Door Jam

An absolutely hilarious event happened recently. I got a call from my trusty dad a bit out of breath. To put in kindly and mildly, he is not the “handy type.” Way more cerebral than crafty (which in my opinion is always a better quality). The problem is that he often attempts to fix things, and in turn we sometimes still have to call an expert out eventually. It is always the thought that counts, but that gets hard after 9 years of saying he will fix the running toilet. I eventually just called a plumber when I was in Florida for the holidays. While he claimed to be upset because “he could do it easily,” I also saw a big sign of satisfaction that I took executive action.

That brings me back to the other morning. He was in a fit of frustration over the fact that our front door handle had broke inside. As he tried to “fix it,” I told him he should probably just get a new one. But he tried to fix it and decided to use the lifetime warranty.  New parts arrive soon!  We will see.  I have since been looking at door handles, trying to get inspired for the eventual new purchase. There are so many styles to choose from. Of course, my favorites are when the knob is centered in the door, but not all doors are created equal. Here are just a few of my new favorites I have recently found.

 

WC Vaughan Co Collection Door Knob by ER Butler and Co

E.R. Butler & Co.

 

1026 Door Knob by Nanz

Nanz

 

Mack Entry Set Rocky Mountain Hardware

Rocky Mountain Hardware

Filigree Door Knob from Sherle Wagner

Filigree Door Knob by Sherle Wagner

75671 door knob by PE Guerin

P.E. Guerin

Tudor-Door-Pull from Urban Archaeology.jpg

Urban Archaeology

Antique Nickel door knob via York Street

York Street Studio

SA Baxter Entry Door Knob

SA Baxter

56232 Door Knob by Omnia

Omnia

Soane Britian Door Handle

Soane Britian

One Perfect Home

Every afternoon I like to drop into  One Kings Lane and see any fun sales worth pursuing. I am an internet wanderer. I start doing one thing and end up somewhere else entirely in a matter of five clicks. Usually when this happens I end up making weird purchases like this, but sometimes it leads you to making interesting and beautiful discoveries. My many clicks the other day lead me to Timothy Corrigan’s classically designed and well appointed home in L.A. This home is full of supple texture, fine antiques, and dashes of timeless patterns mixed with bursts of luxurious color.

There is a chic and airy quality that lies in the heart of this home.  I feel that is something the best West Coast homes embody: casual luxury. Sometimes the rest of us try too hard to be too perfect.  Timothy Corrigan is a master in creating an ideal ambience mixed in with the perfect amount of luxury. I don’t say this lightly, but this is one home that goes down in my book as move in ready. I’m obsessed!

Photos by Nicole LaMotte via One Kings Lane

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Snowbound and Homebound

You Northeastern folks may think I am crazy, but I was so badly wishing that I was having a blizzard weekend. What a better excuse to stay inside, light some candles, open a good bottle of wine, and cozy up doing all the things you want to do but feel guilty doing on a clear weather day. So besides a quick walk outdoors, I tried to spend the remainder of the weekend indoors pretending I had a snow day. I thought it would be fun to round up a list of some excellent blizzard necessities that I would surely have on hand if I was living in a winter wonderland! Now Dallas, I am ready for a snow day!

Ideal Snowy Scene

A picture perfect snow day.

Snow in Versailles via AD

Snow covered landmarks all over the world via AD.

Snuggle

Sferra Dorio Blanket. jpg

Sferra’s Dorio blanket has soft fringe trim and a pretty palette of neutral colors for the ideal blizzard accessory.

Lisa Vanderpump Fur Throw

Lisa Vanderpump fur throws are quite a delight (I received one for Christmas). The tassel detailing on the corners adds a chic touch.

Cashmere Shawl by Subtle Luxury

I hate to say it, but I live in this cashmere shawl wrap. It is by far the thing I wear the most. I have it in other colors and always find it keeps me the perfect amount of warm indoors. By Subtle Luxury

Garnet Hill Cashmere Socks

Cashmere socks are a necessity in your snow boots or your bare feet. Garnet Hill makes some that are feel good and affordable.

Shanghai Blue Soy Candles from OKL

I also received these for Christmas, and they were a delightful surprise! Beautiful chinoiserie pagoda soy candles from One Kings Lane. They make the ideal compliment to a coffee table book and they don’t smell bad either.

