At last, it feels like we can almost taste summer. Warm morning walks last week confirmed this notion, and now, as I write from our little cabin in Vermont where the green mountains are in abundance, I am particularly joyful to usher in the new season. Things around here already feel different in the most marvelous way. Here’s to the best summer yet.
ABOVE: A snippet from my morning walk near our home in Rhode Island. I love the sight of beach roses with the backdrop of the ocean.
I’ve always been a sucker for gingham, and having a baby boy sure doesn’t help that fixation. For me, the preppy pattern exudes a carefree, casual but timeless sentiment. Dare I say, it’s a little “campy” — something you might find on a table at a beach shack in Maine adorned with butter stains from a candlelit lobster bake or in the Adirondacks, for a porch dinner accompanied with sponge-ware and a vase of wildflowers. I have always adored the large-scale gingham Maison de Vacances napkins but find them difficult to source as of late. In part, that’s why I was so delighted to stumble upon these two-tone napkins from Courtney Barton’s shop.
Here’s to all things gingham and hoping that lobster dinner manifests itself this summer…
Becoming a Mother was always part of my path in life. Though, I suppose I never really imagined my life without having children. It’s true no one can adequately prepare you for what the experience will be like and every woman has her own unique journey. The photograph below was taken when Wilder was two months old. Though cliche, time is most certainly fleeting. The days feel long but short in the strangest way. There is euphoria and tenderness one moment and loneliness and isolation the next. Then, layer in a casual Pandemic, a full-time job, a home renovation and a move. It’s been quite the year but “These Are the Days” as Van Morrison sings and every now and then, I try to ground myself and find perspective. For me, it’s been an utter messy but marvelous whirlwind and sometimes, I feel like I’m still in survival mode. I have developed the deepest respect and admiration for all Mothers, especially mine. We are so lucky to have Wilder in our lives and I will forever cherish the moments with him, exhausted et al.
Photograph captured by: Lisette Rooney
I am beyond ready to usher in summer in all its glory. We are slowly getting our little house assembled (truly, at a snail’s pace), but the images below help keep me focused and energized especially as we work to furnish our petite porch. These designers are truly some of the greatest masters — I’ve had these images “pinned” for quite some time and continue to reference them. The mix of materials — wicker, iron, weathered wood, concrete, blue stone — and pattern through details like trelliage, exude an understated sense of comfort and timelessness while graciously beckoning the outdoors. And, there is something so nurturing and peaceful about being surrounded by green growing things!
Here’s to that first batch of iced tea on the porch…
ABOVE: Gil Schafer’s Greek Revival — see more of his personal home here.
Wishing you all a Happy Easter Weekend this Good Friday.
This holiday in particular feels a little different now that we have a little one — the visions of him hopping around (well, not quite) in his Easter finery with neighbors and family makes my heart happy. We’ve been reading “Peep, Peep, I Love You!” all week in anticipation, and I’ve officially handed down my Easter Basket to him that I’ve chalked full of books, soft animals and Rebecca Gardner’s Easter Grass.
I discovered Edelweiss Chocolates this year for my little touches around the home and loved their Speckled Easter Chocolate Malt Balls (so gorgeous!) and Caramel Robins Eggs. It’s the little things!
It seems like everyone is in Palm Beach at the moment, or perhaps I’m lusting for some sunshine and my radar is especially sharp. Aesthetes are flocking to Casa Gusto for all things divine and delightful whilst I devour every visual bit on Instagram. If you don’t have them on your digital speed dial, hop on it, stat. Follow along, @getthegusto
Images above, via Casa Gusto.
There are luggage stands, and then fabric-covered luggage stands by Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler. These stopped me in my tracks. Have a look here.
I loved seeing this fun collaboration for Easter Baskets from Amanda Brooks and Atelier Vime. My husband and I were so lucky to have met the creators behind Atelier Vime in Paris. Anthony and Benoit graciously opened up their beautiful flat in Saint-Germain-des-Prés to us and shared remarkable stories about their business and mission to preserve the wicker weaving craft. We flew back home with a few of their pieces and ever since I’ve had my eye on more of their lighting.
See more of this fun basket collection on Amanda’s site here.
Hippity Hop!
ABOVE: An Assortment of wicker baskets available on Cutter Brooks, true beauties that call on the expertise of Atelier Vime’s wicker and rattan craftsmen.
It’s safe to say that most projects by Jeffrey Bilhuber stop me in my tracks. This Jackson Hole project is most certainly one of them. In part, because I love seeing his work translate to a mountain landscape, and, having a tiny cabin of our own, it serves as major inspiration. The painted floors by Bob Christian mixed with layers of textiles, antiques and rustic textures create an atmosphere that is luxe, special, yet uncontrived. View more of the project, here.
All Interior Design: Jeffrey Bilhuber | Photography: Douglas Friedman
Love Day is beckoning and thus, I am sharing with you some of my favorite romantic gifts for the one you LOVE. What’s better than art, jewels, flowers and hand-painted tabletop pieces??! Not much, in my book…See below:
This gorgeous black & white print with its old-school mood by photographer Sara Ferguson is top of my list. It reminds me of an old photograph of my Father and his sailing buddies from the 70s. Nostalgic, cool and beautiful. I personally have a strong affinity to black and white photography. Shop via Anyon Atelier, @anyonatelier
Because we cannot forget about the jewels!! Chic colorful candy around your neck?! Yes, please. Feast your eyes on this piece with its baguette shaped semi-precious gemstones. Tourmalines, garnets, aquamarines, peridots, citrines, and amethysts! Available via Tiina Smith Jewelry, @tiinasmithjewelry
Printmaker, potter, gardener — Frances Palmer is a celebrated artist with an incredible book recently launched. Step into her world with the most delicious imagery of her florals, pottery and life in her studio. I find myself revisiting this book all the time… Shop via Moda Operandi, @francespalmer
Literally the gift that keeps on giving. Phoebe’s farm-grown florals are BEYOND. Surprise your sweetheart with a subscription to her Spring Bouquet offering. Six sensational weeks of her florals? HEAVEN on earth. Shop via Weatherlow Florals, @weatherlowflorals
Having just gobbled up a set of these for myself, I can say they are even better in person. Carolina Irving (and her daughters!) are up to it again with hand-painted pieces that are practical and romantic. Shop via Carolina Irving and Daughters, @carolinairvinganddaughters
I swear by these notebooks, and really anything from Sloane Stationery in the UK. I go to them for gifting and bound albums I personalize. Ask for Nathalie and she will help bring your bespoke wishes to life. Excellent price points, too! Shop via Sloane Stationery, @sloanestationery
Make it #CandCapproved
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