My Favorite Things: Out of Africa

laura — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:00:02 +0000

“I stayed in the room where I was born, and tried to remember the colors of Africa”. -Meryl Streep

One of my favorite movies, I watched it twice this summer.

This might be one of the all time best movie scenes.

Influenced by colonial British rule, Karen Blixen’s home in Africa is just as one might imagine.

Her house in Denmark has a similar but more formal feel.

Karen Blixen published her book as Isak Dinesen.

Want to recreate the Out of Africa look? click here for below sources.

If you have some free time this last weekend of summer put it on your “to watch” list.

Photo Credits: http://www.museums.or.ke http://www.karen-blixen.dk/

Four Poster

laura — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:00:53 +0000

I have been working on a few bedrooms this summer and have had my eye on four poster beds….

with and without the canopy.

I can’t get enough of this one.

got you too?

Photo Credits: Vincente Wolf, via Lonny, via Living Etc., James Huniford, via House and Home

late summer

laura — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:42:06 +0000

School is back in session here in Charlotte as of today, and it is even a bit cooler than usual for an August day. Though surely the heat will return, summer is starting to come to a close. I am starting to think about the fall, holidays and Christmas cards. I know I will blink and it will all be here.

We have had a wonderful summer and a few fun vacations, but I am ready to get back into a routine with the boys and work. One of my little guys now associates “late summer” with the start of football…

While we were away I enjoyed reading the September issue of Food and Wine and love this kitchen featured in it by Tracery Interiors. It is kind of rustic with some modern elements. How smart instead of one large island to make the two different ones with light fixtures above each.

I also feel fall coming because I just signed up to go to the huge Metrolina fall expo. with Eddie and Jaithan. Click HERE if your are in Charlotte and want to go. It will be great! Anna, Suzanne and I will be there Saturday, November 6th. Hope to see you there!

During the next two weeks I am going to “regroup” as I like to call it and get back into the swing of things.

I am going to try to enjoy the late summer too.

Photo Credits: HC&G (1,2,5) via Eddie Ross (4) Food & Wine (3)

back with a little oomph

laura — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:08:03 +0000

After a few wonderful weeks off we are back in the swing of things here in the office.

We are putting the final touches on a clients’ home that is going to be on a house tour here in Charlotte in early October. Yesterday I put in these fun chairs

and this smart little oomph! table

I just love their things! Hope it’s been a great few weeks for you too.

unplugged

laura — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:00:15 +0000

During the next two weeks I am going to see family & friends, relax, and read this book,.

I am looking forward to it. Hope you can do some of the same.

Photo Credits: Eric Piasecki

drum roll please…

laura — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:00:42 +0000

I am such a fan of drum shades as they certainly compliment an updated room. Their ranges in size and color help to add a little extra oomph to a space. Don’t you just love how Jonathan Adler gets this one so right?

This one certainly caught my eye…

Drum roll please….

Photo Credits; Jonathan Adler for House Beautiful, Lynn Morgan for Coastal Living; via Cooking Light, Dominique Vonllion for Cottage Living; Susan Ferrier for House Beautiful; Vicente Wolf for House Beautiful; Nancy Price for House Beautiful; source unknown

on the farm

laura — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:55 +0000

I must say, other than my mothers’ love of roosters, farm animals aren’t exactly on my radar when it comes to design. A week or two ago I was looking at Jeffrey Bilhuber’s portfolio I noticed these big pigs. So you know how once you notice something, it becomes more obvious to you? Farm animals continued to appear…

While clicking around online I came across this big cow in a Ginger Barber designed guest house,

and a rooster print from the 1900’s in a hallway.

Then I got a blog post into my inbox from one of my favorite new bloggers Divine Distractions with this design by Pamplemouse in it.

With the zebra wallpaper and bed coverings, I might prefer this bench with some different legs.

So here’s my list: Pigs, Cow, Turkey, Sheep, and Horse. What am I missing?

Maybe it’s a sign I need to revisit my Barns Post.

Photo Credits: Jeffrey Bilhuber, House Beautiful (2,3), Pamplemouse via Divine Distractions, via VT Interiors.

Inspired Mexican Style

laura — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:00:26 +0000

I have been working with a client on a Mexican inspired dining room. I have enjoyed looking at Casa San Miguel by Annie Kelly. Her husband Tim Street-Porter is the photographer.

Iron lighting fixtures and large scale fireplaces are hallmarks of this style.

Archways grace the interiors and exteriors.

There is an abundance of colorful and interesting tiles.

Vibrant reds, yellows, oranges, browns, greens and creams are the predominant colors.

White walls, white upholstery, open spaces, wooden furniture, carving, and large plants define outdoor spaces.

Authentic accessories and art enhance the rooms.

For a Mexican siesta, traditional and beautiful breezy canopies.

Now if only I were headed to Mexico…

Photo Credits: Casa San Miguel Photography by Tim Street Porter (1,2,4) via La Dolce Vita (3), Mexican Style by Taschen (5,8) via House to Home (6,7), Karan Mann via Apartment Therapy (9,11) Kelly Wearstler

easy summer living

laura — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:00:30 +0000

I loved seeing this feature in Real Simple this month. Makes me want to kick off my flip flops.

Nothing like easy summer living.

Photography by Ditte Isager for Real Simple August 2010

kitchen tiles

laura — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:00:22 +0000

I have been working on a kitchen for a few months, and the tiles are about to go in. I am looking forward to sharing pictures and drawings from the process. We are using white tiles, but I have enjoyed seeing varying colorful looks for a kitchen backsplash. White tiles can differ in many ways, but subway tiles continue to be the popular choice.

White with darker grout lines gives the tile strong definition (I love the airplane hanging from the ceiling).

A more modern take on white tile.

Some interesting tile ideas worth noting….

Varying the tile on the ceiling and the wall makes for a great and different look.

Tiles from Ann Sacks in vibrant color ways give visual interest to a kitchen.

I love a chevron pattern,

a good dose of blue,

and by now you know I love anything old school, like the stoves below that remind me of my childhood.

Nice way to squeeze in an eight burner!!

How do you prefer kitchen tile??

It’s not too late to win the PVE summer giveaway!

Photo Credits: via House Beautiful (1,2,5) Elle Decor (3,8,9) Ann Sacks (4,6,7)