Spring Press!

A big thank you to Cottages & Bungalows magazine! We're so excited that they featured our kitchen from the Denver residence in their recent issue. Doesn't it look great? For more kitchen inspiration and decorating ideas, check out our kitchen spaces board on Pinterest.

Notice the dining room, pre-makeover? If you didn't see my mini-makeover post, check it out here. 

images courtesy of Cottages & Bungalows magazine

Itching for a household Makeover?

Sometimes being a decorator is an occupational hazard.  New trends introduce new fabrics, paint colors and furniture styles. It's no wonder that at least once a year I tell my husband, "we should consider selling our house." When the topic recently came up, again, he asked if I was serious or just needing a new project.

While I pondered the idea of what exactly was "bothering me" about our home I decided that I would re-purpose some furniture and rugs that I already owned. Who knew that re-locating my living room rug to the family room and swapping out our kitchen table for a table my husband had in his bachelor days would scratch my itch to move!  

Here are some before and after pictures of my new digs. And it didn't cost me a penny!  By the way, the rug I rolled up from the family room is for sale. Try to look past the photography! The "before" shots were done professionally and I just snapped the "afters" myself.  

Family Room " Before"

Family Room "After"

Who knew that a new rug and throw pillows would completely reinvent this space? 

Living Room "Before" 

 Living Room "After"

You don't have to hire a decorator to transform your space. This understated rug settles the room and a few accessories and pillows are all I needed to feel like I was walking in to a completely new space. 

 Kitchen "Before"

Kitchen "After"

Such a transformation! Who knew an old bachelor pad table would get the job done so well? Changing the shape of a room, in this case, swapping out a rectangular dining table for a round one, always makes a space feel new and fresh. I also think it makes the kitchen feel more intimate.  

Favorite New Find: Language of Flowers

I am so excited for my new tees from London’s coolest, and recently launched boutique brand, Language of Flowers. While recently in Anguilla, I met these two cherubs, Alexandra and Stephanie, while sipping piña colada's poolside. Emanating a cool factor of +10 I asked them what they did in London.  Their story is practically romantic: two best friends who always wanted to work together end up collaborating to design edgy, yet romantic screen printed tees  on what is perhaps the worlds softest cotton.  My favorite is the Viola boyfriend-tee. 

Take a whiff... fall in love with Language of Flowers

Chrysanthemum "Loyalty"

Phlox "United Souls"

Forget me Not "Never Forgotten"

Dog Rose "Pleasure and Pain"

Good news, they ship internationally and if I have my way they will be in stores in America ASAP!  In the meantime, visit Language of Flowers.

Color Crush: Apricot and Gray

Before I departed for my 10^th anniversary tip to Anguilla, I was clearing through fabric samples in my office and came across this Bob Collins sample. I loved the subtle elegance of the soft apricot and warm gray color combination. While on vacation I was inspired to create the Apricot and Gray Pinterest page.  I guess I'm not alone in loving this color combination, there were loads of images to pin in the design world, both for home and fashion! What color combinations are you loving for Spring?

Bob Collins Fabric available through Griffin Design Source

Layer the dots and stripes for fun pattern play! 

Stripe and Stitch Pillow from Anthropologie

Fouta Beach Towels from Serena and Lily

Zoe Cashmere sweater from Club Monaco

For warmer days, I love this linen boatneck top.

Linen Dolman Tee from J.Crew

J Brand Leather Skinnies from Intermix

What I would do for this Celine bag........

Gorgeous greige nail polish from Dior

Cream blush from YSL

Image via pintrest

Bar Carts

It's official! The signs of spring are finally showing. I enjoy nothing more in spring than unwinding after a long week with a Pimm's Cup, curled up in a chair on the patio. With nice weather on the horizon, it's time to start stocking my bar cart. Warmer weather always welcomes unexpected guests so I say it's better to have everything you need for an impromptu get together than scrambling all over the house and fumbling through cabinets.

photographer Emily Minton Redfield

I love the simple, mid century lines on this bar cart and the super shiny chrome finish. You can get a similar look here. 

Glasses

Spanish Wine Glasses from Canvas Home

This glass is one of my absolute favorites. I love it so much that I featured it a few weeks ago in my "Perfect Little Glass" post. The size is great for cocktails so you don't over-serve, and it doubles as a wine glass. The versatility makes it perfect for a bar cart. Plus, it's affordable so no worries if one happens to break.

