Thirty Days Has September

I recently purchased a beautiful golden mum and placed it in a garden green pot on my balcony patio. I absolutely love abundant and oversized mums in the fall. I did a post last year on superbly seasonal autumn porches. As I am compiling images of other fall arrangements for tomorrow’s post, I thought I would reflect back on these classic compilations . After all, tomorrow is October 1st. Now that is scary!

 

My Grandmother (whom I call Gegan) once told me the greatest insult I could give her would be to put mums on her grave. I was in elementary school when she professed this wish and have always kept it in the back of my mind. What is so bad about mums? It is funny how people’s opinions can instantly change your view of things you once liked or knew nothing about. For me, this same trend goes for paisley. I used to love it as a child, but since a friend’s mom professed her dislike of it in college, I can’t stand the sight of anything paisley.

While my opinion of paisley remains the same, my view of mums has drastically changed. Mums are an ideal fall plant that are abundant, colorful, and the perfect companion to pumpkin and fall decor. They posses a fantastic curb appeal, especially when potted near a front door entry or lining a sidewalk area. Mums give a nice reassurance that not all planting in the fall has to be brown. While Mums may not be a flower for the grave, their presence in the fall is certainly not dead.

TIPS FOR MUMS 

 

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A variety of fall mums and colors via Pinterest

Mums on Porch Entry via Pinterest

A beautiful brick revival with yellowed pumpkins and mums via Pinterest

Mums via Carolyne Roehm

Ornamental cabbage mixed with beautiful purple mums from the ultimate hostess via Caroyne Roehm

Mums via Decoist

A colorfully lined sidewalk for fall via Decoist

Mums via FOx Hollow Cottage

Abundant golden mums in urns via Fox Hollow Cottage

Mums via Southern Living

A chic and eclectic mix of pumpkins and mums (before they bloom they almost look like boxwoods) via Southern Living

NYC via flickr

A grand entrance of mums on these NYC steps via Flickr

Potted Mums via pinterest

A lovely fall combination. Mums and Pumpkins truly do go hand in hand. I can’t wait to show you the Dallas Halloween decor next month. Photo via Pinterest

Potted Urn of Mums

Another chic urn full of mums for fall via Pinterest

Pumpkins stuffed with Mums

Pumpkins filled with mums make for the perfect fall steps and setting via Martha Stewart

mums as a centerpiece for fall dinner

Decorating with mums and pumpkins isn’t just for the front door. It also works wonderfully on tablescapes. Photo source: Pinterest

 

Longwood Gardens

A friend of mine recently acquired a box of old books that didn’t really have any value to her, but upon further review, I found some wonderful hidden gems featuring china patterns and specific garden estates. One garden book I fell in love with is Longwood Gardens. This garden is located 30 miles west of Philadelphia as the country home of the DuPont family. As I turned each page of this book, my jaw dropped at the perfectly pruned landscape of the gardens. The Italian inspired gardens were one of a kind in America, especially the fountains, which were rumored in 1928 to be like “fireworks.”

While the fountains are fantastic, the gardens are beyond wonderful. The flowers are not  just scattered, but are dripping in a plethora of color. The abundance is what makes a big impact in the design of the landscape. Longwoood does not “short” on flowering plants and well hedged spaces. I love the adaptation of the gardens for the seasons that allows for maximum color and contrast.

 

Longwood Gardens 2

The fountains certainly do look like fireworks. They shoot high into the sky, as does the formal hedging. Via perfectgardeningtips

Longwood Gardens 9

Timeless flowers blooming in the orangery. Longwood Gardens 11

The topiaries are unlike anything I have ever seen. So well crafted and appointed. Via AD

Longwood Gardens 10

All I can say is wow. I love how the wall plats are diverse, not uniform, and full of dimension.

