THE LAUNCH: Private Newport's Parterre Bench

I am pleased as punch to see the launch of the Parterre Bench come to fruition today. C&C Consulting, along with the Private Newport team, worked tirelessly and passionately to truly bring a dream to a reality. The Parterre Bench is a beautifully-scaled, custom bespoke garden accessory that commands celebratory order. It is available for any discerning eye to bring home to their own garden setting.

My client was inspired by a whimsical bench spotted some 30 years ago at Birr Castle in Ireland. She then specifically created a bower in her own Newport, Rhode Island garden (one that effortlessly mirrors Gardens of Versailles, mind you), to house the custom bench she designed to satiate her dreams. Years later, with some guts and grandeur, we are thrilled to bring the Parterre Bench to market.

DO: Get inspired & watch this video.

Thank you for your support & Happy Gardening!

xx

C&C Consulting

(Photograph above shot by the uber talented Jodi Paquin | http://www.jodipaquinphotography.com/)

Garden Bounty

Thanks to a gracious neighbor, I didn't have to forage long to assemble a bounty of spinach, swiss chard and radish. Her garden was yet another reminder that summer is practically here.

Pause

The sunshine made its debut for Mother's Day just as the day began to draw to a close. It immediately beckoned me outdoors where I paused to remember how lovely the light is at the end of the day. Hedges were trimmed in our neighborhood this weekend, grass was mowed, and dare I say, the mooring field is looking slightly more occupied. I am anxiously awaiting the summer to arrive. Upon my outdoor exploration, I was reminded of how much I adore this darling historic home (captured above) down the street from us. She also happens to be on the market and would make an excellent summer escape. See the listing, here.

Newport Lamp & Shade

A slightly hidden hideaway among the cobblestones of Franklin Street is Newport Lamp & Shade Company. Their name is perhaps a rather apparent nod to their expert lamp repair service in their workshop - a space flooded with lampshades of all fashions that will surely make you swoon. The remaining square footage is a sea of carefully curated gifts and home goods - from an antique sign (I immediately had my eyes fixated on the "Punch" sign hanging from the doorway only to learn that it had sadly sold), to dish ware that would make a splash at any outdoor summer soirée.

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Warren's Point

A few days prior, my sister and I ventured down to Warren's Point in Little Compton, Rhode Island for an afternoon picnic. Though visited on a gusty April afternoon, Warren's Point is rather the epitome of a serene summer oasis, a tiny gem of our precious coastline with classic New England architecture, sweeping views of the Atlantic and for the most part, rather underdeveloped thanks to the 1938 hurricane. Provisions were procured at Provender Fine Foods followed by a visit to The Cottage at Four Corners where to my delight, discovered AERIN's new lighting collection on display. (Obsessed with this sexy antique brass and black Clemente Table Lamp). In the summer, we would have most certainly secured an ice cream cone across the street at Gray's Ice Cream....

LKRE

Meet Libby Kirwin. Libby, is my former boss, mentor and friend who played a large role in the beginning of my career. She is, more importantly, the founder of Libby Kirwin Real Estate ("LKRE") a boutique real estate and property management firm headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island. From the moment Libby and I met, we clicked and I couldn't wait to work for her - I never felt so confident trusting someone so quickly. She has the most discerning eye, infectious work ethic and unrelenting passion for her work. She is akin to that senior girl in high school that was untouchably cool. I couldn't wait to learn more from her every day and every moment with her was a learning experience.

As Director of Marketing for LKRE, I was responsible for developing and executing all marketing and PR strategies as well as leveraging our brand strategy. In time, LKRE really took off and exemplified the modern leader in what was traditionally, a rather stuffy, stale industry.

Above: My first marketing campaign at LKRE, our "Inspiration Campaign" in 2011.

Given Libby's keen eye and exquisite taste, I believe one of her strengths is her design and renovation consulting business. Below are an assortment of transformations she is behind. Be sure to visit her website for the full LKRE experience. Thanks for your inspiration, Libby!

17 Oliver Street: Before17 Oliver Street: After22 Thurston: Before

22 Thurston: After

18 Burdick: Before

18 Burdick: After

Photo credit: The talented Melissa Quintal Photography