My Summer Obsession

With Summer right around the corner, entertaining on my new porch is all I can think about! Fresh cut hydrangeas, chilled rosé, and a great playlist are essential to our great nights.

Looking over the water or the garden, a porch is a room that distinguishes itself from the rest of the house.  Open or enclosed they are the perfect place for entertaining,spending time with your family and friends, or quiet time for yourself.  Usually decorated with  more casual furnishings and a bit more whimsy than the rest of the house, is what creates the charm of a porch.

One of my favorite's we did for a client! The use of patterns and soft lines of the wicker furniture have made this porch for our clients in Los Angeles one of the favorite rooms in the house.

This dining area of our clients house runs the length of the house and is accessible from the living room, entry and dining room.  

Charming and oh so country

This looks just like our porch and we're planning to line those steps with hydrangeas this summer and big pumpkins in the fall

This just might be the ultimate in outdoor porches... a fireplace!!!

Before the guests arrive...

Sometimes my favorite time in the evening is right before the party.  Candles lit, music play list chosen, appetizers made and the bar set. 

Getting the lighting right is always important to me.   Loving my Rose Tarlow chairs and white sofas. 

I painted our entry "Mizzle" a new color from Farrow and Ball.  Think mist and drizzle on an English seaside town.  Endless possibilities for rich blues, soft pinks, and vibrant greens. 

Laying out the platters for our yummy menu of Enchiladas, black beans, rice and a delicious Mexican salad.  We finished it off with my famous banana cake and butter finger cookies for dessert. 

I love bringing out my favorite vases for flowers, the roses my sweet husband brought me!

Spring is finally here so we're excited about spending a lot of time on our porch looking over the water.

Being a California girl it always makes me happy to use our outdoors area for entertaining. 

A Visit to The Urban Electric Company

Recently, we traveled to Charleston, one of my favorite cities on many fronts - the architecture, the history, the restaurants, the weather, the beaches, and of course the friendly people.  What a treat to visit one my favorite lighting companies - The Urban Electric Company!  

Thanks Missy for the tour!

The Urban Electric Company is headquartered in a huge brick factory in Charleston that used to make sails for the Navy.

The showroom has many fixtures we've used on projects!  

By the way, I love lanterns!!

I recently installed some of these mirrored sconces in a dining room in Greenwich.

Wonderful large glass bulbs.

The factory tour!

Working with a company that will do custom sizes and finishes is a dream for any designer!

More lanterns in production.

I think the shape of this lantern is so original... I just love it!

We took a peek at some models in prep for photography.

 Touring the factory I saw first hand the pride and craftsmanship that goes into each fixture. 

More Fabric Love... Checks

I never get tired of checks. We all know I have a passion for blue but checks are one pattern that really makes me happy in any hue. Tufted, draped, or slip covered, I can't get enough. Here are some of my favorites. Let me know which one you love best!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Entertaining

We are finally getting settled and that means I am starting to cook and entertain again.  Although there are still some boxes to be unpacked, I am feeling at home when I start to bring friends and family over for a good cozy night of food, wine and lots of laughs.

It has been over a month since I first posted about our new shore colonial and once again snow is on the ground. It's been a long winter for sure!!! Can I dream about sipping margaritas on the porch with gorgeous hydrangeas blooming while looking out on the water views?

Our boys have definitely made themselves at home.

 One of our first dinners.  Menu: Butter lettuce, avocado, Parmesan cheese and lemon vinaigrette.  Spicy Mussels with grilled Ciabatta bread.

Local Mussels sooooo good!

Preparing the spicy marinara sauce for the mussels in my Le Crueset Dutch oven pan.  Serve hot!

 

I love Staub cookware. This one is the American Grill.  Controls heat beautifully.

The finished product! 

I love my Rose Tarlow chairs covered in Bennison fabric. Perfect spot to relax after a great dinner.