Nest 3 Wick Grapefruit Candle

If you don’t have a fire place, candles often have to suffice.  Nest makes the most fragrant three wick candles that burn beautifully. The grapefruit smells intoxicating in all seasons.

Use

Andalou Naturals 10000 roses shower gel

I am obsessed with this body wash. It is made out of 1000 roses and has a smell that is very intoxicating. Also, it is free from all the bad stuff that lurks in other body washes (I recently read an article about SLS in literally EVERYTHING we use and how bad it is for you!). If you love the smell of roses, you will adore this.
Beauty Counter Lustro Jasmine Face Oil

Beauty Counter is another brand that I have taken great interest in. This Jasmine oil not only smells like heaven, it also offers wonderful moisturizing  properties that leave your skin flawless in complexion.

Dyson Heater

In case you are short on heat, or worse- your power gives way- this Dyson heater is stylish and very effective!! Tried and tested!

 

Read And See

 

The ightingale by Kristin Hannah        The Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham                                         Troublemaker by Leah Remini           Elizabeth Strout My Name is Lucy Barton

These books are all binge worthy. True page turners that will have you wishing snow days lasted forever.

 

Making of A Murderer        The Man in The High Castle

The Americans     The Good Wife

These are just a few of the shows I have binge watched recently.

If you haven’t seen Making A Murderer you are missing out on a very compelling documentary series that captures a real life corrupt court.

The Man in the High Castle is a show that has a very interesting storyline of what would have happened if America didn’t wine WWII.

The Americans is a show with a complex tale of a seemingly American family who are in fact Russian spies. It makes for compelling entertainment.

The Good Wife is a true delight of court cases, romance, and enjoyable banter,

 

 

 

Throw The Fur

It is getting cold! A big snowstorm is heading towards the northeast, and while it isn’t wintry mix weather quite yet in Dallas, the cool burst of air makes it ideal to cuddle up under some warmth. I love the looks of fur throws (faux and all), especially on the foot of a bed. I have mentioned before how important it is to incorporate texture into any room, and nothing quite adds that element in the winter like fur. They can really complete the ambience of a room and create a tangible warmth. I rounded up a select few of my favorite photos of bedrooms that wouldn’t look quite complete without the luxe look of fur.

Alexa Hampton bedroom with fur via Veranda

A beautiful fur throw in this incredibly chic and plush bedroom by Alexa Hampton. Via Veranda

Miles Redd Fur thorw on bed via Elle Decor

Hands down a favorite bedroom. From the chinoiserie, to the Oscar de la Renta bed, to the beautifully draped fur throw. Miles Redd is a forever genius. Via Elle Decor

Paolo Maschino and Philip Vergeylen Bedroom with fur throw via AD

Paolo Maschino and Philip Vergeylen know how to incorporate the ideal amount of texture, pattern, and color into a room. So elegant, yet modern. The tapestry lends to a very classic, European ambience. Via AD

Russell Groves designed Manhattan bedroom via Elle Decor

A more modern application of fur by Russell Groves. It really adds the perfect infusion of texture to this cool cityscape bedroom. Via Elle Decor

Fur throw in bedroom by Markham Roberts via House Beautiful

Markham Roberts  creates contrast in this otherwise light and airy room, Via House BeautifulThom Fiicia bedroom with Fur Throw via AD

Thom Filcia understands the importance of warmth by adding fur to this mountain hideaway. Via AD

Simply Sophisticated Shower

Don’t you love when you work on something over a period of time and it all comes together seamlessly?! This weekend was one of those weekends. Over the summer, I decided I wanted to throw a hometown shower for one my oldest and dearest friends, Anne Marie. We have such a long history together with our families, that it only felt fitting to throw her a party to remember. I knew it had to reflect her vibrant and colorful style. She has a Kate Spade decorum that  truly embodies her vivacious and bold personality. If you truly know someone well, it is easy to find the perfect palette to celebrate them.

