19 December 2013

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.


04 December 2013

LATELY.

So, it's been a while since I've given you a lately. Perhaps it's because life hasn't been super exciting as-of-late, which, quite frankly, has been...nice. I'm a person who needs to stay busy, but I also relish (and pretty much live for) those fleeting moments in time when you can simply relax...put your feet up...and enjoy where you are in your life...the people who are in it...and all that you've worked so hard for. So here's a little glimpse into my relatively quiet lately.


Escapades through greenhouses have been quite frequent as we, at the studio, have been wrapping up and styling design projects.


Lots of time has been spent drinking espresso + relishing my harlequin kitchen floors.


And...lots of time has been spent kissing these nephew cheeks, and those of my six little nieceys.


A vintage inlay desk with brass hardware, and one of my highly coveted Panton chairs (I finally got my hands on originals as they are somewhat of an oddity to other Kentuckians...aka...not ornately carved mahogany upholstered with...horses) found their way into a cozy corner of our bedroom.


I painted. It required me being alone with my wine, and this tail that kept thinking it was highly involved in the artistry. I can't say it turned out well, but I think I needed that creative freedom.


It snowed. Far too early in the season, but it was oh-so-pretty.


The most gorgeous bevy of Aerin candles arrived at my doorstep, from the most generous Howard Slatkin, who I hope to have the good fortune of actually meeting someday. He is brilliant...his work is exquisite...and his kindness unfathomable. 


And design happenings in the studio have been accompanied by their creative counterpart...coffee.

All in all, my lately has been so incredibly good.
Hope the same rings true for yours.

HAPPY WEDNESDAY.





23 November 2013

WEEKEND READING | STAIRCASES.

It's Saturday, and I am so glad. Despite the fact that I have been relegated to bed with a pretty terrible cold (ugh...haven't been sick in years...perhaps that's why this feels so awful?), I'm taking full advantage of the leisure time. It doesn't happen too terribly often, but there's nothing I love more than curling up with coffee (and inevitably the dog, who always finds her way into my lap) and a gorgeous coffee table book. More and more I'm finding myself drawn to the idea of totally unplugging, and getting real with paper and ink...some quiet time...and the inevitably inspiring pages that abound.

So, enter Staircases, The Architecture of Ascent. I have to say, I am usually entranced by color, pattern, and loud interiors that scream innovative design, but there is something so quietly inspiring in this book of architectural splendor:








The perfect example of form melded with function, staircases are born from an engineered need: they amplify usable space by providing a physical platform that allows spaces to seamlessly combine. And how often do these logical needs remain just that? Strictly functional--void of any additional thought, character, or designed innovation. So, not only is Staircases brimming with stunning and forward-thinking architectural design (which is inspiring in and of itself), but it nearly serves a higher purpose--one of hope. Yes, I think it gives hope that the everyday doesn't have to be normal, or mundane, but intentional thought and creativity can transform normalcy, and logistical need, into something extraordinary.

Alright, so how's that for a deep review? And aren't those photographs profound? Perhaps it's the cold medicine speaking, but truly, I'm finding myself inspired and enamored with the lyrical Staircases, and thought it worth a share. :)

So happy weekend, y'all. Whether you're feeling under the weather, or wiped out from an inevitably busy week, I hope you find some time to enjoy where you are...and who you're with...and whatever you're in the midst of doing.

HAPPY WEEKEND.


12 November 2013

PROGRESS | MY COTTAGE KITCHEN.



The above photo is undeniable proof that things have slowly but surely been happening in our little downtown abode. As many of you already know, Maple and I bought a little historic cottage in an artsy area of Lexington that's really been on the rebound as-of-late. We purchased the building as an investment property, but decided to live in it amidst the renovation, as it certainly saves money, but also fulfills our dream of living in the heart of this amazing little city.

But as you can assuredly imagine, when you're a designer for a living, your own home often takes the back burner...or at least it feels that way...especially when you've taken up residence in a bit of an ongoing construction project. Progress has felt incredibly slow, but a nostalgic glance through those terrifying 'before photos' made me realize that we really have come quite a long way with this little cottage. So much, in fact, that I'm finally willing to show you a little tiny slice of it :)

So that brings me to the kitchen. Which, umm...hardly existed before we got our hands on this place. It was pretty close to being terrible, and the below photo doesn't even do its heinousness justice. Don't let that sink fool you. Vintage cast iron sinks can be incredibly cool to restore and utilize in a modern kitchen. This one was NOT. Nor were those cabinets, if you can call them that? Or the commercial grade CARPET. And there wasn't even a stove...so let's not forget that.


