Twinning

August 13, 2014

Let’s face it, no one really likes a twin bed. They are often used for a tiny little six year old, or tucked away in a guest bedroom. Today, we aren’t talking about how well you sleep in twin beds, but how well they can make a room seem complete and refined.

Guests rooms can often be a land of misfit furniture. A hodgepodge of old dressers, bedspreads, pillows, and pre-married monogram shams. Fortunately, having a twin bed can snap-up a room and force you to focus on symmetry, style, and substance. Not only does it give an unexpected feel for the room, it also allows for two guests to sleep comfortably without sleeping closely.

Here are some enchanting guest rooms that will leave you seeing double for days.

Twin Bedroom by Amanda Lindroth in House Beautiful

Amanda Lindroth masters the height of this room with a perfect canopy and blue and white striped pattern. Photo source: House Beautiful

A pretty play of pink and green in this home by Bear Hill Interiors. Photo source: At Home In Arkansas

A sophisticated canopy of orange and stripe in this wallpapered room by Jean Louis Deniot. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Beach House Guest Bedroom via Veranda

A light and airy room of white and blue. The black headboards are a perfect backdrop. Photo source: Veranda

Mary Clark designed this lovely Twin Bedroom via Veranda

Incredible iron beds and clean white linens allow for this contrasting bedroom by Mary Clark to look perfectly comfortable. Photo source: Veranda

Jorge Elias Twin Bedroom via AD

A lovely twin bedroom in the Brazil home of designer Jorge Elias Photo source: Architectural Digest

Kathryn Irelands Guest Room in France via Elle Decor

Blue and white patterned headboards with gingham canopies in designer Kathryn Ireland’s France home. Photo source: Elle Decor

Classic Twin Bedroom via HB

A classic twin bedroom with soft blue walls and natural sconces. Photo source: House Beautiful

Sorry I’m not sorry for all the beautiful blue and white rooms. I love this daybed look by Justine Cushing. Photo source: House Beautiful

A wonderful orange and yellow combination in this twin bedroom by Michael S. Smith. Photo source: Veranda

A romantic and elegant bedroom designed by Pamela Pierce with tufted twins and classic white. Photo source: Veranda

Michael J. Fox's Home via AD

Brooke Gomez and Mariette Himes Gomez designed this delicate bedroom with a peppy chandelier in the home of Michael J. Fox. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Love the rope hanging beds in this child’s room by Schnell and Porch. I feel like it is okay to have fun when you have two beds to work with! Photo source: Traditional Home

A sophisticated blue and white child’s room. Gorgeous striped canopy against the animal wallpaper. Lovely! Source: Unknown

A glam twin bedroom with no detail overlooked. A great starburst mirror centers the room. Photo source: Pinterest

Valerie Smith Blue and White Twin Bedroom via HB

Valerie Smith creates a serene blue and white twin bedroom. Perfect for a beach or lake house. Photo source: House Beautiful

A nice use of black and white in this guest room by Thomas Britt allows the unique day beds to be the focal point. Photo source: Veranda

A lovely purple and white girl’s bedroom designed by Thomas Scheerer. Photo source: House Beautiful

Sea-colored patterns flawlessly blend in this bedroom by Tucker and Marks in the 2010 Elle Decor show house. Photo source: Elle Decor

The starburst mirrors above each bed and fabulous blue and white zebra pattern snap this room together perfectly. Photo source: Pinterest

Pin the Post

Sommer Days

August 12, 2014

Summer may be coming to an end, but a room styled by Ruthie Sommers will last a lifetime. Her impeccably chic approach to design is part refreshing, enchanting and fantastically bold. You can tell she designs her spaces with her clients’ interests in mind. She can create a room that is feminine, masculine, youthful, or traditional. It is this expansive variety of design talent that sets Sommers apart.

While her spaces are beautiful, they are also approachable. That is often a dilemma in decor. How to create interiors that showcase the lifestyle of the people who live in them. Her website bio states it best, “My goal is not to have people remark at parties that Ruthie designed the most amazing aubergine lacquered room. But it is to hear that they were treated carefully, honestly, and creatively.” From the looks of the rooms below, I think she accomplished just that.

Ruthie Sommers in her Country House via Lonny

Ruthie Sommers in her country house living room. Photo source: Lonny

An incredibly bold and beautiful dining room with swoon worthy pink lamps, blue chadellier shades, and divine patterned chairs. Photo source: House Beautiful

Black and green give this room a dramatic and sophisticated appeal. Photo source: Lonny

Fantastic vignette in a pool house by Ruthie Sommers. Look at the elephant trunk legs on that table! How fabulous! Photo source: The Glam Pad

A deep pop of orange in this collected living room by Sommers. What a great gallery wall. Photo source: C Magazine

A soft play of pattern in this suburban Chicago home. Photo source: House Beautiful

Fantastic curtains and dark wood floors provide the perfect backdrop for the colors in this sitting area to shine. Photo source: Veranda

This moody power room is everything. The dark crocodile wall coverings and gold faucets work together wonderfully. Photo source: Lonny

A clean and sharp wall with accents of blue and white. Not overly fussy, but perfectly placed. Photo source: Ruthie Sommers

I adore this calming white bedroom. The pagoda lamps and purple tassel inject a lively energy into the space. Photo source: Veranda

Timeless landscaping surrounds her LA home. Photo source: Lonny

A very classic bathroom with painted mirrored paneling and detailed flooring. Photo source: Chinoiserie Chic

What I love is how the previous picture is such a different style approach than this room. Ruthie really is so versatile in her decor. A modern playroom with blue and white diagonally striped floors. Genius! Photo source: Ruthie Sommers

A feminine and chic powder room with pink fretwork. Look at the light fixture too! I can’t get enough of this look! Photo source: Veranda

The entry of Ruthie’s country home. The chic hunter green windows add a nice element to combine with the wood paneling. Photo source: Lonny

A happy and bright kitchen. It is really the details that make this space so fabulous. Photo source: House Beautiful

A colorfully patterned pool-side cabana. Timeless. Photo source: One Kings Lane

A wonderful backdrop of grayscale hand-painted wallpaper showcases the chic green chairs with detailed backs. Photo source: Veranda

A lovely mix of white, blue, and lush green pattern. I don’t think a dining room can go wrong with Frances Elkins chairs. Photo source: Town & Country

Ruthie Sommers Living Room via HB

The white brick walls allow the green lamps, pink sconces, and chocolate velvet sofa to shine and blend together seamlessly. Photo source: House Beautiful

Ruthie’s California cool LA home. I love the black and white loungers- and of course the potted boxwoods! Photo source: House Beautiful

Inside the wide-striped pool house. I love the pagoda-style light fixture and deep blue fabric. Photo source: House Beautiful

A bar vignette like no other. Different orchids and mixers allow for a chic cocktail hour. Photo source: Victoria Pearson

Fantastically upholstered walls and trim details in this den by Sommers. I love the fixtures that showcase the bookshelf. The whole room has a classic feel. Photo source: Lonny

Ruthie has so many wonderful design pictures to choose from. Honestly, I could have you here all day. I thought I would end with this lovely tablescape in an impeccably detailed and divine dining room.

Pin the Post

Checkmate

August 11, 2014

There is something so incredibly classic about a black and white check floor. Not only are they full of contrast, but they also are a symbol of an enduring home. Black and White checkerboard floors are very relevant to a Monday. White with the promise of a new week, and black to remind you about the death of a weekend.

Black and white floors are a perfect platform to showcase pretty prints and bold patterns. They are also a great way to add a hint of drama to a neutral space. Contemporary or classic, modern or traditional, black and white floors work for all types of interiors. The juxtaposition creates a timeless tiling that can weather all events in the life of a home. Here are a few divine decor images full of the perfect contrasting combination.

Black and White floors in a Toronto home designed by Jan Showers. Very effective with the black lacquered walls. Photo source: Veranda

Kelly Wearstler takes a different shape to black and white floors in her Hollywood Regency style home.

An antique and classic look in the Paris apartment of Frederic Mechiche. Photo source: Elle Decor

A lighter approach to a checkerboard floor, but still incredibly classic. I love the look in this Hampton’s kitchen designed by Timothy Whealon. Photo source: Elle Decor.

Mary McDonald Hallway with Black and White Floors

A fabulous hallway of black and white showcases potted lemon trees in blue and white porcelain. Photo source and design: Mary McDonald

Black and White Floor

A spectacular dramatic entry in this home. Source unknown.

Some black and white marble pattern mixed with green. I love this combination. Photo source: HGTV

A stunning entry hallway with wicker baskets and gilded tables. Photo source: Belclaire House Blog

A lovely play of black and white with checkered floors and a striped seating banquet. Photo source: Pinterest

Black and White Entry via TPB

A stunning door and green Gracie dining room make this floor the perfect transition. By Elizabeth Dinkel Design. Photo source: TPB

A wonderful pattern of black, white, and cream in the Boxwood Estate in Nashville designed by David Netto.

The always impeccable Evelyn Lauder in her Palm Beach home. I love how the black and white check really pops the yellow! Photo source: Habitually Chic

Windsor Smith adds a wonderful mix of gray, white, and black in this fabulous entry in the now home of Gwyneth Paltrow. Photo source: Veranda

A lovely black and white floor in this all white bathroom. Photo source: House Beautiful

Kelly Wearstler always has a flair for dramatic, especially in this sophisticated entry full of black, white, and gold. Photo source: Elle Decor

Ruthie Sommers uses a vibrant pink curtain and potted palms in this lively LA home. Photo source: House Beautiful

A timeless hallway in the Southampton home of Tory Burch. Photo source: Vogue

Pin the Post

Jewel Boxes

August 8, 2014

I often showcase glamorous homes that are full of lush grounds and beautifully designed rooms, but if you live in the city like me, you are aware that is just not a reality. A great apartment with decent square footage is not easy to find. However, just because your space is small doesn’t mean that the personality of your home should be as well.

I always look forward to the House Beautiful issue that showcases fantastically designed rooms in small spaces. For all my high-rise living friends and small home owners, I implore you to find last month’s issue and get inspired by all that your small space has to offer. My best advice is to maximize every bit of furniture, cabinet space, and potential hidden storage areas. Quality over quantity should matter most, right?

If you don’t believe me, look at this 800 square foot (yes, you read that right) apartment designed by Ashely Whittaker for her 30 year old, single in the city client. It is feminine, flirty, and full of personality. Following, look at the 725 square foot elegant apartment designed by Kelly Giesen.

Photos of Ashley Whittaker’s design are by Thomas Loof for House Beautiful.

Photos of Kelly Giesen’s design are by Peter Murdock for House Beautiful.

800 Square Feet

Designed by Ashley Whittaker

Entry of Small Apartment via Hb

Incredible entry with Osborne & Little wallpaper in a bold pattern and a Ballard Designs side table. A common misconception about small spaces is that people feel they need to go neutral. Be bold with pattern, print, and texture. Have some fun!

Small Living Room by Ashley Whittaker via HB

A fabulously feminine living room. You can see the entry to the right and the kitchen to the left. This is a tiny space. The gray walls open up the room, while the pink and lavender add soft color.

A lovely corner of the living area holds a desk, bench for extra seating, and a bar cart for entertaining. The large framed art and bold accent patterns make the space come alive.

Kitchen by Ashley Whittaker of small apartment via HB

A light and cheerful kitchen- how all small kitchens should be! There is nothing worse than a kitchen that is small, dark, and incredibly unhandsome.

Wallaper in Small Apartment by Ashley Whittaker via HB

Quadrille wallpaper in a lime green lines the hallway. The bedroom has custom shades to add a soft and sophisticated touch.

725 Square Feet

Designed by Kelly Giesen

Foyer of Small Apartment by Kelly Giesen via HB

Giesen added the closets on each side of the door to create a foyer effect. Also, the mirrored paneling makes the room seem larger. As you can see, when you enter you walk straight into the kitchen.

Kitchen of Small Apartment by Kelly Giesen via HB

The marble and rich looking cabinetry give a high-end appeal to the apartment.

Living Room of Small Apartment by Kelly Giesen via HB

A glamorous accent of blue pattern. The molding in this apartment is truly stunning. Notice again how there are more mirrored-window effects in this room.

The lovely bathroom right off of the kitchen and entry. The whole space is very reflective.

