Mom's New Porch Sneak Peak

Here is a little preview of Mom's new porch as well as her inspiration for the new addition. The lantern, the planter's, the porch, the doors, and the Walpole Woodwork lattice screen are all new, the only thing old is the patio furniture. The contractors said we have to wait to paint the new railing until August when the wood cures, but other than that the outside portion of their renovation is complete. Mom and I have always loved Walpole's style so when she told me she ordered one of their lattice pieces I was so excited. 

View looking out of the new Oval window in the kitchen onto the back porch. 

 

I will have more official Before and After photo's once everything is painted but here is a shot to give you an idea of the overall feel of the exterior transformation out back.

Weekend Eye Candy

via 

Weekend Eye Candy

I saw this photo on Architectural Digest and I'm in love!

"A lawn dotted with topiaries at Valentino's Château de Wideville."
Photo: Simon Watson

Read more about Valentino's fab Château here 

Summer Wrap Up

Usually I am bummed when Summer comes to an end but this year I am beyond ready for Fall. I haven't blogged since Mom and I got back from New York, although that was only a few weeks ago I feel like two months have gone by. Between our wonderful trip to Colorado with the Mr's family to my brothers wedding over the weekend, I am beat. August was truly an amazing month but I'm definitely looking forward to getting back into my normal routine, diving into work, and staying in town. I hope everyone had a wonderful summer!!

 Wedding Photo's courtesy of 

Stephanie Ascari Photography

Barry Dixon's Garden and Grounds

Mom always said if she were ever to give another designer the key to her house and let them do whatever they wanted, it would be Barry Dixon. Traditional Home recently featured Mr. Dixon's home Elway Hall in Virginia, which we had the privilege of visiting a few years ago on a House and Garden tour. Every aspect of his home is breathtaking, every square inch is decorated but it doesn't feel like one of those off limits homes, although during the tour I was holding my purse as close to me as possible so I didn't knock anything over! Mr. Dixon takes elements in nature and brings them indoors, not in a predictable rustic lodge-y sort of way, but through unique textures, colors, and prints. I have always loved the fabrics he has designed for Vervain, and knowing where his inspiration comes from makes them even more special. 

This striking fabric for Vervain, "Cacao Vine," is taken from the design of a 

beautiful 19th- century cocoa tin that belonged to his Grandmother! 

A Wedding In The Windy City

This past weekend the Mr. and I were in Chicago for my cousin's wedding. My Mom, Dad, Brother, Brother's fiance, the Mr. and myself all drove (well actually my darling father drove the entire trip both ways, and yes we're completely insane) to the windy city for the big event. Despite the long journey it was an awesome weekend, I could spend a whole week in Chicago without getting bored. On the way home Mom asked us all what our favorite part of the wedding was and we were all shocked by our response... it was the ceremony. Take a look at a few of the pictures and I think you will see why!

24 hours in the mini van was so worth the trip, I love my family! 

The Not So Lazy Days Of Summer

Summer has always been my favorite time of year. Typically July and August are slower for Mom and I but for some reason this summer has been a totally different story... hence the once a week blog posts! Despite being busy with work, the Mr. and I managed to sneak away for a mini vacation last week to celebrate his 30th birthday. We stayed at a beautiful Inn on the Eastern Shore and had the most relaxing twenty hours ever. He got me a puppy for my birthday so the least I could do is take him out of town for one night for his! Like our little man Hank, the night away was a gift we both could enjoy. Even thought it was a short trip, it was nice to get away. The Inn was amazing, the horizon edge swimming pool and gardens were beyond beautiful, and the view from our room was priceless. The Mr. could stay almost anywhere with a waterfront view, whereas I find the decor of the hotel to be just as important as the location. The Inn at Perry Cabin was a perfect fit for both of us. Next year I want to go back for a week! 

Weekend Eye Candy

image via google 

Opening Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend = Opening Weekend for the Pool!

images 1 2 3 4 5 6 

Sprucing Up The Patio

I have been looking for some good outdoor furniture pieces for client's and I had no idea how expensive outdoor furniture can be! Not just Restoration Hardware and Frontgate, but even Home Depot has pricey pieces, sets they don't even have in the store. How can I tell a client to spend $5,000 on outdoor furniture that neither of us have ever sat in? Hi I am here to return 16 large boxes of patio chairs because they are not as comfortable as I thought they would be? At least Restoration Hardware has the stuff for you to test drive, but anyway, here are some great sets we found at great prices.  

Amazon $1,299

Target $999

Target on Sale $999 for the set!

 Target $1,358

Ikea $950

Target $999