October 31, 2010
October 28, 2010
The Ultimate in Blue and White
for me, this chinoiserie room in a house in newport, ri by meg braff is perfection. the color palette is crisp and clean and she stays true to her vision in each carefully selected piece. while i'm sure this room has been written about and blogged about to death, i will never tire of it. it has to be the closest to my own design aesthetic (i don't really say things like that) that i've seen.
from concept:
to reality:
from concept:
to reality:
all images courtesy of megbraff.com
the wallpaper is chinese lattice by bob collins. the side tables next to the sofa and the desk are bungalow 5. i plan to do a post dedicated to other meg braff rooms but i felt this one deserved its own :)
October 26, 2010
Monkey Business
alright party people, listen up. i have got major news to share. this is actually pretty serious stuff. i'm very lucky to have a friend, megan, who gets me. she offers uncanny perspective and unending support (usually of the ice cream variety) in my lowest of lows and in my high highs. and it's because she's been there before.
her father and step sister both passed away from cancer early in her life. and in 2005 her brother ned was in a car accident which changed his life, and his family's lives, forever. ned is now 27 and a quadriplegic confined to a wheel chair.
so now it's time for me to give back. facing some pretty daunting medical bills, 24 hour care fees, oh and contractor bills because they put an addition on the house so ned didn't have to live in the living room, megan's mom wrote a book about the time since ned's accident. the book is called kasey to the rescue and tells the story of her family whose life was turned upside down as a result of this injury and of her incredibly strong son ned and his perseverance through some pretty dark times.
enter kasey, the title character. kasey is a 6 lb monkey who is trained to help ned with daily tasks and in the process has become his best friend. i was fortunate to read an advance copy and can vouch for the raw emotion of this story, all of which is true by the way. so please help me support this family by purchasing the book and also feeling pretty inspired and lucky to be able-bodied in return.
here's how and where to purchase. the book comes out november 2nd. book clubs anyone? :)
barnes & noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Kasey-to-the-Rescue/Ellen-Rogers/e/9781401323417
amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kasey-Rescue-Remarkable-Monkey-Miracle/dp/1401323413
more info: http://kaseytotherescue.com/index.html
her father and step sister both passed away from cancer early in her life. and in 2005 her brother ned was in a car accident which changed his life, and his family's lives, forever. ned is now 27 and a quadriplegic confined to a wheel chair.
so now it's time for me to give back. facing some pretty daunting medical bills, 24 hour care fees, oh and contractor bills because they put an addition on the house so ned didn't have to live in the living room, megan's mom wrote a book about the time since ned's accident. the book is called kasey to the rescue and tells the story of her family whose life was turned upside down as a result of this injury and of her incredibly strong son ned and his perseverance through some pretty dark times.
enter kasey, the title character. kasey is a 6 lb monkey who is trained to help ned with daily tasks and in the process has become his best friend. i was fortunate to read an advance copy and can vouch for the raw emotion of this story, all of which is true by the way. so please help me support this family by purchasing the book and also feeling pretty inspired and lucky to be able-bodied in return.
here's how and where to purchase. the book comes out november 2nd. book clubs anyone? :)
barnes & noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Kasey-to-the-Rescue/Ellen-Rogers/e/9781401323417
amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kasey-Rescue-Remarkable-Monkey-Miracle/dp/1401323413
more info: http://kaseytotherescue.com/index.html
image via hyperion books
October 25, 2010
My Bad
last week i wrote about the great blissliving home bedding that i purchased but i gave credit to the wrong website. DUH! i bought it on rue la la.
aren't there so many of these types of sites now? gilt, ideeli, swirl, hautelook, okl, and the list goes on and on. i can't keep up (and i don't even try). but i am sorry, rue la la, for dissing you before.
aren't there so many of these types of sites now? gilt, ideeli, swirl, hautelook, okl, and the list goes on and on. i can't keep up (and i don't even try). but i am sorry, rue la la, for dissing you before.