Bedroom of Small Apartment by Kelly Giesen via HB

A lovely blue wall with some silver wallpaper imprints. I love the calming and elegant simplicity of this room. The chandelier can be purchased through the designer, Kelly Giesen.

To see more images of these apartments visit House Beautiful: Ashley Whittaker & Kelly Giesen

Advice on decorating in small spaces:

Pin the Post

House of Tory

August 7, 2014

As I was scrolling though the fabulous September issue of Architectural Digest, I stopped on a fabulous article profiling Tory Burch’s corporate Manhattan offices. At first I thought her office was a new home. Her corporate design reflects a similar style to her New York City and Southampton homes collaborated with Daniel Romualdez. Together, Burch and Romualdez create interiors that showcase Tory’s signature style of worldly patterns and bold colors.

Accents of gold, blue and white, and pops of green are a constant throughout her offices and homes. Tory’s aesthetic reflects effortless style, classic living, and chic surroundings. I was delighted to discover that Tory started the launch of her housewares line. The home accessories can be used as tasteful hostess gifts or to create beautiful tablescapes.

I am most enthused about her new coffee table book titled, In Color. I can’t wait for more insight into the life of a woman who inspires timeless attire, impeccable taste, and a generation of flat-happy females around the world.

Tory Burch in ger home via Tory Burch

Tory Burch in her Manhattan home at The Pierre. Photo source: ToryBurch.com

Homes

New York City

Tory Burch's Gracie Entry

The Gracie entry in her Manhattan penthouse at The Pierre. Photo source: Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People

Tory Burch Red Bar via Vogue Living

Tory Burch’s iconic red lacquered bar. Photo source: Habitually Chic

Tory Burch's Green Velvet Walls via FDAMH

So I am obsessed with green and velvet. Obviously I just have to show multiple images of my favorite walls of all time.

Green Velvet Sofa in Tory Burch's Apartment

The couch that launched my love of green velvet sofas.

Tory Burch NYC Home living room

Another view of the room as featured in Harper’s Bazaar.

Tory Burch's Manhattan Home

How fantastic is the pop of blue and white against the green walls!

Tory Burch's Home Upper East Side

The lighter green trim on the white sofas is decadent.

Tory Burch Home- Skirted Table

A skirted roundtable in her Manhattan home. Photo source: Tory Burch

Tory Burch Orange Library in Manhattan Home via TPB

Lovely mix of patterns and orange high-gloss. For source: TPB

Tory Burch Manhattan Kitchen via Elle

Tory in her Manhattan kitchen. The green floors add an unexpected touch. Photo source: Elle

Tory Burch NYC Home via Bazaar

Off of the kitchen, an incredible play of blue and white pattern. Fresh and bold. Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar

Southampton

Exterior of Tory Burch Southampton Home

The lovely drive to Tory’s Southampton home. Photo source: Vogue

The black and white floors are always a timeless choice. I love how she refrained from making this residence “beachy.” Photo source: Vogue

Tory Burch's Southampton Home via Vogue

A more relaxed feel in this sunroom. Again, a divine use of blue and white, natural fibers, and prints. Photo source: Vogue

Tory Burch's Home via Vogue

Tory looking out the window of a spectacularly patterned room in her Southampton home. Photo source: Vogue

Tory Burch's Southampton Home Pool Via Vogue

Perfect pool for a summer day. Photo source: Vogue

OFFICES

Her office feels like a home. Who wouldn’t want that?!? Superb jewel shades of blue and green. The paneling and china on the wall adds a sophisticated element. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Tory at her corporate desk. I love the shelves that flank the mood board in the middle. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Vignette in Tory Burch's Office

A lovely vignette in her office. Look at the trim detail on her curtains. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Tory Burch's Manhattan Offices

Orange, Blue, Green, and Gold. Blends together seamlessly! Photo source: Architectural Digest

Recpetion in Tory Burch's Manhattan Office

A glass layer on deep chocolate wall. A reception that I would be happy to wait in. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Housewares

Tory’s father taught her how to make beautiful needlepoint pillows. My great-grandmother also had this talented ability. Such a classic staple. Love! Click Picture to Purchase

Lovely brass frames with the Tory Burch logo on the bottom. Would make a fabulous gift. Click Picture to Purchase

A chic acrylic ice bucket and gold barware. Click Picture to Purchase

Like her home, Tory includes plenty of blue and white table accessories in her home collection. Click Pictures to Purchase.

