Happy Trails

The posts have been a little light this month beause I am getting married this Saturday!! Trying to soak in the excitement of the wedding, working and still leaving room for life in general has not left me a lot of time for the blog. I could not be more excited for the festivities on Saturday.  Everything is becoming very "real" as our family and friends are beginning to touch down at the metro D airport. I feel so lucky to be moving on to this next step surrounded by the most amazing (and enthusiastic!) family and friends. Life is pretty fabulous.

This weekend will be truly amazing...and then to think we get to go on an incredible vacation! Scott and I will be honeymooning at Tucker's Point in Bermuda. I am going to sign off for a few with a couples inspiring photos of the vacation home of Mr. Michael Douglas and Ms. Catherine Zeta- Jones along with images of Tucker's Point. The Douglas/Zeta-Jones abode seems to incorporate aspects of what I imagine Bermudian design to encompass: Effortless English formality. Bermuda style seems natural, not overly thought out or tried, but classic, relaxed and inherently beautiful.

The above three images are from Architectural Digest and were shot by Durston Saylor.

Now onto Tucker's Point....

Via Kevin Murray

Via Elite Alliance 

Via Elite Alliance

Via Elite Alliance

Last (3) images from Concierge.com

It's a Small, Authentic (and Expensive!) World

Photo for NYT by Justin Mott 

This morning during my routine dose of world news a certian article caught my eye. The New York Times Home and Garden feature had a particularly interesting title, "Trophy Hunter's With Their Eyes on Interiors". Click. The next 15 minutes I oogled over the telltale stories of designers who go to the ends of the earth, on an out of this world budget, to make sure their client's homes are unique in every sense of the word. Flying to India to pick up the specific, "just right" glaze? Sure. Nicaragua to select the perfect terracotta tiles? Why not. 

It seems as though, when money is no object, one can find the means to own almost whatever their home desires. I guess this is nothing new in how the world works. Not even political unrest can keep these globetrotting, adventure seeking designers tamed. I do envy their spirit in the thrill of the hunt, but can't help to ask myself when has this world become so small that we are depleting cultures of the indigenous items that make us all unique? Don't get me wrong, I love when an object's history tells a story and it is this lifecycle that provides the narrative we all desire. I am sure these ancient artifacts are going to magnificent, stately homes, I just hope that when the next design trend comes along they aren't all packed up and stored away in some Long Island storage unit only to be forgotten about once again.

Read the article here.

Barry Dixon

Barry Dixon is speaking at the Michigan Design Center in, well, about 2 minutes.  Needless to say I will not be making it.  Mr. Dixon will also be making another Metro Detroit appearance as the featured lecturer at the 2010 and 26th Annual Christ Church Grosse Pointe Antiques Show, which will be kicked off this evening at the preview party and silent auction. He is speaking on how to incorporate antiques into modern homes... what a great topic! With a life that has taken him from South Africa to India and beyond I am sure that he will have a gobally cultured point of view.  Being published in numerous national publications, combined with his new hit book, "Barry Dixon Interiors" this is a much anticipated event for any design enthusaist. If you are feeling like you need to get a little revved up on the topic check out this worthwhile 1stdibs profile. I have also included some inspiring images of his work below. I am sure there are fabulous finds and stories for every room pictured below.

Image Via Washington Post

Hope You're Having a Breezy Weekend

I hope everyone is having the perfect long weekend filled with both fun and relaxing activities! 

Book Worm

When I set out to gather a little bookshelf inspiration, for one of my fav people, Megan, the photos that came across my computer screen were nothing short of overwhelming. There are so many gorgeous  images out there!  I have always struggled with arranging bookcases as there is a fine line between being too cluttered and too stylized.  When bookcases are large their shear mass can almost overwhelm a room with a chaos that can distract from the other elements.  I love how the following photos have embraced their bookcase walls and have either made them a focal point or a more subdued backdrop. 

Image Via Branca Design

Chicago mega-watt designer, Alessandra Branca has filled the bookcase in her office with all books. I love the accent light library wall lamps and how they reinstate her signature color scheme of red.

 Image Via Canadian House and Home

This is a serious pop of color, not only is the wall color a bold choice, but so is the contrasting color on the back of the bookcase.  Somehow this works for me.  I guess there are times where you have to go bold or go home.

Image via the sadly extinct Domino.

 This is an oldie from Domino Magazine. I really enjoy how this is a cabinet of curiosities. The unusual objects grab your attention and the arrangement keeps your eye moving across the 'case.

 Image Via Domino

Another Domino gem.

Image Via Elle Decor, Elizabeth Martin

Another image where the back is painted another color.  I am enjoying how it is a darker shade from the walls, thus creating a difference that is noticeable but a little more subdued.

