Pinking Up...

I bought myself something this weekend. It was a cardigan in the palest shade of pink I have ever been able to find. I fairly bolted into the shop where I spied it, and it quickly has become my favourite clothing purchase in a long time. Pink is a shade I have loved since girlhood. I love the way it makes our cheeks look rosier and how feminine we feel in it.

photographer: Paul Costello

That said, my daughter always questions why I don't have more of it in our home - which is a very good question, considering I always vow it is my favourite colour. Indeed, I read a very good book over the holidays, The Well-Dressed Home, by Annette Tatum, and it reaffirmed my belief that we should take inspiration from our closets (current or dream) when decorating our homes. Having seen this room - found in her book - featured in Country living a while back, I solemly (but silently) declared it to contain sofas slipcovered in the perfect shade of delicate pink.

While I have found my own pursuit of that perfect shade in accessories and furnishings elusive, here is what I found to share of some pink I just might consider for my own home if the world was the fantasy place we would all like it to be:

Morgan Harrison.com

Country Living.com

design by Sarah Richardson

I'm just not sure if the boys would go for any of it!!

Modern House Design Luxury Mansion Klosterneuburg

Modern House Design Luxury Mansion Klosterneuburg

One major trend from Paris and Cologne: stronger presence of wood

This is not a new trend - it was there last year, too, but

"now the innumerable tree stumps have become more bulky and the whole thing comes across as being ostentatiously in too close touch with nature"as from Stylepark describes it. And I agree to a great extent - overdoing the positive pursuit of sustainability and re-use of wood will alienate many people from the idea. On the other hand, I like the sophisticated and relaxed style of Gervasoni (above).
Some more examples:

Briccole Venezia, the design forms part of a larger project for Milan furniture company RIVA 1920 where 18 designers and architects have been asked to design products using recliamed oak from Venice’s waterways mooring posts substituted from the Venice’s lagoon because of wear and tear or breaking.

(via: Dezeen)

Base stools, design: Lukas Redwitz, made of oiled natural oak

Similar, but much more artistic are the cocktail tables from Suzanne Rippe's Bloc collection launched last week at Maison & Objet in Paris and this is an approach I strongly approve.
Examples of such approach there has been a lot at IMM Cologne, too, and I will quote again Thomas Wagner:

"In general in Cologne hand-made goods and arts and crafts would appear to be surfacing again. It is indeed amazing how quickly the void left behind in Cologne by absent designer manufacturers has been filled by handicraft beginnings or, in other words, the term design has been loosened from its industrial anchoring."

source: http://trendoffice.blogspot.com

Modern Hilltop Home Architecture

Modern Hilltop Home Architecture

An Exquisite French Manor in Utah

Earlier in the week I promised you a tour of a wonderful newly constructed house in Utah. Built by a reader of WD and her husband (who previously worked for Christopher Peacock Kitchens). The house is an wonderful example of true craftsmanship.
We were able to get a private sneak peak into this home which they refer to as the "French House". The home is currently for sale, and unfurnished.
More often than not designers spend large amounts of time bringing interest and depth to plain rooms. I think it's important to show how wonderful and warm a home can look, even unfurnished, for you to have a true appreciation what good architecture and craftsmanship can bring to a space. Even empty this home is stunning.
The main entry, though not grand in size is really beautiful. Notice the key details here: herringbone floors, hand forged iron railings, exquisite moulding details and a beamed ceiling. Beyond we see an interesting curved hallway.
Here is a close up of the reclaimed hand hewn barn beams
Of course when the builder is also a world class cabinet maker you know the kitchen will be the jewel of the home and this one is gorgeous! It has a very Christopher Peacock feel, but I think this particular kitchen has even more personality. I love the front X detailing on the center island. Also notice the coffered ceiling. I also like the choice of light fixtures!
Notice the the first center island has a soft curve to it, which was harder to see in the picture above. Having a conversation at a curved island versus a straight one is much more enjoyable. You should always try to incorporate even a soft curve in a kitchen island if possible.
I love the subtle diamond shaped marble tile backsplash. As expected the kitchen is outfitted with top of the line appliances.
The first island has been thoughtfully designed with a step down so guests can't view a messy sink. The second island is topped walnut for food prep.
Here is a close up of the corner detailing on the island! Wonderful!
A close up of the walnut top - notice its tongue in groove and bread board sides.
Coffered ceilings continue in the Living room, which also has a stunning fireplace and surround. Can you imagine how wonderful this home would look furnished?
The dining room with French doors and interesting moulding details
The family room continues the coffered ceilings. I love the fireplace! My imagination is going wild furnishing it in my head!
The curved staircase is just stunning - hand forged iron railings are beautiful.
A quick peek into the master bath which reveals a coveted zinc soaking tub.
This porch off the Master bedroom is one of several porches to take in the spectacular mountain views.
Notice that the outdoor detailing and stonework are as elaborate and thoughtful as the indoor detailing. This shows just part of the back of the home. See the mountains on the right.
Here is a side view - a lovely landscaped path - notice the copper gutters and cedar shake roof. More spectacular mountain views.
I adore the charm of these shutters!

