and enjoy oysters on the half shell.  Bars, such as the Club Car, were busy with people and live music.  And it only rained on Sunday morning, but there was still plenty to see and do. 

We were only on the island for the weekend, but I could have easily stayed longer.  There is always something new and exciting going on.  Next week is restaurant week, in which selected restaurants offer special three-course menus and pricing. If you are looking for a quick getaway or inspiration, the Cape and Islands is the place to go.  Inns and hotels offer exceptional packages for their guests and there are plenty of activities.  Check out the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce website for more upcoming events.  www.nantucketchamber.org

Below are photos of my weekend search for inspiration, on Nantucket.

Images of sites by AGAImages of AGA by Eric Clark 

ZEBRA: THE HUNT

One of my favorite zebra print applications, is the Scalamandre zebra wallpaper.  This iconic pattern made it's debut during the late 1930's, at Gino's Restaurant in New York City.  Flora Scalamandre designed the wallpaper to depict zebras during a hunt, hence the flying arrows. The original pattern featured classic black and white zebras with a bright red background, later other colorways were created.  

One of my favorite uses of this wallpaper is in Margo Tenenbaum's room in the film The Royal Tenenbaum's.

  

Images via The Royal Tenenbaum's
Information and Scalamandre image via http://passmenteries.com