October 24, 2010
Quatrefoil Mirror
this weekend we visited my parents and got to see some new decor in their house. in particular, i was excited to see the new mirror that i convinced my mother to buy. i mean, that she happily purchased all on her own.
their staircase is currently a blank canvas with a fresh coat of paint. at the top of the stairs is a perfect spot for a statement piece and i found this one on one king's lane for her (wall color is benjamin moore navajo white in case you are interested):
it came in gold and silver (we went with silver) and is a stylish piece that adds an unexpected touch to their otherwise traditional home. i love how it turned out and am so proud of mom and dad for a taking a risk! here are a few examples of the same mirror in some high-end spaces (mom, dad, how cool are you guys?).
their staircase is currently a blank canvas with a fresh coat of paint. at the top of the stairs is a perfect spot for a statement piece and i found this one on one king's lane for her (wall color is benjamin moore navajo white in case you are interested):
it came in gold and silver (we went with silver) and is a stylish piece that adds an unexpected touch to their otherwise traditional home. i love how it turned out and am so proud of mom and dad for a taking a risk! here are a few examples of the same mirror in some high-end spaces (mom, dad, how cool are you guys?).
jennifer dyer via living livelier
image via belle maison
image via house beautiful
October 21, 2010
Coat Tree
literally. i like this:
and i think it would look cute in a front entry. happy weekend everyone :)
image via z gallerie
and i think it would look cute in a front entry. happy weekend everyone :)
October 20, 2010
Coolest Bottle Ever.
have you seen, heard of, drank crystal head vodka?
how fantastic is this bottle?? i saw this in a magazine and pretty much went out the next day to get it. weird fact: the brand is owned by dan ackroyd. i am not a vodka connoisseur and really don't care what this tastes like, in fact the cap may never come off (sorry dan). i am going strictly for the design here. this is going to be displayed somewhere in my house. and not only at halloween. BOO!
how fantastic is this bottle?? i saw this in a magazine and pretty much went out the next day to get it. weird fact: the brand is owned by dan ackroyd. i am not a vodka connoisseur and really don't care what this tastes like, in fact the cap may never come off (sorry dan). i am going strictly for the design here. this is going to be displayed somewhere in my house. and not only at halloween. BOO!
October 19, 2010
Update: Dining Room Chairs
i'm really excited about today's post! earlier i wrote about the new chairs in my life and they have since undergone a transformation. i bought these chairs for their chinoiserie style but had other plans for the finish and color. just a little reminder of the "before":
first i set about determining the best way to paint these to achieve the lacquer-look i was going for. after reading some posts on other blogs and diy forums, i decided spray paint was the best option for me. i feel like i really lucked out by finding a krylon spray paint in a perfect bright green, "emerald green," with a high gloss finish. plus other necessary supplies:
i made the mistake of not buying a spray gun to start out and 3 cans of paint in and i thought my pointer finger was going to fall off. so if you're going to try something like this, get the gun! before going directly to the chairs, i tested the color out first on a piece of foam board.
glorious! next step, the chairs. some people said to sand, some people said to prime, and some people said to do both. i did neither. just being honest. and if it chips i only have myself to blame.
and now the "after":
!!! i can barely contain my excitement! i love them so :) one tip - spray paint drips so if you want to try this idea out, i'd say paint in sections and also keep the spray moving all the time. painting a desk or dresser might be easier than something like these chairs that have a lot of detail. *i may or may not have painted the driveway green during this project even with canvas down underneath. paint on the grass!
next step is to recover the boring seat cushions that they came with. stay tuned for the finished look!
image via ballard designs
first i set about determining the best way to paint these to achieve the lacquer-look i was going for. after reading some posts on other blogs and diy forums, i decided spray paint was the best option for me. i feel like i really lucked out by finding a krylon spray paint in a perfect bright green, "emerald green," with a high gloss finish. plus other necessary supplies:
i made the mistake of not buying a spray gun to start out and 3 cans of paint in and i thought my pointer finger was going to fall off. so if you're going to try something like this, get the gun! before going directly to the chairs, i tested the color out first on a piece of foam board.
glorious! next step, the chairs. some people said to sand, some people said to prime, and some people said to do both. i did neither. just being honest. and if it chips i only have myself to blame.
and now the "after":
!!! i can barely contain my excitement! i love them so :) one tip - spray paint drips so if you want to try this idea out, i'd say paint in sections and also keep the spray moving all the time. painting a desk or dresser might be easier than something like these chairs that have a lot of detail. *i may or may not have painted the driveway green during this project even with canvas down underneath. paint on the grass!
next step is to recover the boring seat cushions that they came with. stay tuned for the finished look!