No detail was left out. Look at the close up of these iron fleur de lys.

Even the garage was not overlooked. I love the heft and depth of the stone outside the garage. Look closely to see the herringbone brick detail in the driveway.

This gorgeous house is a spectacular example of craftsmanship. It was recently on the local "Parade of Homes". For more information on this home and to see
the real estate listing click here.

For more information on the iron work and railings click here.

Classic House Exterior Design Idea

Classic House Exterior Design Idea

Engagement Ring Sizing

An all platinum shank, emphasized with 18 kt yellow gold head and trim. This setting can house a 7.5 to 8.5mm center stone, and includes 2 trilliant side stones and 4 accent diamonds embedded into the yellow gold trim. The total weight of the stones are From $4,134.00 USD

Engagement Ring Sizing

A Change in Plans...

Well, a generous blast of snow led to hand wringing by the school board, the decision to keep schools open, and then the noon hour cancellation. Don't you just hate it when that happens? Not the cancellation (I believe in erring on the side of caution...and not having to make bag lunches!), but the mid-day cancellation. Parents scrambling and kids worried and/or confused.

All well that ends well, and my afternoon schedule has gone from getting some work done to using this:

to make a whole lot of this:

Which you need to wash down these (thanks to Mr. Pillsbury):

If I do that for them, maybe I'll even get one of these:

Need something to do with all that snow?

I have just the idea!!

Oh What a Night & Some Exciting News!

We had such a great time last night at the Elle Decor- Bloomingdales - Apartment Therapy Big Window Challenge event!  Dave & I woke at 5 something AM, loaded the kids in the car, and headed up to New York to celebrate Eddie's big WIN at Bloomingdales!  (We dropped the kids off with our family in New Jersey before heading into the city.)  I'm still pretty bleary-eyed from that lack of sleep so I'll tell  you all about it & post pics on Monday.  We did have a beautiful dinner with Eddie & Jaithan, Mrs.Blandings, Deborah Buck, and {from Elle Decor}:  Matthew Talomie and Margaret Russell.  We met lots of amazing new people who are so incredibly passionate about what they do and I just loved being around them. 

Everyone was super-sweet and inclusive.  I was totally nervous/ freaking out about meeting Margaret Russell (Mom & Grandmother- she's the Editor-in-Chief of Elle Decor Magazine ;) and she couldn't have been nicer!!  (And yes, she's just as graceful & gorgeous in person as she is on TV & in pictures, if not more so.)  But more details on Monday.  Congratulations To Eddie & Jaithan on a HUGE win for Elle Decor!!

On another note, I'm insanely excited to tell you that Better Homes & Gardens is coming to shoot our house!! 

It's a Christmas story so it'll be in the 2010 holiday issue.  They're doing the outside, the entry, living room, dining room, kitchen and us.  (I'm a little worried about the "us" part, as I have an extra 30 lbs on me right now from the pregnancy and when I see pictures of myself right now it looks like a "me" inside of a "me."   So I'll need to either get over it or wear a sign that says "JUST HAD BABY."  Think they'll mind?? ;)   

Anyway, since we're travelling & have so much to recap on Monday, there won't be a formal Pure Organization Project for next week, but personally we're working on time management & figuring out our schedule like we talked about in Time (Or Lack Therof.)    I'll post the readers' projects I've received later in the week.  Have an awesome weekend!!!
xoxo,
lauren

Caviano House Exterior Design Idea

Caviano House Exterior Design Idea

A Gentle Beckoning?

