By Way Of Belclaire

May 28, 2015

Happy, Happy, Oh Happy Thursday. Why is it that weeks after holidays feel even longer than regular weeks?? Anyway, I know many of you have found this blog through my friend Jennifer (like in actual face to face friendship as opposed to cyber friends), who is over at the Belclaire House Blog. You also may know that Jennifer has been super duper busy raising two of the most adorable, Ralph Lauren ad worthy little boys to ever exist. However, she has started posting again recently and yesterday’s post made me have a Bravo worthy smile.

I admit, I watch Bravo. It is a guilty pleasure worthy of all things Real…(housewives) and all things Southern…(charm). Sorry if you don’t watch, it might be hard to follow. The Belclaire House post yesterday was just SO good that I had to share it with you. So take a peek below and head over to see Jennifer to make your Thursday one that is full of southern charm courtesy of Mario Buatta. It may be trash TV, but this is not trash decor.

See The Fab Post Here! See a quick preview below….

Pin the Post

Livable Luxury At The Lake

May 27, 2015

Yesterday I focused on pool houses, and today I am going to focus on one fabulous lake house. There is a theme here of water, maybe because I am seeing so much of it (seriously Dallas, ENOUGH with the rain). Y’all, does the sun even exist anymore?! I digress. Who wouldn’t want to spend their days on a perfectly leveled lake in the sunshine during summer. It’s the kind of water you would want to see every day.

This lake house by Thom Filicia is a very cool space to spend those warm summer days. I love nothing more than a lake house that is laid back and full of an effortless approachability. I feel like houses require a lived-in luxury feel over a trite and predictable decor. From the rope stair handles to the high gloss black plank doors, this home has unexpected touches and casually chic graces. It is the kind of home where living seems easy, and style just flows throughout. Hopefully this Wednesday will feel the same….

Design of this Syracuse lake house is by Thom Filica in House Beautiful.

A perfectly understated exterior.

I can’t get enough of the rope handle. This house just feels like it was fun to decorate. If you have a lake house, that is it’s purpose after all!

A very approachable and inviting entry. It evokes the feeling like you need to leave your shoes at the door…

Thom Filicia Lake House22

Wood beams on the ceiling and a mix of textures and patterns throughout. The black lamp shades bring a sense of sophistication to the room.

Again, the elements of black add a sharp sensibility to the home. An exposed bark wall brings it back to nature.

Thom Filicia Lake House

Those black plank style doors really add a playful and relevant element to the house. Notice how there are plenty of exposed natural textures in each room…wood beams, stone, and bark abound.

Thom Filicia Lake House 21

A fantastic hue of blue and blinding white bring a crisp and waterside ambience to the dining area. I love that the wall covering is linen. It softens the contrast.

Thom Filicia Lake House 23

Again. Filicia uses black in the kitchen to add a more polished juxtaposition to the more woodsy and natural textures.

Notice the picture on the door, love it. A great way to bend the rules at a vacation home.

Thom Filicia Lake House 3

A well arranged guest room. A true retreat for any lucky visitor.

Thom Filicia Lake House 10

The master bedroom with softer hues and an open entry into the bathroom.

A fantastic boathouse ideal for entertaining and spending summer afternoons.

A livably luxurious and welcoming lake home.

Pin the Post

Pool House Rock

May 26, 2015

I hope all of you had a fantastic Memorial Day weekend! Of course, if you were in the Dallas area, like me, you probably wish that the sun would have joined us this weekend. What you see in the news is true, we have not had a break from the thunderstorms, downpours, and constant cloud cover. Memorial Day should be a time to kick off summer with sunshine, backyard bbq’s and pool time.

Today, I thought I would leave all of you pool side dreaming with inspiring outdoor spaces that are well landscaped and ready for summertime entertaining. Lush green potted plants, flowering landscapes, and shady trees make for gracious and serene pool surroundings. So get ready for the poolside days of summer, grab a book and, if you’re really lucky, take a seat in one of these luxe pool houses.

Happy Tuesday!

A perfectly dreamy pool area hedged in by the most fantastic blooms. The pool is by John Montoya Design via AD.

Exposed columns and palm tree symmetry. I love pools that have grass as the main footing. Via Veranda

I am always in awe of Aerin Lauder and her phenomenally exquisite taste, her Southampton’s pool house is no exception.

The Herrera family is known for their chic and timeless style, which is exactly what this enchanting poolside evokes. Look at those abundant hydrangeas!

