Booked Up For Summer

The title speaks volumes (pun intended), as I really am booked up for summer. This is exciting for all my followers, because I can share new pretty places, houses, and things that I come across along the way (especially on instagram stories)! Every start to summer, I love to share my reading list of good by-the-pool books. The titles listed are a collection of literature that I have recently read, things my dear friends have read, or books that are highly anticipated. Let’s be honest, there is nothing more rewarding that lounging with a really addicting book. Happy Summer! Happy Reading!

A big thanks to my many friends for some of these suggestions. An especially bigger thanks to my mom, the most avid reader of all. 

FICTION

The People We Hate At The Wedding

The People We Hate at the Wedding. The title alone is enough to make me pick up the book. This new release highlights family dysfunction in the most comical way.

The Gypsy Moth Summer

The Gypsy Moth Summer. One of the most anticipated books of the summer, this title deals with love, family, and a summer on Avalon Island.

Rich People Problems

Rich People Problems.  I LOVE every book by Kevin Kwan.They are so fun! He writes a fabulous cast of characters, with all the good real life spots mentioned. I am sure this book is no exception.

Do Not Become Alarmed

Do Not Become Alarmed. A total page-turner told from the points of view of children and adults who lose each other on vacation.

Small Great Things

Small Great Things (ABOUT TO BE A MOVIE). Moral dilemmas intertwined with power, wealth and race. Great characters make it a thought provoking page turner.

 

Party Girls Die In Pearls

Party Girls Die In Pearls. One of my first famous followers of @thepottedboxwood on instagram, Plum Sykes is a woman after my own heart. This Bergdorf Blondes author is back with a high-end and posh mystery set in Oxford.

Fitness Junkie

Fitness Junkie. Lucy Sykes (yes, Plum’s -from above-sister) and Jo Piazza have created a hilarious novel about a woman on a mission to save her job and lose thirty pounds in this fitness crazed, naked yoga, juice loving world.

 

Fly Me

Fly Me. Set in the seventies, this novel highlights all the fun trouble that can happen in LA.

All The Missings Girls

Missing Girls. An interesting read about two girls that are missing decades apart. One of those where you must pay attention!

Here's To Us

Here’s To Us. I am shocked I haven’t read this yet (came out last summer). I love all of Hilderbrand’s books (she is related to the fabulous designer Lauren Hilderbrand). Set in Nantucket, a man’s death brings about lies, tears, drama and a whole lot more.

The Almost Sisters

The Almost Sisters. Set in Alabama, a fun family romp with some family secrets floating around.

The Girls

The Girls. Northern California, a cult following, and a coming of age story where a girl longs to feel accepted.

The Lost Letter

The Lost Letter. If you loved The Nightingale you will love this. A heart-provoking historical story set during WWII in Austria.

The Girl Before

The Girl Before (READ BEFORE THE MOVIE). This book is a mix of Gone Girl and Girl on the Train. Thrilling at every turn of the page.

The Cuckoos Calling

The SilkwormsCareer or Evil

Cormoran Strike Book. This trilogy has a plethora of fans. Written under pseudonym by J.K. Rawling, this is a story where a detective’s career comes to life by investigating a super-model’s death.
Into The Water

Into The Water.  From the Author of The Girl on the Train, another psychological thriller to leave us captivated.

Truly Madly Guilty Novel

Truly Madly Guilty. From one of my absolutely favorite authors (the woman who brought us Big Little Lies), comes a new novel with Moriarty’s colorful characters and intertwined lives.

Lilac Girls

Lilac Girls. Another wonderful story set in WWII that brings up all sorts of emotions of love and friendship.

NON FICTION

Jackie's Girl

Jackie’s Girl. An inside look at Jackie O’s life with never before heard details told by her personal assistant.
Hillbilly Elegy

Hillbilly Elegy. I have heard this is the book that explains the Trump America very clearly.