We had our work cut out for us. So we did what we do best: got our hands dirty. And although there's still some finishing projects to knock off our punch-list, I think it's fair to say we've come an incredibly long way from this nonsensical mess (above).

Our cabinets and counters have been in for awhile, but we'd prolonged the finishing of the floors, mostly because that meant moving out for a week. But it was finally time, and this past week was spent pampering that flooring (thanks to my Maple and our friend Eric, a talented architect/artist). So here's a little glimpse into the action that was had:







Perhaps I am biased, but I'm pretty in love with the end result. But maybe it's because my blood, sweat, and a few tears are in that kitchen. But it's perfect. And just what I envisioned for our historic little abode.

And yes, there are still finishing touches to wrap up: adhering the cabinetry toe-kick, painting the window casing (and getting a roman on that window), and sourcing the perfect hardware for my drawers...but good things come to those who wait. Or so my gleaming harlequin kitchen floors so kindly remind me :)

So...now it's your turn. What do you think?

HAPPY WINTER! (It snowed today?!)


06 November 2013

ARTFULLY ADMIRING: NICOLE FRANZEN.










Finding myself enamored today with the artful musings of photographer Nicole Franzen. Aren't her compositions striking? And the way she captures light is beyond me--her photos are so very tranquil, yet astounding. And perhaps we are kindred spirits, as her daily musings tend to center upon good food, good interiors, and an undeniable wanderlust. I like her...and better yet...I like her instagram. So happy following, friends! Hope you find yourselves just as inspired.

HAPPY WEDNESDAY.




04 November 2013

WISHING / HOPING / WANTING.

It's only natural that my fall/winter wishlist is a gazillion miles long. I mean, 'tis the season for all of the things that I so greatly adore: dark, sultry colors; layers and layers of soft, cozy attire; boots...booties...and more boots; leather goods; warm and welcoming interiors; and simple, chic wardrobe essentials. 

WISHING / HOPING / WANTING FOR:


A classic camel jacket / Jenni Kayne pony hair flats / CDG zip pouch / One Love Organics Chia oil / Clare Vivier key tassel / chic Italian chandelier / refined artwork / Madewell booties / Chanel Lipstick in #31 Cambon (thank you, thank you Lauren!) / Goyard tote / Calf hair belt


All-things simple. All-things sultry. All-things perfection...for fall and winter.
What about you? What does the onset of brisk weather have you wishing/hoping/wanting for?

HAPPY MONDAY.

01 November 2013

WEEKEND READING | FIFTH AVENUE STYLE.

Coffee table books: I could never have enough. They're one of those little luxuries that make me reel with excitement, and look forward to early weekend mornings. With coffee in-hand, there's nothing better (in my book) than to curl up on the sofa and delve through drool-worthy pages of iconic inspiration.

So enter Fifth Avenue Style, and its exuberant pages. Less isn't always more, especially when you're the brilliant decor-conscious mind of Howard Slatkin, interior decorator and founder of the iconic lifestyle brand Slatkin & Co. How he does it--I do not know. But, I will revel in his extravagance and soak up every bit of elegance he's woven into the design of his Manhattan abode, which has just become eye candy to us all in his stunning coffee table book.







Incredible, no? The interior is nothing, and I mean nothing, short of striking. Clever sophistication is wrought throughout. And, no detail, no matter how seemingly trivial, has been left unaccounted for--Mr. Slatkin's crown mouldings are impeccably dressed with an ornate gilded rope detailing, and even his closets have been embellished to the nth degree. And to think, this Downton-worthy Manhattan mansion was once a lifeless white box! Mr. Slatkin and his glamorous abode are seriously enchanting, and I can't wait to delve through it again...on my sofa...with coffee...during my weekend.

And, mark your calendars for tomorrow morning (November 2), as Mr. Slatkin's One Kings Lane Tastemaker Tag Sale makes its debut! His abode is brimming with such amazing one-of-a-kinds, can you even imagine his tag sale? And, rumor has it, signed copies of his Fifth Avenue Style will be available to a few lucky shoppers.

So, happy weekend!
Happy reading.
And...happy shopping.