Showing posts with label Maine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maine. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

The Perfect Pantry

Yes, you read that right...this is a pantry, a pantry that is larger than my parent's kitchen and perfect because it's covered in a wonderful wallpaper designed by David Hicks for Clarence House called The Vase. I love this wallpaper in all of it's colorways but especially the yellow and white combination seen here. I'm using it in the guestroom/possible nursery of the house I'm designing in Maine. I mean really, who wouldn't love to wake up to this cheery paper every morning!?! 
The guest room "before" shots...I'll share the rest of the design soon!

(Image via At Home in Arkansas

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Design Hunter | Portland, Maine

I had great hopes of driving along one of Maine's antique trails but there just wasn't enough time. We did, however, spend a few hours exploring downtown Portland. First stop, Folly 101. I could've spent hours in this store. The merchandise is grouped by color and, as you can probably tell by my pictures, I contemplated buying everything in the neutral/gray section. I was shocked at how reasonably priced everything was. I bought two "silver" picture frames for $10...nuts I tell ya. I also purchased four linen placemats and dinner napkins that I plan to have monogrammed.
Next up, Blanche and Mimi.  I'm kicking myself for not purchasing the beautiful wrought iron and carrara marble garden conservatory table that you can see in the window. It was in better shape than this one for sale at Canvas and cost a quarter of the price. Would have made for a great nightstand or entry table.
Gorgeous Les Indiennes bedding.may make and appearance in one of my aunt's guest bedrooms
We went to Simply Home twice in four days.  The first time scoped things out then went back on Monday to look at sofas and order a chandelier for the dining room. I envy the owner of this showroom. They have a great selection of products including Lee industries, Farrow & Ball wallpaper and visual comfort lighting....you can check out the entire list here. One day I'd looove to own a design studio/store like this. sigh.
I love the lines of this Verellen sofa - clean and simple.
Images by kristin kerr for simply smitten

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

A Weekend in Maine


I just returned from the most incredible long weekend in Maine. I ate lobster, explored downtown Portland, and even squeezed in a few hours at the beach. It was a fun working vacation. Yes, there was lots of work to be had. For the past two years I have been working with my aunt to help design her dream home. I started the project while I was still in school and although they have lived in the home for a few months we're just starting the fun part - decorating! This was my first time seeing the house and it was nothing short of amazing. Although I did not have complete control over the project many of my designs, ideas, and elevations were used and it was great to see them come to life. I would say that my aunt and I are on different ends of the style spectrum but with time we have found a way to meet in the middle. Of course there are things that I would have done different but it's not my house and I certainly didn't pay for it! So, two years, thousands of emails and hundreds of phone calls later we have developed a common vision for the interior of the home and it starts with this painting. Breathtaking, right?  
This painting holds a special place in my heart because my aunt and uncle purchased it while I was visiting them in Amsterdam. I know everytime they look at it they will think of their time spent living in the Netherlands. And since I think every design should start with something meaningful this gorgeous painting will be hung front and center over the built-ins I designed in the living room.
I'm going to use the colors from the painting to create soothing, coastal palette of cool blues, diftwood grays, greens and pops of orange and yellow. When I close my eyes I can picture the entire house furnished...