patio perfect

What I wouldn't give right now to be lounging around on one of these patios, basking in the sunlight, eating a perfectly grilled meal of marinated chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and refreshing cocktails.....because ONCE AGAIN THE FURY OF MOTHER NATURE HAS UNLEASHED A SNOWSTORM.  Yes, there is about two inches of snow on the ground, and I was driving in a complete blizzard yesterday.  Thank you, Mother Nature, for your kind gestures are greatly appreciated.

images via House Beautiful

amangani hotel: jackson hole, wyoming

In watching an episode of HGTV's The Outdoor Room, host Jamie Durie took an inspirational trip to the Amangani hotel located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  I was absolutely blown away by the resort......first of all, the location is simply breathtaking.  The hotel is perched upon a high mountain valley that is 7,000 feet above sea level, so you can just imagine the views!  It seems like it's pretty much plopped in the middle of nowhere, an area that is so serene and secluded in both the summer and wintertime.  The architectural elements are stunning, as well as the choice of raw materials used to build this masterpiece in order for it to blend into its environment.  The environment and architecture are complemented by the resort's numerous amenities and activites.  All of one's needs can be fulfilled by the grill, lounge, library, takoda room (used for meetings, private dinners, events, etc.), gallery, spa & fitness center, heated outdoor swimming and whirlpool, etc., along with a wide variety of suites and homes for rent.  The activities are endless.......for all you ski nuts, the resort was voted No. 1 Ski Hotel in North America by Conde Nast Traveler and also provides cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, you name it!  When the weather breaks, make way for wildlife safaris, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, golfing......

images and info via amanresorts.com

quintessentially quirky

Jane and Billy Pritchard, owner of the home accessory line Stray Dog Designs, used their own accessories along with their quirky, eclectic style to design their home.  Their unexpected mix of furnishings and decor, bold color choices, and unique flair add big personality to their humble abode!

images and info via Country Living

friday fun find: garden stools

What better way to celebrate the thawing of your garden than with a garden stool?  Ok, so maybe it will be a few more weeks (or a month) before you can break ground, but get prepared with one of these cute garden stools from Outer Banks Trading Group.

Swimming Fish Garden Stool

Oval Garden Stool

Raised Stud Garden Stool

Tuscan Garden Stool

Vine Design Garden Stool

Clover Garden Stool

guess the movie set design!

Can you guess the movie set designs of these famous films?  Answers are at the end............don't peek!

A.

(Clue: the setting is an eclectic, contemporary Fifth Avenue apartment...)

B.

(Clue: takes place in a Spanish-style Santa Barbara home...)

C.

(Clue: an ultramodern beach house is the dwelling of this movie...)

D.

(Clue: the pristine setting is a luxe 12-room Upper East Side apartement...)

Answers..........

A. A Perfect Murder (2008)

B. It's Complicated (2009)

C. Sleeping with the Enemy (1991)

D. The Nanny Diaries (2007)

(images and info via Elle Decor)

basement blahs?

When you think of basements, what first comes to mind?  Dark, cold, damp, sometimes creepy....  When you think of finished basements, what first function comes to mind?  A rec room for the kids?  A man-cave where you can disappear from the wife and kids?  Well, maybe those would work, but a finished basement can serve other functions as well!  Let me rephrase that - a correctly finished basement....  Basements can add much more liveable square footage to a house than you think!  A sitting room, bedroom, home office, etc. can be added to your home as long as you create them in a tasteful and comfortable way.  And the number one aspect that is looked past by most homeowners?  Lighting!  Add enough lighting to make up for the lack of natural light.  Also, keep the majority of the finishes light (paint, carpet, fabrics, etc.) to give the rooms a bright and airy feel.

images via Canadian House & Home

friday fun find: wire bloom art

Welcome spring with these metal wire sculpted Wire Blooms from RSH Catalog.  These will add great three dimension to a coloful wall!

go green!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Here are some fabulous accessories to make your day a little greener : )

A. BBQ Mitt, Crate & Barrel, B. Marimekko Samovaari Leaf Bed Linens, Crate & Barrel, C. Green Watering Can, Crate & Barrel, D. Weber Smokey Joe Grill, Crate & Barrel, E. Martini Side Table, West Elm, F. Glass Apples, Z Gallerie, G. Regatta Sunbrella Stripe Pillow, Crate & Barrel, H. Perch Candlepot, Crate & Barrel, I. Green Locker Bin, Crate & Barrel, J. Ziggy Green Vase, Crate & Barrel, K. Bukhara Pillow, Z Gallerie, L. Green Table Lamp, Crate & Barrel, M. Set of Four Bird Wall Tiles, Crate & Barrel, N. Citron Plush Pillow, Pier 1 Imports, O. Samba Green Tray, Crate & Barrel, P. Gelato Frames, Z Gallerie

look better naked

That's the slogan for the new David Barton Gym in New York.  Living in the city for years, the designer wanted to put a spin on the usual bare, bland gyms that plagued the area.  The new four-level 37,000 square foot gym is his most personalized (other locations include Miami Beach, Seattle, Chicago, and another currently in New York), incorporating interior finishes and creating moods that one would normally never think of in a gym.  This unique space houses a giant disco ball dj booth (dj booths can be seen in all his gyms), vibrant murals, a "batcave" inspired men's locker room, a "brocade-patterned" boxing area, a "zen-dungeon" Pilates studio, unique sculptures, antique furniture, and many other areas you may find in your gym around the corner, just with a twist.  Where do I sign???

 Click here to read the full article from Interior Design Magazine!

tacky stickers? i think not!

When I think wall decals, I think cheap, tacky stickers.  That is, until recently I did some online research and found some companies that sold the decals.  They've come a long way in wall stickers, and most are actually so tastefully done that I would definitely consider purchasing some for myself and suggesting them for clients!  I will, however, stick to my guns and say that some out there are still kinda tacky.  But choose the right ones, stick them in the right location, and you have yourself some wall whimsy!

All of the above wall decals were found for very resonable prices online at Dali Decals - dalidecals.com.  There are numerous other decal companies I found online as well!