The shower was held at The Birchwood Hotel in our hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida. I was having lunch there with my mom and grandmother this summer, when we looked out at the boxwood walled courtyard and knew immediately that it was the perfect place for the luncheon. I teamed up with Anne Marie’s Maid of Honor, and together we worked back and forth to make this a truly special Saturday in January. We decided to go for black and white stripes mixed with pops of pink and gold. It had such a fun and flirty feel. Everyone felt right at ease in this enchanting courtyard setting, with the effortless excitement of constantly passed mimosas and always flowing Chardonnay.

I have always been a big believer that if you are going to do something, do it right. No one likes a boring party, and a bridal luncheon is hopefully a once in a lifetime party! It is a great way to celebrate a friendship, a bride, and an upcoming marriage that is surely one for the story books. #OnceUponATimm

Photos by Christina Dandar for The Potted Boxwood

Venue: The Birchwood Hotel

Flowers: Braun’s Fine Flowers

Napkins: LB Originals

Cake: Sweet Divas Chocolates

Place Cards and Serving Tray: Kate Spade

 

Boxwood Garden Walls for Luncheon

Walls of boxwood make the ideal backdrop for any party! I knew the gold chivari chairs were a necessity for this intimate courtyard space.

Kate Spade Themed Luncheon

Outdoor Bridal Shower

Tiered levels of flowers in gold mercury vases gave a nice shine and reflective quality to the table.

Mimosa Bar Bridal Shower

A mimosa bar with the wedding hashtag monogrammed on the napkins created by Memorable Wedding on Etsy. The server also put strawberry in the champagne for a nice touch!

Kate Spade Party Tray Fancy Another

I came across this Kate Spade tray that has “Fancy Another ?” written on the inside. We used some of the extra party favors of personalized champagne bottles in the background.

A bride at a Kate Spade Inspired Bridal Luncheon

The bride! Could she be more Town & Country worthy in this moment. Playful, preppy, and totally embracing this feminine moment to shine as the bride to be!

Tables Setting for Bridal Luncheon

Black White Pink and old Tablescape

Do you love the napkins!?! I mean how can you not!  They allow for any party to become personal. I knew I wanted these to be my gift to the bride, so I didn’t hesitate to contact my favorite monogram instagram friend LB Originals. She did a superb job creating a 4 letter monogram!!! The best!!

Bridal Shower Game Idea

The present table was shared with the game table. That glittered gold fish bowl was created by the Maid of Honor to house everyone’s favorite memory of the bride. It also makes a huge difference to frame any game instructions. Much more polished and put together!

Bridal Shower Cake from Sweet Divas Bakery

The cake was simple, yet detailed with fresh roses and gold foil dots. Sweet Divas Chocolates absolutely blew away every guest’s tastebuds with this vanilla and fresh strawberry cake. Sadly, I only had a bite of my friend’s cake in the chaos of the party. My biggest regret of the day!

Bridal Shower Games

These notecards were another great find by the Maid of Honor. She had guests write down their favorite Date Night ideas and Words of Wisdom. These were then put into a photo album and given to the Bride at the end of the event.

Bridal Shower Menu from Etsy

I insisted on printing my own menus for the party. I found this great template by Grace Designs on Etsy. The header was ideal for my theme. I was able to download the menu straight into Word and play with the other fonts and colors on the menu. A Kate Spade Bride

Could you ask for a more perfect bride!! Back and White Tablescape

Pretty and playful tablescape!Black and White Pink and Gold Tablescape

A Perfect Bridal Shower

Flowing wine and conversation.  It is always great to mix people up and keep some familiar faces together. Showers are a great time to mix extended family and likewise groups of friends. Bride Chair at Bridal Shower

The bride’s seat! I think it is always important to dedicate a seat just for her!

The bride shines against the boxwood walls

Such an adored bride-to-be!

Kate Spade Luncheon with champange favors

Personalized freixenet champagne bottles as party favors! Kate Spade place cards made for an ideal addition to every seat. Like any good hostess knows, place cards are very important!

Kate Spade Luncheon

Black and White, Pink and Gold.          A boxwood wall

A perfect bridal shower for a perfect friend.

Playfully Chicago

Every so often I crave a city. Don’t get me wrong, Dallas is a city, but it is mixed into a neighborhood feel. However, sometimes I want to get lost in a the shadows of sky scrapers and the noise of the chaos. I also really love admiring how people can create a traditional home-front aesthetic in the middle of a bustling city. In the name of great city decorum, I saw a wonderful spread recently in Traditional Home of a Chicago townhouse that is full of history blended with traditionally appointed design.

