Reclaimed Beach Bathroom

Beach houses, they have invaded my mind! Maybe it is the 90+ degree heat or the idea of escaping every day life for the beach but it is all I can think about. I even have a folder of beach inspiration photos labeled "daydream"! One theme which continues to show up is the idea that the "beach house" should have pieces which are reused or reclaimed it should be a space with a more relaxed feel. It would still flow but not necessarily have that "together" feel, if that makes sense! When I stumbled upon this photo I immediately knew it was going straight to the folder.

The white washed horizontal paneling, the turquoise painted molding (notice the thin white stripe? love it!) and the reclaimed hospital wash stands, painted and used as side by side sinks. Since they are small they take up little room and with the faucet in the corner, it is an even better solution. By thinking outside the ordinary the home owner uses vintage sand pails as towel holders. All fantastic ideas!

(image from My Home Ideas/Cottage Living)

Enjoy your 4th!

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, right up there with Thanksgiving. It is a day that is purely about the food, gathering with your favorite people and celebrating the amazing parts of America! I am signing off a bit early this week to enjoy the long weekend with friends and family! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend as well and I will see you back here on Tuesday with an update on 2 very fun events!

(images from Veranda and House Beautiful)

Are you ready for Rue Magazine?

You know when you have a good friend who is on the verge of something amazing and all you want to do is support them and yell it from the rooftops? Well that is what I am about to do!! One of my greatest blogging friends Crystal is about to give birth to a bouncing magazine named "RUE"! Isn't that name fantastic? It will be an "online interiors and lifestyle publication" full of inspiration and items to make our lives uniquely our own! LOVE IT!! If that was not enough her partners are the uber creatives Anne, Caitlin and Alaina.

We will have to wait until September for the launch but for now hop over to their website, friend them on Facebook and follow along as they tweet. Later this week I will be meeting Anne and Crystal in NYC for a bit of celebrating and could not be more excited! Let's all wish them well as we "Root for Rue"!

A perfectly styled lunch!

Last week I had one of the most exciting lunches and I just have to share it with you. Yes the food and the gorgeous new space of Sam's was amazing but really the excitement came from the person sitting across from me! I am sure you know Stacy Kunstel and if you don't know her, I bet you know her work. She is the Editor/Stylist of New England Home Magazine and a stylist for magazines such as Better Homes and Garden and Traditional Home to name a few. Our lunch was one of those where I was just hoping we would have something in common...well let me say we have SO much in common! In an industry where people can get a bit bigger than themselves, it was refreshing to meet Stacy who is so generous, creative, encouraging and energetic. Over the weekend I was flipping through my inspiration folder and what do you know, I have many of Stacy's rooms saved. Below are a few recent rooms she has styled, notice the small details, how she layers pieces and always has fresh flowers!

This was a great example of reaching out to those in the blog/twitter world and actually meeting them in person. You never know what new friends you will meet! So go on out there, who will you meet this week?

(images 1/2 from Better Homes and Gardens 3/4 from New England Home)

Monday Morning Happy

Morning All! How was your weekend? What was the most memorable part of it for you?

Can I be honest? It was a long weekend! We are in the process of moving my Gram into an Assisted Living Facility, which I have to say is just beautiful when she had a set back and ended up in the hospital. I know she will be fine and will be back to her energetic self in no time but it really can throw you for a loop when that call comes. Along with that there is another big event today. If you remember the end of last year my Mom was in the hospital for what seemed like forever for an operation. Well today she is having the second stage of that operation and we are all just praying it goes much much smoother than the last time. The positive side to all of this is that Gram and Mom will be bunking at the same hospital this week so the visiting will be easy...it's the little things that help you look at the bright side in times like these!

As I was looking for a photo for today's post the first blog I visited was my friend Jess over at Sweet Eventide. She is an amazing photographer and though I have never met her in person, she has the most gentle, calming demeanour, exactly what is needed right now! Her picture above of summertime blooms is just perfectly sweet!

I hope you all have a good (healthy) week! I have some posts ready to go so please check back in through the week and as always you can find me with quick updates over on twitter.
Jul

THE Garden Beverage Cart

I am what one might call a speed shopper, when I go into a store like Crate and Barrel I am usually scouting to find something very specific so I don't really browse. Recently I was doing my usually whiz through the store when I quickly stopped in tracks. Sitting right by the escalator (smart merchandising) was this adorable Garden Beverage Cart. OH MY, I said out loud, whipped out my phone and took a photo so I would not forget it. Well here it is a month later and I have yet to forget it!

Perfect for my little "someday" beach house and perfect to use indoors when the weather gets cool. Maybe in the bathroom with towels folded perfectly on top and magazines rolled in the wine slots!