 Jo Malone

My Story by Jo Malone. The British fragrance powerhouse has an autobiography that is sure to inspire. A great example of turning passion into a business.

How to Murder Your Life

How To Murder Your Life. A memoir from a former fashion editor living a secret life and the harsh reality of addiction and ambition.

Make Your Bed

Make Your Bed. “If you want to change the world, you should start by making your bed.” A great book to be read by every leader, or anyone who wants to make an impact.

Cork Dork

Cork Dork. Like the movie Somm in a book format, this piece explores the complex and exciting world of wine.

Prince Charles Book

Prince Charles The Passions and Paradoxes Of an Improvable Life
The Crown continues on with the heir in waiting. My mom and grandmother adored this book!

White Jeans Are Coming

Good morning! As we get ready to hit Memorial Day weekend, I thought I would throwback to one of my favorite posts all about white houses! Bring on white jeans, rosé, and sweet summer tan lines.

 

White picket fence and hedge via pinterest

This oozes charm! I can picture my little black pug Emmie standing guard by the fence. Photo source: Pinterest

White perfection via pinterest

Absolute white perfection (and the boxwoods make their first post appearance).  Photo source: Pinterest (Ugh! Please tell me if y’all know the real source!)

White House_BoxwoodS_via Katie Design

A very fresh and updated use of white! Designer and photo source: KATIE Design

White home with Hydrangeas via Habitually Chic

Hydrangea Heaven. A gorgeous white home with sophisticated white awnings. Photo source: Habitually Chic

The Parent Trap bia Southern Preppy Blog

Here again is the London home used in the Nancy Meyer’s version of The Parent Trap. Quintessentially British.  Photo source: Preppy Southerner

Pamela Pierce home via Veranda

Pamela Pierce’s home in Veranda. While I usually advocate for black shutters, this looks SO sophisticated (or maybe the potted boxwoods are clouding my judgement)!

Palm Beach Home via Ferguson and Shamamian

Can Ferguson & Shamamian do no wrong? This Palm Beach home will still look phenomenal 500 years later. Not to mention that gorgeous blue and white on the wall! Swoon….

White with black shutters in fall via Pinterest

This house has me ready for fresh cashmere and riding boots, but something tells me it looks great in all seasons! Photo source: Pinterest

Nantucket Beach House_With love from Kat

Now this is my kind of beach house! Definitely helps that it is on my favorite island of Nantucket. Photo source: With Love From Kat

Mark D Sikes Home via Mark D Sikes

Mark’s style is everything. I really don’t know what else to say.  He gets white, he gets boxwood, he gets blue and white, and I adore his style! Mark D. Sikes

Kentucky Greek Revival_WSJ

A very historic and fantastic Kentucky Greek revival. Photo source: Wall Street Journal

Italian home with vines via cool chics style fashion

An Italian masterpiece, and I love the open look of the shutters. As my parent’s friend always jokes, “Those rich people and their gravel driveways!”  He is so right though! Photo source: Cool Chic Style Fashion

Dallas home_Veranda Mag._Photo by Max Kim Beejpg

I have yet to come across this Dallas home, but I think I would surely get in an accident for braking suddenly when I saw it. What a gorgeous robin’s egg blue door. Very stately. Photo source: Veranda

Charlotte Moss via

Charlotte Moss masters the art of black and white here, not to mention total elegance. My pug, who recently chewed through her “A Flair For Living” book (wahhh) would have to agree. Photo source: Belle Vivir

Boxwoods and White Home via Jan Showers

Perfect in every way. What a great use of boxwoods. Designer and Photo source: Jan Showers

Boxwood Estate via Veranda Mag

Guess why this is my favorite picture? Ok, I’ll tell you. It is called the Boxwood Estate. It also helps that it is truly historic and beautiful. A personal favorite! The architect of this well-known Nashville estate is Gil Schafer and the photo source is Veranda.

