Occasions: Red, White and Chinoiserie

Holidays do not mean you must settle for kitchy decor.  Chinoiserie lovers rejoice - there are a plethora of ways to incorporate style into your July 4th tablescape.  From hydrangea filled blue and white porcelain containers to Americana colored toile table linens to sitting poolside en vogue, Summer Chinoiserie is a cinch!

Ashley Whittaker via House Beautiful

Joe Nye

Carolyne Roehm via Veranda

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I stumbled across this fantastic bowl after the fact, but had to share.

Have a happy and safe Independence celebration!

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"If anyone, then, asks me the meaning of our flag, I say to him - it means just what Concord and Lexington meant; what Bunker Hill meant; which was, in short, the rising up of a valiant young people against an old tyranny to establish the most momentous doctrine that the world had ever known - the right of men to their own selves and to their liberties."  ~Henry Ward Beecher

Occasions: Red, White and Stylin

I apologize for not posting Monday and Tuesday.  Summer is a SAHM's (stay at home mom) busiest time of the year.  This week CDJ is going red, white and blue.  If you are looking to add a little Americana to your tabletop or backyard...

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*I must give credit to the fabulous Mrs. Lilien for the discovery of this fantastic covered beach chair.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives.  I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him."  ~Abraham Lincoln

Casual Friday: Casual Elegance

Today's CDJ is inspired by a post from one of my daily blog reads, Knight Moves.  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so they say.  Kyle, from Knight Moves, "built" a bedroom around a painting by the abstract color master Sally King Benedict.  Once I clicked on SKB's website I was hooked.  Her artwork moved straight to the top of my CDJ art list.  Any piece from her collection would be treasured, but I kept returning to the painting below, Student Pressure -  possibly because the colors in the painting are similar to all the colors in my home... 
It was inevitable; I was left with no choice but to "build" a room around the painting.  Deciding where to "hang" it took quite awhile and resulted in many hours lost on 1st Dibs (where I found many pieces for other imaginary spaces).  I think the furnishings below compliment the artwork, creating a casual yet elegant dining room. 

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*Drapes in Quadrille "Lyford Background" in the Shrimp on White colorway

*Narrowing down a wall color was difficult, but I think Benjamin Moore's "White Dove" is the perfect backdrop to highlight the colors in the artwork, drapes, chairs and chandelier.

See you back here on Monday when I announce the winner of the Mystery Giveaway.  Don't forget to enter - click here.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home."  ~Twyla Tharp

Pink, White and Blue

Did you watch Million Dollar Decorator on Tuesday night?  I actually did a double take when I saw the room below.  My reaction was comparable to someone walking down the street and spotting one of their favorite celebrities.  I've seen this room countless times over the past few years, but I paused and replayed multiple time just to make sure it was the real deal.



Mary McDonald

This dazzling interior leads us to today's CDJ.   I am an avid collector of blue and white porcelain, most of which is displayed in my family room built-ins.  Now, I need some art work with chinoiserie ceramics as the subject to compliment the space (and some pink).



Love these Ceramic Plate Giclees from Neiman's, but the set of three is a little pricey.  Below are a few prints that allow you to achieve the same look for a fraction of the price.  Pay a visit to your local craft store to pick up an inexpensive frame, some spray paint and matting. 

"Blue and White Beach China" Photograph

"Ming in Indigo" Print

"Modern Vintage" Print

"Blue and White Ginger Jar" Print

"Chinoiserie Plate" Print

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“Art is never finished, only abandoned.”  ~ Leonardo da Vinci

Mystery Giveaway

Can you guess which of the following CDJ blog posts is the most popular to date? 

Designer Spotlight: Ralph Lauren

Style: Equestrian Chic

Spaces: Nook Notions Part Deux

Casual Friday: Pictorial Dictionary

Style: Preppy Chic

The mystery giveaway is related to the most popular post to date.  

For a chance (or chances) to win the mystery giveaway, follow these rules:
 
1.) You must be a follower of Covet du Jour.  If you are not sure how to follow, click here.

2.) To enter the giveaway, you must enter your guess in the comment section of this post between today, Wednesday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 25th.  A winner will randomly be selected from the pool of correct guesses and announced on Monday, June 26th. 

3.) Do any or all of the following: (each worth an additional entry) 

• Share a link to this post on Facebook.  Return to Covet du Jour and let me know by posting another comment. 
• If you have a blog, share a link to this post.  Then return here and copy a link to your blog post in the comment section.
• Tweet about this giveaway post.  Return to Covet du Jour and let me know by posting another comment. 

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“Surprises are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable.” 

~ Jane Austen

Nursery

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I just wanted to share some ideas I was working on for a (gender neutral) nursery.   Together, these pieces create an eclectic and youthful space.  However, many of the accessories and furnishings can grow with a child or be used in other parts of your home.  

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"There was never a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him to sleep."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Barclay Butera on Joss & Main

Barclay Butera furnishings for sale on Joss and Main today.  Click here.   Here's what I am coveting:

To see some of his work click here. 

