An Upstate New York Country Home

I've followed JCrew menswear Director Frank Muytjens' Instagram account for years without really knowing much about him other than that he has a fantastic eye and an absolutely adorable Vizsla. Today, after taking what seemed like the 100th screen shot of his upstate New York vacation home, I decided I needed to see more. A vintage collector's paradise, I love how every inch of his home feels lived in and special. The layers of fabrics and textures, the ephemera covering nearly every surface, the use of natural elements - all come together to create a space that is truly memorable.  

Amanda Brooks' English Country House

I've long been a fan of Amanda Brooks. From her days as a street style icon to her time as the fashion director for Barney's New York to her current Instagram account that showcases her idyllic life in the English countryside (with just enough time spent jetsetting through Europe, New York, and the Caribbean), I've always found her style to be aspirational yet attainable and love her relaxed and effortless aesthetic.

Colefax & Fowler's Bowood

Over the years I have been very vocal about my love for wallpaper. I still smile every time I walk through our front door and admire my all time favorite print - Nina Campbell's Perroquet - on the walls of our entryway. Always on the lookout for my next favorite print, I was recently perusing my Pinterest boards when I noticed a commonality in several of my pins - a beautiful pale blue floral chinz being used everywhere from walls to chairs to beds. After a little research I found that it was Colefax & Fowler's Bowood, and I'm officially obsessed. I love it as a wallpaper, but my favorite application is as a headboard. Paired with crisp white monogrammed sheets, a dark grey nightstand, and a framed vintage print, the Bowood print perfectly epitomizes the casual elegance of English country style.

A California Home Designed by Rita Konig

As I've mentioned before, Rita Konig is my all-time favorite interior designer. Her use of color, pattern, and antiques give homes a whimsical yet timeless vibe that always feels comfortable and lived-in. So when I saw on her Instagram account that Elle Decor was featuring a home she decorated in their March issue, I knew I would have to get my hands on it!

A Rustic Chic California Home

One of the best parts about planning a destination wedding is being able to squeeze a couple extra vacations out of it. We spent about a week and a half in California last summer checking out venues from Northern Sonoma down to the Central Coast, and we will be going back about a week early to explore Santa Barbara and Central California Wine Country. All this time in California has really allowed me to start to appreciate the rustic, laid-back Cali lifestyle which is evident in everything from the fashion to cuisine to decor. To me - this feeling of casual elegance is perfectly captured by designer Wendy Bellissimo's Hidden Hills home. More from Lonny...

An Eclectic Chicago Loft

Chicagoians Graham Kostic and Fran Taglia know how to decorate. Just take a look at their seriously gorgeous renovated loft {it used to be a soda factory!} that's chock-full of eclectic ephemera. From their collection of vintage oil paintings to their fearless use of wallpaper {including the Carlton Varney's stunning palm print which can be seen at The Greenbrier} to a constellation-painted ceiling, these two aren't afraid to be bold. While some of the pattern is a little more than I would like in my own home, I think Graham and Fran were able to curate a space that feels completely unique and individual - which is a feat in itself these days! My favorite space has to be the grapevine-enveloped courtyard, isn't it magical?

Guest Room Inspiration

Smokey Rose Wallpaper || Vintage Trophy || Vintage Oil Painting || Industrial End Table || Hanging Bulb Pendant || Bed Skirt || Iron Bed || Jute Rug || Coral Sheet Set and Duvet || Throw Pillow

I've had this photo saved for years, so when we moved into our new house last January I decided to use it as inspiration for our downstairs guest bedroom. We had this wallpaper installed {which I am in love with} and still need a few finishing touches to pull the room together. While I am leaning towards a wood nightstand, this industrial piece reminds me so much of the one in the inspiration image, plus I love how it contrasts with the feminine wallpaper. 

Built-In Bookshelves

Can a home have too many built-in bookshelves? When you're a collector like me, the answer is absolutely not! Although our Victorian cottage has loads of character, since the day we moved in I've dreamt of having built-ins installed in our living and dining rooms.