Some sweet yellow labs and potted lemon trees surround this white brick pool house. Via One Kings Lane

Ferguson Shamamian have the best eyes for architectural detail. Picturesque pool area perfect for entertaining.

Climbing ivy and fireside ambience. A curtained cabana with brick steps that gradually take you into the pool.

Cypress trees surrounded by well clipped spheres. I love the use of outdoor lighting, which I wish people used more of!

A perfectly hedged wall. Simply stunning.

As much as it is a sun bathers nightmare, I love pools surrounded by trees. It really makes you feel as if you are in a private oasis. This pool is by Jack Fillips via Traditional Home

A long and narrow pool. Ideal for morning laps and evening parties.

A very versatile pool house. If you look closely, you will see the banquet style seating that would be so useful when entertaining.

It almost looks as if this is just a wall, but guess again. Open stoned windows and poolside views make this an exceptional spot for an afternoon read or dinner party get together.

This very well may be my favorite image. The pool house sits among ivy, citrus trees and ficus by Richard Shapiro design.

I love the french sliding doors. This pool area is ideal in every way.

Hydrangeas and a white picket fence make for an idyllic setting by Donald Lococo Architects.

Glass, ivy, hydrangeas and boxwood. The more lush the better. Via Veranda

My logo surrounds you in this backyard. Despite the weathering, there is nothing I love more than a white chaise lounge on green grass. Via Elle Decor

Another one of my favorite pool images. I just love the color of the pool here. Such a vivid and deep blue. The whole area is inviting and approachable. Via AD

A well manicured pool house by Thomas Pheasant. I really like the raised and walled hedging on the left.

Interesting clips of potted topiaries in Tom Britt’s Hampton home. Via Veranda

Of course, what is more chic than the beautiful treillage of Tory Burch’s pool house of her Southampton home. Via Vogue

Pin the Post

Book It For Summer

May 21, 2015

How did Memorial Day weekend get here so quickly? I really can’t believe it. The start of summer is upon us, and I am ready for it! I am a big fan of summer reading, and reading in general. However, I must admit that since I started my blog I have put design reading ahead of fun summer fiction novels. My thought is, why read when I can get another blog post up and running.

I plan to change that thought this summer. With lots of traveling in the works and poolside afternoons, I am desperate for some good summer reads. What I have here is a collection of all the essentials you need to make a weekend (or a whole summer) full of decadent reading in style. Some of these titles I have read, some I have yet to read, and others I have heard nothing but wonderful reviews. So whether you are by the beach or up late on a summer evening, I hope you get some reading in during these hotter days. Please comment if you have any suggestions. I am always looking for a good read!

Happy Memorial Day!

Click Pictures To Purchase

Book It

The Knockoff: A highly anticipated read full of style and chic whit. My copy just arrived and I am ready to dive into this first!

The Girl On The Train: A NYT Bestseller that I can’t wait to read. I’m always up for a page turner, which this is recommended to be quite the ride.

The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: Speaking of page turners, I highly suggest this book by Tony Ortega. A champion in the fight against a horrible cult and the unspeakable ways they use corruption and money to destroy good people’s lives.

My Paris Dream: An insightful memoir of a former Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar editor coming of age in Paris.

Luckiest Girl Alive: A novel full of chic wardrobes and luxe lives with high-end twists and turns.

Outlander: I am sure you have heard about it, and you have for a reason. Historical and addicting fiction set in the lush scenery of Scotland. You won’t be able to put them down (a series to impress).

Perfectly Miserable: A comic memoir on WASPY New England culture and the tricky balance of mothers and daughters.

The Life-Changing Magic Of Tiding Up: Everyone who has read this says it is, in fact, life changing. Apparently it causes you to purge and apparently that is a good thing?? This definitely goes with a “less is more” approach over the adage “more is more and less is a bore.”

#GirlBoss: Get motivated and take your life seriously. Takeaway quote: “I have three pieces of advice I want you to remember: Don’t ever grow up. Don’t become a bore. Don’t let The Man get to you. OK? Cool. Then let’s do this.”

Good to Great: Taking your company and perspective a step further.

If I ever find my mom hysterically laughing it is from the high-class romps of Nicholas Coleridge. I equally adore his witty banter and rich characters. I can promise you will too.

Gods and Kings: Why not explore the dangerously fashionable lives of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. Sure to make a chic read.

Circling The Sun: I truly enjoyed The Paris Wife, so I can’t wait until this book, from the same author, arrives this July.

Absolutely Beautiful Things: A truly beautiful book from one of my favorite designers in Australia.

