Coastal Living Idea Cottage

The October issue of Coastal Living features the 2009 Idea Cottage. Angie Hranowsky designed this year's cottage, which is in I'on South Carolina, with space savvy design in mind. Every square inch of the cottage is utilized while still packing a huge punch on the style front. People seem to be moving away from wanting McMansions and instead opting for smaller more environmentally sound "right-size living" homes. The cottage is inspired, beachy and frankly just plain cool. Angie outdid herself this time. Check out the pictures below (LOVE the living room/dining room area!) but definitely pick up a copy of this issue as there is a lot more to see. Happy Monday!

Photos by Tria Giovan via Coastal Living.

Styling by Lindsey Ellis Beatty.

Inspirational Designers: Peter Dunham

Peter Dunham needs no introduction. These images have been published in more magazines and made the rounds on more blogs than I can count, but I don't care. He is one of my all time favorite designers. Get inspired!

Photos courtesy of Peter Dunham.

Dream Home: Amanda Peet

As I was flipping through some old Domino magazines today I came across some photos of Amanda Peet and David Benioff's amazing home in the Hollywood Hills. It's basically my dream home....Spanish-style bohemian bungalow with clean-lined antiques and flashes of chrome, tables heaped with art books, lot's of vintage ethnic textiles and contemporary art. Sigh...someday. Enjoy!

Photos by Coliena Rentmeester via Domino Magazine.

Through My Eyes: NOLA Part II

New Orleans is my new favorite city. It has so much to offer and we tried to pack as much as we could into the four days we were there. I dragged my husband to as many house tours, antique shops and art galleries as is reasonable for a man who was being a VERY good sport. The one thing we both agree on are restaurants. We ate at a range of restaurants and arrived home feeling like we had eaten our reasonable ration for the rest of 2009. Here is a peak at my favorite things we found in NOLA...

One of the most charming aspects of the French Quarter are all the gas lamps and lanterns. Bevolo is a little gem of a lighting shop tucked away on Conti Street, and their coppersmiths have been making these gorgeous lanterns since 1945. They re-designed an early 17th century model that has since become a New Orleans trademark.

Buck and I decided to wait in line and have breakfast at Cafe du Monde the first morning we were there. Cafe du Monde is a New Orleans institution that has been open everyday, except for Christmas and the occasional hurricane, since 1862. I have to say that I think everyone should go there at least once. However, later in the trip I discovered Cafe Beignet. Now, don't curse me, but I think the beignets were better and the ambiance was much more appealing. It's a little coffee shop on Royal Street with a low lying painted brick arched ceiling, lush outdoor garden area with iron tables and chairs where you can sit and enjoy your coffee and beignets.

Eventually we wandered down Magazine Street where a lot of the art galleries, antique stores and dreamy home and clothing boutiques are located. We took a quick peak into the Cole Pratt Gallery which was featuring artists James Beaman, Phil Sandusky, John Stanford and Paul Traver.

Another essential stop when in New Orleans is Amanda Stone Talley's studio. Unfortunately, I only had about 10 minutes to look around as we went there the day we flew home, but Amanda couldn't have been more gracious. Her studio is small but filled to the brim with inspired, dynamic and engaging works of art. She is a genius at translating movement and energy onto the canvas.

There are a ton of amazing antique stores here, but my favorite was Gerrie Bremermann's shop. I had the amazing luck of meeting and chatting with Mrs. Bremermann. It turns out we have acquaintances in common, which is further proof that it is such a small world! Bremermann Design was full of a wide variety of lovely French antiques, colorful pillows and contemporary art.

Photo by Ronda Carman

We popped into Julie Neill's for a bit to check out her lighting. I had read on The Big Easy Life New Orleans blog about her plaster chandeliers and had to see them for myself. Her lighting is all hand crafted and includes a collection of various metal and turned wood chandeliers, sconces and some furnishings. The plaster chandelier is this amazing combination of elegance and Dr. Seuss-ish charm. I love it!

I have so much more to share but I think this is enough for one post. Have a wonderful weekend!

Country Sophistication in Pope Valley

I had the great fortune to work with the lovely Danielle Rowe of Brown Paper Design this past weekend doing the flowers for an unbelievably gorgeous wedding at Dunham Ranch. Low and behold the property is owned by renowned San Francisco interior designer Ken Fulk. He restored the property staying true to what was already there while also paying tribute to the classic California ranch. The property is utterly charming and highlights the breathtaking beauty of the natural surroundings. All in all, the quintessential weekend retreat. A girl can dream.....

Photos by Victoria Pearson via House Beautiful

Through My Eyes: NOLA Part I