crazy with color

Maybe because I'm in the midst of planning a first birthday party.. can you believe what trouble we parents go to in order to plan a birthday party our kids will NEVER remember?!?  I just want to be surrounded by vibrant hues. Pinks and oranges are a favorite (good thing we had a girl), but I love my little red head in lavender.. a color that was never really a top pick of mine.

I swear I just use our boppy for staging pictures.  The stripes make the perfect backdrop..

Perhaps it was my inspiration.. a sneak peek of Eliza's invitations..

Typical of a designer, I couldn't find any that I loved so I opted to design my own.

Picked up this amazing pad of paper at TJ Maxx earlier this week.  Did I need it?  Of course not, but who wouldn't want to get a hand written note on a piece of this?

So you can imagine my excitement when Dash & Albert sent out an email blast announcing their new collection of poufs (and woufs).

I'm just not so sure how I could possibly settle on just one color.  Maybe I'll hold out until they introduce a multiple color stripe.

You'd think with a crazy mother like me Eliza would reject all vibrant tones and become a black-and-white-kind-of girl.  I'm sure that will happen eventually, but for the time being, she embraces what I embrace (please ignore the un-made bed)..

Eliza with her favorite "worm."  I was so worried we'd lose it, a few weeks ago, we walked into town and got her a couple of back-ups, just in case..

G. Willikers just might be our favorite new store.  If decorating doesn't work out she may have a future in snake-charming..

spring forward

I'm an absolute snow lover so, not surprisingly, the last two winters have been a huge disappointment for me.

This is us on our first snow adventure of the year..

Eliza's not amused.. but after a successful afternoon of snowshoeing, Ben declared that we were going to go "every weekend for the rest of the season!"  I can count the number of times we went on one hand.

Can I just add that when Ben and I moved up north my entire family thought I'd lost my mind.  My sister would wear flip flops year-round if she could- a snowy climate is total torture for her.  So how ironic that my parents reside in Milford and Hamden Connecticut (aka the towns with the BIGGEST snowfall on the east coast during storm Nemo- over 36") and we got a measly 6"- if that.

But even with the lack of snow this season, I'm now onto spring.  It is March after all.  So yes, I was a little annoyed to wake up to a "storm" this morning.  I'm ready to put my un-worn snow boots away and resume our daily walks into town again.  Eliza has cabin fever, sleeps better when she gets fresh air and I'm tired.  My rule is that we don't go for walks unless it's in the low 40s, so Sunday will be a real treat for us.. I may wear shorts.

Anyway, I'm thinking this spring inspired decor may help coax Mother Nature to save the rest of the snow for next season.  Is it too much to ask for a couple real whoppers next year?!?

I'm loving color, some florals and a ton of light..

Carleton Varney

Suzanne Kasler

Kate Ridder

Charlotte Moss

Marjorie Gubelmann's apartment

Incorporate a little spring into our decor with great pattern, pops of color and lots of fresh flowers!

houzz advice

Eliza has learned how to nap.. actually, the truth is, I've learned how to let her stay in her crib when she briefly wakes up, allowing her to fall back to sleep.  A decent nap (anything longer than her usual 20 minute cat nap) makes for a happier baby and a mama who has time to do a little more than just answer a few work emails..

So with this extra time on my hands, I thought I'd write a little bit about Houzz- my experience with it, what's great and not so great about it and when it can be a little overwhelming.

All the rage right now, Houzz is a website that designers, architects, builders and homeowners can publish their work on.  Forever designers, builders and architects have been using other's work as "inspiration."  Years ago, when I started in the business, inspiration was collected through shelter magazines (which is why I refuse to discard my magazine library), but these days, you don't have to get published in the traditional sense for your work to be acknowledged and appreciated.  Instead, you can post your own- the good, the bad and the very ugly.

my Houzz profile, a work in progress..

While this is really an incredible resource for those who are doing research and trying to find a "look" that suites them, there are lots of negatives as well.

I don't want this post to sound like I hate Houzz.. because I don't!  I think it's brilliant, in fact.. and yes, I do wish I had come up with the idea myself.  But the site needs to be used properly and I've found, over time, that that doesn't always happen- making projects with clients increasingly difficult.

When it gets confusing..
If you don't work in the industry and you've hired someone to handle your design, that professional knows what can and can't be done in the space.  Houzz offers and endless amount of fabulous ideas that not surprisingly, people often want to include in their homes.  But unfortunately every design element and detail is not interchangeable.  For instance, if you're building a cape style house, an incredibly elaborate, traditional molding just does not work in the space.. even if it looks nice on Houzz.

Love the elaborate moldings below, but they're only appropriate in certain settings..

C.W. Styling from Houzz

And that incredibly creative pull-out desk.  Just because it's a great idea doesn't mean you can add it to your house.. or that you even need it.  Reasons why the fun design below wouldn't work.. 1) if you don't have a space to put it in and 2) if you have a separate office with a desk that serves the same purpose- and is even more functional.

