Have you seen the work of C. S. McIntire? Drawing inspiration from De Kooning, Pollock, and Van Gogh, his work is simultaneously graphic and serene — not surprising once I learned he previously worked as a graphic designer and art director where he combined illustration with digital design. I love his use of color, particularly when he mixes splashes of citrus against a neutral background — and his collage technique creates depth and intrigue. I will be adding at least one of his pieces to my collection! Be sure to follow him on Instagram.
I’ve always preferred a clutch over a handbag and with these, it was love at first sight! Accessories designer Pamela Munson has collaborated with Schumacher to create a collection of five, handwoven straw and embroidered minaudiéres, based on a few of their iconic designs. It’s a limited-edition capsule collection, so get yours now — they won’t last long!
I have been slowly building my design library over the years and this year, there were so many great books, I went a little crazy. Here are just a few you should consider if you’re a design lover like me. They also make great gifts!
The Maine House
By Maura McEvoy & Basha Burwell. This book is worth every penny of its $50. price tag. It’s a beautifully-designed hardcover book with page after page of Maine homes that are lived in and loved.
Feels Like Home: Relaxed Interiors for a Meaningful Life
By Lauren Liess, $40. I’m sensing a theme here! My design aesthetic gravitates toward homes that are earthy, eclectic, and comfortable, and Lauren Liess’ style certainly delivers. Love this book and the lifestyle brand she’s created.
Inviting Interiors: A Fresh Take on Beautiful Rooms
By Melanie Turner, $30.99. I love her use of sorbet-inspired color palettes, luxe fabrics, grand architectural details, and modern art.
Home with Rue: Style for Everyone
By Kelli Lamb, $20.49. I have been following Rue Magazine on Instagram for years, and when they interviewed me for my farmhouse project, I became an even bigger fan! The book is great too — gorgeous spaces with loads of character that feel effortless.
When it comes to style, I’m a minimalist. I love and follow Emma Hill, whose palette of white, cream, and black extends beyond her closet and into every nook and cranny of her home. While I’m not qualified to be a fashion blogger, I have settled on a look that is equal parts relaxed and cozy. Here’s what I’m adding to my closet this year.
Recycled Sling Bag by Cuyana, #1671 Heeled Boots by Blundstone, V-Neck T-Shirt Velvet by Graham & Spencer, Cashmere Turtleneck by Jenni Kayne, The Leith Sweater by Brochu Walker, Leonie Cacao Ballet Flat by Loeffler Randall, The Perfect Pant, Hi-Rise Flare and The Perfect Blazer by Spanx, and the Wool Cashmere Short Wrap Coat by Cuyana.
I’m currently working on a kitchen dining nook and looking for a small table. I came across this beauty by designer Leanne Ford, available at Crate and Barrel. It’s available in black and white, but the white has given me all the feels. The texture is stunning, and what I really love is the shape. It feels like a piece of sculpture — the perfect counterpoint to a somewhat traditional kitchen. I’ve suggested pairing it with the Libby Natural Cane Dining Chair and the Elliot Pendant.
The Willy White Plaster Pedestal Bistro Table by Leanne Ford
Have you ever found something you absolutely love, love, love and can’t get enough of? Well, for me, it’s Night Body Serum from MoroccanOil. I first discovered this as a free sample I received from Sephora, and now I can’t seem to get my hands on the stuff fast enough! I was lucky to get an order in after their last restock, but now they’re out of stock again! I’m only telling you about this because I promised I would share the things I love. But don’t go ordering it all out from under me people!
Who knew you could fall in love with a beach umbrella? Between the fun fabrics and flirty fringe, Sunday Supply Co. is making waves with their stylish beach umbrellas. $249.
I spent the most amazing weekend at Gray Barns on the Silvermine River, a beautiful Inn in Norwalk, Connecticut. I could write a full post about visiting the Glass House, shopping in New Canaan, a walk through Grace Farms, antiquing in Stamford, wine tasting at the Wine Connection and dinner at the Tavern. But for now, I'm just going to talk about the most amazing scent that was in the lobby of the Inn. It's from Nest Fragrances and if you like citrus, I would stock up on this before it sells out.
It's no secret that moms just want a little time to themselves occasionally. What I want for Mother's Day? A slow morning (preferably in this robe which happens to be 20% off with code WOWMOM), a fun afternoon with my boys and a nice family dinner.
I am wrapping up multiple entryway projects at the moment and I'd love to use this French Farmhouse Table and Bench in one of them. I often try to find vintage or antique statement pieces for spaces I design. Unique, one-of-a-kind items may even be comparable in price to furniture you'd find in a big box store and much better quality! Contact the lovely owner Deborah directly for details.
This gentle soap is made by hand by a lovely woman right here in my new hometown of Stonington, Connecticut and infused with the healing properties of the sea. It's biodegradable and made with seawater, extra virgin olive oil and lavender essential oil. And it just so happens to be available at my favorite little shop in Mystic - Salt Mystic.
There are so many things I love about this rug, I don't even know where to begin. It's got amazing texture, a little bit of shimmer and sueded leather all woven into a neutral rug perfect for almost any room.
I have always loved abstract art. One of my favorite artists working today is Emily Jeffords, an abstract impressionistic painter from South Carolina. She's hugely popular and you may have seen her all over Pinterest. Her work is ethereal and beautiful. I'm sure there are originals somewhere but as far as I can tell they're all sold out. She also sells framed, fine art canvas prints in her online shop in many different sizes. I'd grab one while you can!
These vintage archery arrows are straight out of Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom. I love the idea of using unexpected items for wall art and I think hanging them in a kid's room or rec room would be adorable. Just make sure the littles can't reach them.
I think every room should have a basket. Every. Room. And this basket is beautiful and practical. It's got a great rustic quality, but then it's dipped in pink and metallic gold for the right amount of girly shazam! I could totally see it in a nursery or a little girl's room.
I have been CRUSHING on these Injiri pillows ever since I found them on Amber Interiors' Instagram feed awhile back. And wouldn't you know, she sells them too. They're so simple and charming and add just the right amount of whimsy. And who couldn't use a little whimsy in their life?