It's Complicated Set Design

On Valentine's Day this year Ryan and I decided to forgo the traditional night out for a cozy day of snuggling in our PJ's, walking Yoda in the snow, watching movies by the fire, and dinner at home. After a breakfast of homemade pumpkin scones we curled up on the couch to watch one of my favorite romantic comedies - It's Complicated. I first saw the movie with my mom while staying at The Greenbrier, and I must have watched it at least 10 times since. 

While I love everything about the movie, for me what pushes it over the top is Meryl Streep's beyond perfect Santa Barbara ranch. Much of the film is centered around her open kitchen which features rustic open shelving, a stunning marble island, and a view of her gorgeous courtyard. The entire house is tastefully decorated and strikes the perfect balance of California casual meets Belgian chic, creating a home that is stylish and comfortable with just as many lovely spaces to curl up with a book outside as there are in. And if her home wasn't gorgeous enough, just take a look at her Dean and Deluca inspired bakery. Talk about a dream life!

La Banane, St. Barth

It happens every year like clockwork - about halfway through February I start dreaming about going on a tropical escape. Since we are saving our vacation time for our destination wedding and honeymoon this summer, it looks like the closest I'm going to get to palm trees is my computer screen, and thanks to the vibrant, modern-island decor of Villa Banane in St. Barths, I can almost feel the Vitamin D!

Gallery Wall Inspiration

Ah the ubiquitous gallery wall. While certainly nothing new in the interior design scene, I will always love a gallery wall as I think it's the perfect opportunity to allow guests to learn more about you as a person. Plus, while I most certainly can appreciate a minimalist philosophy when it comes to many aspects of my life {I'm in the middle of reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and it is literally blowing my mind}, I will always be in the "more is more" camp when it comes to decor. I just love a home that feels lived in and that every corner you look at has a new story to tell about it's owner.

"The Intern" Set Design

Ryan and I don't see a lot of movies in the theater, so whenever we travel abroad I use the flight as an opportunity to catch up on my new releases. While watching The Martian, I started getting distracted by the movie the passenger in front of me was watching, and though I tried to stay focused on my screen I just couldn't seem to look away. I finally realized why I was so captivated - the movie had one of the more gorgeous set designs that I had ever seen! When I got home I looked the movie up and quickly realized why I loved it so much. Of course, it was because "The Intern" was directed by none other than Nancy Meyers {the woman can do no wrong!}

Pantone's Colors of the Year for the Home

Chesterfield Sectional {Denim} || Watercolor Flora Wallpaper || Whale-Tail Measuring Cups || Happiness Planner || Rose Lip Polish || Kim Salmela Hicks Stool || Velvet Pillow || Bergère || Roll Arm Storage Bench || Milk Glass Mixing Bowl Set || Floral Settee

This year at my office we had a pool running to see which color Pantone would pick as their color of the year. My colleagues picked colors from jade to raspberry, but no one anticipated that they would choose not one but two colors! And I have to say - I absolutely love their choices. 

Interiors :: Deborah Needleman's Country Home

The 18th century country home of T Magazine editor Deborah Needleman is an absolute retreat. Designed by Rita Konig {LOVE her!}, the former one-room inn was carefully restored by Needleman and her husband to be an oasis for casual entertaining. From the breezy beadboard bedrooms to the farmhouse sink {we have one too!} to the gorgeous collection of antiques to the amazing vegetable garden and pool, everything about her home just feels charming and welcoming. Side note: Deborah also wrote one of my all-time favorite interior decorating books - The Perfectly Imperfect Home. I highly recommend you checking it out!

Interiors :: Rita Konig's Manhattan Flat

I miss the old Pinterest. The Pinterest before it became just another profitable social media tool for advertisers and bloggers, when it was simply an organic form of finding and saving inspiration. Pinterest inspired me to travel to the Amalfi Coast. Pinterest is where, several years ago, I found my dream wedding dress and venue. And Pinterest is what introduced me to my all-time favorite interior designer - Rita Konig.

