Black & Blue...

Normally, I would use those words to describe my two youngest girls' bruises on their legs following a week of playing hard at school recess….

… but today I'm referring to a much happier sighting that has stuck with me since this visit; where I happened upon a centuries old library decked out in beautiful built-in bookcases painted in high laquer black and adorned with all variety of shapes and sizes of blue & white ginger jars…. creating a stunning effect.  Sadly, I wasn't allowed to take a photo but, no worries, the impression will be permanently engraved on my brain.  It goes a little something like this…

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Now, ya'll know that I'm an all-white girl when it comes to decor; but I've always had an affinity for black painted furniture and blue and white accents… I've just never appreciated the magic they can work together…. until now...

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Dreaming up a dramatic pairing for my powder room back home…

Sweet Dreams….

… There's nothing like a few grey, cold days or a bout of feeling under the weather to make one appreciate a comfortable bed to cuddle up in…

As a lover of Sunday afternoon naps and a full 8 (or 9 :)) hours of quality night-time sleep…. my recipe for success includes a good mattress; a selection of pillows (flat, oversized, squishy); white bedding (I'm obsessed); a cozy throw at the end of the bed; and clean sheets once a week…

Our current master bedroom in Switzerland is clad in neutrals but I'm loving these gorgeous blue inspirations...

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…perhaps they would induce dreams of floating in a swimming pool or lounging in the sand by warm ocean waters year 'round. :)

Meet me in the Lodge...

There was so much wonderful visual stimulation in London last weekend between Selfridge's glamorous arcade; Liberty's extravagant windows; and the thousands of lights setting the streets aglow; but my absolute favorite inspiration was the Fortnum & Mason pop-up Lodge cafe at Somerset House…. simple, yet…. oh, so inviting with bowls of clementines and walnuts waiting to be cracked; offerings of mulled cider and fondue to warm you up from the cold (with pieces of bread served up in one of those great little 'hampers' I was lusting after); and charming decorations creating the coziest of settings….

… if you had given us some books or a board game the girls and I may have spent the day there!  Good news is we might get the chance as I'm on a mission to replicate these easy ideas at home… with a roaring fire, comfy throws and a 'pajamas preferred' dress code to boot. :)

Anything inspiring you lately?

Holiday Decor: Chalet Style

Well, based on this week's weather; it looks like a lot of folks are in for another cold and snowy winter!  …. which hopefully means lots of cozying up indoors by a fire; drinking hot cocoa.  Here are a few of my picks for making your home feel a little more like a warm, inviting chalet this holiday season… 

boxwood wreath, striped stocking, tree basket, buffalo check mug, ornament, moravian star light, leopard faux fur throw; St. Moritz print, striped candles, coasters, table runner, wrapping paper, tartan pillow, tinsel

… now, here's to trying to keep all the "bah-humbugging' at Old Man Winter to a minimum. :)

Check it Out...

There are some things in life that I simply never tire of…… hearing children laugh; the aforementioned Aperol Spritz;  clean white sheets; a good book; candlelight; holding my guy's arm as we walk; wedding cake; (ok, the list goes on and on)….. 

…. but definitely making that list is a black and white buffalo check….

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always a visual delight in fashion and decor; it has a classic, sophisticated yet homey vibe that I love…

Anything catching your eye lately?

Christmas Decor: Tartan

Sorry!…. I know Halloween isn't even until tomorrow…. but even here in Switzerland; IKEA and the smattering of home stores have been bedecked in Christmas decor this week…. and while I'm certainly not trying to rush through Fall;  I must admit that seeing it all gets me a little excited.

When it comes to holiday decorating; tartans are definitely my love language….. fabrics, wrapping paper, ribbons, throws and of course, dinnerware.  Spotted these beauties on One Kings Lane today…..

I've been slowly adding to my collection over the years (well-done classic patterns are surprisingly hard to find)… and love the cozy atmosphere that mixing and matching them with worn leathers, solid throws and Christmas greens creates….  

Is it too early to start listening to Christmas music? :)

Seeing red….

… in a very good way….

Domaine Home

Red is the great clarifier - bright and revealing. I can't imagine becoming bored with red - it would be like becoming bored with the person you love.

Diana Vreeland

I tend to agree….

Make room for me….

