Dream Designer: Timothy Whealon

Granted, summer holidays are nearing an end, but I couldn't help "re-admiring" this Hamptons getaway from New York decorator Timothy Whelon featured in Elle Decor a while back....  perhaps because I recognize so many of my favorite elements in the design:

cedar shakes and white hydrangeas - check.

a mix of modern and vintage elements - check.

a simple, bright white kitchen - check.

a rectangular shaped pool surrounded by lovely lawn and privet hedge - check.

a charming pool house/studio/guest house - why not?

banded roman shades and a splash of red - check.

a simple, bright white bathroom - ditto to kitchen..... with dark wood floors

and the "piece de resistance"......navy grasscloth wallpaper - triple check!!!

My pre-occupation with this classic color continues..... :)

Swiss Interiors: Our TV Room

Well, I started out proclaiming that I was absolutely NOT going to fuss with decorating our home in Switzerland...... that I didn't care what it looked like and that I wasn't going to even fuss with shipping artwork or anything other than the basics.  But, I lied.

I can't seem to help myself.  Actually, I've discovered a newfound excitement and freedom with decorating this place that I don't have with my "forever" house here.  I'm paralyzed with making any decision for my home here for fear of making a mistake and wasting a lot of money.  But my mentality seems to have morphed into a....... it's three years and I don't have to bring it back if I don't want to point of view for over there.....and let me tell you...... that's much more fun.

So...... welcome to my laboratory.  Here's the big catch...... I'm going low, low budget folks.... no designer fabrics or dove-tailed corners.  I'm getting schooled in IKEA and I may even be forced to attempt another craft or two. :)

Entry #1:  TV Room

I hit the Ballard outlet and IKEA yesterday and picked up the goods below.  I know I'm shamelessly boring predictable with the classic navy, cream and gold palette.....but don't all of the designers say to decorate with what you love?!?  Anyhow, I purchased some super inexpensive patterned and velvet pillow covers and inserts to use on my neutral sofa and slipcovered chairs that will go in that room.  I've had the trim sitting around my house for ages and I think it will make a great addition to the inexpensive drapes I picked up as well.  Next up, I need to find a rug.  What I'd really like is a Dash & Albert stripe but it's off to Overstock I go......  stay tuned.

Have a great weekend......whether it be with a mint julep or a big bowl of chips & salsa!

Interiors: Navy

My love for the classics in clothing carries over to interiors as well.  I especially love what I've been seeing with the color navy.  It's ultra versatile in that it is neither masculine or feminine and can read  prep-school or sophisticate depending on how it's used with other colors.  And, as with a well-worn navy and white striped tee, I imagine it would only become more comforting and appealing the longer one lives with it.

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