Longwood Gardens 12

A pond that is literally unreal. Via Pinterest

Longwood Gardens 8

Black potted tulips and hanging wisteria. Via Flickr

Longwood Gardens 6

More high rising fountains located throughout the gardens. Via Pinterest

Longwood Gardens 5 Another glimpse of the orangery. Breathtaking. Via Good Housekeeping

Longwood Gardens 3

I am making this estate my next garden visit. Via Pinterest

Interning In Design

Yesterday, a friend and I saw Nancy Meyer’s new movie, The Intern. Any time Meyers creates a movie, design enthusiasts are antsy with anticipation for the movie set interiors. I had posted previously on Meyer’s Magic of picking and creating spaces with the upmost chic design aesthetic. She has fabulous taste and of course she enlisted excellent design talent to advise on set, especially blogger and designer Mark D. Sikes who even makes a quick cameo! This movie set is full of potted boxwood everywhere you look: two perfect pots by Anne Hathaway’s brick townhouse door; one pretty square pot by Robert de Niro’s place; and all throughout the streets you will see my favorite symbol of chic.

The Brooklyn townhouse and office space is designed to feel fresh, light, and chicly comfortable. The build is classic in the townhome, yet the decor is more streamlined and current. Both spaces are no frills, but adorned with the perfect pinch of textures and surrounded with the ambience of neutral palette. I must admit, my favorite was Robert De Niro’s townhouse. It is a perfect traditional with blue and white pieces throughout and oozing with charm. The spaces have all the necessary details to make a set feel like a home, and an enviable one at that. It is a movie you can’t see only once. Forget the popcorn, there is too much inspiration you may miss if you aren’t careful…

Photos by Francois Duhamel Via Architectural Digest.

 

THE INTERN

A beautifully appointed kitchen with a fireplace included. A playful mix of open shelving and a kids’ area to boot.

THE INTERN

White subway tile, gray-blue cabinetry, and a great display of black and white stripes. Notice the way they put multiple pieces of hardware on the cabinetry.

THE INTERN

A fantastically fresh mix. I especially love the mantle display. The patterns and lighting make everything more hip and current.

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You don’t really get to see much of this room in the movie, besides the sweet pillow cases  (I believe they are D. Porhault).

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This room has much more ambience in the movie. It has a great set of blue and white striped sheets. Very Mark D. Sikes approved. I love the sconces and lamps combined. My grandmother does the same thing by her bedside.

THE INTERN

The office space. Exactly the type of place you would want to run any start up. Blue and white throw pillows are a fun touch. I especially love how the black and white striped rug is cohesive with the black and white space.

 

Brotherly Love

Since America is captivated at the moment, and rightfully so, by the arrival of Pope Francis, I thought I would feature one of the cities he has chosen for his visit. Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, is a wonderful display of culture, history, and American values. It is a city with rich roots in our country and a wonderful population representative of present-day society.

Today, I chose to feature a home in Philadelphia that is the perfect juxtaposition of classic American style incorporated with contemporary elements. Decor is by Jayne Design Studio. Photography is by Roger Davies via Architectural Digest.

 

Photo of the pope by Chirstina Dandar of The Potted Boxwood

My personal photo of the people’s pope from my trip to Rome and the Vatican, Summer 2014.

Philadelphia residence by Thomas Jayne via AD 3

You know how much I love a white house with a black door.

Philadelphia residence by Thomas Jayne via AD

A classic entry with contemporary art.

Philadelphia residence by Thomas Jayne via AD 4

Interesting wall color combined with traditional and timeless furniture.

Philadelphia residence by Thomas Jayne via AD 14

More modern art.

Philadelphia residence by Thomas Jayne via AD 5

Can we talk about this green? I love this green! It is a mix of Kelly, Forrest, and creamy Jade.   Philadelphia residence by Thomas Jayne via AD 8

Modern art sits upon a hand painted wallpaper display. I love the use of green on the panelings and in the velvet of the chairs. Philadelphia residence by Thomas Jayne via AD 9

I am a sucker for a white kitchen, but this is incredibly suitable and well finished.

Philadelphia residence by Thomas Jayne via AD 10

A marble tulip table adds a more current element of furniture with classic chair design. I would never think to put the two together!  Philadelphia residence by Thomas Jayne via AD 12

I would probably live in this room. The ambience is everything.