While Hugh Hefner may have once held the keys to this 1899 townhouse, interior designer Gail Plechaty was in charge of redesigning the interiors in the most elegant and classic style. The Beaux Arts-style mansion may have been a happening home for the playboy bunnies, but now it is full of soft tones and truly refined decorum that would still make anyone blush.

Photos of this home featured in Traditional Home are by Werner Straube.

Chicago Townhouse via Traditional Home

Of course I can’t help but love the black glossy door and the variety of boxwood that surrounds the entrance.

Chicago Townhouse via Traditional Home 7

A fabulous entry of stark contrast and beautifully molded detail. Simply elegant.

Chicago Townhouse via Traditional Home 6

Chicago Townhouse via Traditional Home 5

Even with high ceilings, notice how the curtains have to go all the way up?! I was getting my bedroom curtains installed last night and it really is so important to have them at the proper height. What graceful drape with tassel detailing.

Chicago Townhouse via Traditional Home 10

Look at these panels, almost like wallpaper. When the structural detail is so remarkable (as it is here) you really don’t need much in the way of embellishment.

Chicago Townhouse via Traditional Home 4

A sweet room with a daybed, classically upholstered and well appointed.

Chicago Townhouse via Traditional Home 3

A more clean-lined approach to blue and white drapery with a perfect line valance. Maybe it is because I recently purchased curtains. but all I can do is notice the different types and styles.

Chicago Townhouse via Traditional Home 9

A lovely array of grays and blues.

Roman Empire

The more I love my roman shade in my bathroom, the more I keep loving roman shades in general. There are so many different ways to use a roman shade, and so many ways to style and shape them. There is something so easy about shades, simple pull of a string and you can open and close out the sun. Not only are they beautiful, but they are a functional and economical alternatives to drapes.

I rounded up some gorgeous romans that will surely have you rethinking a large budget on curtains and heading towards the shade. Maybe with that extra dinero in your pocket you can buy some pretty roman made shoes instead 🙂

 

The perfect contrast of roman shades by Miles Redd via Elle Decor

A beautiful contrast of white roman shades with detailing against a black lacquered wall. Miles Redd via Elle Decor

Beautiful Relaxed European Roman Shades with a Rogers and Goffigon stripe ia Elle Decor

Beautiful relaxed European romans in a room full of contrast and edge. via Elle Decor

Black and White Striped roman shades

Another fun play of black and white in a chic little kitchen via Pinterest.

Blue aneled library with roman shades via AD

Translucent blue roman shades with dark shades of piping in this all blue library. Via AD

Black Roman shade via Domino

All shades of black with the perfect amount of key detailing. Via Domino

door roman shade via pinterest

A relaxed roman door shade. I love the four stripes of piping. Via Pinterest

malachite inspired roman shades via Elle Decor

These have always been something to look at- malachite inspired roman shades provide all the color that is necessary. Via Elle Decor

Michael S Smith Living room via AD

I love the simple and romantic elegance of these soft white roman shades in this room designed and occupied by Michael S. Smith Via AD

Moscow apartment Roman Shade via AD

A row of romans can also be a very effective focal point. Clean and classic.

Roman shade in a laquered room by nancy-bozhart via Veranda

You can’t help but let the walls and brass detailing be the main takeaway, yet the romans provide the perfect neutral tie-in. Nancy Bozhardt via Veranda

Roman Shade Holland and Sherry wool hapsack at Adrian Sassoons via AD

Another fun route to take is romans with panels. A great incorporation of pattern and layered fabric. Adrian Sasson Via AD

Roman Shades by Thom Filicia in a Connecticut home via Elle Decor

Wood washed blue provides a vibrant background for this navy and white roman shade by Thom Filicia via Elle Decor.

Roman Shade by Dwel Studio for Robert Allen in the apartment of Niel Patrick Harris and David Burtka via AD

A masculine geometric pattern fitting for a boy’s room in the home of Neil Patrick Harris via AD.

Soft blue roman shade via Elle Decor

A soft and muted blue/gray shade with delicate applique via Elle Decor.