The World Is Your Oyster

Attending the Christmas Parade in St. Michael's, MD is a family tradition.  We bundle up, scout the perfect side walk spot (near hot coco, coffee and bathrooms) and cheer on the parade participants.  It's your typical small town parade including horses, antique cars, and floats.  What makes it unique is the nautical nod.

If you are not familiar with St. Michaels, it's a charming town on Maryland's Eastern Shore, know as "The Town that Fooled the British" (click here for history).  The main street is lined with locally owned shops and restaurants.  At the end of town is the gorgeous Inn at Perry Cabin where part of the film Wedding Crashers was filmed (and worthy of its own post). 

I digress...  I could ramble all day, as I've been visiting and sailing to St. Michaels since I was a few months old.

Now to my point.  In typical fashion, last year's parade was followed by lunch and shopping.  Our first stop was one of my favorite shops, London, where I spied a beautiful pink oyster plate.  Since Christmas was just two weeks away, I could not justify purchasing it as a gift for myself.  That did not stop me from dropping not so subtle hints that it was added it to my holiday wish list.  My darling husband did not disappoint; the oyster plate was under the tree.  Additionally, I received a beautiful dark blue plate just a few weeks ago for my anniversary.  I suppose I am an oyster plate collector now...

These colorful plates remind me of jeweled buttons on a beautiful cardigan or a fantastic statement necklace. One could add just the right amount of color and whimsy to a space in need.  

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“Why then the worlds mine oyster, Which I with sword shall open.”  ~ William Shakespeare 

Boy's Bedroom Design Board

Do you recall my post a few weeks ago about boys bedrooms?  Those images are still fresh in my mind. The second my little guy can sleep in a big bed, the boys' room is getting a makeover.  Below are furnishing and accessories that would make a terrific boy's bedroom. (I wish all the items were rounded up on a fancy design board, but this is as tech savvy as I get.  A graphic design class is on my to-do list once the boys' school commences.)

1. - Twin headboards

2. - Throw pillows for the beds

3. - Bedding

4. - Benches for the foot of the beds

5. - 2 Sconces between the beds

6. - Monogrammed tray for bedside table

7. -Trunk between the beds

8. - Lamp on top of trunk

9. - I would select one of the bottom 4 finishes, to hang above beds or nightstand 

10. - Chair for reading corner of the room

11. - Needlepoint pillow for chair

12. - Stool for foot of chair

13. - Rug 

14. - Lantern

15. - Curtains

16. - Mirror to hang above dresser

17. - Campaign Dresser  

18. - Lamp for dresser

19. - Grasscloth wallcovering 

Anyone have an inspirational room/space you would like to emulate in your home?  Perhaps I can assist you...

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Creativity takes courage.”  ~ Henri Matisse

Designer Spotlight: Armonia Decors

I am SO excited for the June/July issue of High Gloss Magazine!  On Facebook, the online glossy posted a sneak peak photo of a living room/dining room by designer Emily Ruddo of Armonia Decors.  Below is a sampling of her work.

This is the room that will be featured in High Gloss, but there are a few adjustments. 

Emily Ruddo has such a fresh take on everything.  I love her use of clean lines and color.  Plus, she achieves a textured and layered look without the space appearing cluttered.  Bravo!

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"I decided, very early on, just to accept life unconditionally; I never expected it to do anything special for me, yet I seemed to accomplish far more than I had ever hoped. Most of the time it just happened to me without my ever seeking it." ~ Audrey Hepburn

Summer, by The New Yorker

Prints available here.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance."  ~Bern Williams

Hampton Paper Designs Giveaway Followup

Here is what the winner of the Hampton Paper Designs giveaway selected.  Darling!

Thank you again HPD!

Elizabeth

The Lilly Pulitzer Home Collection

This is not just a daily covet; it's an all-encompassing obsession brewing since last fall's debut of the Lilly Pulitzer's furniture collection.  The complete home line will not be available until the end of the summer.  However, the following pieces are now available online at Neiman Marcus and Horchow.  I've seen most of the collection and it will knock your socks off.  Just look at the sampling below...

This would be fab in my dining room.  For the last 6 months, I've been going back and forth - should I lime my table and chairs or go with a lacquer white?  This may be just the inspiration I need to finally make a decision.  (Although, I do love the idea of a limed table and lacquered chair or vice versa...)

"Sara Sofa" - love the classic design, in a signature Lilly color.  

"Rousseau Ottoman" - perfect for the gal who's space is limited or just has too many shoes.

"Yellow Bar stools" - I've been looking to add a little yellow to my life.  3 or 4 of the cushioned stools- just the right touch of color in my imaginary kitchen.

Love the clean lines of the "Aster Office Furniture"

The "Mizner Bench" is a little bit o' heaven - glossy white faux bamboo and textured pink upholstery.

"Carrie Loveseat" 

Remember the "paramount daybed" featured in my imaginary office/den?

"Aster Vanity and Boulevard Armchair" - this pink Chippendale chair and vanity would glam up any bedroom or dressing room.  

"Lillian Side Table"

"Aster Floor Mirror"

This is like eating just one potato chip.  You enjoyed the taste, but are starving for the whole bag.  

Be sure to click HERE to view Lonny's pictures of Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa launch celebration. 

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air…”  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson