Spaces: Subtle Serenity

Covet du Jour - Alexa Hampton's retreat in Bridgehampton, NY.  I am so in love with this home that I am unable to complete full sentences...

Photos via Architectural Digest 

This home is so serene, I don't want to interrupt the picture gazing with a whole bunch of thoughts and words.  Enjoy, because that's rare.  

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"I've got to have a place where I can find peace of mind."  -Princess Diana

Occasions: Another Year Older

Happy Birthday to my sister from another mother, Lauren.  I hate to admit that I remember the day you were born, but I  fondly do.  May this year bring you all the joy and happiness you deserve! 

Occassions: Cherry Blossom Festival

Being a native Washingtonian, a multitude of childhood memories include cherry blossoms.  I fondly recall springtime beginning  with a family outing to the Tidal Basin.  My parents would pack a picnic lunch and we all hopped in the station wagon.  While my mom and dad may have dreaded the flood of tourists and  the quest for a parking place, my memories include running through the maze of trees with my brother (and likely cousins), laying in the cold grass admiring the canopy of blossoms overhead, and my dad lifting me high into the branches for a picture.  (I know climbing the trees is prohibited these day and very well could have been in the 80's, but my dad was never one to follow the rules.)  

With the National Cherry Blossom Festival in full swing, let's not forget who gave us this precious gift.  Weather you are going to admire the trees downtown, a single tree in your yard or simply the pictures here, please keep the people of Japan in your thoughts and prayers.  

Image by Megan Clifford

Betty Burgess 

via Domino

This chair would be perfect in my house!  via Caitlin Creer 

Hello Spring!

Images via weheartit.com

Hand painted pillows on Etsy. The seller will  donate $10.00 to the Red Cross' efforts to help the people of Japan, with every pair of hand painted pillow covers she sells.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“Break open a cherry tree and there are no flowers, but the spring breeze brings forth a myriad blossoms.”  ~ Ikkyu Sojun

Spaces: I Heart Books!

If you've been following this blog since it's debut, you are likely aware that my Shangri-la is the perfectly appointed library - today's CDJ.  While I've never found a space quite as marvelous as the one in my mind,  these libraries are pretty fantastic for reality...

Diane Bergeron

This reminds me of a room that would be in my parents house - mostly white with some blue accents and a some taxidermy.  (My mom selecting the white and blue and my dad insisting on the animal head - LOVE it!)

A new feature I would like to add to my library - two stories.  

Windsor Smith

Miles Redd

The shape of this room is fantastic, as is the fact that it's right off the foyer, so all guests immediately understand your love of books. From Carrie and Big's apartment in SATC2

Image source unknown

The floors, the antique map tables, the glass enclosed library...

Photo via Little Green Notebook

Everytime I look at this space I notice something new - this time it's the silhouettes on the shades of the scounces.  

Molly Luetkemeyer 

via House Beautiful

Mirrored-backed built-ins.... precisely what fancy I for my private Bibliothèque.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"When I am dead, I hope it may be said:
'His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.' "  ~ Hilaire Belloc

Inspiration on OKL

Looking for some simple ways to breath some springtime into your home?  Check out the ideas on One King's Lane by clicking HERE.

Joss and Main has colorful outdoor pillows on sale - perfect way to add some color to your deck or patio! Click HERE.  

Destinations: Pinehurst

This past weekend my mom, aunt and I went to North Carolina to visit my cousin Lauren.  On Saturday we took a day trip to Pinehurst.  Even though it was a gloomy day we didn't let it get us down.  Shopping, lunch, wine and lots of laughs were the perfect way to spend the day.  

Next trip the husbands are invited and can play golf while the girls shop and relax at the spa.   

What a charming little town!  I forgot my camera, so I had to Google images for this post.  They do not do the town justice.  There are little paths and walkways between blocks, a tea parlor (perfect place to host a Royal Wedding party), beautiful homes, and lush landscaping.  

I got a fantastic watercolor.  As soon as I get it framed I will share.  

How wonderful would a small towns tour of America be?  Imagine all the unique finds...

We also visited Southern Pines, just a few miles away.  

What a wonderful weekend!  I am so lucky to have a family that I truly enjoy spending time with...

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!"  ~Albert Einstein

Casual Friday: The New Carrera?

White kitchen cabinets with Carrera marble countertops... classic!  It's the signature style my favorite kitchen designer, Christopher Peacock, is known for.  In fact, the picture below inspired the remodel of the kitchen in our first condo.  It was beautiful! At the time the we had no children, so I ignored all the warnings that marble stains.  After just two months, even with excessive caution, I noticed a few faint stains.  That infuriated me.

The following are pictures from Christopher Peacock's splendid kitchen via Traditional Home

I admire how understated the space is.  Not intimidating at all.

While I love this timeless look, it's becoming a bit predictable. So, I've been searching for a suitable alternative and I may have found it... .gray-blue Cardosa limestone.  Thank you Christopher Peacock  and Traditional Home for introducing me to this beauty.  The elegant stone would look fabulous paired with light gray, pale blue or white cabinets, don't you agree?   

I looked high and low and I was unable to find other kitchens with these countertops.  Maybe that's a good thing.  If you have any images, please share.  

Happy Weekend!

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Good luck needs no explanation."  - Shirley Temple