Crazy For Navy

It is hard to believe tomorrow is the 1st of September. It is the month where summer fades into fall, wardrobes transition for cooler weather, and seasonal preparations for the home begin. I find Navy to be an ideal transitional color. It is the perfect pair to a white stripe in the summer, and sultry in high gloss and velvet in the winter. While navy is it’s own shade, it also embodies many shades of it’s own. From a navy shade of ocean to the almost black shade of Russian navy, all hues of the classic color seem to work for interiors. Weather the color of a front door, a wall, or an accent chair, navy adds a rich warmth and refreshing ambience to all rooms.

 

Navy kitchen via Elle decor

A petite and beautifully navy kitchen. An ideal backdrop for blue and white pieces. Via Elle Decor

A high style navy staircase

A navy blue staircase (hard to tell in this picture). I love the contrast against the white underbelly. What a fantastic focal point. Via Pinterest

blue and white room by Michael S Smith via AD

A phenomenal blue and white showroom designed by Michael S. Smith for Brunschwig & Fils.  Via AD

High gloss Navy living room via Elle Decor

One of my favorite gallery wall images. The navy provides a rather neutral glossy background.

Navy and balck kitchen

A power couple of color in the black and navy kitchen. Incredibly sophisticated and a touch dramatic.

Navy and white dining toom

A sharp navy dining room. I love the nailhead trim detail in the wall. Incredibly glam. Via decorpad

Navy awnings at the home of Alex Papachrisdis

From the instagram of designer Alex Papchristidis. His enchanting home with navy blue awnings.

Navy curtains and blue carpeting via AD

Navy curtains with a white patterned trim falls elegantly against the striking blue carpet. Via AD

Navy den via Elle Decor

A splash of zebra, plush leather chairs, and a jewel box den of navy. Via Elle Decor

Navy dining room via House Beautiful

A dark and rich navy dining room. Via House Beautiful

Navy front door

A European charm on this navy blue door against an ivy covered home. Via Pinterest

Navy gallery wall via Elle Decor

A navy nook offset with freshly white prints. Via Elle Decor

Navy velvet sofa

A deep cushioned, tufted navy sofa. Via Houzz

 

Colorful Harmony of Hranowsky

I feel like a bit of color is in order to sign off the week. I have given you classic clean lines and gardens of boxwood, but I feel like going out of the box (wood) a bit. Not to worry, I haven’t fallen off of my new american traditional wagon. Speaking of wagons, I thought I would share with you the designer behind Darius Rucker’s Charleston home, and many homes with a sense of colorful vintage and livable modernism. Charleston based designer, Angie Hranowsky has created some whimsy and easily approachable spaces with her eye for various hues, market finds, and curiously playful patterns.

I just love one home from the Lonny 2013 issue, but then also fell in love with another home from the Lonny 2011 issue. I could not pick just one (a common problem I have in all aspects of life), so I compiled a mix of both here today.  Frankly, the consistent design of both houses could blend into one happily colorful home. We may as well end the week on a bright note, and Angie Hranowsky is my vibrant vibe into the weekend.

P.S. captions will be added later! Had too much fun celebrating national dog day!

Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 3 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 4 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 5

Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 2Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 6 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 7 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 8 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 9 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 10 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 11 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 12 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 13 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 14 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 15 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 16 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 17 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 18 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 19 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 20 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny 21 Angie Hranowsky via Lonny

Semini Boxwood

Many photos I often post of potted boxwood tend to have several things in common: large clay pots, fully rounded spheres, and a landscape architect by the name of Michel Semini. His designs of gardens all through Provence are equal parts timeless and beautiful. His works seem mystical with old European influence, yet profoundly current with bold boxwood trimmings.
In my opinion, there is nothing more deflating than seeing a shriveled and uneven potted boxwood. Semini creates only gardens where boxwood is bold, hedging is high, and grounds are plushly layered with layouts that seem like they have been in place for centuries. I think that is what is so unique about Semini’s talent, nothing seems overly staged or like it is trying to fit in. The garden just grows into it’s own design, which is exactly what Semini intends. That is the telltale sign of a true garden expert.

 

P.S. Did you get my pun in the title? Happy Hump Day!

Many photos are by Clive Nichols Photography via Pinterest.

Michel Semini Garden 2

Pea gravel, white blooming flowers, curved archway in hedges, and beautifully placed terracotta fenniels.

Michel Semini Garden 3

This could look overly forced (the statue, the greenhouse…),  yet instead it looks refined, with rows of boxwood and oversized, distressed pots.