Our House: Master Bedroom Inspiration

Trellis Pillowcases {Shell} || Brahms Mount Multistripe Blanket {Surf} || Chesterfield Sleigh Bed {Belgian Linen - Mist} || Border Frame Duvet Cover {Aqua} || Gobi Embroidered Sheet Set {Aqua} || Terrace Side Table {Antique Brass} || Genie Accent Lamp || Campaign Dresser || Aged Brass Task Lamp || Benjamin Moore Ivory Paint || Kate Spade All in Good Taste || Swivel Club Chair {Ticking Stripe} || Painted Desert Rug || Max Wanger County Line

Hi there! I hope you all had a great weekend. Today is Ryan's birthday {HAPPY BIRTHDAY!} so we spent the weekend celebrating him by going out with friends, having brunch at our favorite farm-to-table restaurant, seeing Star Wars at the IMAX, and eating a nice dinner at home.

I never realized how much work it is to decorate a house, especially when you're as detail-oriented and indecisive as me {not always the best combination!} While we've made some progress with the downstairs, until recently we haven't even started thinking about the upstairs of our house. However, I received a gorgeous new Serena & Lily duvet and sheet set for Christmas {thanks Dad!} which has inspired me to get my act together and start working on our master bedroom.

Dressing the Walls

As I mentioned on Monday we're getting ready to paint several rooms in our house, but I'm struggling to decide on paint colors.  In general I am the queen of overthinking and it seems like the decisions are magnified now that it is our new house and I just want everything to truly be a reflection of Ryan and I.  Since our downstairs has such high ceilings and so much woodwork {and the fact that we are both so darn busy}, we're hiring someone to paint it and then will chip away at the upstairs when we have time.  While that is a relief because I know I will actually have some free time now over the next few months, it also makes the decision seem that much more important because it's definitely not cheap hiring painters and I want it to look great so we don't decide to repaint in another 6 months!  As of now, here are some of my ideas for the bottom floor...

For our entryway I'm loving the Nina Campbell Perroquet Wallpaper.  I have seriously adored this since I saw the black version in Rita Konig's entry way in Domino.  I'm thinking of doing the light color way because....

Interiors :: Holiday Decor

Well hello there long lost friends!  I am a little embarrassed how MIA I have been these past few weeks, especially given the fact that the holiday season is always my favorite time in the blogosphere.  With my new job, getting ready for Christmas, and the house hunting process {we're in the process of closing on a house!}...I haven't seemed to find a free minute to spend on this here little blog.  I'm really hoping that once we're moved into the new house and I'm settled into my new job I'll be able to start blogging more regularly, because truth be told I miss you guys so much!

Interiors :: Rug Styling with Chairish

A few weeks ago Chairish, the world's first online consignment shop for the design obsessed, reached out to me to see if I'd be interested in styling one of their rugs for an upcoming post.  We're in the process of looking at houses so it was a no-brainer for me!  It was hard to pick a favorite rug, but when I came across this gorgeous distressed oushak rug I was absolutely smitten.  I love the classic patina and the muted color palette.  Pair it with refined neutrals, distressed leather, and antique art for an elegant and cozy space.

Interiors :: The Thanksgiving Table

Dinner Plate // Salad Plate // Appetizer Plate // Mango Wood Serving Bowl // Gold Flatware // Marble & Wood Cheese Board // Napkins // Birdbath Salt Cellar // Agate Napkin Ring // Champagne Coup // Gold Highball Tumbler // Round Platter // Glass Whiskey Bottle // Salt & Pepper Shaker // Table Runner // Le Creuset Dutch Oven //  Twig Salad Servers // Succulent Planter

This past weekend Ryan and I went to a Thanksgiving cooking class at Williams Sonoma, and being there seemed to increase my excitement for the holidays tenfold.  While we still go home for Thanksgiving, I look forward to one day when we host the big meal ourselves.  I envision a tablescape balanced with formal and casual, gilded and natural.  What about you?  Is your dream Thanksgiving table more traditional?  Or do you like things a little more eclectic?  Regardless, I'm definitely going to be recreating the asiago truffle mashed potatoes we made in our class...they were pure heaven!