Recently on Instagram, I asked for opinions on wood countertops in the kitchen, and the response has been tremendous with over 700 responses! At the time this analysis was compiled, there were over 16,000 likes and 612 comments... 434 were positive, 111 were negative and 67 liked them but had concerns. Following is a breakdown of the commentary along with a plethora of beautiful kitchens with ... continue reading...
Lilly Pulitzer for Pottery Barn
Following the tremendous success of the Spring 2018 Lilly Pulitzer for Pottery Barn collaboration, the two companies have again teamed up to release a new collection of outdoor entertaining essentials, bedding, furniture, nursery necessities, towels, decorative accessories, lighting, and more. Drawing inspiration from Lilly Pulitzer’s year-round tropical palette, the Lilly Pulitzer for Pottery ... continue reading...
Margaret Kirkland Gives a Traditional Georgian a Colorful Makeover
Margaret Kirkland is a classic interior designer whose work I greatly admire. After attending Parsons School of Design in New York, Margaret moved back to her hometown of Atlanta and worked for celebrated designer Dan Carithers for more than six years. She opened Margaret Kirkland Interiors in 2010 and was named one of House Beautiful’s Next Wave designers and one of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles ... continue reading...
Spring and Easter Tablescape Ideas
Easter is just around the corner, and I have already started to think about tabletop ideas... This is one of my favorite holidays! For inspiration, I have compiled over 35 tablescapes and a shopping guide with everything needed for entertaining this spring. Time to say goodby to winter, polish up the silver, and hop to it! ... continue reading...
A Weekend at The Greenbrier with Carleton Varney
A visit to The Greenbrier is a magical step back in time to a world full of elegance and glamour. I recently returned from the Dorothy Draper Design Weekend, and it was such an amazing experience I am already planning our next trip! Located in Allegheny Mountains in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, The Greenbrier has been America's Resort since 1778 when visitors traveled to "take the ... continue reading...
Amelia Handegan Restores an 18th-Century Virginia Estate
John Cay knew from the time he was 14 years old that he wanted to own a farm in Virginia when he grew up. It took nearly 50 years, but he finally found Rose Hill, an 18th-century house overlooking Virginia’s Rappahannock Valley. In 2008, Cay and his wife purchased Rose Hill and its 300 acres from the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. The gardens were virtually nonexistent, ... continue reading...
Living Floral: Entertaining and Decorating with Flowers
Newly released books for Spring are starting to arrive, and I look forward to sharing my favorites... At the top of the list is LIVING FLORAL: Entertaining and Decorating with Flowers, written by Margo Shaw, editor-in-chief of Flower magazine with foreword by Charlotte Moss, and published by Rizzoli. Living Floral is brimming with innovative floral design ideas from top tastemakers and designers ... continue reading...
Michael S. Smith Renovates a 1930s Tudor Cottage
Located in Los Angeles, the owners of this 1930s Tudor cottage commissioned designer Michael S. Smith to bring what was a dreary home back to life. "I wanted to do something with the interiors that was clearly inspired by the architecture," said Smith. "But I always love English houses that are a little more exuberant, a little more interesting, so it's not all super-severe-looking Georgian ... continue reading...
A Colorful Abode by Mark D. Sikes
It was not love at first sight when homeowner Ragan Cain first stumbled upon her 1950s midcentury ranch located in Mountain Brook, Alabama. She had always envisioned a grand Tudor or sweeping Colonial, but this home offered an unheard of nine acres within city limits, so she and her husband decided to take the plunge. Based on his love of color, pattern, and love of history, Mark D. Sikes was ... continue reading...
