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.

 

Extra Pictures Of Our House Beautiful Cover House

We loved having one of our projects featured in the March 2013 issue of House Beautiful now on newsstands. The response has been wonderful from clients, prospective clients, our resources from coast to coast, and many of our peer's who are interior designers.  Thank you House Beautiful!! 

The Old Greenwich house is fantastic and I wanted to show some extra photos.  I have to give credit to my terrific clients who have great taste and thank them for trusting our firm to create and oversee the entire design process.

The minute you walk up to the front door you know it's all about charm!  I love great lighting especially lanterns on a front porch or patio.  The wooden planters and boxwood are perfect.

I loved using many of our favorite pieces such as cane, baskets, and grass cloth. Peter Dunham fabric on the custom lamp shade.  

I am always trying to add as much seating to a space as I can so entertaining seems effortless.  The idea was to combine this wide but lonely hallway to the living room by creating a gallery.  By using the living room wall color as the trim color in the gallery it created the connection.  China Sea's fabric on the hallway sofa.  

Casual furniture styles mixed with luxurious fabrics create this timeless and chic living room.  Beachy elements like matchstick blinds, lanterns, seashell trim and lots of blues make this living room feel very approachable. 

The bar area for me was a all about promoting a space that could be very versatile. During the day it's a great spot to catch up on your emails or sit with your with your family and relax.  By night its the perfect entertaining spot for cocktails while you listen to music with friends.  We broke up the room by adding a round table in the center of the room and on the other side (not shown) is the TV area.  Elizabeth Eakins carpet runner on the stairs worked well. 

The Bar! Candles lit, nuts served in the silver bowl, something fun mixed in the cocktail shaker with the backdrop of great music is all you need for a great party!

I love how fresh and warm the bedroom feels in this image! A sitting area is perfect for when your family wants to just hang out with Mom and Dad!

My new shore cottage!

After the BIG snow the other night,  I wanted to check on my new 1920's shore cottage that I am moving to in the next month.  The house is darling and overlooks the water!  Hoping to do a "before and after" story.  I'll keep you posted on the progress.

There is a porch here... somewhere!

Two interested onlookers.  Cooper and George - My boys!

Dinner at my house on a snowy night with friends

Last night, I had two of my favorite neighbors over for an impromptu winter dinner.   While it was dumping snow, we were warm and toasty sitting by the fire, drinking gorgeous French Bordeaux, eating delicious cheeses with truffle honey.  I made a couple roasted chickens, truffled mashed potatoes and chopped Kale Caesar salad.  See's Bridge Mix and Apple crisp for dessert finished it off. 

My 13 year old daughter is an aspiring photographer.  She loves to take pictures of the set up and follow me around while I'm preparing.  It's kinda fun when your 13 year old makes you look good!