Great Romans

I have a little personal project I want to share with you today. It is a quick little insight into my “new” place. Despite the fact the I am renting, I want to make it look as if it would be permanent. Often times when you find yourself saying, “later” or “maybe next time,” you are almost guaranteed to utter those words several more times in the future.

My first step to improvement was in my bathroom. I had some old, chipped white wood blinds that only went half way up the window. They were decent, but this shades of egg shell bathroom needed a pop of print and color. I didn’t want it to be overtly loud, but I wanted it to have personality. The most important thing, especially because I am renting, is that I wanted it to be a shade I could take with me and definitely use again.

I went with The Carole Bengal River pattern on a relaxed roman shade. I had it measured (by my talented design friend) to go to the outside. I wanted to error on the side of too much fabric instead of too little! I wish I had a before picture to share, but I am almost certain you know what wood blinds look like (we aren’t talking shutter- but blinds). I hope you like it!! Emmie and I certainly do!

Also, if I am on and off the next few weeks it is due to some family matters. Please keep good health and success for my family in your prayers. XO

The Potted Boxwood Roman Shade

The shade! I love the pattern, so versatile.

The Potted Boxwood Roman Shade. 2

I keep some small sized Molton Brown body wash in the apothecary jar. Everytime I pick one, it is like a kid in the candy jar!

The Potted Boxwood Roman Shade. 5

Oh Emmie. I really did try to take these pictures without her in them, she just loves to be the focal point!

The Potted Boxwood Roman Shade. 3

A glimpse of my still “work in progress” bedroom. At least it has the creature comforts, and by that I mean at least the creature is comfortable. 😉

Resolution

Did you make a New Years Resolution? I didn’t. Actually, let’s put it this way: I just want to focus on the general continual improvement of myself and my purpose. Why limit resolutions to just one item?!  Of course, the most common and shared resolution is to get in shape, or get healthy, or make time to workout. Personally, I prefer classes where there is an unspoken competition to hold your plank a little longer or to spin a little faster. I wish I could workout on my own, but then I wouldn’t have that type of drive to push myself a little harder.

Perhaps that would change if I had a very sleek home gym. Not your typical fluorescent area with rubbery smelling floors. I am talking about sleek wood panels, chrome accents. and views to motivate your routine. While not all of us may have the views. we can mimic the same style of aesthetic. As much as we would like to deny it, working out is easy. It is working out in style that may prove a little more challenging.

Gym designed by Richard Keth Langham via AD

A Mississippi home gym designed by Richard Keith Langham. The striped awning roof is a pretty fun focal point! Via AD

Yoga room by Jonathan Feldman via Elle Decor

A sleek at-home yoga retreat that connects indoor and outdoor. Via Elle Decor

George Clooneys Cabo gym via AD

A chic wood and white fitness room that would make any workout attractive. Well, it is owned by George Clooney, so of course, it is attractive.  Via ADMalibu Califonia gym via AD The view melts into this fitness room that brings the  Malibu outdoors indoors. Via AD

Sandra Lee and Andrew Cuomos Gym via Elle Decor

An office and workout area combined into one. I love the masculine approach in the home of Sandra Lee and Andrew Cuomo. Via Elle Decor

Michael Bays LA Gym via AD

Another stunning view that is incorporated into a home gym. If you can’t climb the hill, you may as well use it as a motivation on the treadmill. Via AD

Home gym by Stephen Gambrel

Steven Gambrel would use fun shades of blue in this checkerboard gym floor. The orange towels are a lively and fun contrast.

I Can’t Help But Think

I can’t help but think, “take me back to Florida.” I have become so accustomed to 85 degrees, that this mild 60 degree weather is causing me to have the heat on high. I am still in vacation mode, and with that comes the reality of vacation blues. No matter if you stayed at home and snuggled with your loved ones, or you went away to the slopes or the sand, I am sure you know what I mean. Back to real life and no more excuses to indulge in your favorite treats.

How about one last indulgence?!  This Florida home is my one last day dream before the reality of wintry weather and over-scheduled days. We could all use a little sunshine, and a reminder that warmer weather is only a plane ride away. However, not all getaways are this sophisticated and undoubtedly chic!

This article is from Veranda magazine with photos by BJÖRN WALLANDER.

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