Image Via House Beautiful

 Hanging photos is another fabulous way to add interest to bookshelves.

Image Via Jan Showers

A gallery of artwork really add an element that is unexpected.

House Beautiful, Fern Santini

These bookcases do not overpower this room, I don't know if it is their symmetry or the color palette, but this is very warm and elegant.

House Beautiful, J. Randall Powers

This is a little random, but when I originally organized my photos I always was including mantels. I love everything about this.  The soft, soothing colors that translate the feeling of clean sophistication, the symmetry of the architectural prints, the Federal style mirror and the unified unbalance of the orchid and the print.  Not to mention, that stone fireplace is nothing short of amazing.

Image via Martha Stewart

Martha really knows how to add a little pizzaz. If you decide to go for a jazzy color combination, just keep it simple on the accessories.

 

Just lovin' Domino. Again and again...

Image via Miles Redd

This looks like such a livable space. The not-overly-stylized-yet-perfect look that imposes styling jealousy.

Image Via Steven Gambrel

Black doors leading into a perfect looking study alcove... and I'll take the picture lights too.

Image Via Steven Gambrel

Okay, so the mantle images are a little sparse, but got a little overwhelmed with all the bookcase beauties. I do enjoy here how the artwork is casually leaning, not hung, and the off centered arrangement of vases. Simple, intriguing and the carpet isn't so bad either. 

Image via Windsor Smith

 Bookcase Elle Decor

This is turning into the longest post ever. I think I have stated how much I love bookcases and hope anyone reading has gotten some good ideas.  I am about petered out on bookcase talk... but then I came across the most awesome compilation of bookcase inspiration ever.... 

Image Via, Isuwanee, via Country Living

This blog has the most amazing bookcase photos... Here is a sneak peek....

 

Two above images via  Isuwannee 

Okay, That's all!

Flower Power

This weekend consisted of all things spring, the majority of which included farmer's markets and planting. With a mom who has a very green thumb, I am feeling like I ought to begin to cultivate my love for creating a green, leafy backyard haven. Really we all want our backyards to invoke a certain feeling and vibe- much like what we want to accomplish in designing our homes.

               

With Saturday dedicated to purchasing the goods at the Oakland Country farmer's market, Sunday was devoted to planting. I wish I could say I was sore because I got a tremendous workout, which people often say gardening is, but I really just think I strained musles and pulled ligaments I didn't even know I had. I do not feel anymore toned or sculpted after this foliage adventure, this endeavor just left me feeling hobbled and aged. I don't know if I would define my back yard as the "oasis" I had originally and optimistically set out to create, but it is looking much better. While the right side of the yard is looking cleaned up with boxwood, hostas and impatiens, the left side now looks horribly untended and messy. And so it goes. This is the same fact that usually applies when we try to tidy up life. We redo the living room and the family room looks tired. We get new carpet and the walls need to be repainted. It is a vicious cycle. Hopefully, we can all look at our worlds as half put together. Focus on the appealing right side of the yard, how pretty our living rooms look and how the new carpet has just snazzed up a room. There is always going to be disorder, chaos and a little mess-that's life. A fun life, a life well lived, can get a little dirty.

New Additions

This week on Pine Street I welcomed a few new additions.  Our two new sofas finally arrived and I could not be more pleased with the result. These aren't the best photos as I was trying to strategically shoot to avoid photographing the clutter that seems to be taking over my house at this moment (mainly the plethora of wedding gifts and Scott's sports equipment!).  I love the traditional look of the tufting and nailheads but also the fresh linen upholstery and lines. As a pair they evoke a classically traditional feel without feeling heavy or outdated. I could have styled my coffee table for this impromptu photo shoot, but I wasn't quite ready for that. The coffee table is actually an antique cedar chest that some long ago relative constructed.  I actually saved this from my Aunt's garage sale circa 1993 (at the ripe old age of 9). To say that I have always had an interest in old things would be an understatement.

I also thought I would include a quick shot of the bookcases. I know all my "stuff" is centered, but for now it is the only way I felt I could make this massive unit not seem cluttered or messy. I still need something on that bottom right corner... I was thinking maybe a really cool piece of coral? Suggestions are welcomed.  All together this room is gaining the character and warmth of the "collected interior" that I had in mind.  Next step: draperies!

 

This is my find from this past Ann Arbor antiques show which I had the pleasure of attending with Nani and my mom last weekend. I am finding myself almost becoming obsessive about our 'in house' recycling program and the big blue bin from the city of Birmingham was not the best designer statement.  Functional? Yes. Good looking? No. My solution was to pick up this really cool bin that was used around the 1940's to store and transport tea. I felt lucky to find one in such great condition and the perfect size.  It solicits the general store nostalgia looks a heck of a lot better than the previously mentioned container.