(images from Crate and Barrel)

How To Thursday - Flor Bulletin Board

Often I order samples from FLOR for different client projects but the questions has always been what do I do with these samples once the project is over? I have given them away to my nieces who use them in their doll houses and are always excited but what can I do to use them in my own house? Well look who has just given me a solution - the always crafty Martha! Not only does it solve my problem, it also allows me to recycle what I have. I love the idea that you can change the color scheme of your office by just swapping out the carpet tiles! Fantastic!

For the exact "How To" pop on over to the website!

(image from Martha Stewart/Blueprint)

Escaping Cape Cod Style

With this being the first week of Summer I can predict exactly what will happen come Friday afternoon. The city will feel lighter and quieter because everyone will have escaped to Cape Cod! We are so lucky living here in Boston as just a few short, albeit traffic filled hours away is a little slice of beach heaven. This house I found over at Veranda is the perfect visual story of a Cape Cod Home. Classic Cape elements include white beadboard, blue & white striped fabrics, sisal and hooked rugs, driftwood & nautical accents, wicker and anything light colored pine wood! As with most homes on the Cape, this one was in the architects family for decades and was much smaller. With generations of the family now enjoying the summer in the home they decided to renovate, below is the gorgeous result!

How about we all meet on the beach?

(images from Veranda/Meredith Hutchison)

Would you like to move in?

What are your thoughts on this room? If you take away the gorgeous view is it a YAY or NAY for you? Half the space with exposed beams, the burlap wall decor, the gauze covered chandelier, the subtle colored sofa pillows, the bright area rug. I want to hear from you! Please share your comments?

(image from Coastal Living)

Monday Morning Happy!

Morning! How was your weekend? Did you enjoy your Father's Day? I spent some nice time with Dad eating yummy Biscotti and sitting around the table just chatting. Sometimes the simple days are the most perfect days! This is one of my favorite pictures of my Dad as a child. Not just for the vintage style photo (though you know I love the punched out top and scalloped sides) but for the shy/mischievous look on his face! As you can see I am biased but I can say I have the best Dad around, thanks Dad!

(image from Jace Interiors)

A walk through the garden

What a week it has been! Have you ever had a week which just feel like an emotional roller coaster? That was my week!! Lucky for me there were a few bright spots to the week. One being the overwhelming response to our NateDay! The power of twitter and our blogging community is just amazing! If you want to find a few new design blogs check out this list, they are all incredible. Another bright spot was having CreateGirl called out in a "Furniture Today" article by the ever supportive Leslie Carothers! Thanks Leslie!

With the weekend finally here, I found these serene gardens and thought what better place to have a little peace and quiet to regroup? I would love to grab my tea, take my time strolling through and just breath in the fresh air!

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend and thanks again to all my new readers, it has been fun "meeting" you!
Jul

(images via House Beautiful)

Sneaking in the Gate with Dwell Studio

Hello, can we just say AMAZING? A while back I learned over on twitter that Dwell Studio had partnered with Robert Allen for an amazing fabric collection, to say I was excited would be an understatement! Just yesterday the always adorable Christiane blogged about it and even shared some photos! That is all I will say as I want you to pop over and see the expanded version for yourself. Personally I am in love with how easy they allow you to mix and match....not just 1 or 2 fabrics but multiple prints!

"Gate" is in the running for my favorite pattern right now!

So what do you say? Are you looking forward August when the full line will be available?

(images via DwellStudio Blog)

Color Time - Pale Smoke Benjamin Moore

For those of you who are just finding CreateGirl via NateDay, welcome! We have series named "Color Time" where I pick a favorite room, scout out the paint color and share it with you. Sometimes the best way to find a paint color for yourself is to see it in an actual room! Todays Color Time is pure Nate Style and features a soft gray which brings color to the room but takes a back seat to the gorgeous furniture!

(image via A Perfect Gray & Decor Happy for the paint name)

Nate Berkus can you hear us? It's NateDay!

The day has finally arrived! Remember a month ago over on twitter when the @moggitgirls suggested Nate Berkus fill the audience of his new show with designer bloggers? Than I suggested we really ramp it up to get his attention with a "NateDay" when we all would blog about our favorite Nate Room or Product? Well its here, exactly 3 months to his first show - Monday September 13th!

I have to say what I admire most about Nate Berkus is how he not only designs but educates his clients about making the right purchases. In my opinion the best thing any of us designers can do is truly listen and collaborate with our homeowners. Nate does this seamlessly and his enthusiasm is absolutely contagious! Come along as I celebrate a day in the life of my favorite Nate designed rooms!

I would start my day in this gorgeous Zebrawood kitchen sipping my hot tea and checking in on all the other #NateDay bloggers!

