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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Tree Trimming

As you know from reading this blog, we inherited a lot of large trees when we purchased this old house.  Most of these trees hadn't seen a good trimming in decades.  One tree in particular got the boot the minute we signed the papers.

Exhibit A: very tall Pine tree planted inches away from the front porch.  Basically, it was a free pass for critters to get onto our roof.  We had it removed the week after we bought the house.  The picture on the left was from the MLS listing.  The picture on the right was taken this past May.

When this Pine tree was removed in December, we had the same tree service trim back a few other trees that were too close to our roof (we don't want any squirrels taking up residence in the attic). 

Then, in May, you might remember that we demolished the side yard...

And last week, the trees saw a bit more action.  My husband's cousin, Frankie (who also helped us with the 3rd floor and 2nd floor demo), is a professional tree trimmer.  I mean professional.  With the climbing boots, harnesses, the works.  Frankie came down to help us remove another nasty Pine tree, a severely mangled Maple, and then he cleared away many many dead limbs from otherwise healthy trees.  We don't want a 12 foot dead branch suddenly falling on us, so we thought that a good pruning was in order.

Here is Frankie, from the zoom lens, climbing the tree...

And, here he is climbing just a little higher...

Can you see him?

That's him, there...

When it was time to come down, Frankie propelled himself out of the tree and slowly rode the line down to the ground, like a super hero (with chainsaw in tow!).  It was pretty cool. 

Thank you, Frank, for all of your help! 

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Current Inspiration

We got back from upstate New York last night, so today I am trying to catch up on my work, send emails, and ship out orders.  But, I have decided to take a quick little break and share some of my current inspiration with you. 

Today I am loving warm saturated color, grasscloth walls, ebonized wood, and eclectic accents...

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