Michel Semini Garden 5

Another view!

Michel Semini Garden 4

Boxwood that is uniquely clipped and shaped to abundance.

Michel Semini Garden 6

So this is my heaven. A scattering of cypress trees, boxwood, a fountain and a lovely ledge to frame the grounds.

Michel Semini Garden 7

A poor quality photo, but a lovely example of a raised boxwood topiary. The provincial homes are the ideal backdrop for Semini’s landscape design.

Michel Semini Garden 9

A picture perfect outdoor setting. I think it is a great idea how Semini places the potted flowers on the marble top tables.

Michel Semini Garden 11

WOW. This is so natural, yet so edgy compared to Semini’s more traditional landscape.

Michel Semini Garden 8

Steps of potted boxwood. Is anything better?

Michel Semini Garden 12

An aerial view of the boxwood garden.

Michel Semini Garden

A natural and effortlessly arranged walkway and loose boxwood spheres.

 

Classically Clean Lined

So the big rage now is to declutter. They say to only own 100 things. They say it is life changing magic to tidy up. I have no doubt there is truth to that. In fact, I have purposefully avoided reading the New York Times best seller next to my bed that is apparently a turning point to simplify your life.  I just love pretty things and constantly have a vision of where my “stuff” will go in my great big beautiful home of the future.

While I don’t often promote minimally modern homes on my blog, sometimes I need to take a step back and appreciate the beauty of clean lined design. Simple and refreshing spaces can give your home the tranquility of a spa, and who wouldn’t like that? Have you ever been to a froo froo spa that felt relaxing?? I can see the desire for the feng shui life, but could you cope without all your fun treasure troves? Here are some classically clean lined homes that I could embrace as a “simpler” way of life.

P.S. Thank you sweet instagram followers! 10,000 never looked so good! I appreciate all of you.

Claen lines by Madeline Weinrib via Elle Decor

Clean lines design in this living room by Madeline Weinrib via Elle Decor.

Minimally Modern Kitchen by Windsor Smith

A sophisticated kitchen with open shelving and shades of gray by Windsor Smith.

Clean lined living room via Veranda

A chic and streamlined space via Veranda.

Classic Bathroom with clean lines via AD

A truly timeless bathroom with an exposed pedestal sink. Via AD

Clean lines at Meg Ryans Marthas Vineyard home via Elle Decor

Meg Ryan used a minimalist approach to her Martha’s Vineyard home. Via Elle Decor

Geoffry Beanes Home in Hawaii via Veranda

A contrast of black and white stairs in a Hawaii home by Geoffrey Beene. Via Veranda

Happily clean lines via Dering Hall

Happy low key design throughout this airy home. Via Derring Hall

Minimal kitchen designed by William Hefner via House Beautiful

A classically neutral and sharp lines kitchen with the most intimate fireplace. Via House Beautiful

Minimally Modern via Apartment Therapy

Industrial windows make any space have a modern ambience. Via House Beautiful

white kitchen with clean lines via AD

An chic white kitchen full of pep via AD.

Back To School Rush

As many college students head back to school, there will be a plethora of anxiety ridden girls who are about to go through sorority rush. These girls will have aching smile muscles, sore throats, and an earful of gossip over where to pledge and what decision they should make. Take it from my experience, everything will work out the way it is meant to be! While I am not condoning picking a sorority house based on the beauty of a home, it sure does make your 4 year allegiance that much sweeter.

Southern Living recently did a round-up of some of the most beautiful sorority houses in the south, and you will be blown away to see the intertwined elegance of design and function. It would be hard to finish school in 4 years when you are living in a mansion that has been professionally decorated with a cook. While you can’t take the house with you, at least you get to keep the friends made in it. Happy rushing to all the young girls out there, and happy waiting for all those mommy legacies!

All photos from Southern Living unless otherwise noted.

Chi O SMU via The Potted Boxwood 8

My own photo from the Chi Omega house at Southern Methodist University. I am partial to this one :). It really is gorgeously decorated.

Chi Omega SMU via Southern Living

The dining area of the Chi Omega house at SMU.

Chi O SMU via The Potted Boxwood

Again, my own photo of the wings of the dining area at SMU’s Chi Omega house.

Chi O SMU via The Potted Boxwood 2

The casual living/TV area of the Chi Omega house at SMU. This room has a great den ambience.

DG University of Alabama via Southern Living

DG at the University of Alabama. A great clean living space.

