I'm Trying to See the Kitchen!

This time of year, many cities across the country host show-home events, showcasing the work of interior designers, decorators and architects in either an historic or newly-built home, in an effort to raise money for a good cause. I’ve gone to some of these in the past and it’s always amazing to see what the designers come up with, although I’m not usually a fan of the ones who go off-script and incorporate stark modernism into a traditional home, for instance. Perhaps that makes me a fuddy-duddy, but that’s just me.

So, in recognition of the hard work that many of these designers perform, I’m sharing some photos I came across from the recent Hampton Designer Show House event in Bridgehampton. This modest abode at 1224 Scuttle Hole Road is the 2011 show house. I love these traditional Hamptons/Outer Banks beach homes. Oh, it's just a lottery-win away!

Per usual, my favorite room in this house is the white kitchen. Perfection! Below are some gorgeous images, although I wish these folks would just get out of the pictures. Really, it’s all about the kitchen, people.

Ladies, you look lovely, but seriously move aside so I can see the cabinetry.

 Okay, at least this guy is allowing me a peek at the fabulous sink as well as that massive fridge behind him.

TGIF, kids. It’s been quite the week for all of us, I’m sure. Luckily, I’m joining some girlfriends at a new restaurant tonight, Harvest, for some gal time. Harvest is a farm-to-table concept restaurant, so I’m really excited to munch-down on some fresh, locally grown veggies and other delightful fare.

Happy weekend!
Images from New York Social Diary

Again, guys, stop hogging up the space. I want to see the island! Okay, you on the left, because you're sporting seersucker, you can stay, but move as far to the left as possible.

Interior Design Ramblings

Our painter started working on the trim in our house yesterday, so I finally feel like the ball is rolling! It was so exciting to come home and see some progress being made on the house. I had to laugh because what I thought was an off-white color on the walls now looks down-right yellow compared to the crisp, new trim!

I can’t wait to finally tackle the awful wallpaper in our bedroom. We’ve not done much with this space since moving in six years ago. Maybe because I’ve given birth to two kids during that time. Kind of puts the skids on interior design, doesn’t it? Anyhoo, we’re finally at a point where we can start this project. I like the color of the rooms in the photos above. What do you think? Either would make for a nice, soothing color palette for a bedroom.

As far as the kitchen, the only thing hinging now is for the HVAC guy to come to the house (he’s turning out to be somewhat flakey and that makes me nervous). The plumber thought rerouting the plumbing would be possible in order to take down the wall between the kitchen and the den, but it’s now a matter of how much that will cost. I’m getting anxious to get this started. Progress, people; I want to see more progress!

So, in the meantime, I continue to browse through magazines for inspiration on paint color, furniture, etc. (because, you know, I have copious amounts of money just lying about). My February issue of Southern Living arrived yesterday and that always offers some great design ideas. In fact, there was a blogger connection in there. If you have the latest issue, check out the feature on the couple from Florida who worked with interior designer Erica McPherson Powell (the bedroom featured above is one that she did for a client). Her blog, Urban Grace Interiors, is one that I read often, as is that of her twin sister, Darby from Fly Through Our Window.

The week is almost over, folks; hang in there, I can’t wait for the UK game on Saturday and a getaway to Lexington. Yay!! We enjoyed our number one status for a whole two days (thanks, South Carolina), so I’m hoping we can eke out a win against Vandy. Go Cats!!
Images courtesy of Southern Living and Erika Powell, via My Home Ideas

Divine Design

I’ve always been an Home & Garden Television (HGTV) and Food Network junkie. Some of the shows on those networks entrance me and I can’t break away. One of my favorite designers on HGTV is Candice Olsen from “Divine Design.” I’ve always said that if I ever win the lottery, I’m flying Candice, Chico and the entire crew down from Canada to decorate my house.

Anyhoo, we’re in the process of lining up some painting projects for our house, including our dining room. The dining room features wallpaper from when we purchased the house and while I’ve been able to live with it, it’s time to update. So, I started thinking about potential colors and I kept returning to robin’s egg blue. I love that color and I think combined with a crisp white trim, it could make for a gorgeous room. Then, in looking for inspiration online, I thought, “What would Candice do?” I came across a photo of a dining room make-over she performed and fell in love with it (see image above). The color scheme, the fabrics, the lighting – classic Candice.

So, any other HGTV junkies out there? What’s your favorite program?

Fashion Week

Well, I gave into temptation and ordered a dress from Bailey's. Ms. Pamela, the proprietress, was wonderful and responsed to my many e-mail questions. She then contacted me about a new dress that had just arrived (the lovely frock above). Well, I just couldn't resist. So, she expressed mailed it and it should be on my doorstep when I get home today. I know, so much for saving money and sticking with an old standy-by. This dress could become an old stand-by right?

In looking back over the posts of this week, I certainly focused on clothes, didn't I? I guess I could call it my own personal Fashion Week. Luckily, Anna Wintour isn't taking note of my comings and goings (Thank God).

