MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Moms are busy people. And I’m no exception. So I’m going to keep this short and sweet. I don’t know where I’d be in life without my mom and my grandmothers. They were and are everything to me. So on this special day, while gifts are never necessary, they are fun to give to that special mom or mother-figure in our lives. Shopping here is easy. Simply click on the names of the items (in pink).

I recently purchased this pearl pendant from Adler Grier for myself and a special mom in my life. I hope she doesn’t guess if she reads it. I have the 4 mm in an 18-inch chain, and it’s perfect. What’s even more perfect is that it’s affordably priced, and you can get another 15% off by using code BLG15 at checkout.

Daisy Holsenbeck is another small woman-owned business…by Daisy herself. I just adore her style and her jewels, especially these earrings.

A packable hat will be needed because we all get to travel again soon, right? I’m loving this one from Janessa Leone, and it comes in a few different colors. We don’t want mom showing up with a crushed hat, now do we?

Nothing brightens up a home like fresh flowers. I always say flowers are cheaper than therapy. Most of the time. I love orchids because their blooms last a long time, and if cared for properly, they will bloom again and again for years to come. Loving this one for its multiple branches, but the site has many more if you choose to browse.

You’ve seen me with this straw tote. It’s still in stock, and I’m still in love with it. A truly practical, stylish, and affordable gift at $35.

A great trench is a classic wardrobe item that never goes out of style. This one is water-repellent so it’s really a no-brainer for mom. It’s also presently 30% off at the time of this post, making it around $100.

I never take off my custom birthstone necklace from Haverhill Collection. It’s my favorite and most worn piece of jewelry besides my diamond studs. She will treasure it forever because it carries such special meaning. Create one with the stones of her children and other family members. Use code BEAUTYLOVEGRUB for 15% off.

We moms are constantly washing our hands and telling others to do so. Especially this past year. I find that a beautiful kitchen and bath makes any mom happy. And I have become obsessed with these soap and lotion dispensers from The Polished Jar. Customize the label in a few ways, in addition to the color of the jar and pump. Why didn’t I think of this?

Moms deserve a day off every now and then. I think it should be at least weekly, but I’m not holding my breath. When she does have a chance to relax, she can do so in style with this soft pajama set. How cute is the kimono style top? I love it because I can wear a tank top under it and put the top on and off if I need to cover up a bit more around others. It also feels like a step up from ordinary PJs.

Fragrance can transport a mom when she needs a break. This is one of my favorite candles from Aerin. The orange blossom scent is a subtle sweetness without being too powerful or offensive.

I’ve also become obsessed with Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter to help me get that glow and feel alive, even when I’m rundown. I mix it with my foundation, so the shade doesn’t have to be exact if you get this for her.

As I said, I love fresh flowers. And they’re truly wonderful on a bedside table so that one goes to sleep and wakes with beauty in their face. This vase would be so sweet with even just one stem in it.

I paged through this book in Serena & Lily and am hoping someone gets it for me. It’s a beautiful addition to a coffee table or bookshelf, but it’s also total eye candy. Even if she doesn’t cook, every woman loves a gorgeous kitchen. This book contains so much inspiration inside.

If she enjoys cooking, this Dutch oven is for her. It’s available in multiple colors and its enameled cast-iron construction makes it easy to go from stove to oven to table and easy to clean. It ships for free and has a 30-day trial. You really can’t lose. I love an oval-shaped Dutch oven because meats fit into it easier than a round one.

Moms who love to entertain will adore this marble cloche. It will make any cheese plate, charcuterie board, or dessert platter more magnificent.

And finally, when mom needs a night off from cooking, takeout Chinese is always a good idea. Something about it makes everything so fun. Maybe it’s the indulgence. Maybe it’s the fortune cookie at the end. Maybe it’s the cute takeout pails. These festive napkins make Chinese takeout night even more special.

Many of us are blessed with special moms in our life, even if they aren’t our mom. So I hope this collection of gifts makes gift giving a lot easier and a whole lot more fun this Mother’s Day.

xo,
Jennifer

KITCHEN REFRESH FAVORITES

My favorite thing about social media is the abundance of inspiration. If you’re planning any kind of project, trip, outfit, or looking for motivation, it’s there. If my kids will ever attend school regularly, I’m going to refresh our apartment. The entire place will be repainted. Did you know you’re supposed to repaint your interior every 7-8 years? It’s been nearly 12 years (and 2 kids) since ours was painted. And let me tell you, it’s the kids who have made painting necessary more so than time. I also plan to remodel the master bath due to water damage and install new furnishings and lighting throughout. But the one thing that is not in my budget (not that the other stuff is, either) is a new kitchen. Kitchens are typically the biggest spend in a home. Fortunately, the first time around we installed pretty classic white cabinets, nice appliances, and Calacatta Gold marble countertops. That said, it still needs a facelift. So I’ve been working to give it a refresh by clearing clutter off the countertops and adding some new accessories that are both beautiful and functional.

