Summer Dish on Fish

It's summer in New England. Here in Connecticut, that means a lazy day enjoying the cool water of the Sound and nights taking advantage of the fresh seafood that the coast has to offer.

So jump on board today as we explore some fishy fixtures for your home.. and some for your stovetop too!

In the past, I've designed plenty of pool houses, but last year was my first yacht!

Indoor/outdoor fabrics today are a dream, maintaining a natural texture while still being durable enough to stand up the weather. Sometimes I even use them in kids rooms! The bright colors and enduring quality of the fabric make it perfect for messy little hands.

This fabric from Duralee is also Indoor/outdoor. I could totally see this pattern embracing a deck chair.. especially because it comes in three other fantastic colors! 

These color combonations are a delightful break from some of the other outdoor fabrics that are on the market today. 

This fish lamp from Jonathan Adler is just too adorable.  

While not indoor/outdoor, this Kravet fabric has dainty seashells that can bring the magic of the ocean into your home every day. I might use this linen fabric for some window treatments! 

These swordfish pillows from Eastern Accents are a great accent piece to any couch! Throw one on either end with a colorful solid in the middle and you'll have a whole new aesthetic! 

As a New Englander,  I just love a good mussel. My favorite way to make them is to steam them with some white wine... That way there's plenty left over to go with dinner. 

Steamed Mussels with White Wine

• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 1/4 onion, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" cubes
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 4 1/2 pounds mussels, scrubbed, debearded
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Place shallot, onion, wine, butter, and vinegar in a large heavy pot. Add mussels, cover, and bring to a boil. Cook, gently shaking pot once or twice, until mussels open, 3-5 minutes (discard any mussels that don't open).

Set a strainer lined with a double layer of cheesecloth over a bowl; set aside. Using a slotted spoon, transfer mussels to a large bowl. Pour mixture in pot through prepared strainer. Season broth with pepper and pour over mussels. Sprinkle with parsley.

Red & White for the American Red Cross

For as long as any of us can remember, the American Red Cross and its bold signature of a red cross on a white ground has been the symbol of hope, support, safety and security.  The American Red Cross rushes in when disaster hits.  Amid the chaos, turmoil and disorder they rise, sometimes figuratively, and other times literally from the ashes offering comfort and aide.  The American Red Cross is a beacon of light during many dark hours.

On Saturday, May 3rd the Metro North Chapter of the American Red Cross along with sponsor CT Cottages & Gardens held their annual Red & White Ball at the Netjets Hanger in NY.  The night included extravagant tabletops dressed by talented designers.  This years honorary chair was  accomplished interior designer Mary McDonald!  The evening included fine dining, dancing, and silent auction.

I had the pleasure of designing a table scape for this years event.  The design illustrates the American Red Cross rising from the the ashes giving hope, comfort and security.

A bare Manzanita tree set into a cement base filled with Orchid Bark and charcoal is displayed on a grey ombre table cloth, symbolizing the start of a rise from destruction.

For balance and texture the tree base is accented with Glorosalilys climbing the base of the Manzantia imitating flames.  As the tree grows and ascends, life returns to the tree. 

The table runner was handmade by my local workroom. A screen of silver netting by Duralee Fabrics is encased by an elegant red fabric by Kravet Fabrics, bringing the red cross theme full circle. 

Sitting atop the table runner, classic white plates hold handmade, beaded napkin rings. They are fastened with a red ribbon, further tying together the red motif. 

By far my favorite detail (besides the cookies, yum!) were the glass hurricane jars holding delicate orchids. Each one was different, symbolizing how fragile life is .... the final piece that pulls this amazing organization together.  

Over all, it was a beautiful night. I couldn't have done it without all of my behind the scenes help, and of course, my Prince!! I'm already dreaming up next years design. 

Stay tuned!

Fourth of July: The Most American Things EVER.

This Forth of July, like all Fourth of Julys, we celebrate what makes America great. 

Take a look at the list we've complied!! 

Apple Pie

Pillow from Eastern Accents

Patriotism 

Fabric from Andrew Martin

George Washington

Sculpture from Jonathan Adler

Rodeos 

Bull from Global Views

American Made

Montclair and Bedford chairs from Thibaut, all american made. 

Red, White, and Blue

Honfleur Stripe from Ralph Lauren Home

Have a safe, happy (And dry!) Fourth of July. 

Rockin' 80's!

While the 80's were hot for toys, clothing, and pop culture, 80's home decor hasn't yetcome into its revival like past decades. However, it does invoke a sense of nostalgia. 

And of course, the hair.. 

