John Derian's Cape Escape

I came across this story on designer John Derian's weekend cape cod house in Bon Appetit Magazine. Every since I scrolled through the pictures and recipes I cannot keep the idea of a weekend trip to the Cape out of my head! The old sea captain's 1789 house has a feel of antique bohemian style and seaside summer comfort. Guests describe the house as "magical" with weekends full of spontaneous adventures, delicious food, and evening board games. Think fresh flowers in every room, candles, and vintage water glasses ....

{ images via Bon Appetit }

HOW TO DECORATE LIKE DERIAN

* Throw a coat of white paint on floors and wood paneling. Imperfections are welcome!

* Go ahead and mix various styles of tableware, but keep the color unified.

* To get as much light into rooms as possible, hang mirrors so they reflect opposite windows.

* Add something green or blooming--like cut flowers, a potted geranium, or a single leafy branch--to every room.

* Hang art everywhere, high and low. Skip the symmetry.

Cottage Guesthouse

I love the aesthetic of the cottage guesthouse featured below, designed by Gardener & Marks. 

Desk Inspiration

Apologies for the lack of posts, but it's been an incredibly busy week and this week won't be any different! With so much work I'm wishing one of these lovely desks were where I could spend my time ....

{ images via Apartment Therapy, Design Darling, Design Sponge }

Swedish Interiors

I've always been a fan of Swedish home design philosophy: an emphasis on cleanliness, air, and light. Lately, there's been a trend of "styling" homes for the real estate market. In theory the better the home looks, the quicker it will be sold. Looks like it's been working so far ....

{ images via Bo-Laget, Alvhem Makleri, VTWonen }

Holiday Decorating

Loving these holiday interiors ....

{ via Delight by Design, Brunch at Saks, and A Piece of Toast }

How To: Hang A Gallery/Home Wall

This seems to be a never-ending struggle for me and, I'm sure, many others. I always have a bunch of photographs, sketches, paintings, etc. I want to hang on a wall but how do I do it in a cohesive, uncluttered way? Thankfully The Glitter Guide is here to help! Love their suggestions here and below.

"We love the idea of creating a gallery wall in the home, whether it be in a living room, bedroom, or even an office space. We turned to interior designer Muffie Faith, whose store was featured on Glitter Guide earlier this week, for some expert tips on hanging a collection of frames!

Pay Attention to Size: If I’m doing a mix of sizes, I start with the largest piece first and work out. One thing that people always seem to do is put too much space between photographs and sketches. Think of it as a puzzle, but keep in mind that larger, bolder pieces need “breathing room” to emphasize the dramatic effect created by the art. Frames need to be similar — not necessarily in texture, but in color. You wouldn’t necessarily mix solid golds and silvers, but some pieces may have tiny flecks of each that allow you to make a bridge between both hues.

Practice First: For a large group or gallery, it’s often best to start by practicing your layout on the floor before you begin to mess with the walls. Don’t try to be exact or you’ll drive yourself nuts! In many cases, a tape measure will be your best friend to achieve consistency.

Change it Up: As the mood strikes to change your artwork, remember: putty fills a hole in the wall. Don't be afraid to make a mistake!"

White Walls & Color

I love the white with pops of bright color!! It looks clean and comfortable with a bit of whimsy. "I believe in plenty of optimism and white paint" Elsie de Wolf

{ via Design to Inspire }