Kappa Delta UNC via Southern Living

Kappa Delta at University of North Carolina. Hues of blues and sea foam greens. I would gladly move right in.

Chi O Univeristy of Missouri via SOuthern Living

Chi Omega at the University of Missouri. Now that is quite the staircase!

Kappa Kappa Gamma Arkansas via Southern Living

Kappa Kappa Gamma at University of Arkansas. WOW! I would purposefully do extra laps of college to live here. Love the touch of boxwood and blue and white.

Kappa Kappa Gamma Univeristy of Arkansas via Southern Living

More blue and white at KKG at Arkansas. (I have been to the Chi O house at Arkansas and that is quite incredible too!).

Kappa Kappa Gamma Akransas via Southern Living

The formal living area of Kappa Kappa Gamma at Arkansas. It looks more like the interior of a beautiful family residence than of a communal home.

Kappa Uniersity of Arkansas via Southern Living

The dining room at KKG Arkansas. I adore how they continued the striped wallpaper on the ceiling. Scales down the room!

Kappa Kappa Gamma Arkansas Southern Living

A more casual living room at KKG Arkansas. They used great consistency with blue and white and stripes.

Phi Mu University of Georgia via Southern Living

The Phi Mu house at University of Georgia. A beautiful display of black and white and southern charm.

Tri Delta University of Mississippi

A dining area at  Tri Delta at the University of Mississippi.

The Lovely Work Of Isabel Lopez-Quesada

“Why do a house in just one style?” This is a quote of the Spanish designer Isabel Lopez-Quesada. Her words ring true in so many ways. Why classify your home as one breed. Whether modern, traditional, French country, or Spanish colonial, your design doesn’t have to be pigeon holed into one category. Lopez- Quesada skillfully follows her own philosophy in her approach to creating an ambient space.

Her rooms border on contemporary and classic. She picks the perfect splash of color in rooms that are timelessly adorned. I especially admire her ability to transform outdoor spaces into elegant spaces. Abundant boxwood, greenery, and flowing fountains are constants in every garden she creates. Lopez-Quesada is not a name you may recognize right away, but it is one you should know. Her design is remarkably talented, understated, and over the top .

Photos not labeled are via Pinterest.

Isabel Lopez Quesada 2

Chic and easy living in this neutral toned space. I love those shelves to the ceiling and the extra fabric heading on the curtains. Isabel Lopez Quesada 3

Potted boxwood, pattern, yet a very current outdoor living space.

Isabel Lopez Quesada 4

A timeless bathroom with more modern touches regarding the frosted glass and chrome walls. The floors are the perfect juxtaposition.

Isabel Lopez Quesada 12

An outdoor area made of my dreams. Blue shutters and a white home. Potted boxwood for days, hedging around the pool, and abundant green growing along the walls. Via AD

Isabel Lopez Quesada 5

Layered paint, distressed hardwood, and high ceilings make a beautifully casual environment.

Isabel Lopez Quesada 6

A sweet and enchanting courtyard with potted boxwood and an intimate sitting area.

Isabel Lopez Quesada 7

Can we just talk about the tub?! I mean the tub! Is that basket weave? Is that real? Could the wallpaper be more perfect?!

Isabel Lopez Quesada 15

Classic elements in the bench and flooring layered with modern art and accessories. Let us not forget the blue and white planters. Isabel Lopez Quesada 9

Small pairs of open air steps in a very collected and easily livable light-filled room.   Isabel Lopez Quesada 13

Wooden nail head doors flanked by a mix of pots of boxwood. Isabel Lopez Quesada 14

An outdoor oasis and iron canopy daybed. I don’t think I would ever leave. Via AD

Isabel Lopez Quesada 16

A black door with a knob in the middle. Simple, clean, and divine.

Isabel Lopez Quesada 17

Another view of the outdoor living area.. A patio of perfection.

Isabel Lopez Quesada 1

A more collected and traditional living area. This is definitely my speed. Lush fabrics, warm colors, and ideal accessories. Isabel Lopez Quesada 11

Did I mention I love potted boxwood? 😉

Office Space

Since I went over all of my favorite necessities for office supplies, I thought I would brush up on my favorite office spaces. There are so many fabulous ways to create a space to work. Of course, laptops can make any space a working space. For example, I have turned my dining table into a haven for coffee table books and my go to spot for blogging. I think office spaces should either be so simple that it keeps creativity the main goal, or so stimulating that it spawns creative thinking.