Philadelphia residence by Thomas Jayne via AD 13

A soft gray retreat. Nothing overdone, but full of warmth.

Simply Sophisticated

There is nothing more appealing than a home that has a perfect combination of antiques incorporated with fresh design and a soothing palette. Flipping through the latest September-October issue of Veranda, I fell head over heels for the the New Orleans home of Tara Shaw. Her home is refined in the sense of a glamorous dinner party, yet at ease in the sense of all white lounge wear. While my comparisons may seem odd, I think the imagery speaks for my meaning. Sometimes words don’t cut it, but imagery does. Shaw so perfectly captures the importance of creating the ideal image.

Photos by Max Kim-Bee via Veranda.

A NOLA home by Tara Shaw via Veranda 3

Oh. My. Entry. The landscaping has the perfect curb appeal and refined hedges. Via Veranda

A NOLA home by Tara Shaw via Veranda 4

A NOLA home by Tara Shaw via Veranda

A serene palette of white and gray in the dining room. Notice the gray painted ceiling and tall doors. Always adds a nice touch.

A NOLA home by Tara Shaw via Veranda 5

A casual comfort of ambience in this living room full of texture and natural tones.

A NOLA home by Tara Shaw via Veranda 6

The fireplace is a lovely addition of warmth in this beautiful display of antiques mixed with more modern seating.

A NOLA home by Tara Shaw via Veranda 7

Wow. I would love to take a wood paneled room and use white curtains to soften the space. What a difference that makes!

A NOLA home by Tara Shaw via Veranda 10

Graphic painted wallpaper makes for a more contemporary injection into the house.

 

A NOLA home by Tara Shaw via Veranda 9

An ideal retreat. I love a good rug on top of a rug.

A NOLA home by Tara Shaw via Veranda 11

Such a sweet palette of every neutral under the sun.

A NOLA home by Tara Shaw via Veranda 12

Intricate woodwork details, modern tub appliances and a fabulous wash of white.

A NOLA home by Tara Shaw via Veranda 8

This would be a perfect use of a guest room and lounge room all in one. Could you think of a better place to read a book? A NOLA home by Tara Shaw via Veranda 14

A fantastic backyard estate with elegance and symmetry. The pool shape works in sync with the home.

Orange Theory

Fall keeps creeping in the air in the form of a crisp breeze and cooler temps (for most of us). While it is overwhelming to see a plethora of pumpkins when the leaves are still green, it is a season of preparation and planning for the Fall nights ahead. Orange is often a color associated with Fall, but it is also fun and preppy for the Spring and Summer. The different shades of orange make it seasonally applicable. The hues of burnt orange and dusty apricot create the ideal appeal for Fall.

Suzanne Kassler hints at sophisticated shades of tangerine at this fabulous home via Veranda

Suzanne Kassler radiated accents of Hermes orange with this sophistiacted and extremely chic living area. Via Veranda

A hint of orange walls in the anhattan home of Nate Berkus

Nate Berkus uses a pale linen orange for the walls of his Manhattan dining room. Via AD

Redish orange wallpaper in a wildly chic setting

A burnt red orange wallpaper makes for a fierce and wild find in this living room. This may be one case of too much animal print…

Mural walls and velvet orange curtains via AD

Classically and elegantly adorned dining room with a velvety use of orange. I really love orange in this particular palette.  Via AD

Orange velvet curtains and a patterened ceiling make the perfect pop

Orange on the windows, in the accessories, and in the ceiling above. A crisp and perfectly fall hall.

Accents of orange in this entry runner via AD

A hint of orange in the hall of a dark and light contrasting entry. The black trim against cream walls and white molding is the true stunner! Via AD

Orange Door with gold accents

A bold orange door with gold accents. A true way to make a starting statement!