Mary Evelyn Interiors from Houzz

There are just too many choices.  I find that lots of clients can't handle more than a couple options, so Houzz just throws them way over the edge.  I'm helping a friend with his New York City apartment and just last week when we were talking about hardware he said "don't you wish there were only one or two options to choose from?" My response.. Definitely not, I'd be out of business if that were the case!  But I am here to edit for you, narrow down the options, tell you what will work and what should not be considered.  So when someone who isn't working with a designer types in "white bathroom tile" and hundreds of thousands of pictures come up with tens of thousands of bathrooms that you think you like.. then what?

Just two of the many, many options..

Clay Squared to Infinity from Houzz

Lauren Robin Architecture from Houzz

Welch Forsman Associates from Houzz

But when it works it's wonderful!
I don't want to end this post on a negative note, so a quick story of how Houzz has helped..
Recently I was working on a master bedroom with a client and when we met for our initial meeting in her space, we discussed colors.  We agreed on a really nice, neutral color palate that I've used in bedrooms before, mostly because it's warm, soothing and safe.  But before I started looking into furnishings and fabrics, I asked her to send me some images of bedrooms she likes.  So to Houzz she went and in return I received an array of blue bedrooms via email.  I'm so thankful for Houzz because without it, I would have ended up scheming a room that isn't exactly what my client resonates towards. And while she may not have noticed (she was surprised when I told her she likes the color blue) my job is to create a space that will make someone happy and put them at ease.. and sometimes clients don't know what that space looks like until I pull it together for them.

So my Houzz advice is this..
Use the site and enjoy all of the images that have been posted, but just know that even if you're building a house from the ground up, you can't incorporate every detail of every image you've ever added to your ideabook.  Each house has a specific look and feel to it and while you might resonate towards the Fifth Avenue gilded penthouse, if you live in a cabin up in the Adirondacks, you can source all the Onyx from every quarry in Brazil, for every surface in your home.  But if your house is made of logs, it just isn't going to work.

landscaping inspiration a la houzz

With spring quickly approaching I'm trying to get my act together and start plans for our exterior space. It's no secret that our yard has been neglected for quite some time- the interior was just a priority for us.  But after a muddy winter and constantly trekking back and forth between the mud room and shed, pushing stroller after stroller in muddy-terrain, I'm done.  The exterior walkways and patio are now a priority.

I have a long wish list of things I want to accomplish.  On the top of the list are walkways everywhere. To every shed- we had one but got a second as soon as we realized how much equipment babies needed, especially when you live in-town and walk everywhere.., the driveway, sidewalk, both doors.  You name it, we need a walkway to it.

Also right up there.. a really great patio.  During the warmer months we eat outside every chance we can get.  There's just something so relaxing about the fresh air.. until the dogs start their uncontrollable barking at passer-bys.. that's usually when our dinner wraps up.

And of course, we still need front steps.  Our initial "temporary" stairs are almost four years old.. time to upgrade.

We've had a pretty good idea of what we wanted done since day one- but Ben and I constantly go back and forth about the details.  When it comes to landscaping we differ in two very big ways.. I prefer manicured gardens, Ben likes things a little messy and I love landscapers, Ben insists on doing it himself.  Recently I feel like I've been telling lots of clients they have to compromise.. so we'll do the same.  It just means we actually have to sit down and hash it out..

But in the meantime I've been working on collecting some visuals for him.  The good news is Eliza's first birthday party has been scheduled and our landscaping has to be done by then.. so if Ben's do-it-yourself method is taking too long, we'll call in my landscaper..

Love the change in application, from tight installation to a more looser look..

Frank Shirley Architects from Houzz

Love the more tailored look of the rectangular stone..

 Tim Barber LTD Architecture & Interior Design from Houzz

But we'll most likely go with this more natural look..

Huestis Tucker Architects from Houzz

We're hoping to add a little deck in front- would be nice to have a place for some pots.. I like the look of this decking, though we'll have to save the porch for the next house..

Ron Brenner Architects from Houzz

adding art

I want this in my Living Room.

C. Desjardins, How to Bake a Cake

Time's running out.. It's a One Kings Lane Saatchi sale that's ending tomorrow, but I'm being a good wife and waiting for Ben's approval.

How could he not love it?  Wouldn't you want to fill your walls with these cheerful colors?!?  And the title.. it's just perfect for me!  It's a print, not too pricey, already framed..  Fine, SOLD!  I'll deal with Ben later.  

a master mess

I never truly understood how hard a mothers work was until I became one myself.  I know the struggle, I've heard it for years.. I even studied it at Skidmore.  The balance between work and family.

Work
Running a business, getting back to clients, making sure everyone gets what they need in a timely manner.  Answering emails, scheming in my mind (usually in the shower or when I'm supposed to be sleeping).

Family
Making sure everyone's fed and dressed (in clean clothes).  Keeping the house clean- even though Ben makes fun of me and insists no one else cleans like I do.  By the time I'm done vacuuming, I have to clean the bathrooms again.. as my sister Dena says, "such is life."

But then there's the grey area.. work for family?  I'm still seriously struggling with furnishing our home, pulling it all together before we decide to sell.  No, we aren't listing it tomorrow, or even the day after, but last weekend I started to feel the urge to move on.  Could it be that we doubled the size of our house only 8 months ago and that it's already too small?  So while I start thinking up our next move in my head, I'm trying to tie up the loose ends that have been hanging over me for some time..

Furnishing our bedroom.. I will never again leave the master bedroom for last.  This should be a lesson to all- your bedroom is one of, if not THE most important room in your house.  Don't forget that.  Yes, the living area is essential, but waking up to a room of mis-matched furniture and no rug (I'm ashamed to admit it) guarantees a rough, unruly start to your day.  On my list of inspiration..

Bernhardt

Yes it's actually a console (and a little over budget), but oh how I'd do anything for bedside tables in this exact design.  Even though I refuse to move on without getting a proper quote, I know the chances of having these made at a reasonable price are slim to none.. the brass detail is going to throw them way over budget.  So instead, I might "settle" on these..  Which are, by the way, still so lovely..

Worlds Away

Lighting is a big issue in our bedroom.. as in we don't have any.  That's not entirely true, we have recessed lights which have been great (our four poster bed makes it a little difficult for a proper chandelier).  But when it comes to nighttime reading, the single bedside lamp on my side is a little challenging.. especially since I've been exhausted lately and haven't been the one reading.  Basically our nightly routine is me checking email until Ben's done so that I don't lie down, get too comfortable and then have to move to turn off the light.. which is exactly what happened last night.  Of course I was nearly asleep, had to get up, switch off the light and by the time I was done, Ben was snoring and I was wide awake.. figures.  Anyway, the lamps I choose are really dependent on the bedside tables, but I'm thinking of either using our Alabaster lamps from the Living Room or getting something like these in burnished brass..

Circa Lighting

The perfect alternative to bedside sconces.  Not too big and totally functional.

Of course I had my art figured out, but after I hung it, I changed my mind.. (same with my drapes, by the way).  So now I'm feeling inspired by Jessika Goranson's apartment in the January/February issue of Lonny.  Loving the smaller, gold frames flanking the fireplace.

The only problem is, I'd love to hang my own, original watercolors this way.  Which means not only do I need to frame lots of different pieces, but I actually have to paint them first!!

And for the rug, I want to go simple, simple.  White wool, preferably though I'm sure I'll regret it with two dogs sharing our bedroom.  These days they no longer sleep in our bed, so I'm a little nervous about banishing them to a creamy colored surface that can't just be thrown into the washing machine..  But as per my usual, I most likely won't sacrifice the look because I'm scared of how we're going to live in it..

The Perfect Rug

Henry has a  new habit of "marking" everything, but that's another post.  Though I will say, if you have dogs and are having a baby, email me.  I'm happy to share all of the lovely things that dogs do to punish their parents.

Time to do some real work.. like the kind that makes me money instead of the kind that makes me spend it..

for the library

As promised.. a little post about the books I've been eyeing.  All of which will definitely be added to my library about 7-10 business days after I confirm and place my order.

The December/January issue of House Beautiful had a great list of all of the most recently published design books.  To be honest, I don't want all of them, but not surprisingly two out of three of the books on my radar made the cut.  And these are them..

Steven Gambrel's Time and Place

When I was going through my list with Ben yesterday (one of the perks of working in the same industry), I admitted, perhaps for the first time, that Steven Gambrel is my favorite.  If I had to pick one, it would be him.  I love his work, it's elegant, layered and his hardware selections are literally to-die-for  (and I never say that about anything).  His work has a vintage-inspired, modern feel to it- everything I love.  So obviously, his book, good or bad, is one that I must have!  My only request of him is that his next book be only that of kitchens.  I have no doubt that the mediocre pasta dish I made on Saturday night would have actually gotten Ben's approval if I had made it in here..

Steven Gambrel

The baby isn't the only one drooling around here at the moment.

Miles Redd's The Big Book of Chic

It is pretty chic, and it's out today- how do I know?  You ask.  Well, it's been on my calendar for months.  That's how badly I want this book.  And yes, I love Miles Redd's stuff too- mostly for the drama he creates.  You can tell he isn't scared to do anything with his interiors.  His work is unique and it's super fun, but it certainly isn't for everyone..  Either way, whether you like it or not, you can't deny that he definitely has a way with color, texture and lighting. This is his Living Room after all..

Miles Redd

And speaking of Miles Redd.. the last book is that of none other than, Gil Shafer.  An architect that Redd collaborates with frequently.  Perhaps you've seen this before..

The restored facade of Miles Redd's townhouse, designed by Gil Shafer.

Gil Shafer's The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now

Gil Shafer's work is absolutely traditional for now.  The overall look and feel of his homes are like they've been around forever.. but they have the modern conveniences of everyday life as we know it today.  Usually I'm not all that traditional myself, but I would happily live in the horse farm he designed upstate- and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of his book so that I can dive right in to more of his work.

Gil Shafer