By the way, earlier this week I received a lovely note from blogger The Style Saloniste, Diane Dorrans Saeks . If you have not been to her site, be sure to stop by. She's a magazine editor and has written several books on interior design, style, fashion, architecture and more. She has an amazing eye for design and her entries are full of great insight and gorgeous images.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Flip for Decorating

Elizabeth Mayhew

House Beautiful special projects editor and Today show contributer Elizabeth Mayhew, is coming to Louisville next week for a book signing. She recently released Flip for Decorating, and will be in her hometown for a wine and cheese event on Oct. 8. And, it's a fundraiser for Junior League. And, I won't be able to attend. But, it's for a good reason because I'll be at The Greenbrier. Yea!

So, if you live in the area and you're a fan of Elizabeth, stop by the store Complements in Holiday Manor, Oct. 8, between 5 - 7 p.m. and have her sign a copy of the book. She's also going to discuss decorating, organization, cooking and other lifestyle topics. Should make for a fun evening!
Photo courtesy of elizabethmayhew.com

Badgley Mischka’s Old Kentucky Home

Don’t miss the September issue of Elle Décor where the Kentucky horse farm owned by famed designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka is featured.

I knew the famous duo had attended the Kentucky Derby and served as honorary chairs of a fabulous pre-Derby gala at Churchill Downs last year. But, I had no idea they actually owned a house in the Bluegrass. In fact, they left their digs in Southampton for what the magazine calls “the understated glamour of Kentucky horse country.” How fabulous is that?!

Apparently they spend most weekends at the farm. Perhaps we’ll spot the duo at Keeneland this fall. Or at the local tack shop. Probably not Kroger. But, you never know!
Photographs courtesy of Elle Decor.

I'm sorry, how much does that cost??

Pearson Company

Pottery Barn

Arhaus

So, I had a follow-up consult with Casey our designer friend, to discuss such items as paint color for the trim in the entry way, recessed lighting in the kitchen and reconfiguring the family room.

Now, mind you, we are not the type of people who regularly meet with a designer, nor do we have an open-ended expense account. But, as I mentioned in a previous post, her original consult was my Mother’s Day gift. So, we’re moving along to see what projects we can do, obviously the more affordable, low-hanging fruit being first.

She brought a catalog with her and showed me a sofa from Pearson Company that another client recently purchased and had upholstered in a houndstooth fabric. It looked lovely. Casey highly recommended this brand because the furniture is supposedly well-made, long-lasting and perfect for families with young children.

She then said she’d e-mail me an estimated cost in the afternoon. I got back to work and when the e-mail arrived, my neck snapped back. Is that really how much a sofa costs? Good God.

Now having seen some of these styles she recommended, though, perhaps we can find something similar in a more affordable price range. Several furniture sales are going on, including those at Arhaus and Pottery Barn. I just want to make sure the furniture is of a good quality and will last many years.

Dear readers, if any of you have a sofa brand or furniture company that you would recommend, I would love to hear about it. We’re looking for something stylish, yet durable, that can withstand two active children, a dog and adults who may want take an occasional nap. :)

Kitchen Cabinets - Before & After

Before shot - dark, dark cabinets. Of course, as you'll see in the after shots, the clutter never changes. :)

After shot: white cabinets and the art gallery that is our fridge.

After shot - white cabinets (again, please disregard the cluttered countertop and dishes in the sink - such is life at our house!)

The "new" old farmhouse table and chairs I purchased Friday (and the lovely green linoleum floor - blech!)

I must close with this print that hangs in my kitchen and I know that many of you have as well. Always a good message to keep in mind.

I’ve had a couple of readers ask how the painting of our kitchen cabinets turned out, so thought I would post some before and after pics. But, I must warn you that this is very much a work in progress. We’re still trying to decide on which pulls to purchase (we’re testing a couple different versions, hence the lone pull you may see in the photos). We still need to fix the backsplash, redo the countertops and the floor. Ah, the floor. You’ve read about this in past postings. And now you finally get to see the lovely green linoleum, or as I call it, the Green Monster. But, as I’m sure you can relate, other unexpected projects come along and interrupt your plans. (Like a giant tree that falls during a storm and has to be cut up and hauled away for a nice sum of cash. I'm just sayin'.)

Also, I found a great deal on a table and chairs at a funky consignment shop in town, Eyedia. I had been searching for a farmhouse table, something antique looking and came across it Friday during lunch. Of course, it needs some TLC (Hubby just had to shake his head at my impulse buy, in the end, though, he liked it). But, for right now, Lemon Pledge seems to do the trick.

Have a great day, everyone!

Island Living

I was paging through my latest issue of Cookie Magazine last night (great publication for parents, by the way, oozing style and substance) and came across a profile of India Hicks. She’s a designer, artist, TV host, mother of four, daughter of legendary interior designer David Hicks, goddaughter to Prince Charles (she was an attendant in his wedding to Princess Diana), and the list goes on and on. She lives this lush life on a small Bahamian island, in addition to a home in London and other locales. The photos of her and her tan, athletic brood living the island life made me long for warm breezes and the beach. Above is an image from her home. I just love that chair.
Photo courtesy of Domino