Farmhouse Minimalism

Odds are you've all seen the latest issue of House Beautiful and this amazing juxtaposition between a traditional farmhouse and minimalist neutrality. The homeowner wanted her 19th century farmhouse to stand out among those of her neighbors. You wont find any traditional country kitchen, fussy wallpaper or bright paint colors inside this farmhouse. Minimalist interiors in shades of beige and gray are perfectly counterbalanced by the ornate architectural features original to the 1896 home. 

I just adore the kitchen, a modern addition, inspired by the utilitarian kitchens found in the grande homes of the 19th century. Think Downton Abbey but above ground and with modern twists. Subway tile to the ceiling, I can't even talk about it! 

{Interiors by Bernt Heiberg & William Cummings // Images by Trevor Tondro for House Beautiful}

Picks of the Week 5.30.13

 I have a nervous habit, twisting my earrings around and around like some might twirl a piece of hair. Recently it's cost me two pairs of my favorite earrings because the twisting causes the backs to loosen and fall off when I'm not paying attention. In an effort to curb having to replace my earrings I've decided that perhaps a twistable, tactile chain-link bracelet might be a more durable replacement therapy. And it just so happens that they're stylish and the perfect addition to a grouping of bracelets or worn on their own. 

SOURCES // 1 Classic Pave Link Bracelet via J.Crew / 2 Royal Egret Bracelet via Kiel James Patrick / 3 Lindsey Bracelet via Design Darling / 4 Gold-Plated Chainlink Bracelet via J.Crew Factory / 5 Champagne Half Chain Stone Bracelet via JoJo Loves You  //

A Modern Soak

Traditional soaking tubs are great but lately I've been collecting images of a more modern option. And a more modern look for the whole room as well. I'm loving these clean, sleek and minimal bathrooms which seem entirely more calming than a more traditional and fussy space. Here's the recipe: one part contemporary soaking tub, one part neutral wall, one part funky flooring, and finish with natural accents. 

Love everything about this space, the tub, the floor, the vessel sink, and the hanging pendants replacing traditional sconces on either side of the medicine cabinet. 

{1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 }

Delightful Design: Lowcountry Poolside

Perhaps it was the utter lack of sunshine most of the long weekend, but I found myself pining after this lovely courtyard and pool. Nestled in picturesque South Carolina, just outside Charleston, this pool deck is at once contemporary and sleek while blending perfectly into the Carolina Lowcountry. I'm having major "I want to go to there" syndrome especially with that swing in the cabana as well as the poolside bath which reminds me of the beachside changing rooms of old. 

If you're as in love with the outdoor rooms of this home as me, be sure to check out the interiors... you will not be disappointed!

{Architecture by Heather A. Wilson // Interior Design by Jen Langston}

Start Your Summer Right, With Bling

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, marking the official beginning of summer and the busiest social season of the year. Why not start your summer off right by treating yourself to some new jewels to wear all summer long? Think of all those weekends away, lunches, parties and nights out. Just in time, JoJo Loves You is having their annual Bling sale. This weekend only. With the variety of shapes, sizes and colors available there's sure to be a pair (or two, or three) that strike your fancy. 

A talented local Boston designer, JoJo started selling her handmade jewelry fresh out of college. And she hasn't stopped spreading the love off all things sparkling and glamorous since. When I think back, I believe I started buying her pieces right from the beginning and now have quite the collection of necklaces, earrings and bracelets. All of which add a little sparkle and fun to my summer attire whether I'm having lunch beachside or running out to meet friends for dinner & drinks.  

What are you waiting for? Go grab some Blings for yourself and your loved ones In honor of the sale's start follow me on Instagram to see which pair I'm wearing today! 

Delightful Design: Lakeside Eclectic

If asked whether I'd rather have a beachside or lakeside vacation home I honestly couldn't answer. I feel equally drawn to preppy New England summer homes, Caribbean cottages brimming with vintage rattan and woodsy lakeside retreats passed down generation after generation. This month's House and Home featured a wonderfully eclectic cottage steps from one of Muskoka's many lakes. With an interior bathed in white the cottage is brought to life with vintage signs, old outboard engines, brightly colored artwork and accents in every shade of blue. You wouldn't expect this light and airy "flee market find" vibe when you pull up dockside, I imagine it's a delightful surprise for guests!

Check out the full article, Full House, in this month's House and Home for more images and information about this fantastic cottage. 

{Photography by Kim Jeffery for House and Home} 

An Airy Cabin Kitchen Makeover

Brace yourselves, I'm about to lust after yet another fabulous kitchen renovation. One day you'll read about my own kitchen renovation but until that day, I'll think you'll enjoy this light and airy (and teeny-tiny) cabin kitchen.  Fans of the blog Smitten Studio, written by graphic designer Sarah Sherman Samuel, will recognize this as her vacation cabin on the shores of Lake Michigan. 