Pastels, pastels, pastels! Pastels and stripes were both on trend. I love the stacked baskets at the end of the bed. It reminds me of the stacked suitcases that you sometimes see today. 

Why choose one color when you can have them all? 

This painted rainbow around the bed is a cute, creative touch. 

Pinks around this time tended towards the dusty mauve, along with the pastels. The dainty florals are also a stark contrast to the large prints from the 70's. 

Who ever was in the ruffled pillow business was very, very rich. 

There's nothing I love more (besides floral) than a cheesey lamp. This one takes that cake. 

Of course, I couldn't do a 80's post without throwing in some Ferris Bueller decor. Metal headboards were huge during this time, and this one is so cute!! 

That's it for this week folks!! Next week we travel to the 90's!!

Happy Spring!

It's finally here!! Tulips are sprouting, birds are chirping, and the sunshine is warm! 

We're so happy we could jump for joy.. much like these adorable Holsteins. 

I'm  taking a break from Ashley's teenage time travel to bring to you a few fun ideas for spring.

Just a little something to make you smile :-)

Nothing says spring to me more than the Forsythia bushes in bloom. Try filling your vases with wine corks, sliced lemons, or colored glass beads for a fresh effect. 

Speaking of lemons...

I love how this brings the sunshine in!

Nothing to fill those jars & vases? Lemons. 

They'll brighten up your kitchen and last a bit longer than flowers. 

Oranges and limes are also wonderful for adding bursts of color! 

These lidded hurricane jars are a staple for me in my sesonal decorating. 

Mason jars are one of my little design secrets. They're incredibly versitile!! 

I love the blue glass ones, but if non are to be found, they're also incredibly easy to paint with some fresh pastels. (Also very easy to paint old pasta sauce jars!)

I love this adorable moss terrarium idea. Perfect for a kitchen table or mantel top.  

Instead of tossing your bygone blooms in the compost heap because you think they won't flower again, wait for the leaves to die back naturally. Then, plant them in garden and feed them an organic fertilizer. (Narcissus and daffodil bulbs are more likely to respond, and bloom again)

Check back next week as Ashley continues our wild ride through the ages! 

(You won't want to miss our 80's decor!)

Sisterhood of the Traveling Bedrooms (III) ...Sweet Seventies

Every era has a defining characteristic, something that rewinds you to the days gone past. 

For me, it's a teenage girl's bedroom.  
Maybe I'm just missing having Ashley home!  


Really, if you want an accurate portrayal of the trends today,  you should just take a peek upstairs, after all aren't those beautiful babies (hardly babies ...) our future?

Over the next few weeks, Ashley (no longer my brilliant teenager) is going to take you on a journey through the decades via the bedrooms that shaped generations. 

Enjoy my guest blogger.... 
All my best,

Welcome back! 

Get ready to be accosted with bright colors and patterns galore, 

because bedrooms this week are straight from the 70's!! 

This room has everything I love about 70's decor. Pattern, texture, and bold colors! The sassy bejeweled jungle cat is just a bonus. 

Don't you just love when your dress matches your duvet?

Once you get past the bright traffic cone orange, you may notice some delish built in shelving. 

(And another bejeweled jungle cat)

This room is by far my favorite. Nothing like taking a theme and sticking with it! You can even catch a glimpse of what must be an amazing peacock rug! 

Until next week... Stay fab!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Bedrooms (II) .... Psychodelic Sixties

Every era has a defining characteristic, something that rewinds you to the days gone past. 

For me, it's a teenage girl's bedroom.  
Maybe I'm just missing having Ashley home!  


Really, if you want an accurate portrayal of the trends today,  you should just take a peek upstairs, after all aren't those beautiful babies (hardly babies ...) our future?

Over the next few weeks, Ashley (no longer my brilliant teenager) is going to take you on a journey through the decades via the bedrooms that shaped generations. 

Enjoy my guest blogger.... 
All my best,

This week we're continuing our journey through the decade with bedrooms from the 1960's..


Every decade has their shining musical stars.. Easily identifiable by their images plastered all over adolescent across the land.

Could really do without that clown in the middleof the floor though...

Communication is key. How else are you supposed to absorb your daily dose of high school gossip?

And no girl's room is complete without a couple of stuffed animals. These are sporting the classic 60's color scheme of pink, orange, yellow, and green. 

Floral gets a face lift with these mod decals adorning the wardrobe, mirror, and bed. 

The quirky furniture in this room really showcases the less ridged attitude that the citizens of the 60's adopted. A wicker elephant nightstand? Why not. 

Until next time, when we take on the 1970's!!