Next I would move into the light filled office with it's dark floors and expansive inspiration board! I have been dreaming of this space for a while now.

Later in the day I would take a lunch break to flip through design books and gather inspiration for my current client projects!



Next I would do a bit of shopping for clients (ok ok and myself too!) over at HSN and the Nate Collection! The Studio Sofa is the perfect size for a bedroom reading nook and it is super affordable, perfect for any CreateGirl's budget!

In the evening I would gather my favorite design bloggers and have a little dinner party in this understated dining room. Check out the nailhead trim on those chairs...love!

So what do you say Nate? Are you feeling the love from our #NateDay?
Looks like you are ready for a hug!

(Images from:O at Home-Kitchen Elle Decor Elle Decor HSN Oprah.com)

Sex and the City 2 Affordable Furniture Alternates

Over the weekend I saw Sex and the City 2. The only thing better than sitting with my girlfriends in the theater would have been a remote with a pause button. There were so many times I wanted to rewind to take a closer look at a certain wallpaper, mirror or furniture! The next day I scoured the internet for any available info and came upon a fantastic interview at Stylelist with set designer Lydia Marks! AMAZING! Sadly I can not afford the steep price tag of $13,500 for a pair of chairs, so I did what all CreateGirls do... I went on the hunt for affordable options!

Remember the Overstock Settee I blogged about here? I thought it would be a great stand in for Carrie's sofa. Reupholster it in this Kravet Fabric (not exactly the same Mohair but similar color) and tada perfect for your own living room!

The Audrey Chair from Room and Board is a great alternate if you are looking for the highback style.

Mitchell Gold's Louisa Chair does not have a similar high back but does mirror the subtle wing back style, arms and t-cushion of Carrie's.





If you want to fall into a bed like Carrie & Big's order up a few yards of Kravet Velvet Gate and upholster it to a custom headboard like this one!

There are a few more pieces I am scouting out affordable options for so check back in the next few weeks!
What was your favorite piece of furniture or accent from the movie?

Adoring Aqua Sky and Eames Plastic Chairs

The classic Herman Miller Eames Molded Plastic Chair is on sale over at Design Within Reach! HM has updated the line with 5 new colors for 2010 and I have to say I am in love with the Aqua Sky, doesn't it just look so sweet? If you do not know the history of these chairs check out the story here. Charles and Ray Eames are the most inspiring furniture duo!

Do you have any Eames Plastic Chairs? If you were to buy one where would you use it in your house?

Monday Morning Happy - Kitchen Style

Morning All! How was your weekend? Did you work on any creative projects the last few days? When I came across these two photos on Coastal Living they immediately felt calming. One of my favorites times in a kitchen is when the early morning sun streams in and all is quiet. Open the windows and add a cup of hot tea and its a little slice of heaven!

a perfect nook!

fresh picked flowers and tomatoes on the window sill....just lovely!

Enjoy the new week!
jul

Dreaming of my flea market find

Do you remember this chair from Brimfield that I was in love with but did not end up buying?

Well when I was on vacation I strolled passed this lovely chair and immediately knew this was the exact vision I had for my flea market find!

The gray with the contrasting welt and legs make a sharp statement! I am more determined than ever to find a similar chair now. This new iPhone app is going to come in very handy!

(images from Jace Interiors)

Color Time - Pratt & Lambert Secret

Wow when I went looking for a "Color Time" paint I didn't expect to find this Sara Story Design room! It is so much more than a "color time" post with the slender black chairs, frosted glass cabinets and incredible...to die for flooring! It is the perfect mix of impact and subtle design. In my opinion the reason the ceiling paint works is because the rest of the room is neutral and quietly takes a backseat. Notice the lighting, white with just a bit of trim, the perfect contrast!

The question for today is, would you be so bold to paint your ceiling purple?

(image from Pratt and Lambert Better Homes and Gardens and Sara Story Design)

Rest & Relaxtion = Rejuvenated & Refreshed

Hi All!
I have just returned from my fantastic long weekend vacation! Every vacation I have taken up to this point had to do with weddings, family reunions or work related trips with a bit of time off thrown in so this trip was extra special! The resort we stayed at was brand new and just gorgeous. We spent 3 days moving from beach, to pool, to spa, than dinner only to repeat it all the next day. I have many pictures to share especially of all the new furniture the resort spec'd it was all just fantastic and I was constantly leaping with joy as I found a new piece I just loved.

This was the private pool at the spa. Look at the architecture, isn't it just fabulous? I felt like I had been swept away to some Mediterranean country!

Over the next few days I will post photos here and over on Facebook. Are you following me over there? Please do, I would be so happy to share additional vaca pics with you!