Camille Styles Entertaining: A perfect book for summer entertaining and nights on the patio, beach, or wherever your summer may take you .

Beach Reading Essentials

Aerin Lauder has the perfect raffia pouch to bring to the beach to store your lip gloss, suncreen, and summer essentials.

I think that raffia pouch would be ideal in the effortlessly classic tote by MDS Stripes.

A fabulous chair for the lawn or beach that can be perfectly monogrammed by Mark & Graham.

Santa Barbara umbrellas are a ultra tasteful way to shield yourself from the sun. I love the two tiered gray.

I love the sweet simplicity of Restoration Hardware towels. The stripes are just totally classic.

Me & Re Design creates such high-quality monogram items. They have the most delightful patterns and monograms from towels to party coolers.

If you prefer a simple and quintessential beach towel, target has these great blue and white striped towels that are perfect for any poolside.

Pin the Post

Not So Mellow Yellow

May 20, 2015

Yellow isn’t necessarily on my top list of colors I covet, yet it does bring fond memories of my great grandmother’s home. A yellow home, a yellow front door, and a yellow kitchen. Believe me when I tell you, it was actually quite chic, despite how it may sound. The walls in the home in which I grew up were yellow, the classic kind of hue that goes with antiques, oriental rugs, and traditional art.

Recently, unless you are the Drybar, yellow has become a less popular choice. It can sometimes evoke a 90’s era of interiors that feels stale instead of current. I’ve decided I like yellow the most when it is used in accents or in superb traditional rooms. It is in a class all of its own when it is “butter” color, yet it is a vibrant and playful addition when it is more of a “zesty lemon.” Whatever you do, don’t show me “mustard” or “tuscan yellow.” Only the Italians can pull off tuscan yellow (see here).

If you look below, you will find several fabulous images of yellow that will have you feeling anything but mellow today.

A sophisticated and traditional yellow room that looks fabulous with this mix of antiques. Via Veranda

Kelli Ford’s iconic yellow hallway in her Dallas home. Every bit glam and chic as she is. Via Veranda

A strong and bold yellow in the entry of this Houston home designed by Miles Redd via AD

Yellow walls in this den via Veranda

A smart and timeless use of yellow and red (hoot, hoot, to all you Chi Omegas out there!). Via Veranda

A sweet patterned day bed is placed in this completely classic room by Carleton Varney. Via AD

An extremely superb oval dining room with yellow walls and curtains. It is the type of yellow that will look good 100 years from now. Bill Brockschmidt’s Nashville dining area via Elle Decor.

A more modern and current approach to yellow in this room by Thom Filicia . Via AD

Tori Mellott’s wallpapered hallways in a golden yellow. Via Domino

Can I just steal that bench?! There is a serene and timeless ambience in this bedroom by the Wiseman Group. Via AD

A fantastic rooftop space full of planters of boxwood and posh yellow chairs. This tablescape area is by Celerie Kemble via Lonny.

Nick Olsen has fabulously yellow molded walls with splashes of color and punches of purple.

Susan Greenleaf incorporated a fantastic yellow fabric in her San Fran home. Via Lonny

I can’t get enough of these chairs in yellow. They take the room to another level. An unexpected element that still fits the overall atmosphere. Via Elle Decor

A yellow kitchen (similar to the yellow of my great grandmother’s kitchen). I love this creamy shade. Via AD

A fantastic yellow living area with a more current mood. I love the chocolate velvet against the yellow. What a fun and eclectic space. Via Elle Decor

Richard Stone’s home in West Bergholt, England. via AD

Yellow walls and curtains incorporated with topiary and blue and white. An ideal placement of yellow. Via AD

Pin the Post

A Talent With Boxwood

May 19, 2015

Anouska Hempel. How I haven’t done a feature of her work is beyond me. When it comes to potted boxwood, she rules the world. She creates these abundant, overflowing pots of boxwood (stay tuned next week on how to achieve that) that instantly have the ability to transform an environment into one with a magical ambience. Her landscape spaces are enchanting, invigorating, and jaw dropping. Hempel is also a master decorator, but today I want to focus solely on her gardens. If these spaces don’t bring a smile to your face, best of luck with life. 😉

anouska hempel design 8

Pin the Post

Hedge Files: Anne Hepfer

May 18, 2015

I love discovering new design talent, and I love it even more when I get a chance to speak with them. Anne Hepfer isn’t new to the industry by any means. She worked for Daniel Romualdez on Tory Burch’s jaw-dropping Manhattan home and has always had an eye to create fresh spaces that are timeless and tasteful. Why let me keep on talking! See my interview with her below and feast your eyes upon this ultra chic and comfortable retreat she designed for a Toronto family. Pretty fabulous, eh?

