forever chic: ralph lauren

I was going through some old shelter mags over the weekend and found an issue of House Beautiful from November 2004 featuring the Hampton’s Showhouse designed that year by Ralph Lauren.  I couldn’t put it down, constantly taking little peeks all weekend!  The design, decor and styling is a testament to Lauren’s forever timeless, tailored style and the fact that every last detail is still as chic more than ten years later.  Shingle-style on the outside and full of natural textures, a great mix of textiles and antique furnishings on the inside, it’s exactly the aesthetic that comes to mind when I think of getting my house ready for fall: comfy, cozy and warm.  And the black and white striped valances on the back porch?  PERFECTION. 

Cedar shakes, crisp white trim and a fabulous woven chair – yes, yes and YES:

I’ve always loved the idea of a round table in the middle of an entryway, so naturally, I die over this whole situation right here.  The only thing I would do to improve upon it would be to paint the insides of the ceiling coffers the palest shade of powder blue:

A great mix of layers, textures and warm woods in the living room:

A perfectly styled niche:

And how perfect is this back porch?  The bold black and white stripes are such a lovely contrast to the cedar shakes and those GORGEOUS woven club chairs:

Here are my picks for getting a similar look:

Table / Topiary / Pillow / Horse print / Candle / Basket / Sconce / Rug / Moravian Star

Throw / Ice bucket

All photos via