October 18, 2010
The Men's Khaki
since i found myself a great pair of khakis, i thought i'd try to do the same for mr. r. recently i purchased him a pair of bonobos. the company has an interesting, keepin-it-real, kind of vibe mixed with a sense of humor. example: the customer service reps are called ninjas.
so after some hemming and hawing, i decided to surprise my wonderful husband with a pair - the graham slackers - they all have clever names.
so full disclosure here - if you click on the link you will see that they are a bit pricey, $88, for a pair of khakis. however it's free shipping to and fro so if they suck, no buyers' remorse. plus they have cool contrast linings in the pockets and waistband.
they arrived about 5 minutes after ordering. well maybe two days but still. and when they were tried on, they received comments such as "these are really comfortable." this is considered high praise from a non-shopper husband. so i'd say they are a hit! so much so that a second pair was ordered in navy. oh and i'd say they fit true to size.
i continued to do some further looking around on the site and saw that they also carry other brands like jack spade which is when i saw him:
why, hello, i'm meredith. nice to meet you. so if you would like to try these pants for yourself or a man in your life, use this link: http://www.bonobos.com/invite/zakattak213498.
so after some hemming and hawing, i decided to surprise my wonderful husband with a pair - the graham slackers - they all have clever names.
so full disclosure here - if you click on the link you will see that they are a bit pricey, $88, for a pair of khakis. however it's free shipping to and fro so if they suck, no buyers' remorse. plus they have cool contrast linings in the pockets and waistband.
they arrived about 5 minutes after ordering. well maybe two days but still. and when they were tried on, they received comments such as "these are really comfortable." this is considered high praise from a non-shopper husband. so i'd say they are a hit! so much so that a second pair was ordered in navy. oh and i'd say they fit true to size.
i continued to do some further looking around on the site and saw that they also carry other brands like jack spade which is when i saw him:
all images via bonobos.com
why, hello, i'm meredith. nice to meet you. so if you would like to try these pants for yourself or a man in your life, use this link: http://www.bonobos.com/invite/zakattak213498.
On A High
i am high right now - naturally of course - a shopping high. i bought this duvet set (cover and sham) for $69 on one kings lane!!!
it retails for $229 regularly for the twin. i have two twin beds in a spare bedroom that, granted, are not used, but are clad in a much-loved but also much-worn laura ashley print that probably dates back to circa 1995. dark green with purple flowers...ringing a bell? but the best part is that i can keep the laura ashley comforters and slip these new duvet covers over top!
i also liked the idea of mixing a floral print with the geometric trellis pattern (as shown in the picture) but the pillow was not on okl and i couldn't stomach paying full price for it. two actually. so although i have never been a purveyor of pottery barn teen, it occurred to me that they might have just what i was looking for. et voila:
18" square, perfect size, on sale for $15 each PLUS free shipping. and even has cute pom-pom trim. i'll keep you posted on the final product. have you found any great deals lately?
image via blissliving home
it retails for $229 regularly for the twin. i have two twin beds in a spare bedroom that, granted, are not used, but are clad in a much-loved but also much-worn laura ashley print that probably dates back to circa 1995. dark green with purple flowers...ringing a bell? but the best part is that i can keep the laura ashley comforters and slip these new duvet covers over top!
i also liked the idea of mixing a floral print with the geometric trellis pattern (as shown in the picture) but the pillow was not on okl and i couldn't stomach paying full price for it. two actually. so although i have never been a purveyor of pottery barn teen, it occurred to me that they might have just what i was looking for. et voila:
18" square, perfect size, on sale for $15 each PLUS free shipping. and even has cute pom-pom trim. i'll keep you posted on the final product. have you found any great deals lately?
October 14, 2010
Designer: Palmer Weiss
there are many, many interior designers whose work i admire, but not all of them would be my choice if i could hire someone to do my own house. know what i mean? however palmer weiss is one designer who i would blindly follow and who would have carte blanche. even her website feels like me.
i feel her style is timeless and modern mixed with a bit of prep that is pretty much perfect. here are a few examples of her stunning work:
i feel her style is timeless and modern mixed with a bit of prep that is pretty much perfect. here are a few examples of her stunning work:
recognize this chair?? :)
all images via palmer weiss interior design
if this doesn't make one want to redo a room in one's house, i don't know what will!!