Atlanta Georgia Revival>Emily Jerkins Followill_Things That Inspire

Staying in the South, let’s move to Atlanta. This Georgian revival is classically attractive. Photo source: Things That Inspire

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The original Affair With A House. Bunny Williams’ interiors never go out of style. Photo source: Mark D. Sikes

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Can I move in? This house has a little bit of everything going for it. Sadly, I have a lot of everything going on in this busy start to summer! Photo source: Pinterest

Tip Top Travel

Summer really is around the corner. With white jean and rosé season upon us, I wanted to share some of my favorite new travel accessories and products that I plan to have in tow to all my destinations. Putting a little glam and chic back in travel makes the very daunting process that much more enjoyable!

These are genuinely all my personal favorites!

 

Baggage

If you are going to have to carry things, they may as well be pretty.

AWAY monogrammed bagAway Bag Away Bag charger

While I love my Bric’s luggage, I can’t help but adore the lightweight and very tech savvy AWAY bags (not to mention half the price). I got the Bigger Carry-On monogrammed. I love that you can charge your phone right in your suitcase. Let’s be honest, we’ve all been a little delayed and with too little battery power.

Paravel Monogrammed Duffle

I love this Paravel duffle. It is next on my list and in this fabulous color combination.

Lo & Sons Catalina Duffle Lo & Sons Catalina Duffle open

This is the ideal bag for a quick weekend or to carry-on. I am one of those people always guilty of coming home with a heavier suitcase. Catalina Weekender from at Lo & Sons.

Spacepak kitSpacepak system from Flight 001

I love the idea of compartmentalizing my life- ehh…I mean suitcase. Clean and dirty clothes don’t need to mix and mingle. Available from Flight 001.

Beautiful Traveler

I prefer all non-toxic products on my skin. Here are my favorite to travel with, and they really work!

Amika mini harir dryer

This picture does not do this hair dryer justice. The Amika Mini Ionic Hair Dryer is literally no bigger than a hair brush, but at 1000 watts, it gets the job done just as well as my dyson hair dryer. They are super adorable, lightweight, and prevent having to use any of those hotel in-the-wall hair dryers, or worse- the hair dryers that end up in someones guest room… you know what I mean!

Rahua shampoo travel kitOgee face wipes

The Rahua jet pack has all your safe shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body wash. It smells wonderful too.

Ogee makes the BEST face wipes. Also, the best lip conditioner.  Seriously, these wipes take off all makeup and grime from travel. If on an international flight, I will wipe my face down after I eat and follow with moisturizing mask from Tata Harper  (see below).

Shop Follain Beauty travel kit

Shop Follain has amazing safe beauty products and even offer travel kits for your skin types (Normal, Oily, Dry and Combination). Very easy and convenient.

Sunday Riley Rapid Flash CEO serum  Tata Harper Moisture Mask

I have recently become obsessed with Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum. It gives my skin a serious perk in the morning, especially after a day of travel. I follow with Vitner’s Daughter (and yes the obsession is real).

My skin tends to get really oily when I fly, and the best way to combat that is with moisture (your skin has to overcompensate for the dryness and that is why it produces more oil). I love the Tata Harper Moisturizing Mask. Ideal for a long flight. It just sits on your skin (no need to wipe or rinse).

Beautycounter Suncreen stick  COOLA sunscreen

Many of my adventures will have me in the sun this summer. I love the Beautycounter sunscreen stick. Easy to get through TSA and smells divine.

For an easy all over body sunscreen, the COOLA spray in SPF 50 comes in a 3 oz. bottle and also smells and feels lovely.

COMBAT bug spray

Mosquitos love me and the feeling is not mutual. This Combat Ready Bug Spray  is a really effective bug spray, sans all the bad chemical smells.

The Healthy Traveler

As this summer is going to be a lot of back to back travel, I can’t get sick. Period. Not an option. I am a firm believer in ALL of these products and take them daily. 

