Shame on me! I have been utterly consumed with commitments as of late and haven't posted nearly enough. This past weekend, I gave myself a real break with a weekend in Montauk, finally finished Julia Child's My Life in France and devoured half of The Help. I'm sure you've all read both of them, but in case you haven't, do! They're wonderful.
Does anyone else feel a hint of fall in the air? For the past few days, New York has been lucky enough to have glorious sunny weather with a breeze that suggests cooler autumn days to come. Aside from the whole earthquake thing, it's been quite pleasant!
Before summer (which has already rushed by so quickly) is really and truly gone, I wanted to post these beautiful images I've collected from my favorite magazines' summer issues. Enjoy!
First things first: let's talk House Beautiful. Did anyone else notice the change in the logo font on the September cover, as compared with August? Although I suppose September is technically fall, the bright colors and beach house featured in this issue felt very summery.
I love it! It definitely feels more modern and more playful. Is it just me, or does it also feel a bit more like Domino? We can only hope!
Now, on to the serious eye candy...I actually gasped aloud when I turned the page and came upon this beach house.
What a light, airy dining area - I particularly love the yellow edging on the curtains and the way the dark wood of the curtain rod and chandelier complement the floor.
Bright patterns really stand out against the neutral background of the living room. Again, love the darker wood accents of the mid-century side chair and large bowl under the coffee table.
I admit that this kitchen (like most of the house) is super feminine, especially with the sunny valance - but I think the geometric accents of the dining table surface, the dish towel draped over the sink, and the gorgeous backs of the high Cherner stools balance it well.
I would find it impossible not to wake up beaming every morning if I got to wash my face at this sink, surrounded by this gloriously happy wallpaper (Recessed by Studio Printworks). I think it would be a lot for some people to take first thing in the morning, but it seems like it would feel a bit like being in an underwater castle to me, especially with the reflection of shells staring back at me in the mirror.
I'm not a fan of using quite so much pink - I prefer it in small doses, and all that pink plus the faux fur rug feels a bit saccharine. However, I think the neatly chevroned floor (Benjamin Moore's Salmon Berry & White Dove), injections of vibrant orange, and mod feel of the upholstered headboard and bolster pillow make the room a beaut as a whole.
View more summery goodness after the jump!
Talk about a change of pace! It's almost hard to believe this shot came from the same House Beautiful issue - but it's just as lovely in its own way, and certainly a soothing setting.
You'd think the Delft-style tiles in combination with aqua cabinets and that seriously amazing Aga would overwhelm, but as the story's title says, 'yes, it works!'
Here's the full resource guide from these stories.
From Real Simple, May 2011: Designer Sabine Tucker's bedroom is spare and informal, but super charismatic thanks to a vibrant wall color (Farrow & Ball's 'Arsenic').
Neatly organized, modern-framed wall art keeps the vintage chairs and table from feeling too secondhand.
The colors in this arrangement are stunning; the patina on the antique mirror prevents the focus from being drawn away from the pretty vignette Tucker has created.
All in all, the story's title, "Perfectly Imperfect," couldn't have been more fitting. My personal taste tends toward this design concept - mostly because it's highly unlikely I'd ever be able to keep anything even remotely close to perfect. Plus, keeping things imperfect and less formal gives rooms so much more personality, creating spaces you can really be in rather than just sitting in.
From Sunset, August 2011: The Sunset team worked with HyBrid, an architectural firm located in Seattle, to create a home out of a repurposed shipping container. The model, the C192 Nomad, retails for $59,500, can hold a family of 4, and is built from a single 24' container. Wouldn't it be fun to throw one of these babies in your backyard?
I have to admit, this lodge-themed roundup makes me just a little excited for autumn...
I rarely have need for a pocket knife, but if I did, these W.R. Case & Sons blades are as artfully crafted as they are functional.
Hope you've enjoyed your summers and are taking advantage of every last minute!
Comments