inspiration

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screened-in porches to make you swoon

Screened-in porches and ceiling fans go hand-in-hand here in the South and are a downright must in order to get through the hot and humid summers.  In the two years since we built our home, our screened-in porch has gotten virtually no love, save for a plastic adirondack chair in which I blog, eat breakfast,…

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connecticut stunner

When we built our home, we had the builder dig beds around the entire house, but leave the landscaping to us.  Over the past two years, I’ve added quite a few bushes, trees and ground cover, which are all filling in so nicely, but every year around this time, I get a little crazy about…

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the waves

Rhode Island is one of my favorite places to visit in the summer.  Not only does one of my best friends live in Providence, but my aunt and uncle own a fabulous summer cottage in closeby Newport, as well.  Before they bought their current summer home, they used to rent out a part of The…

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chic shingle style

If you follow me on Pinterest, you know I’m obsessed with shingle-style homes, but I’m also a huge fan of small, cozy cottages, too – the smaller, the better, honestly.  So, when I stumbled upon the Hamptons summer home of Martha Stewart Living’s decorating editor, Rebecca Robertson, I jumped with glee! Originally featured in the…

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fab find friday: $30 adirondack chair

We need some extra seating for around our pool and I’ve been wanting something clean and classic, so when I found these folding AND reclining adirondack chairs for $30 a pop, I ordered a bunch, along with the matching ottomans for $12, faster than you could say, “SOLD”!  You have to assemble and paint or…

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chic in nantucket

I’ve never been to Nantucket, but I know I would be just darling at owning a waterfront piece of property there!  This summer home of Canadian architect Matthew Sapera, designed by Barbara Waltman, is elegant without being too stuffy.  Crisp white, planked walls, soaring vaulted ceilings, walnut floors, distressed furniture and nautical accents strike the…

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white done right

When I think of the perfect beach house, the first thing that comes to mind is lots of natural light, tons of texture, no-fuss furniture, soft slipcovers, built-ins perfect for lounging and white as far as the eye can see.  This beautiful beach cottage in Summerland, California, is the perfect example.  I first saw it…

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summer lovin’

Only two days into Spring and I’m already dreaming of summer!  It’s hot and humid here and everything is completely coated in pollen…from the street, my house looks like it’s glowing!  I have all the blinds and windows closed, in an attempt to keep the house cool, but this may be the earliest I’ve ever…

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glass bottle display

On my way to buy a new orbital sander yesterday, a sign for a hole-in-the-wall antiques/consignment shop I had never seen before caught my eye so I decided to pop in and see what was in store.  While there were definitely lovely finds – an antique secretary and a humungous aged brass chandelier among them…

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coral goodness

Tangerine Tango may be the color of the year, but coral is totally on my radar right now! Small doses of this beautiful hue – pillows, flowers, lighting, faux coral pieces – go an awful long way (I happen to especially love it paired with navy blue).  Even though it’s been an unusually mild winter…

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east hampton elegance

If you’ve ever flipped through Phoebe Howard’s portfolio, you know classic elegance is her forte, and this  East Hamptons home is no exception.  When I first saw the amazing kitchen (on Pinterest, no less), my jaw hit the floor!  Gorgeous vaulted ceilings made of reclaimed wood, a huge island and mirrored cabinets….it makes my heart…

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inspired: burlap

Burlap is a fabulous, inexpensive, industrial fabric-it’s great for when you want to add texture and warmth to a space, and at around $3 per yard, it’s super accessible for anyone’s budget.  Here are some of my favorite ideas using this textile.  First up, these beauties.  Toms are some of the most comfy shoes I’ve…