Juice Plus

I love these Juice Plus gummies. Somehow they take all the fruits and veggies you needs, juice them, and put them into these yummy gummies. A big game changer in getting my daily doses.

Kor Shot Back Magic Kor Shot wellness

All of my trips with friends always involve long dinners and a little vino (I wouldn’t have it any other way). The KOR Black Magic shot has activated charcoal and is really good for your body right before you are about to indulge a night on the town.

The KOR Wellness shot is made with cold pressed and high quality ginger, lemon, coconut water, and a big bite of cayenne. It is a big boost for the immune system.

SUPER 8 GREENS3282

I love my Super 8 Greens. The story behind the founder is incredible. She was faced with breast cancer and decided to make a very tasty (almost like sprite) tablet full of the best super foods in existence. I feel SO much better every time I drink it.

Thieves is my daily life saver. I travel with these and take them preventatively, especially while I am on the plane. Easy lozenges and taste great.

Sakara Chocolate probioticSakara Water concentrates

I take these yummy Sakara chocolate probiotics every night. My daily treat to myself.

I also love the water concentrates from Sakara. I drop in  The Beauty water in the morning. It has a lovely light rose flavor. I put the detox concentrate in my water bottle by my bed each night. It has chlorophyll and a blend of 72 ionic trace minerals to help with biochemical reactions in the body.

 

Stunning At Every Turn

I recently posted a photo of a Dallas home on my instagram feed that did not do the house justice. It is a beautiful white brick home, set back on a very popular street. This home is also featured in the recent issue of Veranda magazine (run- don’t walk to get it!).  It is designed by Cathy Kincaid and restored beautifully by my favorite architect Wilson Fuqua. I have never seen an architect understand the great balance and perfect execution of chic and charm quite like Wilson Fuqua. I found some photos of the home on Mr. Fuqua’s website and I just had to share his unbelievable restoration and Cathy Kincaid’s stunning design of this inviting and totally chic home. Happy Weekend! XO

Photos via www.wilsonfuqua.com

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Isn’t this courtyard enterance beyond charming?

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Beautiful boxwood landscape surrounds this home. I really love the chic California privacy of this residence.

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An amazing sun room. The ideal blend of fabrics and light.

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Everything is timeless without looking stale or dated. Cathy Kincaid is really a master at that!

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This is the dining room of my blue and white dreams.

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Her choice of fabrics throughout the home really speak to the architecture.

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Cathy really understands the art of an inviting bedroom. She creates a personal and calming oasis, with a punch of personality.

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The architectural details of this room make for the perfect palette to decorate.

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Really beautiful shutter color and lush topiary borders.

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WOW.

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I love the infusion of brick texture as well as classic cabinetry. Perfection at every turn.

Giddy Paperie

In this Etsy run, Pinterest savvy, Instagram imaging world, it is often overwhelming to narrow down your choices. I find that to be especially true in the business of beautiful stationery. There are just too many options. I recently came across an adorable line of stationery where artistic talents and charming paper intersect. Based in the cutest town of Winter Park, Florida, Giddy Paperie makes you feel just that- giddy!

Run by mother-daughter duo, Lauren Yochum and Leslie Chalfont, you immediately see there is a great sense of personalization and attention to detail. Leslie’s artistic talents put on paper make the perfect gift (especially with graduations coming up)! Stationery Trends Magazine even agreed by saying they are the top “10 designers to watch in 2017.” Almost everything is available to monogram and they even do fabulous custom work with beautiful artwork to match any occasion. I may be bias, but their boxwood and blue & white happen to be my personal favorites!

Shop here: Giddy Paperie

Be sure to follow Giddy Paperie on Instagram

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Making lists becomes more pleasant with boxwood!

When did your love of stationery and artistry begin? 

Since I was a little girl and my mom always made sure to write my “thank yous.”  So I either found pretty note cards or painted my own. 

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Amazing details in these hand painted note cards with an orchid in a blue and white pot.