Everything is perfect in my eyes, a blending of white country kitchen cabinets complete with butcher block counters and modern elements such as the faucet and the ever changing open shelving. I can just imagine now making a picnic lunch to bring along for a day spent on the water or even making a lazy breakfast as a summer squall rolls through. 

As if her kitchen isn't gorgeous enough, her adjoining dining and living areas aren't anything to scoff. I really love the minimalist white set off by the brass accents and bold fabrics. Perfect easy comfort for summer weekends. 

Check out the rest of this amazing cabin and it's continued renovation on Sarah's blog Smitten Studio. 

{Images via Smitten Studio & Sarah Sherman Samuel}

Artist Spotlight: Kari Herer

Foxes are one of my favorite animals, they're quick, smart and have such delightfully expressive faces. I also like to think there's a little bit of a George Clooney attitude in every fox, you'll know what I mean if you've seen Fantastic Mr. Fox. If you haven't, Netflix it immediately. When Heidi of Dooley Noted Style included one of Kari Herer's photographs in a post last week I made a purchase faster than you can say Fantastic Mr. Fox. 

A talented photographer in her own right, Kari's talents and photographs have been featured in many publications and blogs including design*sponge, decor8 and oh joy. There's more than just these adorable foxes available in her Etsy Shop. Now I just have to find wall space for my two new prints...

{Images via Kari Herer} 

The Allure of Brass Fixtures

I apologize that I keep whinging on an on about how much my bathroom and kitchen badly need updating but it's the truth. My bathroom has virtually been untouched since the building was constructed in the 1950s. I would dearly love to rip out all the grayish-blue and black tile and replace with white subway tile. Oh, and all brass fixtures. I'm working on putting together several bathroom re-designs for a client and I keep feeling myself drawn to all white baths with these alluring brass accents. 

I can't get this wall-mount sink out of my head, it would be perfect for my dollhouse sized bathroom, especially with the built-in "shelf." Far superior to the round pedestal that has no room for my lotions and potions! 

{Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 }

Picks of the Week 5.16.13

Do you Polka? I mean, Polka-Dots, of course. There seems to be a influx of these dots, from teeny tiny to large scale, in everything from fashion to home decor to artwork. While I don't think they could ever replace my love of stripes, there is no question that I'm falling for these updated version of a childhood favorite. I own a chambray similar to the one pictured below and it's my new go-to with bright denim or colorful skirts this spring. I'm craving everything else here!

Sources // 1 Dotted Chambray Boyshirt via Madewell / 2 Coral Dot Pillow via Caitlin Wilson Textiles / 3 Newsprint Dot iPhone Case in Mint via Kate Spade / 4 Polka Dot Bandeau Twist Top & Teeny Hipster in Pale Jasmine via J.Crew / 5 EQUESTRIAN art print by Beth Hoeckel via Society 6 //

Delightful Design: Old Wold, New Build

It's been a whirlwind of a week for me already and today's only Wednesday. With all the chaos surrounding me my mind was ready for a little bit of neutrality and I found myself drawn to the rustic elegance of this home in British Colombia featured in June's Canadian House & Home. 

Scrolling through the images I was shocked to discover that this perfect example of french country charm and romance is in fact new construction and not a renovated farmhouse. With soaring ceilings and banks of windows the home resonates understated elegance and feels more cozy that grand thanks in part to the use of muted tones, linens, and just the right amount of french country glamour. 

I love the equestrian theme happening in the daughter's bedroom. Being horse obsessed myself I love that she uses her riding boots and hard hats as decorative elements, functional decoration at it's best. Though I do find it odd that she has both a girth and running martingale thrown up alongside her helmut, surely these are best kept with her saddle? 

For more images and to read the full article, Foreign Currency, check it out in June's Canadian House & Home.

{Photography by Tracey Ayton for House & Home}

Visit: Como Park Conservatory & Zoo

I mentioned last week that I was going out to the Twin Cities to visit my best friend and her husband and I'm here to report that contrary to my brother's opinion, I had a blast! A huge thank you to Steph and Phill for finding some amazing activities for my weekend visit! One of our adventures was the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory and experienced glorious architecture, conservatory gardens, zoo animals and a historic carousel featuring hand-carved wooden horses. It was enchanting! I'd go back in a heartbeat and possible take more than one spin on the merry-go-round. Make time to visit if you find yourselves in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.  

Steph and I even had a "Kristen Bell" moment when we discovered the conservatory's resident sloth in the tropical garden! He rewarded our excitement by moving, albeit s-l-o-w-l-y! 

{Image credits Phillip MacDougall & Allison Whittemore}