I’ve saved so many images for inspiration. As a designer-in-training, I rely a lot on the work of more experienced designers for education. Here are a few I’ve saved for kitchen inspiration.

Inspiration from House of Jade @houseofjadeinteriors

Inspiration from Shira Gill @shiragill

Inspiration from Henna at The Simply Styled Home @thesimplystyledhome

Inspiration from Alaina Kaczmarksi @alianakaz

I love bringing art into a kitchen. And natural elements like olivewood and rattan add warmth and texture. Beautiful bowls for fruit and vases and pots for flowers make it easy to add color and life to the space. And I’m stepping up my game on every day items like hand soap and wooden spoons to make form as important as function. My best piece of advice is to make sure you accessorize with things you use. For example, we make margaritas on the weekend, so I used a rattan basket to make a margarita bar area. And I'll probably purchase Don Julio Blanco tequila more often because the bottle is pretty AND it’s my favorite, even though I also like less expensive Espolon…but the bottle isn’t as visually appealing.

I’m sharing several items that I have or plan to acquire as I continue to refresh our kitchen without spending the big bucks. All items are linked for purchase in the copy below this collage.

I love this marble utensil holder, refreshed with both heart-shaped and slotted olivewood spoons. This landscape print can be dressed with this ready-made frame that comes in several sizes and also comes in other colors. Heavenly scented hand soap and lotion look more beautiful on this rustic wood platform.

My margarita bar was created using this rattan basket that is the absolute perfect size. I place our bottles of tequila and Grand Marnier in it, along with a bowl, perhaps like this one, for limes, a cocktail shaker and a stoneware crock with fresh flowers.

Salt and pepper (and another favorite spice) go from countertop to table so easily in this pinch pot trio. And I love displaying one of my favorite cookbooks like this one, which has beautiful images of Ina’s garden so it doubles as artwork for my kitchen, on a stand with a clear cover (also this one that I’ve had for 15 years) to protect the book from my messy cooking. And cleaning up messes is more fun with beautiful kitchen towels like this one.

I always have fresh fruit, and a beautiful way to display it is in this sculptured bowl. Fresh-squeezed juice (or any other beverage) must taste better in this seagrass pitcher. If you cook and/or entertain, these rustic cutting boards, in different shapes (like round and square with handles) work double duty for cutting and serving.

And finally, since I can’t get new cabinets, I’m going to change the current hardware. I’m considering these knobs and these pulls, which come in a few finishes. I’ll probably order two finishes and see what I like best. I’m between aged brass and aged iron, but they are a great shape, regardless, if neither finish suits your kitchen.

I hope you’ll have with at least one or two of these items to give your kitchen a fresh new look.

XO,
Jennifer

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A FIXER UPPER

Play the video for a tour inside and out!

Renovating an old home seems so glamorous if you watch enough HGTV. Sure there are unexpected issues, but don’t they always work out in the end? That’s called reality TV, and sometimes it’s very far from that. We like to joke that we bought a crack house and renovated it. It didn’t look exactly like a crack house when we purchased it, but at one point during the renovation, we had to remove all of the windows and put plywood in their place, so it did, indeed, resemble a crack house. Keep scrolling for the crack house photo.

Taking an old home in a dilapidated state and giving it a fresh new look can be very rewarding and satisfying once it’s complete. But getting there is not easy. Truth be told, an old house is never really “complete.” Owning one is not for the faint of heart. But if you go into it with your eyes wide open and have made peace with expecting the unexpected, you’ll likely survive. As we did. You simply have to decide if you can live with the never-ending cycle of repairs and updates that come along with it.

Many people have purchased new homes in the past several months. In our area, people have either fled New York City altogether or decided to purchase a second home as a weekend sanctuary (or longer for the next wave of this pandemic). So if you’re a recent new home buyer or are considering a new home in the future…and if a fixer-upper is part of that…listen up! Here are a few things you need to consider when evaluating whether or not to make the leap. Some things are obvious. Others are things you wouldn’t know unless you’ve gone through it.

Location, location, location. I feel a bit foolish for writing this because I feel it’s something everyone should know. You can change a lot about a house. You can even knock it down in many cases if it doesn’t have historical significance. But you can NEVER change the location. (Some very special, historical houses are moved, but that’s not done very often.) Ideally, you buy the worst house on the nicest block. With improvements, your house will be worth more because of the other houses around it. Don’t buy a fabulous house in an otherwise unremarkable neighborhood because that’s not typically good for resale. And who wants to look at other ugly houses? Buying in town, near the beach, or a location where there is a finite amount of real estate, will always be better for your property long-term due to the law of supply and demand. If you like being away from the action, then you should by all means make that purchase in the woods. But realize it may make your house one of many and therefore more difficult to sell when the time comes.