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A custom bridal luncheon invitation that is so special and really eye-catching.

What inspired you to start your business?

After years of helping friends plan their parties and creating the invitations, it seems like the next step to branch out with other items using my art and designs. 

Giddy PaperieOne of their best selling items is the calendars. There is nothing more convenient and pleasing to the eye than a calendar on display.

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Browsing through all their images, I kept being drawn to these note cards. I love the color and the envelope liner.

What are your best selling items?

Bar none, our calendars are our number one item. After that, our tea towels! They are easy to give and use, and a little art spread around the house is always a good thing.

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I am partial to this beautiful monogrammed stationery considering it is my home state. So clever, and can be created for any state!

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The hand painted tea towels make the ideal hostess gift. Very unique and who couldn’t use another tea towel?!

What do you love painting the most?

Love painting flowers!  I can’t grow them very well so I might as well paint them!

 

Giddy Paperie Artowrk

Absolutely gorgeous prints! Ideal for any room. 

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I love these custom invitations with gorgeous font and blue & white watercolor. They really bring a whole new meaning to the idea of custom.

Potted Boxwood is….
The perfect thing to paint…it can be any shape too, and I love all kinds of topiaries and gardens. 

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I love the mommy and me stationery. Perfect for little ones with thank you notes to write.

D A L L A S

I love Dallas. Especially in this in-between season where it is practically summer, but the heat hasn’t totally overwhelmed you.  I am adoring all the fresh flowers in bloom and the houses looking perfectly landscaped. Today, I wanted to share some beautiful Dallas homes that I have captured recently. They embody timeless charm in so many ways. In fact, that is what makes this city so beautiful!

 

All photos by Christina Dandar for The Potted Boxwood. 

Homes in Dallas photo by The Potted Boxwood 13

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Desert Modern

In my mind, a desert home is very synonymous with a modern home. I picture lots of windows, lots of light, and a great play of contrast. White walls, ebony floors, and the perfect balance of minimalism and splashes pattern. I picture big thick slabs of marble, and an even bigger infusion of texture. Let’s not forget, there is also a splash of old Hollywood that would have every Palm Springs home with a sunken bar, oversized ice cubes, and a splash of glamour.

 

Michael S Smith Palm Springs Home via AD

I love the greenery and water elements of this entry. Michael S. Smith’s Palm Sprigs Home via AD

Emily Summers Desert Home via AD 7

What a beautiful dining area in designer Emily Summer’s Palm Springs home. Via AD

Kitchen Via Elle Decor

I love this small kitchen. Would be an even better Palm Springs bar! Via Elle Decor

Bar via Palm Springs Style 2

A great thick slab of marble on this bar via Palm Springs Style.

Desert home via Elle Decor 2

A beautiful contrasting desert home via Elle Decor. Love the walls and coffee tables.

Desert home via Elle Decor 3

Incredible artwork, and desert landscape in this outdoor shower. Via Elle Decor

Emily Summers Desert Home via AD 3

The best kind of powder room style by Emily Summers via AD.

Emily Summers Desert Home via AD 4

A beautiful courtyard snapshot at Emily Summer’s Palm Springs home. Via AD

Emily Summers Desert Home via AD 6

White walls are the best way to go. So stunning. Emily Summers via AD.

Desert home via Elle Decor

A very relevant and easy masculine room perfect for the desert (or anywhere). Via Elle Decor 

Michael S Smith Palm Springs Home via AD 6

A great open and airy living area. I love the tall ceilings. Michael S. Smith via AD.

Emily Summers Desert Home via AD

Another view of Emily Summer’s desert living room. (I personally  would love it with a dark floor contrast to bring a little warmth). Via AD

Trellis Screened Door via Palm Springs Style

Beautiful sliding lattice work on this hidden bar via Palm Springs Style.

Kelly Wearstler Bedroom

A beautifully textured and incredibly cool mid century bedroom by Kelly Wearstler.

