nate berkus inspired

On the heels of yesterday’s post, I thought a perfect segue would be to write about Lauren Gold’s mentor/boss, Nate Berkus…many of you know him from his morning talk show and his countless home makeovers on Oprah…I have to confess, I have not seen his new show or the makeovers on Oprah but I have been a fan of his published work as well as his website for many years…for me, his interiors always feel fresh and vibrant…somehow he is able to stay on trend but with a timeless touch…a shining example of this is his Chicago home featured in the September 2008 issue of Elle Decor…the 1929 apartment boasts views of Lake Michigan on a picturesque tree-lined street on one of Chicago’s most storied residential blocks…renovated in the 1940s by famed modernist architect Samuel Marx, Berkus embraced the postwar remodel restoring much of Marx’s original vision…this strong architectural foundation offered the designer a brilliant platform for his antique, vintage and modern furnishings as well as his worldly collection of beloved art and found objects…he notes that his home is always evolving…an ever changing environment that reflects his moods and life experiences…may you be Nate Berkus inspired…

photos and resources from Elle Decor

lauren gold

The July-August issue of Lonny Magazine is jam packed with great design! Hope you’ve had a chance to explore its inspiring articles and photos! I featured one of my favorite spreads last week, the ultra stylish Hollywood Hills home of designer Adam Bram Straus…I’m still swooning over his masculine mix of art and vintage furnishings! Today, I thought I would feature my other favorite find from this issue, the Chicago apartment of Lauren Gold, design director for Nate Berkus Associates…what I love most about her home is that she allowed it to evolve over time…she thoughtfully mixed mid-century antiques with her own whimsical collections while staying true to her signature look ~ Belgian linen, sisal and splashes of citrus…I’m especially fond of the dining room ~ a Coco Chanel inspired gold wheat table paired with Louis XVI dining chairs upholstered in black leather…the high contrast of the dining chairs plays beautifully with the black shelving in the bookcase…elegant, fresh, and fabulous! I hope you enjoy this ultra chic home!

To read the entire article, click here

“I took my time…I never rushed into anything. I only purchased the pieces I loved.” ~ Lauren Gold

photos and resources from Lonny Magazine

ode to summer

in the blink of an eye, summer comes and goes…the carnival, provincetown, bar harbor, and the farm…my summer memories are filled with beauty and happiness…as the nights turn cool and we look ahead to fall, may we reflect on the sights, scents, sounds, and tastes of summer…the sweet smell of lilacs, magenta clouds over the farm, soft warm breezes, heavenly ocean air…simply divine

wishing you a glorious labor day weekend…

photos by me ~ summer 2011

herring cove

“Summer afternoon…summer afternoon – the two most beautiful words in the English language.” ~ Henry James

photo by me ~ herring cove, provincetown, 8/31/11

stone columns

stone columns bathed in afternoon light…their timeless beauty transfixed me…architecture meets art…art meets nature…one can not thrive without the other

photos by me, 8/30/11

adam bram straus

Carefully curated and thoughtfully composed, the Hollywood Hills apartment of Los Angeles designer Adam Bram Straus is a masterclass in how to create mood…deep charcoal walls and ebonized hardwood floors set the tone for his effortless mix of vintage furniture, lighting and art…notice his brilliant play of textures in the living room ~ the plush velvet sofa and triangular vintage cocktail table harmonize with the gilt framed life-size oil painting and masculine cowhide rug…united, they transcend their own individual beauty…it is living composition filled with tactile textures, sculptural forms and artful vignettes…please enjoy!

photos and resources from Lonny Magazine

my ironman

“There is no can’t in ironman” ~ Unbekannt

“If you challenge yourself to finish an ironman, you can do anything.” ~ Unbekannt

Yesterday, while Tropical Storm Irene swept through the Northeast, my husband Edward was competing in his very first ironman…the place ~ Louisville Kentucky…the course ~ a 2.4 mile swim in the Ohio River, a 112 mile bike ride through the beautiful Kentucky countryside and historic town of La Grange, and a 26.2 mile run through the heart of Louisville…Edward crossed the finish line in 14 hours, 35 minutes and 2 seconds…he is now an ironman! I want to dedicate today’s post to Edward…my inspiration, my love, my ironman…

photo taken at sand beach, acadia national park, maine ~ summer 2011

the kitchen ~ part two

from chic urban lofts to charming country retreats, these artful kitchens are sure to inspire delectable meals and memorable conversation…bon appetit!

wishing you all a safe and wonderful weekend!

photos from Antony Todd, Elle Decor and Metropolitan Home

the kitchen ~ a place where life unfolds

With all this talk of food and cooking, I thought it best to feature the room where it all happens, the kitchen…it has been nicknamed “the heart of the home” and for good reason…it is where the rhythm of the day begins…where we nourish our bodies and feed our soul…have you ever asked yourself why we all end up in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day? (and it’s not just to steal an extra piece of mom’s stuffing!)…somehow the act of cooking brings us closer together…it inspires stimulating conversation, singing, laughter, and love…a place where life unfolds…

photos from Elle Decor

a love affair with chez panisse

While researching Chez Panisse, I discovered a heartfelt review written by blogger Adam Roberts…started back in 2004, his blog is called Amateur Gourmet and chronicles his love affair with food along with his transition from law school to professional food writer…on April 19th 2007, he visited Chez Panisse for dinner and composed a magical review…his eloquent writing takes you with him, from the fairy tale facade to the simplicity and balance of each bite, he leaves you with keys in hand, ready to catch the next flight to Berkeley California…if you are one of the lucky ones, and have eaten at Chez Panisse, then reading his post may transport you back to a much loved memory…if you are like me, yearning to experience the ultimate in farm to table perfection, then this review will take you there…Adam is a brilliant and passionate writer…I’m thrilled he has found his calling! Please enjoy!

To read Adam’s review of Chez Panisse, click here

photos by me ~ summer 2011