October 13, 2010
Current Obsession: Clover Chair
i like chairs. some people like coffee, i like chairs. on my mind right now is the clover chair, seen here from mecox gardens:
given the unfortunate price, this chair is going to stay on my mind and not in my home. however, i can always dream of some day :)
given the unfortunate price, this chair is going to stay on my mind and not in my home. however, i can always dream of some day :)
image via decorpad
just a glimpse:
image via plum interiors
scanned picture from cape cod home magazine:
October 12, 2010
Inspiration: Navy Walls
so as you may know, i am into navy walls and plan to have them in my house soon! i've come across several rooms with this look so i thought i'd share in hopes that they inspire you :)
t. keller donovan:
meg braff:
lacquered navy, YUM:
more glossiness from miles redd:
mary macdonald:
just a bit:
t. keller donovan:
images via house beautiful
meg braff:
lacquered navy, YUM:
image via decorpad
more glossiness from miles redd:
mary macdonald:
image via tobi fairley
just a bit:
image via veranda
would you do navy?
October 11, 2010
A Khaki Pant
i have found them. after a year or more of searching for the right pair of khaki pants, i have finally found them. that may sound like a ridiculous exaggeration, but it's true. the banana republic weekend chino:
they are not too tight nor too baggy. not too short or too long (i went with the 31" inseam). not too expensive but not cheapo. they can be washed and dried (*disclaimer: i would go up a size if you are between two sizes and plan to dry them - they shrink). and the best part is they have the tiniest bit of stretch. can i get a HALLELUJAH!
p.s. has anyone else noticed the amount of sales and random 30% off emails that banana is having lately? do you think they're not doing well? i got these pants for $40 with one of their coupons.
they are not too tight nor too baggy. not too short or too long (i went with the 31" inseam). not too expensive but not cheapo. they can be washed and dried (*disclaimer: i would go up a size if you are between two sizes and plan to dry them - they shrink). and the best part is they have the tiniest bit of stretch. can i get a HALLELUJAH!
p.s. has anyone else noticed the amount of sales and random 30% off emails that banana is having lately? do you think they're not doing well? i got these pants for $40 with one of their coupons.
October 8, 2010
October 7, 2010
5 Fave Products
i am no beauty product maven. my daily make up routine lasts maybe 7 minutes. however, there are a few products out there that i think are really great so i thought i'd share (even if they're old news by now!).
1. bare escentuals flawless definition mascara. i'm a bit of a mascara freak, it's the one product i don't want to leave the house without applying. most people would choose diorshow but i am hooked on this one. it doesn't clump, no matter how many coats you layer on, and it washes off easily.
2. nars blush. i own two, oasis and orgasm. i have yet to find a blush that comes in better colors (or better names).
3. la mer lip balm. yes, this is essentially $45 chapstick but it's well worth it. typically i stay away from brands like these, but living in the arctic north causes some major chapped lips. embarrassing fact: i apply it by putting my lips directly into the container. i'm not wasting $45 on my index finger.
4. bare escentuals foundation. if there was ever a make up that didn't feel like you were wearing make up, this is it. the more you apply, the more coverage you get.
5. tweezerman tweezers. so these cost a little more than drugstore tweezers, but again, they're worth it. and you can have them sharpened for free for life.
and if you have money to burn, you can even buy the bedazzled version with case from j crew for a cool $100:
so, what are you favorite products?
1. bare escentuals flawless definition mascara. i'm a bit of a mascara freak, it's the one product i don't want to leave the house without applying. most people would choose diorshow but i am hooked on this one. it doesn't clump, no matter how many coats you layer on, and it washes off easily.
image via sephora
2. nars blush. i own two, oasis and orgasm. i have yet to find a blush that comes in better colors (or better names).
image via sephora
3. la mer lip balm. yes, this is essentially $45 chapstick but it's well worth it. typically i stay away from brands like these, but living in the arctic north causes some major chapped lips. embarrassing fact: i apply it by putting my lips directly into the container. i'm not wasting $45 on my index finger.
image via la mer
4. bare escentuals foundation. if there was ever a make up that didn't feel like you were wearing make up, this is it. the more you apply, the more coverage you get.
image via bare escentuals
5. tweezerman tweezers. so these cost a little more than drugstore tweezers, but again, they're worth it. and you can have them sharpened for free for life.
image via tweezerman
and if you have money to burn, you can even buy the bedazzled version with case from j crew for a cool $100:
so, what are you favorite products?
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