Thing are looking up. 3 weeks ago I dropped Ryan off at art camp - now he's coming home! He came right out and said he's ready to go to college now. I guess I have a year to get ready.Today's the last day of July, so sorry to see it go. I wish I could live 12 months of July, it's my absolute favor…
Can You Mix Metal Finishes in a Bath?
For the new, larger remodeled bathroom in our lower level I'm considering:Color: BM Mysterious AF-565Tiles: Using the large white ceramic tiles I already have (8 x 6) for the wet room area which will have a white stand-alone tub and shower. I"m leaning towards a natural brass for the faucet (color s…
Hole in Floor - Our Renovation Underway!
If you've read my blog awhile you know about my problem room. Built in 1954, our house had a narrow "dining room" that connected the living room to the family room addition (seen in the background of this photo) and the kitchen and den/office. The kitchen is another problem child as it has an awkw…
You Can Rent India Hicks' Villas

Many, many bloggers (including me) have drooled over the interior of India Hicks gorgeous Hibiscus Hill home in Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Did you know that three of her homes are available for rent - the Guest House, Cricket Pavilion and King's Treat? Here's a peek into King's Treat - more…
Trash Chair Meets Pierre Frey
I found this mid-century chair with the vinyl seat cover and cute brass leg detailing put out for trash in my neighborhood.I painted it Sherwin Williams Dover White but it looked a bit too white. So I mixed Farrow & Ball Bone with glaze and a tiny bit of Dover White and covered the chair. Sorry for…
Magnificent Marblehead
After dropping my son off at camp over a week ago, I headed over to Marblehead for the afternoon. I left seriously doubting why we ever moved from Boston 20+ years ago. The flag says Don't Give Up the Ship. I'd say don't ever give up your property in this idyllic coastal village. Yes, I've spent…
Today - West Elm Georgetown Pop-Up Store Opens!
Yesterday West Elm had a blogger preview unveiling their first ever pop-up store located in Georgetown in DC (3333 M Street NW), slated to be open through the holidays. Enveloped in white, this bright store with a loft feel showcases pieces that push the West Elm brand into new territory. There's …
Eye Candy: Punch of Red

Isn't this shot of Oscar de la Renta's Punta Cana beach home amazing? Thanks to everyone who commented about my "burning bush" (post below) - you've given me some great ideas. Mine is looking a bit anemic compared to Oscar's lush display!Back from Boston w/some great finds and pics - plan to post so…
My Burning Bush
This bush died twice; the first one and the replacement one from the nursery. For a few years it lived outside like a little grave marker until I finally brought it in and placed it in this concrete pot. It's next to the secretary in my family room. (I've hardly ever posted on this room as it's b…
Off to Boston

I'm headed to Boston to bring my son, a rising high school senior, to Montserrat Art College for a pre-college summer program. Imagine 3 weeks of making art only a few blocks from the beach. We'll miss him terribly but I think he's going to be in heaven.This heavenly Beacon Hill window was taken by…
Flambeau Finials

Yesterday I had a very interesting day, most of it spent gardening, which felt more like toiling in the dirt versus gardening amongst the blooms. Whenever I got hot or cranky (mostly cranky), I'd head in to read the most fascinating blog on gardening - Deborah Silver's Dirt Simple. (Deborah is the…
Entry Drama & a book recommendation

This stunning black and white entry is from the Hampton home of 1st dibs founder Michael Bruno. The coffered walls are painted a high gloss black and the steps alternate between white and black. To me, the styling of the demilune table is perfection. This image is from a Benjamin Moore book, Inte…