I hope this helps you inspire your work space, whether it is where you do all your pinning, over shop online, or blog away your yesterdays. Now, let’s get to work!

dark office with pops of gallery wall

A high style office with a gallery wall of inspiration. Via Elle Decor

Gorgeous Home Library via AD

An array of antiques and high style Via AD

Gorgeous office space via Elle Decor

High ceilings and complete shelving. I love the clean and streamlined look of the boxes. Via Elle Decor

High Glamour Office Space via Elle Decor

Fantastic study by Stephen Gambrel via Elle Decor

Amazing Office via House Beuatiful

Martyn Lawrence Bullard knows how to pack a punch in a study. Via House Beautiful

John Robshaws Office via Elle Decor

John Robshaw’s blue and collected study via Elle Decor.

White office via Elle Decor

A sleek and sophisticated white and wood office space via Elle Decor

Joint Office Space via House Beautiful

A great example of how to maximize your space. Via House Beautiful

LA Library via AD

A pristine and well designed wood paneled study via AD

 

High ceiling office space via Elle Decor

A new take on open shelving and high ceilings. Via Elle Decor

Office Space by Michael S Smith via House Beautiful

Michael S. Smith knows how to do a classic study with bold details. Via House Beautiful

Office Space via Domino Magazine

Pops of orange and a great white backdrop for an office. Via Domino

Office Space via Happily Gray

A stoic and timeless office arrangement via Happily Grey

 

Get Schooled

School is starting for many this week, and it has me longing to go shopping for bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils (You’ve Got Mail, Anyone?). I love fresh paper products, classic gold pencils, Le Pen pens in every purse, and a personalized May Book in all of my acrylic desk top organizers. The area of paper, pens, and organization is a validation for “It is the little things that make a big difference.” There is something to be said when you feel organized by crossing off your to-do list with fresh ink, sturdy paper, and personalized flair.

While back to school shopping can be stressful, I find that when you put a twist on the traditional it will make the experience too cool for school. Happy studying!

 

Ballard Designs Bullitein Boards

Ballard Designs has the monopoly on the chicest bulletin and chalkboards. I own one of their bulletin boards, and it has proven to be one of the best purchases I have made to date. August to August Planners

August to August Calendars, because who really wants last spring’s planner this fall?! Available at Mixed Role Productions

Container Store orhanizer

 

I am a very big fan of acrylic office supplies. I think they are clean, timeless, and have a luxe look. Available at the Container Store

Le Pen BrightsLe Pen

My great-grandmother use to use only Le Pen. I find myself following her classic lead. They are fine felt tip pens that allow for seamless writing.

Day of the week sticky The Container Store

Some things aren’t worthy of an input on the ical, so I love this weekly sheet that is very easy to jot down reminders and to-dos.

Large Paper clips macaroon erasers

Oversized colorful paperclips and macaroon erasers add a punch of color to all desktops.

Notebooks from HorchowHorchow note pads

 

Christian Lacroix notebooks have a rich and vibrant appeal. Personalized blocks of paper are also a nice touch to jot down the weekly grocery list or send a reminder to a teacher. Available at HorchowStackingLetterHolderClear_x

More of my favorite acrylic letter holders. Available via Container Store.

Marble Cover notebook Notebook

 

A marble inspired notebook cover would be fantastic for anyone in the design business! I love the color spattered one as well. By Russell + Hazel

I Am Very Busy Planner via Furbish I Am Very Busy Planner

The I Am Very Busy planners are very popular for a reason. At a glance of the month, week, and year. Plus, the planners are beautifully crafted and well adorned.  Available at Furbish StudioIpad case monogrammed via Swoozies

Boatman Gellar makes fantastic notebook style Ipad covers. Wonderful for teens to college students. Available at SwooziesGuest House LAFCO candle

So this may sound crazy, but after I burn my LAFCO candles, I use the dreamy glass as pencil holders, cotton ball holders, you name it! The clear and black rim make a distinguished look and is currently my favorite means of containing.

May Books designsPink May Books Notebook

May Books are on this site often because I love them so much! They are easy, personable, and fun to design! You could make one with school colors, work labels, and all sorts of fun designs.

Monogrammed backpack via Swoozies

Marvelously monogrammed backpacks make it easy for kids to decipher what is theirs, and they are incredibly cute too! Available at Swoozies

Aztec Lunch Box

This aztec acrylic lunch box is full of personality and uniquely different! Available at Zazzle

Green Goddess

I keep thinking about green. I never really realized how much I use it in decorating, until others point it out to me. Maybe I love it because it is the color of boxwood, or maybe I love it because it makes every other color pop so well. In my mind green is a neutral. I am going to circle back to green later next week, but I thought I would share my initial post on what is surprisingly (even to me) my favorite color in decor. It just works, and it makes blue and white look that much better!

