House and Life

House and Life

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Getting Deep





With the gloomy weather here in Pennsylvania and Fall setting in, I'm craving a dark, moody space to curl up with a glass of wine and a nice thick blanket.


Photos from Caitlin Creer (love her!), Elle Decor, Flair NYC, Michael Smith Interior Design, and that fabulous first room I cannot recall. If you can, email me!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Cool Cape May


Gigi danced the beach all week

Drinks at the Brown Room in Congress Hall




I loved the chandeliers in this bed and breakfast

Seating on the porch seemed always to draw a few cocktails and guests every night


It seems like just about every other blog writer is off to Paris for September. But with a toddler and a 4 1/2 month old, the Jersey shore looked like the perfect quick fix for this end of season. Mix in a couple of great friends from Scranton and it made the perfect getaway. Quaint Cape May, filled with old Victorian charm with a m infused hipper vibe thanks to the likes of the re-invented Congress Hall. Cue hotelier Curtis Banshaw along with his talented interior designer sister Colleen, whol took this enormous structure on and made it relevent again, creating a youthful vibe with the likes of the Brown Room Bar and Boiler Room restaurant housed inside the pretty yellow and black shuttered hotel. We joined our friends Bill and Jen Davis for drinks one chilly evening at the beach. The deep brown walls with blown up black and white photos of original Congress Hall photos gave a sophisticated vibe, while touches of zebra and ikat pillows added a youthful touch. Add a roaring fire and you get a perfect setting for a relaxing evening sans the children Loved the enormous faux palms that soared to the ceiling, the toparies that glistened against the enormous mirror about the fire, and the smart seating plan that made everyone that night settle in for great cocktails.

We always found it easy to dine, shop, and navigate the town with the kids, as strollers are parked along center city, with great little restaurants tucked in between your typical beach shops. The beaches shimmered with the September light each day. Ah, back to reality. Thanks Cape May!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Fall






It's here I think As much as I cringe at that thought of a whole six months of our freezing weather here in the Northeast, I do love all things Fall. Here are a couple of pictures to get you in the mood too. Ok, at least I get one week at the beach....

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Fabulous on a Budget (sort of)


I spied this picture on Mrs. Blandings blog on about recent rooms by one of my absolute favs, Steven Gambrel. The lights are really what caught my eye (which I'm sure were off the charts in terms of affordablity. But then Restoration Hardware's new Victorian Hotel Pendant came to mind as perhaps a workable price at $1200 for a one time investment?