VACATION.

My Maple turned 30 last week, and we were fortunate enough to celebrate such a momentous occasion at our favorite house in the world, and with a handful of our dearest, most amazing friends. It was the trip of a lifetime, and it could not have been any more perfect. And perhaps the highlight of the entire occasion?  Bahamian 80's Day. Yes--for Corey's birthday--we surprised him by appearing for breakfast decked out in 80s garb. And then we hit the beach in...you guessed it...80s swimsuits. And then we had an 80s outfit change for lunch. And of course the night cap was our 80s dinner attire. It was nothing short of amazing. And if TSA had ransacked my suitcase they would've have been wildly confused by its contents. But it was hilarious, and perfect...and, as Maple so eloquently put it...the very best day of his life. Success!

Do you spy the unfathomable interiors work of the Tom Scheerer? He decorated the club at Lyford Cay in Nassau, and each time I visit I find new and noteworthy design elements to drool over.

And, do you spy some amazing 80s attire? If you look closely enough, you may just catch the glimmer of some relatively famous gold shorts...

HAPPY THURSDAY.

TOM SCHEERER DECORATES.

Every designer has their icons. While my list is swimming with an intimidating amount of interior talent, there's one name in particular who continually astounds me: the Tom Scheerer. The number of glossy pages he's adorned is unfathomable--he's certainly favored by shelter pub editors. And, for really good reason: though highly sophisticated, unexpected, and somewhat whimsical, Scheerer's interiors are entirely approachable, and laden with timeless appeal. He's mastered the art of mixing the high with even the lowest of low (and how refreshing to know he reveres certain pieces for their character...not just their namesakes or price tags!). And, Scheerer has the innate ability to envelope a room in warmth, interest...and ease.

Remember the post I did on Scheerer's design of the Lyford Cay country club? It's beyond amazing. I can vouch. I always look forward to my return, as there are always new details to uncover. New brilliance to experience. Perhaps my favorite meal of all time was had beneath the whimsical pink and white cabana-striped canopy, simply because of the magical ambiance of my surroundings. And, Scheerer doesn't spare on the use of one of my most-coveted fabrics: fiddle leaf fig, by Peter Dunham.

Being that I'm so very fond of Tom and his design brilliance, you can imagine my excitement when I learned of his newest coffee table read: Tom Scheerer Decorates, by Mimi Read (which now proudly sits on the very top of my towering stack of design books). 

It's stunning (and that doesn't even begin to describe it). Never before have I owned such a page-turner of a coffee table book. Never before have I incredulously studied every single photograph...and every single caption (loaded with interesting tidbits pertaining to the why's of his designs, and even resources). Never have I witnessed a design book in which each page is just as exciting (if not more) than the last. Never have I been so stirred and inspired by a decorator! Seriously, people. Tom Scheerer is an icon. And perhaps the biggest in my book. Classic Americana, with the most brilliant, authentic, approachable, luxurious twist. I needed this book. And so do you, my friends:

(p.s. Ricardo totally agrees. Can you tell?)

 (Ricardo's favorite kitchen)

...And that's just the tiniest glimpse into this beautifully contrived book, and Scheerer's uber-impressive (and stunning) portfolio.

Tom Scheerer Decorates, by Mimi Read. 

HAPPY MONDAY.

PORTFOLIO ENVY: TOM SCHEERER

I'm gearing up for a June rendezvous to Lyford Cay, where I first discovered the impeccable interior design of Tom Scheerer. There's nothing in the world like the Bahamian oasis he created: it's classic, yet enthralling, and makes you feel as if you're sipping the finest rum cocktail with the finest of people in a juicy, Caribbean-esque episode of Mad Men. And isn't that we all want on vacation, complete with the most divine little yellow and white striped beachside cabanas? Well done, Tommy S...well done:

A peek at Tom's Lyford Cay Club design:

 I mean, do you see that peach and white tented patio? Perfection.

And, my (so hard to choose) favorite snippets from the rest of his uber impressive portfolio:

There you are again, Peter Dunham Fig Leaf.

The fact that I can't afford you haunts me.

 Perfect mix of woods. Perfectly perfect tile. 

Yes, Tom, I think you are perfect.

 So this photo came from pinterest... 

Oops, not enough time in the day to correct. :)

Giant plant in the shower? Of course! 

 Very much my dream house...and yes...my dream house is a cottage.

Double points for being located on a 'hilltop in the Bahamas.' SOLD.

Stunning / casual / refined / eclectic / elegant simplicity, no?

I love you Tom S., I really do.
Well, your portfolio, at least.
And all that inspired, interior eye candy it boasts.

HAPPY FRIDAY, Y'ALL.