I am going to take you back to my first post on green, and you can later contrast the similar beauty and different use of the color in the coming week. Happy Thursday, Happy Weekend, and Go Green!

Green curtains and fabrics

What a great idea to put multiple orchids on the tables. A truly remarkable shade of green for the curtains and banquettes. Photo source: Elle Decor

green black and white terrace

Green with black and white ticking outdoors. How chic and enduring. Photo source: Pinterest

Green door and shutters

A sweet one story home complete with a perfect green door and shutters (not to mention boxwoods!). Photo source: Pinterest

green kitchen

Would be such a great kitchen in a country or lake house. Photo source: Sunshineandpearls.tumblr

Green curtains

Just lovely. Blue and green always look very refined and refreshing together. Designed by Nick Olson. Photo source: Veranda

green toile

Classic green toile for days. Photo source: Elle Decor

green walls and white sofas_TB

This is a sitting area designed by Daniel Romualdez in Tory’s Burch’s penthouse at The Pierre Hotel. One of my all time favorite rooms. Love the juxtaposition of the blue and white ginger jars against the deep green walls, and the leopard pillows on the white sofas. Photo source: Pinterest

green walpaper dining and entry

Elizabeth Dinkel Design Associates does an excellent job with this dining room wallpaper. Photo source: Pinterest

Green Wallpaper Entry

That de Gournay wallpaper used by Mary McDonald is everything. Photo by Virginia Pearson.

miles redd green bedroom

A bedroom designed by Miles Redd. Love the darker green headboard against the lighter green walls, not to mention that fur blanket!

Green shelving

Gorgeous soft green shelving in this study/den of an Atlanta home. Photo source: Pinterest

Lee Radziwell bedroom in green

Lee Radziwill’s master bedroom in New York City (1971). Timeless in every way. Photo source: The Foo Dog Ate My Homework

miles redd green shelves

The landing in Tony Duquette’s Dawnridge home. SO very glam. Photo source: Mark D. Sikes via Pinterest

Tory Burch green couch

Again, Tory Burch’s luxurious NYC apartment. This is the photo that had me lusting for a green velvet sofa for years. Photo source: Vogue

Tory Burch's green wallpaper

The entry of Tory Burch’s penthouse at the Pierre. Stunning hand-painted green Gracie chinoiserie wallpaper. Total and absolute perfection. Photo source: Vogue

Bam! That Is Style

Bam! Let’s add some flavor. That is typical dialogue for the Food Network Star, Emeril Lagasse. He is constantly adding a Louisiana twist and some extra spice to any of his award winning dishes. While his family’s vacation home near Destin, Florida is slightly more subtle, it is still full of great flavor and panache.

Designed by family friend Susan Lovelace, The sweet Gulf Coast home is full of clean neutrals, subtle colors, and rich wood beams to create an oasis of calm. The home has an airy ambience combined with a more refined beach front setting. It is not all pastels and sand dollars like many seaside homes, but instead it has a casual elegance that is often hard to administer in a “vacation” residence. Even though summer is coming to a close, I think all of us wouldn’t mind a vacation residence as a full time status. This home would certainly get away with it.

Images by ERICA GEORGE DINES via Veranda.

Emeril Lagasse Beach House via Veranda 2

Tall ceilings, airy ambience, and a fresh neutral palette. LOTS of texture mixed in.

Emeril Lagasse Beach House via Veranda

Love the antiques and high quality design used within the vacation home.

Emeril Lagasse Beach House via Veranda 6

Look at the chandelier and the countertop. They inject lively color and flair into the kitchen.

Emeril Lagasse Beach House via Veranda 3

A perfect setting for a dinner party. I have an aversion to oval windows, but I am loving how they mirrored them!

Emeril Lagasse Beach House via Veranda 8

Tranquility and copious light.

Emeril Lagasse Beach House via Veranda 4

An ideal placement. Everything looks as if it is meant to showcase the spectacular beach views.

Emeril Lagasse Beach House via Veranda 5

Something you would expect to see in an everyday home, yet it works so well in this beach home.

Emeril Lagasse Beach House via Veranda 7

A wonderful collection of texture, fabric, and color. A seamless flow and elegance.