Lovin.

Wisteria.

Sorry

I have a dislocated finger so typing has been a challenge to say the least. But I would like to at least share some images that make me think of happier things.

Photo credits Unknown,Domino,Cottage Living.

Today

I want this kitchen including that amazing pantry door.

I'm now convinced I need to dig out my old horse show ribbons and do something with them

I love vertical siding especially in white. This used to be a ranch!

I want a fabulous tablecloth much like Aerin Lauder's for my dining room.

How beautiful is this Mommy?


Images from Chicago Home, Elements of Style, Cottage Living, Elle Decor, Sorry can't remember the last!

Old Lamp, New Shade.

Isn't great what a new lampshade will do for a thrift store lamp? If you happen to live by a Pottery Barn, their oversize black glossy shades that retailed for around 80 bucks are down to 10. Yes 10! Go out and get yourself some lampshade lovin.


Also, the terrible disaster in Japan makes me think we should all give what we can. I did to the Red Cross online and it was very easy.

Dinner with Martha.

For my most of my adult life I have thought of it as a study in contrasts. I guess most of that comes from my marriage. I fell head over heels with a guy over a decade ago who essentially had the exact same childhood as me which does not add any conntrast but perhaps a whole lot of comfort to the both of us. Father dies when you a toddler, mother takes over as CEO of a ship taking on water and manages to make it float, and the kid tries to find one's place in the world. Fast forward to those two kids finding two very different worlds to exist and then make a life together work. Somehow we did.

It is either completely humorous or painful coming together at the end of a day and explaining just went on. I have it easier for sure and far less painful. We don't live in a glamorous place. But I get to float in and out of a world that certainly offers a whole lot of beauty. Work and friends in the city, beautiful homes and fantastic people right here Scranton, family and lucky stars connections that intermingle with my far less impressive day to day raising two kids and building an interior design business.


Yes, I've struggled with wanting bigger. Still do. And perhaps might get it one day. But back to the husband's world there is something that brings me right back to where I am. The guys are hilarious, tough, crude, and sweet at the same time. They come as a package deal with the job and this life and I count my blessing I get to be a part of this mix. It does not contain one ounce of grandeur but what it does have is authenticity and is special thing to be a part of. They would probably disagree. But that is why there is a million tv shows and movies about such a life. It's interesting to watch.



So when the group of guys, wives, girlfriends get a babysitter and go on an ordinary Tuesday night to finally let lose a little at our local restaurant, drinks are poured and the conversation is fun and far from proper. Feeling relaxed and about to sip of wine,the husband turns to me and says, "Martha Stewart just sat down", very nonchalantly.


I'm pretty sure I laughed. I mean come on? Tuesday night at Russell's and Martha just sat down? So I looked. Yes, indeed Martha is sitting one table away. No one noticed her. Except the husband who has the contrast of living in my world from time to time. Our table got louder and sillier and not because of Martha because the guys could really care less. The girlfriends and wives were a bit more curious. We did not bother her as she looked as if she definitely did not want to be bothered. She looked at me as she left without a smile. I remember feeling bad for a moment. She will probably never see anything about my home, my designs, or the great interest I have taken in all the extraordinary she has created over the years with some serious speed bumps along the way. I admire Martha for that. But I suddenly realized perhaps her life contains very little of what I take for granted. I love the contrast and am grateful to have it. It was nice to see you Martha.


All images Martha Stewart Living.

Random Samplings

I am officially obsessed with What is James Wearing author James Andrew and his bedroom seen here
I equally am obsessed with the Beekman Boy's City pantry and can't wait for the new season.

I need a trench coat like this little darling's for my Gigi this Spring.

How adorable is this tented bathtub? I know my kids would rip it down at this stage though.

Only Jenna Lyons could make denim on denim look this chic.

So what are you lovelies thinking about these days?

Devine

My super talented friend Michael Devine is having a sale! Scoop up one of his fabulous trays at up to 30% off. They are brilliant for holding keys, change, nibbles, the list goes on and on. And to have a little taste of his fabrics in my mind is just divine.....

Small

Is the new big.

photo credits Martha Stewart Living, Canadian House and Home, Country Living,Domino, Elle Decor

A Room (mate) Examined.

So I had the lucky fortune to stay at my college roommate BFF's gorgeous house in New Jersey last night. Her husband and two beautiful kids occupy this traditional space filled with light floors, gleaming mouldings, and a whole lot of square footage to furnish. They have this fantastic space right off the formal dining room that has a real working fireplace which you just want to cozy right into. A sofa and two leather chairs were purchased, a small occasional table from West Elm seemed to want to fit in the scheme soooomewhere, and the base was certainly a great start. But they weren't quite feeling the space as a warm and invited like it was close to being. So with a quick trip down the road to scoop up some smart accessories and occasional furniture, we pulled it all together.
Full disclosure... the first picture was taken the with the lights off with my crappy cell phone and perhaps under the influence of a glass of wine while we caught up with 4 children underfoot:


And here are the after photos:




So what made it work? We grabbed two oversized pillows in a sunny yellow and grey tone to pick up subtle references that fill the rest of the downstairs space ( repetition is very soothing to the eye). The playful pattern and color also gave a less formal feel to the leather club chairs, adding some warmth and personality. I also stole some beautiful greens from the dining room in a pretty vase and a glass jar filled with memory laden colorful matches (love that) to bring the West Elm table to life, which was thoughfully placed between the two clubs to add an easy spot to rest a drink or snack. Then came in a score of a piece, a x based upholstered ottoman that serves as a coffee table of sorts to the lovely sofa that was already in place. We plan to add some laquered trays to offer some additional drink placement. A warm throw was placed as well which picked up the tones of the husband's favorite vase that found a perfect home on the mantel. Last but not least the fireplace. The thought was how do you embrace all the stonework, but show it off in a youthful way (after all this is a fun family of four). Well, we grabbed a round, white textured mirror that added some shimmer and offered a departure from all that hard stone. What fun!!! Oh, and p.s... this is what the other BFF's were doing in the other room:

Good morning readers. I hope your week has been off to a good start. I am headed out this snowy am but leaving you with a few terrific images to hopefully brighten your day. As you can see we are getting a new look here at H&L, mainly our new blog header by the very talented artist Johanna Pabst.. Tell me what you think!