Launching this October, Tory Burch’s In Color. Available for pre-order.

Pin the Post

Hedge Fun

August 6, 2014

Driving through Dallas the other day, I noticed an exceptional home built by a renown architect that was for sale. I became absolutely giddy with excitement, the outside had beautiful boxwoods, both potted and planted, as well as an exterior setting that would make anyone automatically take out their check book and three mortgages. I quickly drove home and googled the listing. There it was! The exterior of the home in all it’s glory! Sadly, the next picture and every one that followed were of a hideously decorated interior.

Has this ever happened to you? A home that is perfectly appointed on the outside fails to maintain that same beauty on the inside (happens in people too). Despite the name of my blog, I have focused a great deal on the significance of the interior of a home. Today, I want to explore how beautiful the grounds of a home can be. The exterior presentation of a home should be as equally as important as the interior, regardless of how much land you possess. A landscape with tiered hedges and sharp lines can be a beautiful investment. Plus, I am positive that this type of hedge fund will show glorious growth over time.

“Love Thy Neighbor, Yet Don’t Pull Down Your Hedge”

– Benjamin Franklin

I think Ben was spot on. Who needs neighbors with these glorious hedges? The garden of the Blair Athol Residence in Bathurst, Australia. Photo source: Garden Drum

No place perfects the hedge quite like the Hamptons. Such an elegant design. Photo: The Enchanted Home

Beautiful squared hedges line a gravel pathway in this lush garden designed by Dan Pearson. Photo source: The Guardian

Fact: American Boxwood tends to grow tall (Perimeter) . English Boxwood tends to grow shorter and wider (Gardens & Pathways).

Boxwood heaven, in all shapes and sizes. I don’t discriminate! Photo source: Bungalow Classic

A lovely lavender center among the boxwood hedges. Photo source: Google Images

High hedges created by a dutch landscape architecture firm. The high green walls make you feel as if you are entering another room.

Barbara Barry created this green masterpiece. Love all the difference in height and shape. Photo source: House Beautiful

The precision makes it perfect. Photo source: M Pression

A sweet garden. I’ll take that house too! How divine are those blue shutters?! Photo source: Modern Vintage Blog

This garden seems so shaded for a hot summer day. Stately and classic. Photo source: The Enchanted Home

Step right up on these boxwood lined steps. I think this would look great for a more modern house.

I couldn’t even imagine the maintenance that would be required for this garden. Worth every penny. Photo source: Pinterest

I can just picture my little pug roaming around (who am I kidding- eating) the manicured grounds designed by Jacques Wirtz on Caroline Scheufele’s (Chopard) Swiss estate. Photo source: Veranda

Chateau de Marqueyssac holds an almost artistic implementation of boxwood in it’s garden. Photo source: Flickr

A walk in the valley of boxwood. Exceptional cloud boxwoods by the renown landscape architect Jaques Wirtz

A flawless boxwood and hornbeam garden at Daniel Romualdez’s Connecticut home. Photo source: Vogue

The beautiful stone walkway of Genny Magher’s Provence farmhouse. Photo source: House & Garden UK

Landscape architect Danny McNair created this lovely two tiered hedge-lined brick pathway. Ideal.

Lush green boxwood hedges and cypress trees outside of Kelly Wearstler’s home. Delicate flowers line the tiered hedges. Photo source: Lonny

Cypress trees add height and texture to the low lying boxwoods at Ned Lambton’s Tuscan Estate. How incredible are the boxwood spheres coming out of the hedges? Swoon! Photo source: Architectural Digest

Simple symmetry. Photo source: Pinterest

A pathway to heaven at this Southampton cottage. Abundant white hydrangeas add a nice contrast to the boxwood hedges. Photo source: Veranda

Perry Gulliot designed this classic backyard landscape at Tory Burch’s Southampton home. Photo source: Vogue

This picture at Wollerton Old Hall Garden just brings me to a peaceful state of mind. I hope your Wednesday brings you plenty of peace as well!

Hedge Advice:

Trimming

Pruning

Growing

Pin the Post

The Mostess For The Hostess

August 1, 2014

Hosting guests in your home is not something that is ever considered an easy task. Guests can alter your sleeping patterns, eating preferences, and daily routine in various ways. For these very reasons, it is important than when you are invited as a guest into someone’s home that you demonstrate proper appreciation and gratitude. The best way to ensure a pleasant start to your stay and a return invitation is with the ideal hostess gift.

When you go to visit someone, the length of your stay should depend on the length of your travel and your familiarity with the host. My best advice is to know your hosts so you can cater the gift to their interests. While spending $100 on a hostess gift may not be in everyone’s budget, just keep in mind that you may be more apt to be invited back after giving something memorable and remarkable over something generic.

Here are some fun ideas! Happy Hosting!

Click the pictures for links.

These are my new obsessions! Custom made boxes by a design duo out of New York and Dallas called ROX by CJ Designs. Hand-crafted with an excellent eye for detail. Truly a statement gift. Currently Available at Amen Wardy in Aspen, Current Home in NYC, and Lagoon Linens in New York.

Here are the napkin rings custom-made by ROX by CJ Designs. How perfect would these be along with a set of napkins for a gift? More of this brand to come at the end of the month. Some of their line will be launching at Neiman Marcus mid-September. Stay tuned!

Follow on Instagram @cj.designs

I love how these napkins are designed and packaged. Napkins are also very lightweight to pack!

Why not add a personal touch to your gift with monogram napkins. Always appreciated and never out of style! Madison Dallas

A hostess gift the whole family would love! Order a custom map of a hometown, state, or region. Clever and definitely unique. National Geographic

Everyone appreciates a nice picture frame. These by Ralph Lauren and Kate Spade can go in any style home.

A coffee table book is a questionable choice since it can be very heavy in a suitcase and take up weight. However, I don’t mind packing them since that spot will leave room for any new shopping or extra load I may carry home! Assouline

Luxe Travel Guides

If you know your host is about to go on a trip, see if there is a LUXE city guide available for that destination. I don’t leave home without one! Also, they are light weight and very appreciated. LUXE

How sharp are these Jay Strongwater wine stoppers? They may be small, but they make such a statement and would be perfect for the ultimate entertainer.

Chances are that your host treated you to some nice meals, so why not reciprocate. Renown restaurants can send food all across the U.S. If you are from Florida, you can send Joe’s Stone Crab.

If you are from Texas, you can send Goode’s Pecan Pie. It comes in this chic wooden box and is very nicely packaged. Not to mention, it is EXCELLENT! Goode’s

This Michael Aram cheese tray can fit flat in your suitcase and presents as a thoughtful gift. Michael Aram

LAFCO makes the ideal hostess gift. Their candles are named after different home types like “Lake House,” “Beach House,” “Mountain House,” and “Ski Home.” If you are off to visit any one of them, grab a candle. Also, the candles are made in beautiful Italian glass that can be washed and used for pencils or cotton balls.

It is always nice to have fresh soap in the house. I am currently loving the new Lavender Mint Hand Soap by Niven Morgan.

I recently just gave this set of Toulouse Playing Cards by Jonathan Adler to my hostess on vacation. We played cards every night and the box looked amazing on a side vignette!

Pin the Post

The Potted Boxwood

The Potted Boxwood

The Potted Boxwood

Month: August 2014

Twinning

Sommer Days

Checkmate

Jewel Boxes

800 Square Feet

Designed by Ashley Whittaker

725 Square Feet

Designed by Kelly Giesen

Advice on decorating in small spaces:

House of Tory

Tory Burch in her Manhattan home at The Pierre. Photo source: ToryBurch.com

Homes

New York City

Southampton

OFFICES

Housewares

Hedge Fun

“Love Thy Neighbor, Yet Don’t Pull Down Your Hedge”

– Benjamin Franklin

Fact: American Boxwood tends to grow tall (Perimeter) . English Boxwood tends to grow shorter and wider (Gardens & Pathways).

Hedge Advice:

The Mostess For The Hostess