Breakers

I wish while I was in Palm Beach I had an opportunity to steal away a few moments to photograph some of the amazing homes, gardens and architecture.  Unfortunately, for the blog, this was not a weekend of soaking in the architectural flavor.  I will save that for another trip. The meticulous style of the pristinely trimmed hedges and well-dressed homes does lend suggestion to ways we can all incorporate a little style into our lives. Sometimes it is just the attention to detail, such as freshly cut flowers or music playing throughout a house, that can give any home that extra little dash of extravagance.  

I was able to snap a few photos that lend themselves to the epitome of Palm Beach style. While we were laying poolside at the Breakers I managed to steal away a few moments to take some photos of the grounds.

While the Breakers is a hotel of grandeur, this courtyard outside of the News & Gourmet is my idea of paradise.  Shadowed by palms and ferns guests can enjoy coffee (or ice cream in my case) and a good book while listening to the tune of water trickling from the fountain.

This is one picture from Worth Avenue.... right outside Mecox Gardens!

Palm Beach

I am off to Palm Beach this afternoon to meet up with 13 amazing friends who are going to help me give singlehood an appropriate send off.  It is sure to be a weekend for the record books.  With friends coming from both coasts to places inbetween, I feel truly lucky to spend the weekend with an amazing group of gals.... not to mention sunshine, beach walks and a whole lotta laughter.  In honor of Palm Beach style I have posted a few photos from one of my all time favorite designers, a true Palm Beach blue blood, Celerie Kemble.  I just love her bold, yet comfortable approach.  Not to mention anyone referred to as "designer and socialite" is just inherently cool.

A Walk Through Pinehurst

It was a beautiful weekend in Pinehurst.  While these weekend getaways always seem to go by in the blink of an eye, I always come back feeling revitalized.  Before we took off on Sunday, my mom and I took a long walk through the village of Pinehurst and all the twisty neighborhood  side streets.  I took some photos to try to convey the easy beauty and comfortable surroundings of this small North Carolina town.  

The village of Pinehurst

I love this photo. The light peeping through the pine trees and the white picket fence really characterize the village of Pinehurst.

The Pinehurst Hotel

This was my absolute favorite house on our walk.  It is tasteful, classic and also welcoming.   The canopy of pine trees provide just enough shade and also create an established surrounding.  I would love to spend some evenings on a rocking chair on that front porch!

This "Castle" home , built in 1928, is on the National Register of Historic Places

Pinehurst!

Photo taken at the Pinehurt Hotel's lawn in May 2008.

I am on my way to Pinehurst, North Carolina this afternoon to celebrate a couple milestone's in my family. Not only is it my grandpa's 80th birthday, but it is my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversay.  Pinehurst encompasses all things that a small town should boast.  From the quaint, walkable route into town, to the local lunch spot to the sociable attitudes of the residents, this really is a gem. I am looking forward to a weekend of family and a slice of warm southern hospitality!

St. Louie

We have been super busy over here at Duncan Fuller. But, for now, I will post a few pretty pictures from the wedding I attended in St. Louis this past weekend. There is not much to do with design in the following... but they are beautiful. St. Louis is a gorgeous city and I love the traditional architecture, clean cityscape and gorgeous fall color. I wanted to snap a picture at every street corner, but being the maid of honor, I had to make sure I was concentrated on the constant shuffle. I should do a post on St. Louis one of these days. From the Washington University campus to unbelievable art museum to the suburbs this city is a little Midwestern gem.

Here's a little picture of design! This was a super cool antique shop in the Central West End Neighborhood. I bought a neat horn sculpture. This place was jammed packed with all sorts of curiosities and trinkets. If only I had a bigger suitcase...

Fun Morning Email

This morning I opened a wonderful photo album email from my friend, Meredith. The pictures were from her latest travels to Turkey. Mere and I have grown up together and now she lives in Shanghai. It is amazing that with the technology we have today a friend who literally lives on the other side of the world can easily share certain aspects of her life as an expatriate. It was a very inspiring email and combined with a little cup of java I am ready to start my day!