CASA TUA

Clutter free is something I cannot master, which is why I am so blown away by spaces like this. Subtle and restrained color palates, natural materials, clean lines, and those windows, oh my!  Such a beautiful place with so much mental space to think and be creative.  And I'm really diggin' the art.

I wouldn't mind taking a coffee/newspaper break at that gorgeous dining room table with its perfectly pitched and beautiful chairs.  What do you think? Are more into clean and bright, or are you more of the more is more type?  Via Italian Elle Decor.

TANGERINE

Love the orange ceiling! Such a perfect mix.  The bold tangerine accent on the ceiling is tempered by the soothing room beneath, I LOVE this combination. The details in this room should not be missed: the painted wood floor, upholstered wall panels with the nailhead detail, the trim around the bottom of each upholstery piece, arrangement of art, and the perfectly suited accent pillow that is just a bit off.  Jeffrey Bilhuber did a magnificent job with this one...

I love the black (marble?) bust in the corner!  Mashes up well with the antlers, its like hunting lodge meets french parlour.

ART FOR YOUR ORANGERY

Portland really is the coolest town.  Have you ever been here? First of all, the completely ridiculous idea about it being entirely too cold to survive here is total b.s. It is REALLY cold, but it's awesome.  I can go sledding out my back door and cross country ski to work if I want.  It is gorgeous... not that dirty smelly slop you get in New York, no siree, it's white here (for the most part).  And what's not to love about puffy jackets?  Anyway, I digress, my point is that Portland is cool.  We have really rad art, for one, and I shall share some with you folks... Clint Fulkerson creates these ink wash on paper pieces.  I discovered him and several other artists using the Creative Portland Maine website, seen it?  It's like Facebook but only for creatives in Portland, sigh, and none of that news feed gobbledygook. Check. It. Out.  and join if you dare.

I think Clint's art looks really great with this room I found in my archives (published in Elle Decor circa 2007? The orangery and the rest of the house, on the shores of Lake Geneva, is that of  Fawaz Gruosi, founder of de Grisogono).  I've been going through stacks and stacks of magazine tear outs (remember this?) and trying to organize my design library so that its actually functional.  Bring it on 2012.   Anyway, dig it.  I like the combo and hope you do to.

Cheers!  Thoughts on the new logo? and layout?  Would love some feedback... til next time good peeps.

SAN ANTONIO HAVEN

If you haven't picked up this month's Elle Decor, go and get it.  It is the best one in months!  This Texas pad by designer Gwynn Griffith is so amazing.  The combination of the old Texas brick block factory building and the lush orientalist interior is so energizing. It truly is genius work, and I will use this feature for inspiration over and over again. This is very me,  I've tried to explain my style to people before and it is very hard, compiling images is definitely the best way.  Enjoy this lovely rich sensuous spread...

I would love to have seen the mood boards, images, swatches, etc. that inspired this palette.  When I see end products like this I am so intrigued to know what the design process was that led to its final composition.  Where do you look for inspiration?

HOME OF THE BRAVE

Who's excited! Fourth of July is this week, one of my very favorite holidays.  Lakes, BBQ, Fireworks, and flags.  This week is all about the patriotism.

A-mer-ca.

How delish do these tarts look? Try the recipe below...

(1. Elle Decor's Look Book.  2. Such cute shoes! Need Supply.  3. James Nares.  4. Cherry and Ricotta Tarts. )

Fresh Ricotta, Cherry, and Lemon Zest Crostini

Serves 4

Ingredients:

6 Ounces (1 1/4) Pitted, Chopped, Sweet Cherries

1 Tablespoon Light Brown Sugar

4 Slices Rustic Bread

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 Cup Ricotta

Grated Zest of 1 Lemon

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Combine cherries and sugar; let macerate 10 minutes.

2. Brush bread with olive oil and toast until golden, 5-7 minutes. Mix ricotta with lemon zest. Spread bread with ricotta and top with cherries.  Garnish with more zest.

3. Serve and Enjoy!