I love summer, but there is something irresistible about those first crisp days of fall. The days get shorter and wrapping up in a cozy throw to fight off that first chill is undeniably cozy. We have bundles of them in each room (the ones that are handmade are in constant rotation) and in the trunk of our car for impromptu picnics. Here are few gorgeous neutral throws to stock up on this season:
-MC-
Kitchen Crush: Father of the Bride
If there ever was a kitchen to crush on, it would have to be the dreamy one from Father of the Bride. A classic from start to finish, this kitchen was probably the first one I ever stopped and took notice of. (And obviously it is the handiwork of Nancy Myers.) While it clearly has a 90's vibe, it is full of timeless elements that still inspire envy.
Finding great interior shots of the kitchen was a bit tricky, but the above give a glimpse into this homey kitchen full of white, cream and butcher block. Here are a few ways to incorporate a touch of this classic look into your kitchen.
Image Source: Pot Hanger, Door Topper, Butcher Block, Glass Cookie Jar, Kitchen Island, Canister Set, Kitchen Aid Mixer, Copper Pans
Eager to recreate the exact look of the Father of the Bride House? Look no further! You can actually purchase plans to create it here.
-MC-
Fireside Chic
El Nino may have tricked us into thinking about spring in December, but Blizzard Jonas has blown in to remind the East Coast what winter is all about. The wind is howling, snowflakes are frantically swirling and a couple literally just cross-country skied down our street. This winter wonderland has me dreaming of our upcoming ski trip and curling up in front of a fire. Here are a few dreamy fireplaces that are keeping me warm until then:
-MC-
Orange Crush
Have you seen the new HGTV Dream House yet? (If not, check it out here.) It is seriously dreamy! Located on Merritt Island, off the coast of Florida, this year's Dream Home completely embodies modern seaside chic with calming blues and whites peppered with nautical nods. However what I love about this house, unlike so many seaside-inspired styles, is that it's less shabby chic and more sophisticated island glam. One of my favorite rooms in the space was the tangerine guestroom. Decked out in varying juicy shades of orange, it felt cozy and upscale at the same time. Check it out:
Ready to move in, too? Here are a few easy ways to incorporate this punchy color into your home (ocean view not included):
A Holiday Magnolia Moment
This past weekend, a few girlfriends, my sister-in-law and I took part in our annual holiday tradition of seeing the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. It was spectacular - the dancing, the music - it's truly an incredible #NYCMoment. This year we caught an early show, and we continued the festivities with a celebratory high tea at the Saint Regis. The tea list was extensive and each brew was served in personal kettles along with seemingly endless treats that started savory and then turned sweet. And while the treats were scrumptious, we couldn't help feasting our eyes on the stunning decor - endless rows of magnolia leaf garlands wrapped around banisters and draped around pillars. It was serious eye candy! So simple and elegant, magnolia offers a southern belle twist on traditional holiday greenery.
Here are few ways to style it:
Happy Holiday Decorating!
-MC-
Friday Finds
This week was a short, jam-packed one - think early morning bake sessions, impromptu dinner parties and play catch-up from the holiday weekend. Here are a few things that have caught my eye this week:
- I think we all have a somewhat awkward part of our home to decorate. You know that seemingly random alcove, that almost-room that isn't quite big enough to be a true room, but isn't a closet, that tiny desk area...that can barely fit a desk. (For me, its a single built-in shelving unit with super deep shelves.) Consider your decorating nightmares solved with this.
- Don't you love when you rediscover a beauty product? Today I found an old nail polish that is the perfect pop of red, Pepperoni Red in fact. I think it's discontinued now, but Aperitif and Fishnet Stockings are also at the top of my red list.
- I really find sample sales intimidating - all these women clamoring over clothing and accessories. This week I braced myself for one at C. Wonder one. It was pretty tame (by sample sale standards, and I was able to pick up a few holiday prep gifts. (They are coming up before you know it!) Stock up on a few little things (like these) for upcoming get-togethers.
- These dreamy built-in shelves.
- We recently had She-Crab Soup, and I've been thinking about it ever since. Next food challenge has been chosen. This recipe looks like a winner.
- MC-
A Wallpaper Moment
Do you ever notice that once you read something, you seem to see it everywhere. Consider it trending, even if it's only happening to you, in your own head. I was recently reading T-Magazine's A Narrative Thread and the next thing I know, I'm attuned to all things wall paper. As a friend mentioned her quest for affordable options over drinks, I got to thinking that maybe wallpaper is one those items you should have in your home by the time you're thirty, like a true piece of art and plants that require care. Here are a few I've recently discovered: