Current Inspiration: Sun Faded Style

I've got a couple of new design projects on the horizon that are beachy and coastal-inspired.  And, THANK GOD for that because, outside my office, my car is covered in ice.  And, we're getting more snow tomorrow.  So, dreaming and scheming about summertime is just what the doctor ordered over here.

Here are the images that are covering my desktop this week.  And, to me, they scream WARM WEATHER.  I am so drawn to using mercury glass this year.  But, in tiny doses (think bud vases, a chic table lamp, and mercury glass candles).  Also, copper.  The rosey cousin to brass.  Are you guys liking this new trend?  Again, I love copper in small doses-- perhaps a tiny table lamp, a collection of bowls, or hit of copper hardware.  Both of these fresh metallics are coming to the store this month-- I've been really jazzed about it. :) 

Also on my radar: anything that feels like it's been faded in the sun.  Think heavy woven textures (like rope), sun faded colors (like misty blue, minty green, and washed out denim) and crisp whites.  Always crisp whites.

all images pulled from my Pinterest page.  :)

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It's Hot In Philadelphia!

When my sister and I were little, my mother used to read us poems from Shel Silvertein's "Where The Sidewalk Ends" and "A Light In The Attic."  We had so many favorites, and we would ask her to read them to us over and over, and over again.  This one was one of them:

I've been thinking about this poem all day given the tremendous heat we're experiencing here in Philadelphia.  It's Hot!  To escape the sweltering temps, I spent the entire day shopping at the Philadelphia Marketplace.  I stopped in at Lee Jofa to see the new Lilly Pulitzer collection, I swooned over the Oscar de la Renta furniture line at Century, and seriously contemplated buying this Regency style cabinet at Robert Allen's floor sample sale.  Unfortunately, I don't have $6,000 to burn.  So I had to pass.  But the air conditioning was lovely.

Today reached 97 degrees and tomorrow it's going to be 102 degrees... 

with a "RealFeel" of 113!!!

I wish I could sit around in my bones.  It's hot!

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Terrain Summer Tent Sale!

For you local Philadelphians: the Urban Outfitters brainchild, Terrain, is having a tent sale!  Lots of great summer pieces are 25% - 75% off.  I'm a fan of their modern outdoor furniture, and if we weren't renovating our house (and if we actually had a back deck), I would buy this set.

Here's what I would pick up if I went to the sale (and had an unlimited budget):

Those tiny pewter bees?  They're actually cheese markers.  Stick one in the Vermont White Cheddar at your next party!  There's a tiny slot behind the wings that allows you to slide in a label.  Genius.

And, I love the way those walnut coasters stack up.  How chic is that?

To shop the sale items online, click HERE.

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Robert Stilin & Classic Hamptons Style

Recently, I stumbled upon the professional website of interior designer, Robert Stilin, and spent the majority of an afternoon swooning over his design portfolio.  If you're not familiar with his work, you may remember this famous cook's kitchen that he designed a few years ago...

Of course, the famous foodie that works in this gorgeous space is none other than Ina Garten, the one and only Barefoot Contessa and otherwise food genius.  Ina always keeps the focus on the food, and the people that you share the food with... she's non-intimidating and friendly.  Oh, and everything she makes is completely divine.  But, enough about Ina.  Let's get back to the design of her incredible East Hampton barn/guest house/office/kitchen work space. 

Robert Stilin worked with Ina to create a one-of-a-kind space that was steeped in Belgian influences.   He combined textured linens, natural woods, and a monochromatic color scheme to create a space that was laid back, yet completely refined.  When House Beautiful asked Ina to describe the new space, she called it "earthy and elegant."  I think that combination is exactly what makes this place so special... that, and the 18 foot long countertop!

Robert Stilin & Ina Garten

Robert's professional website is also chock-full of fabulous images.  I love how each space feels clean, comfortable, and ultimately functional... but he does it in such a modern way.  To me, this is the epitome of classic Hamptons style.

To learn more about Robert Stilin, visit his professional website HERE.

To read the House Beautiful article with Ina Garten, discussing the creation of her East Hamptons barn, visit the link HERE.

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Practical Picnic

Yesterday, I posted about dining al fresco... and, if you want to take it to the next level?  Go on a picnic.  But, be sure to bring this totally fabulous picnic basket (available at Bed Bath & Beyond!).

It's only $40.00 and it includes 21 pieces.  With an insulated interior!  This baby is packed with enough gear to serve four (however, I don't see any wine glasses!).  And, bonus?  The basket itself is beautiful.  So, leave out on display, rather than hidden in the garage.

For more picnic inspiration, check out this fabulous blog post (with recipes)!  Thanks, Mary Ellen!

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Make Your Own: Tea Time Tablescape

I love the idea of bringing your dining table outdoors to serve mid-afternoon drinks with friends... If you have the outdoor space this summer, why not try this? Bring your dining table and chairs outside, set your table with beautiful linens and actually use your grandmother's china! Even if you are serving cheese and crackers instead of caviar, make it special! Your guests will love it.





Make your own tablescape by mixing fancy traditional pieces (like silver serving sets) with eclectic accents (like a vintage table runner and mismatched tea cups). Here are some of my favorites...

Start by draping your table with a beautiful tablecloth. I like this one from Linen Me on Etsy... It makes a terrific backdrop.


Then, layer your white linen tablecloth with an interesting runner down the center of your table. Try an eclectic piece like this. It's actually a vintage scarf. How chic is that?


And, how about this art deco vintage tea set?


Martha Stewart's white porcelain cake stands (available at Macy's) will bring some height to your table. I love the low, square shapes... they're even better when stacked with treats.


I'm a big fan of Pottery Barn's Linen Hemstitch Napkins. Use a bright color, like tangerine!


Try these fantastic silver napkin rings from Michael Aram... I love their shape, and that finial is sort of unexpected...


Bring refreshments to the table with this beautiful woven tray...


Serve bellinis from these sweet vintage glasses!



There are quite a few items available in the shop that would make beautiful accents to your tabletop... Here are a few of my favorites!


Vintage hobnail cake platter


Glass bowl with silver serving set


Mini ice bucket


Glass serving dish with silver plated filigree holder


Set of 4 vintage dessert plates