Ice Bucket

Ice Bucket from Sister Parish Design 

Sister Parish Design makes a charming ice bucket and it comes in a number of prints inspired by their fabric collection. I love the lucite handle with the bold pattern.

Ice Bucket from iomoi

IOMOI makes tons of adorable customizable pieces with Chinoiserie-inspired motifs and monograms, from lucite trays and ice buckets to canvas totes and smoking slippers.

Spirits, Wines, and Garnishes

• I always like to have a few different types of hard liquor on hand: vodka, tequila and gin are currently the resident options. 
• A red and a white wine. 
• Versatile mixers. Get mixers that pair easily with a variety of liquors so you have more flexibility with what types of cocktails you can concoct
• Nice water. For those who aren't drinking, it's nice to feel like you aren't the red headed step child getting tap water.
• Lemons and limes are a must
• Pistachios. Always have a little something to munch on.

Want more bar cart inspiration? Check out my Bar Cart Pinterest board for extra ideas.

Packing for Spring Break!

I am not a great packer. I am an even worse outfit planner. My friend, Amy, is an amazing packer. She makes outfits, lays them out and then packs them. On hangers. Wrapped in plastic. But what I lack in packing I make up for with ease. After lots of trial and error, I've found that the key to packing is choosing outfits that work, don't wrinkle, feel comfy, and look fab. 

Here are my go-to's for Spring Break!

This maxi-meets-coverup easily transitions from poolside to brunch and sunset cocktails. The jersey knit on this dress feels like wearing pajamas all day. I also love the slight asymmetrical hem. Plus, who doesn't look great in coral? 

Chan Luu Stack Bracelets, $115

I'm not a fan of "beachy" jewelry. You know what I'm talking about, puka shell necklaces, any form of an anklet, etc. But there is something super easy and fun about wearing woven stacked bracelets. I like the touch of tassel fringe on these. 

I love the feminine take on these gladiator sandals. They're perfect for beach and the ankle strap keeps you from loosing them when shuffling through the sand. 

Old Navy Swimsuit, $39

There is a time to spend and a time to splurge. Why spend $400 on something you're most likely going to feel a little self conscious in anyway? Old Navy actually has some adorable one-pieces without the frump and with great support.

But if you feel like splurging. I am in love with this floral maillot from Anthropologie. The deep plunging sweetheart neckline and keyhole add a touch of sexy to this one-piece.

The Ultimate Summer Tote, $275

It might not be the price of an Old Navy tote but there is something to be said for the ultimate straw beach tote. By the end of the summer, I can guarantee that this bad boy will practically be threadbare.

Remy braided clutch $95.00

One of my best beach tips is to throw a small clutch into your beach bag. Pull it out, throw in some lipstick, cell phone, and a credit card and you're ready for dinner. The mix of straw and wood are fun and unexpected for a beach accessory.

Han Kjobenhavn for Madewell Sunnies, $134

I rarely bring my splurge sunglasses to the beach. One rogue wave and those babies will never be seen again. I also think sunglasses are an easy place to be slightly trendy. Madewell has some breezy and relatively affordable options.

Don't forget the sunscreen!!!!! After much trial and error, my absolute favorite is La Roche De Posay. It's as light as moisturizer and has ingredients that make it feel more like a silky skincare product rather than goopy sunscreen that leaves a icky, filmy residue.

Check out my Spring Break Pinterest Board for more warm weather inspiration!

Pea Green with Envy?

With spring upon us I consulted my Zinio account to re-visit the October/November issue of Donna Hay magazine.  Because this is an Australian publication the seasons are reversed.  Donna Hay is one of my most favorite cookbook authors. I don't know what's more delicious about her publication and cookbook-- the recipes, or the photography. And, every recipe has a picture representing the dish! I love to know what the end result is supposed to look like.

With Spring rapidly approaching and my need to get back into entertaining I am going to make this Spring Pea Risotto. Risotto always throws me for a loop, all that stirring and wondering if the rice is actually going to ever soften. But I am seemingly up for the challenge.  I have found Acquerello carnaroli rice to be the best, most foolproof short grain rice.

Now that you've got dinner plans.....Here are are a few things I am loving in

SPRING PEA GREEN

Lisa Fine Texiles

           Baroda II in Mint

My latest obsession (find out what it is on Pinterest!). This fabulous cutting board from Lostine.

Define your table with these cheerful placemats from Burrow & Hive.

Do a little spring cleaning and while you're at it, stock up on fresh linens from Jonathan Adler.

And last but not least....... Pouf. And everything is green again!