Is someone trying to tell me something? I've been lacking anything to say and desire to be very creative....it just hasn't been working for me. Something funny has been happening though, everywhere I look; I see lovely camera related details. So many pretties that I would love to have! First, I fell in love with this classic preppy looking camera strap. So awesome! Next, I found a classic camera bag by Leica, while reading through Lucky magazine. There aren't many things I love more than beautiful stitching in leather. Does that sound crazy? I just think its such a beautiful detail!

On occasion, I actually enjoy being girlie. I know its hard to believe isn't it?! Ha, ha! Anyway, on those rare days, I would love to own one of these gorgeous bags by Epiphanie. As hard core as I am about photography, I often leave my handbag behind in order to carry my camera bag. Its not very pretty, especially on formal occasions. Finally, there is a solution for that dilemma. Anyone else ever have that problem?

I'm starting to think my old friend (my beloved camera) is calling me to pick it up again. Its been a while...but perhaps its time.

Links found via:
Diary of a Mod Housewife
Lucky Magazine
T Spoon of Sunshine

Luxury Japanese Kitchens Design

Luxury Japanese Kitchens Design

When Are Vertical Blinds Okay? (please read...)

Dear Mr. Black Socks,

While walking with my friend yesterday, you gave us such a good laugh. You appeared to be doing housework -  which is always a good thing - while wearing only black bikini briefs, socks and shoes. Problem is, as you do so in front of your sliding glass doors, you are visible to all of us who walk by and house gaze. It is because of this that I offer up some free decorating advice: invest in some window treatments. In this case, it really doesn't matter what kind or colour. I will even go out on a limb and break all decorating rules and suggest these, if you're really desperate:

Now, some might say we could just avert out eyes as we pass by your home, as we know you aren't trying to be pervy.

But others say it's really healthy to begin your day with a good laugh, and walking + laughing = really healthy! 

Modern Exterior House Design by David

Modern Exterior House Design by David

Beach House Renovation with a Twist

It's always exciting to hear from my readers! Last week one of my readers contacted me and let me know about Michael Greenberg Associates in Connecticut. He owns a wonderful architectural firm which also has a beautiful cabinetry arm. My reader's husband used to work for them and she knew I would love their work. She was so right!

This is a stunning old beach house renovation in Connecticut done by Greenberg.

I love the openness of this home, but I also like how they kept the old feeling by making sure they used similar, substantial mouldings. A lovely mix of slipcovers, sisal, rattan and glass! All give it a beach house vibe, with class.

The dining room is rather sparse, but it really goes with the New England Beach look. I like striped fabric on the upholstered end chairs and the solid fabric on the side chairs. Traditional with a twist.

The sunroom really captures the spectacular outdoor views. I like how the furniture echos the grid lines on the windows. The subtle furnishings blend, as they should, and do not compete with the view.

Here is another view of the kitchen. Traditional New England Beach House style with white marble counters. Very Christopher Peacock! I like the center island - not sure what the top material is - Corian? The big whisk is fun! I actually have one that I picked up yeas ago at a flea market, but mine is in a box in my basement waiting for the right photo shoot!

I love the color of the Master bedroom! Notice the cowhide rug on the floor - we are seeing these everywhere now! To read an previous post about cowhide rugs click here

Lovely master bath - The window placement and the mirror is interesting. I have a similar set up in my own master bath. I also love the textural element of the beadboard.

Finally the wonderful outdoor screened porch. It really is a room of its own with the fieldstone fireplace.

What a spectacular view!

My reader and her husband relocated to Utah and he just completed another gorgeous home. The workmanship and detail are amazing! Here's a sneak peek of part of the exterior. I will be posting the rest the home later this week! See you then!

(all photos m.greenberg assoiciates)