Fabulous autumn hints of orange in this large living room via AD

Orange is the consistent color throughout this room, yet it isn’t overwhelmingly bold. Via AD

A fabuous orange wall for fall

A perfectly pumpkin wall color. Established and refined. Via Pinterest

dusty orange curtains and apricot skirted sink via AD

A skirted sink and soft tangerine curtains inside this French inspired bathroom. Via AD

Growing Garden

I came across the garden of this beautiful Illinois home featured in Traditional Home and enjoyed every second of the polite and distinctive images of a truly lovely landscape. This garden was given a complete overhaul by the homeowners through the use of landscape architect, Douglas Hoerr. This garden has large urns of boxwood, beautiful sitting areas, boxwood sphered and hedged, as well as a creamy brick gated entry with growing espalier.

Pretty is pretty, so I know you will enjoy this refined outdoor oasis. Happy Thursday!

Landscape by Douglas Hoerr, photographed by Bob Stefko for Traditional Home.

Douglas Hoerr designed garden via Traditional Home

Douglas Hoerr designed garden via Traditional Home 2 Douglas Hoerr designed garden via Traditional Home 3

Douglas Hoerr designed garden via Traditional Home 15Douglas Hoerr designed garden via Traditional Home 4 Douglas Hoerr designed garden via Traditional Home 5 Douglas Hoerr designed garden via Traditional Home 6 Douglas Hoerr designed garden via Traditional Home 7 Douglas Hoerr designed garden via Traditional Home 8 Douglas Hoerr designed garden via Traditional Home 9 Douglas Hoerr designed garden via Traditional Home 14

Pumpkin Spice

Are you ready for Fall? Dallas recently just got its first “cold” front. Basically, the humidity went low and the temperature dived down into the upper 60’s! This was all the spark I needed to get in full pumpkin and holiday mode. While I go back and forth between Spring and Fall being my favorite seasons, there is something so invigorating about crisp weather, light sweaters, and rich colors. These changes don’t just regard your wardrobe, they involve home items too! Change your linen blanket to a softer cashmere, switch your flowery candles to a heavier scent, and add some holiday flavor to your decor.

While I could list off a million pumpkin flavored, pumpkin spiced, pumpkin themed items, I want to share with you only things that I have personally stamped with my approval. You never want to recommend a bad doctor to a friend, so why would I share with you something that I don’t value and enjoy!?

Happy Fall Y’all.

 

Dr. Delphimium custom arranged pumkins

A Dallas florist staple. Dr. Delphinium makes the most incredible pumpkin arrangements. Preserved flowers top white, orange, and green pumpkin. They can be small enough to give a teacher, keep on your desk, or large make a tabletop statement. These are my Fall MUSTS!

Dana Manhke Indigo Home Chinoiserie Pumpkin

A beautiful blue and white chinoiserie pumpkin by the always talented Dana Mahnke! Get yours ASAP (I just ordered mine yesterday). Available on Shop Indigo Home

Dana Manhke Indigo Home Brown Pumkin

Dana also makes Brown and white chinoiserie pumpkins. So incredibly chic and classic. Available on Shop Indigo Home

Pumpkin Chai Nest Candles

The Nest Pumpkin Chai Candle. This is the scent in Fall. There is NO better scent that puts you in the mood for the changing season.  Dallas had a shortage last year, so don’t be too late!

Hot Skwash Pumkins at NM

Velvet pumpkins are a nice touch of texture and a great (and less tacky) way to add some holidays indoors. Available at Neiman Marcus

Le Creuset Pumkin Dutch Oven

A Le Crueset dutch oven perfect for pumpkin soup or any Fall flavored dish.

Ballard Designs Stone Pumpkins

Ballard Designs has created these stone pumpkins that are  durable for the outdoors and can be used Fall after Fall. I also like how you could probably even use them as planters or put in some dried flowers.

Leaf Napkin rings from Wisteria

Golden leaf napkin rings. A perfectly subtle tabletop addition. Wisteria

Mulling Spices from Williams Sonoma

Mulling spices are my favorite Fall incorporation for apple cider. The smell alone is worth the purchase. Williams Sonoma

 

Television Season

TV season is back in action. Whether it is your latest episode of Real Housewives (What is the deal with Brooks, y’all?) or if you are a football fanatic, the television is not something you can really escape these days. TVs aren’t always pretty, but their placement is necessary in the home. Sadly, TV rooms tend to look tacky over tasteful. Why should they? As I have posted before, TVs can be chic. If you use the right placement in your place of entertainment, a TV can be barely visible or visibly chic. So why argue over this or that to watch, just look at these pretty entertainment rooms and you will be certain to tune in to the right station.