This was the scene at my house yesterday; all the girls huddled up on the sofa every which way resembling monkeys in a tree…. and, while we are definitely a family that favors cuddling up and togetherness…. this was a little bit of a wake-up call that as the girls are getting bigger; it's probably time to think about investing in pieces that give them room to spread out a bit… I absolutely adore the set-up below which delivers comfort with lots of sofa space; yet still manages to retain the cozy atmosphere that I crave...

source

… and don't even get me started on those bookcases…. now that's no monkey business! :)

Light 'er up!

Last night my guy built a fire for the first time this season and I was instantly reminded of what a treat it is to dine with family and friends; not only by candlelight but accompanied by the warmth and glow of a fire.

Originally, when space constraints required us to put our dining area by the fireplace at our rental home here in Switzerland; I was bummed.   But it didn't take me long to learn to love it; away from the TV and other distractions; a fire has a way of encouraging folks to slow down a bit and linger at the table; be it to share a meal, play a board game or do homework…

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I wouldn't mind sharing a cup of coffee with one or two of you in this lovely space… :)

Beauty at Home...

Over the weekend, I was able to steal away a couple of hours to read "Beauty at Home" by one of my favorites... Aerin Lauder...

In addition to all of the beautiful images of her homes and office was a very endearing glimpse of her life in her own words..... capturing a refreshing down to earth style and love of all things family.  I was especially charmed by her sentimentalism in filling her breakfast nook with her children's art and preserving sweet objects in acrylic boxes.... an idea I plan on incorporating in my home asap.  Found some good box options here....

Interiors....

With temps predicted to reach the high 80s this weekend; I'm craving LESS..... simple sundresses and flip flops, no fuss meals of fresh fruits and vegetables and ultra-clean, bright, comfortable interiors.  The uncluttered, light and soothing spaces of this home hit the mark perfectly...

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Source:  Wettling Architects

... oh, the delight in jumping in a crisp white bed for the simple pleasure of a late afternoon nap on a hot summer day...

Lighting Love...

Over the weekend, I came across this light fixture and immediately fell in love...

It's a great statement making piece in one of my favorite color combinations....

I can picture it perfectly in one of my girls' bedrooms paired with white furniture and a dash of orange... a little something like this...

art/bedding/fabric/ottoman

Pink/Orange/Red bliss!

Room Crush...

.... it's not like I needed another reason to love Amanda Peet; but did ya'll see this pic of her home on Domaine yesterday?

There's so much to love about this room.... the abundance of colors (navy, pink and stripes at that!) against the bright white backdrop and almost black floors; the eclectic mix of furniture styles and fabrics; books!; beautiful sight lines and a dash of whimsy.... this room just reads comfortable and "happy" and makes me want to sit down and stay a while..... the ultimate achievement in interior design in my book!

Trunk Show....

I have a great memory of strolling thru the Paris Flea/Antiques market last Spring with a friend and stumbling upon a shop selling vintage Louis Vuitton trunks.  I was mesmerized; not by the Louis Vuitton logo as much as the initials engraved on them and/or their multi-colored stripes and interesting linings.  It sent my mind wondering as to the personalities, heritage and travels of their previous owners... oh the stories they could tell....

Now, given the fact that I definitely don't employ a porter; boat travel isn't what it used to be;  and there have been huge strides in the travel industry (aka soft sided luggage with wheels);  I will never create memories with a trunk my own.  So.... that leaves me with the next best thing... finding a vintage one to use as furniture in my home...

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... and just letting my imagination have its way.... :)

Map it Out...

With the crazy Winter weather that has been plaguing parts of the world; I think a lot of folks have developed a case of wanderlust; myself included.  It's fun to look at a map or twirl a globe around and dream of the possibilities....

I love maps as artwork in a home.  Like books, they can hint at a homeowner's heritage and passions.  One of my favorite "going away" gifts when we moved is a vintage framed print of Switzerland that some girlfriends gave me.  I fully expect it will one day make its way into one of my girls' homes as a precious memento of our time spent here.  Since then, I've also added this fabric rendition (with hearts embroidered in Kentucky & Geneva).   But, now, I'm longing to add another map on a slightly grander scale.  Something along these lines would be nice...

LOVE!

Thomas O'Brien can do no wrong!

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 Ofcourse, the sentimentalist (and navy lover) in me has my eye on this one that you can place pins in to show the places you've been and where you want to go .... 

 I wouldn't happen to mind if my first pin came from here....

Dreaming of a getaway?