THE POTTED BOXWOOD Interview OF

ANNE HEPFER

Where are you from/live currently?

I was born in Manhattan, raised in Connecticut and I currently live in Toronto.

How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?

My home and personal style is constantly evolving over time. Our city house is a 1933 brick Georgian with an eclectic mix of styles; traditional, contemporary and global ethnic furnishings blended with (French, English, and Asian) antiques, lacquered walls, geometric and grass-cloth wallpapers, punchy colour, layered textures, fabrics, mirror, lucite, rock crystal, malachite, lapis lazuli, sisal and mixed metals! Our country home is a modern glass farmhouse, soothingly monochromatic (gray, taupe, black & white), focusing on the views and being enveloped in nature. The furnishings are a unexpected mix of rustic, modern and sculptural (think African, Asian, Dutch, French, Italian). Comfort and family-friendly are always front and centre in my design thinking.

What current trends are you embracing?

I am loving exotic skins right now. I have designed a line of bespoke furniture which is wrapped in boldly hued ostrich leather and trimmed in brass or silver, some with mirrored accents. Very glam! Each piece is made-to-order and comes in 15 different colours.

What are your design pet peeves?

Incorrectly scaled furniture and rugs. Cringe.

Best advice you ever received about designing?

The best projects are based on trust, respect and listening.

Who inspires you?

Mother Nature is my first and foremost inspiration. My goal is to bring the outdoors inside, to look at how light changes the space throughout the day and each season. Traveling is my #1 passion, so I am often inspired by different countries and cultures, landscapes, and finds that I bring back and layer into my designs.

What is on your nightstand?

My ipad, reading glasses, and a water glass which sits on a treasured German hand-painted porcelain tray inherited from my husband’s grandmother.

Potted Boxwood…

Triggers fond memories I have as a little girl, running through my grandparents’ boxwood-hedged garden in Washington, D.C. That earthy, fresh, damp scent is unforgettable. It is a symbol to me of enduring chic, just like my grandmother who had a passionate eye for art, architecture, design and beauty in nature. Perfectly manicured and lush, boxwood is a classic staple to any entry or gracious garden.

The living room with subtle hues of blues. I love the approachability of this room, it has such a serene atmosphere.

A more gracefully vivacious living area. How incredible is the contrast of the walls and the pale pink curtains. The coffee table is such a star!

The robin’s egg blue bar stools are a nice addition of color to this kitchen of dark wood and white contrast.

I adore this light fixture and the banquet seating. It really gives a chance for Hepfer to infuse pattern into the room.

Anne Hepfer Toronto Project_TPB 9

Can this be my room?? I am serious. There is one lucky little girl who gets to “go to her room” everyday. What shade do I even call this? A soft french blue fabric makes the perfect canopy and shade. Notice the light, almost linen blue, on the walls. A pleasing contrast in a heavenly bedroom.

A bold array of red and pattern in this light-filled bedroom of facing twins.

A well appointed bathroom. Notice the exceptional cabinetry and the stunning black trim on the roman shade.

A sophisticated blue-gray makes for a soft, yet formal master retreat. It looks so plush and relaxing!

Anne Hepfer Toronto Project_TPB 10

Divine details in the finish-out of this bathroom. I adore the scone and generous use of hardware.

Anne Hepfer Toronto Project_TPB 5

The indoors are brought outdoors on this spacious porch living area. I wish more people would use rugs outdoors, it takes the space to a whole new living area.

Anne Hepfer Toronto Project_TPB 13

Designer Anne Hepfer.

Pin the Post

Sitting At A Bistro

May 14, 2015

French bistro chairs are the ideal addition to any breakfast nook or countertop. It is the one chair that can insert pattern and texture, while being versatile and extremely functional. French bistro chairs can come in a plethora of colors and find homes around table tops of modern design or traditional interiors. I like them as chairs, but I LOVE them as bar stools. Their patterns vary, as well as their finishes. They are comfortable and clean easily.

I would buy some bar stools in a heart beat, I just need to wait for a certain pug puppy to calm her cravings….Like This

I must say, these are pretty good copy cats.

A great white kitchen with black and white pattern bistro chairs.

What are your thoughts on purple?? Not for everyone, but it sure adds a punch of color to this breakfast table.

