Spring Dreams

It's that time of the year where winter is almost over, and I am itching to get out in the yard and work.  Even though it's not quite warm enough (or dry enough-- we're getting pouring rain today), my mind is already racing with new projects and "do this!" and "plant that!" ideas.  Some of the tasks include:

• transplant sedum to the side of the house (it grows too big around the front porch and dwarfs our boxwood row-- see what I mean)
• plant limelight hydrangea behind the new row of sedum
• create a container garden of boxwood on the front porch
• plant ivy along retaining walls of driveway

I'm sure the list will grow and change as the months progress, but this is what I've got brewing right now.  And, I realize that I never shared an "after" blog post on our new cobblestone driveway!  That will definitely be in the works for the spring (as soon as everything turns green, making for much prettier pictures). 

While I wait for my first day of serious yard work, I've been gathering more and more inspiration on my Pinterest page.  Here are some of my faves...

love the ivy beds here

 

 

my absolute DREAM.  Tall cypress trees = total privacy.

 

boxwood container garden

tips for growing hydrangea from trusty old This Old House

stunning!

more inspiration for a boxwood container garden

 

 

(please excuse Julianne)  Love the ivy above the retaining wall.

I LOVE this grouping with the woven outdoor furniture and bright white cushions.

 

We have four woven outdoor club chairs on the front porch from Target.  We bought them a few years ago and while I'm not totally in love with the style, I do really like them (and we honestly sit in them almost everyday in the warmer months).  Also, they're incredibly durable.  Should I buy a couple of matching ottomans this year?  I'm thinking I should.

 

 

 

Looking forward to warmer days!!

 

 

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We're giving away a free gift (LUCKY YOU!)

Hello blog readers!  We're giving away a fun gift in the shop today, so I thought I would open the offer up to you (while supplies last!)...

 

Set of 4 Emerald Green Agate Coasters with Gold Leaf Edge

 

 

 

Happy Monday!

 

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UPDATE:  If you snagged a set of our Emerald Green Coasters today, you really are LUCKY! We have since completely SOLD OUT. Thank you to everyone who participated in our "Lucky You" St. Patrick's Day promotion!!

NEW In The Shop...

 

 

We've added lots of new pieces to High Street Market this week, and I thought I would share some of the excitement over here on the blog.  Among my favorite pieces are these lovely vintage botanical reproductions, and this Blue Pagoda Porcelain serving tray!  It's such a classic-- I truly love this piece.  I can't forget our new crystal serving pitchers (the linear facets are strikingly modern and oh-so-beautiful...  perfect for serving lemonade on the porch this spring!).  Check them out:

 

 

available HERE

available HERE

available HERE

 

And, as always, there are plenty of new VINTAGE finds in the shop!  This month, we've added some wonderfully restored steamer trunks (perfect for winter storage!), as well as some stunning Federalist-style andirons...

 

available HERE

 

 

 

Happy Monday!

 

 

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And the Oscar Goes To...

... Madeline Stuart and Architectural Digest for the lovely art deco inspired Green Room design. 

 

 

Even though the The Academy Awards are still 2 days away, Architectural Digest has revealed the final Green Room design a bit earlier than I expected (making design freaks like us very happy!).  As we know, the goal of the design was to celebrate the famous 1930s art director and set director, Cedric Gibbons.  Not only was Gibbons a founding member of the Academy, but the man designed the Oscar statue himself!  Fun stuff.  To read the AD article and see the slideshow, click here.

So, what do you guys think?   I'm liking it.  The room is a bit flashier than I expected (although, this is Hollywood we're talking about), but I still think that the art deco inspiration rings true.  The black and gold entry doors ALONE are worth talking about (gorgeous!).

 

 

Happy Weekend!

 

 

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Casual in the Country

I'm loving the casual nature of this Upstate New York home, featured in the March issue of House Beautiful.  It's simple and unpretentious and so welcoming!  In terms of interior design, I'm noting the classic wallpaper, unique mix of pattern, the trim & door colors, and (of course) the interior shutters-- so good.  Lots of fun inspiration here...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

see the entire House Beautiful slideshow here.

 

 

interior design by Charles O. Schwarz III

 

 

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Calke Green

Last week, I blogged about the Green Room at the Oscars.  Well, this post is about another type of green room, in the most literal sense.  I recently suggested Farrow & Ball "Calke Green" for a client's guest room, and it's such a ROCKIN' shade of green, I thought I would share it with you today.  Honestly, it's the perfect shade of warm olive and I'm so inspired to use it!

Farrow & Ball "Calke Green"

(via)

Farrow & Ball "Calke Green"

 

Farrow & Ball "Calke Green" in high gloss

(via)

Farrow & Ball "Calke Green"

(via NBC's Parenthood)

 

 

F&B "Calke Green" a fabulous color that doesn't feel forced or obnoxiously bright.  It has a preppy, old world feel, and I really like that.  I look forward to seeing it in the space.  But until then, here are some other "green rooms" that are floating around my desk for inspiration!

 

 

 

of course, the Green Room at the White House.  :)

 

 

Happy Weekend!

 

 

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Love

 

 

wallhanging by Paul Smith for The Rug Company

 

 

Happy Valentines Day, lovies!  I hope your day is filled with wine and chocolates, red roses and paper hearts.  Hugs and kisses on this lovely day.  xoxo

 

 

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Madeline Stuart at the Oscars

I like going to the movies and watching the Academy Awards, but I wouldn't call myself a huge film fan (although I REALLY enjoyed Silver Linings Playbook this year-- did you see it?).  Yet, when interior design and good movies unite, well, that's a combo I can't turn down.  When I heard that Architectural Digest had selected Madeline Stuart to design the 2013 Oscar 'green room', my ears perked.  What's this you say?  A 1930s-inspired room specifically for celebrities lounging in black tie attire?  It doesn't get more glamorous than that.  I can only dream that the space will be filled with art deco details and the most elegant furniture, metallic accents and super luxurious upholstery fabrics.  Oh boy, I'm excited just thinking about it.  I can't wait to see what Madeline Stuart will create.  We'll have to wait until the big awards show for that reveal (Sunday, Feb. 24th).

A rendering of Madeline Stuart's design-- with a specific nod to legendary 1930s Art Director, Cedric Gibbons.  Read more about the story here.

Until the green room is actually revealed, I thought I would post some of my favorite images from Madeline Stuart's portfolio.  I love how most of her work is grounded in traditional design, but features a flair for the dramatic (whether that's achieved through bold color, or using yards and yards of yellow silk drapery, each space has a dramatic presence that still feels livable and unique).  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

visit Madeline Stuart's professional website HERE.

 

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