 

Chic TV room

Splashes of emerald green. Notice how this TV is just casually set to the side. TVs don’t have to be a room’s focal point.

Ecelectic TV room

A perfectly textured, paletted, and inviting oasis to watch your favorite shows.

TV room via Elle Decor

An office, den, or living room? No matter what the choice, the TV in this space makes it multi-functional. Via Elle Decor

Gallery Wall of TV

Deep colors and gallery walls make the ideal TV backdrop. Via Lonny

TV room

I am obsessed with the built-ins involved in this television space. So casually appointed, yet so meticulously outfitted.

TV room via Elle Decor 2

A bit of red lined bookshelves and an Asian inspired light fixture. Via Elle Decor

TV room via AD

A light infused and casual living room space. Via AD

TV room via AD 3

I love all the elements of this room which is part television room, part game room, part man cave, part casual living space. Via AD

TV via tranditional home

Notice the infused use of red in the bookshelves? In a way, it keeps a uniformed appeal, but it also has an intriguing sophistication.

TV room via AD 4

A serene television space with blue and white and marble accents. Via AD

TV room via Elle Decor 4

All the movies and books you need combined with TV. Via Elle Decor

TV room with blue ottomans

A very chic use of blue tufted ottomans and white wood work. Via Traditional Home

TV room via AD 2

A sleek TV room retreat. Via AD

TV room via Elle Decor 3

Blues and grays make a serene TV retreat. Via Elle Decor

Moroccan Monday

Recently I have been gravitating towards Moroccan tile and homes that use a bit of Moorish influence in unexpected settings. There is something about the dramatic archways, domes, and courtyards that bring a majestic and exotic ambience to a home. Why not embrace a cultural injection of architecturally interesting design components. It is always easy to play it safe with what you love, but don’t be afraid to add some extra spice into a space.

Moroccan Influence in a Couryard

A beautiful pooled courtyard. I love how the Moroccan tile frames the lower half of the wall and is used with the checkerboard tile.

Moroccan Influence 2 via Elle Decor

Intriguing Moroccan glass doors. Architecturally interesting and subtly feminine. Via Elle Decor

Moroccan Influence 3 via AD

Pops of pink garden stools against periwinkle walls. Fabulous Moorish arches. Via AD

Moroccan Archways 

Phenomenal blues and splash of natural greens in this Moroccan inspired pool area.

Moroccan Influence

A perfectly relaxing courtyard area. I love the door and frame!

Moroccan Influence by Katie Ridder via Elle Decor

Katie Ridder’s more modern take on Moroccan blue tile. Via Elle Decor

Moroccan Influence 2 via AD

A fantastic inner courtyard. I love the use of foliage, like a magical escape. Via AD

Moroccan Influence in this pool by Kirsten Kelli

The pool area of Kelli Ford’s Dallas residence. I love the Morroccan fixtures.

Moroccan Influence of Mirrors via AD

Moorish mirrored stars perfectly painted a patina jade.

Moroccan Influence via AD

A bedroom full of green Moroccan flair and lattice work. Via AD

Moroccan Influence via Elle Decor

Morrocan black shutters against a perfectly white oasis. Via Elle Decor

Moroccan Influence via House Beautiful

Love this Moorish influenced bar backsplash. Via House Beautiful.

Moroccan Influenced Courtyard

I feel Morroccan influence looks its most stunning in courtyard settings.

Moroccan Tile Fireplace via House Beautiful

A ridiculously chic blue and white fireplace area. Via House Beautiful

Moroccan Tile Influence

See, Moorish influence doesn’t have to be over the top. It can be perfectly subtle and the right amount of spice.