Blue on blue in this breezy breakfast area. Via Luxe Magazine

Well fabulous! Blue and white chairs combined with a fantastic light fixture. Via House Beautiful

I never see bistro chairs with cushions (I think they are comfortable enough). I guess if you like extra comfort and want to add some more pattern, why not add it?

This dining area looks so fresh in hues of blue and white.

Again, bistro chairs with cushions. No one chair has looked the same so far!

I am obsessed with the pattern on these bar stools. Notice how they continued them with the dining area beyond the kitchen.

A great color and pattern on the chairs in this dining area. Via House Beautiful

Why not add some red! How wonderfully chic does it look when you mix and match all of those patterns?!

Another great use of bistro bar stools.

Notice the contrasting chair at the head of the table mixed in with the bistro chairs. A green combination of blues and greens.

The black looks pretty stellar at this small table area.

Bistro Chairs via Elle Decor

I have always loved the look of this kitchen. Via Elle Decor

Pin the Post

All The Trappings

May 13, 2015

I have been on a kick of character recently. Any home that embodies gracious ambience and plush landscaping immediately captures my attention. So, when I found this image of a striking blue door flanked by two spheres of large boxwood, my interest was immediately peaked.

Michael Trapp may be an antique dealer in Connecticut, but he is also a designer of timeless interiors and garden exteriors. His work evokes a European charm with an enviable relaxed atmosphere. Being an antiques dealer, he brings a refined eye to spaces indoor and outdoor. I want to feature this home in Sharon Village that looks like the perfect spot for a rainy Dallas day like today.

Happy Wednesday!

Michael Trapp_Sharon Village Cottage

A picture perfect deep blue door flanked by two spheres of boxwood among the gravel.

Michael Trapp_Sharon Village Cottage 18

I love how this deep blue continues on the inside. The black and white photography has an effective pop against the color.

Michael Trapp_Sharon Village Cottage 17

A charming warmth with bird cages, blue and white lamps, and an overall comfortable atmosphere.

Michael Trapp_Sharon Village Cottage 2

A perfect collection of subdued patterns and textures.

Michael Trapp_Sharon Village Cottage 12

A simple and well appointed kitchen. Notice the sconces on the framing of the windows. Such a great addition of symmetry.

Michael Trapp_Sharon Village Cottage 14

Another view of the kitchen.

Michael Trapp_Sharon Village Cottage 15

Large windows and banquet seating allow for a wrap around view of the perfectly landscaped grounds.

Michael Trapp_Sharon Village Cottage 9

A garden house complete with a dining table and casual seating. I love that hurricane in the middle of the two potted plants.

Michael Trapp_Sharon Village Cottage 10

Great industrial windows on this detached part of the home.

Michael Trapp_Sharon Village Cottage 22

The blue continues on the side door of the home. Of course, there is boxwood by the door.

Michael Trapp_Sharon Village Cottage 21

Another view. Look at that sweet antique iron bench.

Michael Trapp_Sharon Village Cottage 6

A more expansive backyard view with a row of boxwood along the fence.

Another view of the garden house. Always a fan of the gravel.

The whole garden house is covered in greenery, from the roof, to the sides, to the placement of boxwood.

Another view with potted cypress trees.

Potted boxwood, columns and a picturesque bench.

Heavenly pots of boxwood. So well collected and varied.

Just a splendid home with all the trappings.

Pin the Post

Showered In Love

May 12, 2015

Shower is a word I hear far too much of recently. Dallas rain showers (but really horrible thunderstorms), wedding showers, bridal showers, baby showers. There is a lot of showering that has been and will continue to happen in my life. My friend’s birthday is today, and I wanted to shower her with some design that is very much in tune with her taste. It is also the design of one of the most glamorous names in design (and in Dallas): Jan Showers.

How I haven’t had a post dedicated to her yet is beyond me. Her decor is modern sophistication, refined glamour, and chic style. She epitomizes a polished ambience that has such a signature appeal that you can instantly tell her tasteful touch by looking at a photo. I am so happy to share some of my favorite images of her work today. Dallas breeds good taste, and her design is the perfect example.

Happy Birthday Katlin. Hope you bring a little bit of Dallas sophistication into your new San Fran lifestyle. 😉

Jan Showers design 5

Love the urns of potted boxwood. This whole exterior is exceptional.

Jan has really perfected the look of sunburst mirrors. I would even go as far to say she was leader in making them a coveted object of desire in decor. She knows how to use them well.