Michael S Smith Palm Springs Home via AD 2

A great living area for entertaining. I love how large it is, yet how perfectly scaled and proportioned it is. Michael S. Smith is amazing. Via AD

Bar via Palm Springs Style

A great thick marble bar via Palm Springs Style.

Michael S Smith Palm Springs Home via AD 3

I love the use of pattern in this desert bedroom. It is mixed perfectly with modern art and the amount of ideal soft ambience that a bedroom should have. By Michael S. Smith via AD.

Michael S Smith Palm Springs Home via AD 4

On a larger scale, this would be even better. I love this open, shiny, and modern take on a desert kitchen. Via AD  

Michael S Smith Palm Springs Home via AD 7

I love how the curtains create their own wall in this clean and fresh bedroom. The right amount of texture for an oasis. Via AD

Michael S Smith Palm Springs Home

Unbelievably beautiful. Michael S. Smith via AD.

Michael S Smith Palm Springs Home via AD 5

Natural elements create their own beautiful contrast in Michael S. Smith’s desert home. Via AD.

 

 

Old World California Charm

I love a home that combines timeless style and fresh curb appeal to create a truly glorious and charming oasis. That is exactly what designer Lauren King and Oscar Shamamian (from the amazing architectural firm Ferguson & Shamamian) have created in L.A..  From the front of the home where large potted boxwood greet you, to the inside where the color, pattern, and texture all melt together, it really is a truly beautiful home that will last the test of time.

Happy Monday! XO

Photos by Miguel Flores-Vianna from last month’s issue of AD.

Lauren King and Oscar Sahamian designed Home in AD 4

This is my dream… The soft shutters, the beautiful boxwood, and the welcoming tone.

Lauren King and Oscar Sahamian designed Home in AD 3

Rich materials contrast with the sun-filled light.

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Clean and simple kitchen lines.

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Really stunning molding works throughout this entire home.

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The grounds are beautiful.

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This room would look good 100 years ago and will still look good 100 years from now.

Lauren King and Oscar Sahamian designed Home in AD

I adore the blue painted ceiling.

Lauren King and Oscar Sahamian designed Home in AD 8

Feeling Foxy

Great design can work everywhere, but it is much easier to do with great architecture. I am always in awe of the beautiful detail that truly exceptional architects can create to make a house a home with just the bare bones (see how I made that rhyme lol). I found some work by The Fox Group that is based in Salt Lake City. They create beautiful spaces with the perfect amount of detail as well as sleek and clean lines.

Just see below at some of their phenomenal work. I have to say, their kitchens are just dreamy, and they definitely understand the art of the staircase!

All photos from The Fox Group Construction

The Fox Group via their website

A magnificent home that is beautifully landscaped.

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I love this kitchen and the fixtures!

The Fox Group via their website. 4

I mean, who doesn’t adore a checkerboard entry! The molding is stunning too!The Fox Group via their website.

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Really, they do a phenomenal job with  molding throughout their homes.

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Well appointed custom built-ins.

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The Fox Group via their website. 5The Fox Group via their website. 9

Another beautiful checkerboard floor entry. TIMELESS!!!

The Fox Group via their website. 10

Minus the chair fabric, I really love the detail of this kitchen.

Luxe Laundry

Falling in love with a laundry room is not an easy thing to do. I mean, it isn’t a focal point of a house or a selling factor, but I am telling y’all, if you saw this laundry room designed by Dina Bandman  for the San Fransisco Decorator Showhouse you would quickly be saying “I’ll take it.” Who wouldn’t want to do a couple loads of laundry in a room complete with de Gournay wallpaper. Upon further look at Dina’s design work, I am not surprised she created such a masterpiece. She is definitely a designer to watch.

Happy Week! xo Christina

SF Showhouse Laundry Room 2017 by Dina Bandman

From the instagram of Dina Bandman