Original window details and light fixture.
This would be part of its “good bones.”
PC: Paloma Contreras Design

The original banister and wainscoting.
PC: Paloma Contreras Design

Good bones. Only look at the bones of a house. Nothing irritates me more than watching a home improvement show and having someone comment on paint color or wallpaper. You must look beyond the furniture, carpet/floors, and walls. Even ignore the light fixtures. All of that can be changed. Easily. Do you like the floorplan of the house? Does the house have unique character like beautiful millwork, for example? Was it built well? Just changing paint, floors, and lighting makes a huge difference.

Along with bones, consider big ticket items. Check the age of major fixes like the roof, foundation, hot water heater, and the boiler. These things can be expensive to replace, and if they’re old, you’ll need to replace them because your house really can’t function without them in working order.

A roof is a big ticket item. After repairing two leaks during construction, we decided to replace the entire thing. We replaced an asphalt roof with cedar shakes.

Find a trusted architect. You’ll want him/her to look at the floorplan and any structural nuances to see the home’s potential. What walls can be removed? Can you move bathroom fixtures (toilet, shower, sink)? Can a window be made larger? Can an addition be added? The architect can likely tell you what walls are load-bearing and if they can be removed and a beam or column installed in its place so the house doesn’t collapse. In our NYC apartment, we knocked down several walls to create an open-living concept, and it turned an old, choppy pre-war apartment in a modern Soho-like loft space. In our Hamptons home, we are considering reconfiguring the second floor to improve the layout and flow and make bedrooms larger.

This was a “walk-in” closet with two full-depth closets on each side of the room. So we ripped out both closets and made it into a small kid’s bedroom. A 3-bedroom house became a 4-bedroom with a little demolition.

Understand restrictions set by any village, town, or homeowners’ association. Our Hamptons home is a historic home on a historic street, so the village looks at the survey and dictates where the footprint of the house can be on the lot, the maximum square footage of the house, and where additional structures can be built and how large they can be. So, if you’re considering changes, you’ll want to know what you’ll be permitted to do. Nothing could be worse than purchasing your dream home with a vision and then realizing your vision isn’t possible after you have the keys in hand. If it’s a historic home, you may even be told you that you can’t replace unique windows, change the color of the front door or shutters, or a number of things that would change it from its original design. And even for new homes, homeowners’ associations restrict whether or not you can install a shed or build an addition. Find out.

Both the front and side yards had rose gardens that were overgrown and expensive and time-consuming to maintain. We removed them and opted for a lawn.

Don’t forget the outside. Landscaping is a huge expense—to install and maintain. And chances are, if you dream of a beautiful house itself, you’ll want the yard and curb appeal to measure up. Look at the condition of the grass, trees, and plants. Consider how expensive it is to maintain. We were given a proposal of $12,000 annually to maintain our rose gardens, so out came the shovel! ;-) Consider any trees that need to be removed or added. Consider whether you have the time to do it all yourself or if you’ll want or need to pay someone to do it. You’ll notice the landscaping in the intro video and in these photos. We cleaned up the front and side yards but kept all of the beautiful trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the back yard.

If you have accessory structures on your lot, look at their location and condition. For example, we have an old barn (seen in the video by the pool) and garage on our lot. The barn is in a non-conforming location on the very edge of the lot. That’s a good thing. Because on a lot where that structure doesn’t exist, any new structure is subject to setbacks…meaning that it has to be built a certain distance from the property line, which minimizes your yard space. In our case, we can simply renovate/rebuild in the existing location. Lots of older homes have these accessory structures in non-conforming locations so consider that a huge asset with potential to increase the value of your property by renovating that, as well.

Regarding the accessory structures, DO NOT tear them down until you’ve decided if you want to replace them. If you need approval to do so, you’ll have a much easier time with your petition if you show a plan to replace a dilapidated structure with a beautiful new one. Plus, if you tear it down and don’t replace it for a few years, the new structure will be subject to current setbacks.

Hazards. If the home was built before 1978, find out if there is lead paint in the home. If you have small children, this is essential. Lead is especially harmful to children under the age of 6. And if you ever attempt to sell your home, you must sign a lead paint disclosure. A lot of contractors will minimize this and tell you it can be encapsulated, which essentially means painted over to keep any chipping paint from continuing to chip. If you do this, it’s something you have to continue to monitor. But the chipping paint isn’t the only issue. Lead dust is harmful, and if there is paint on windows, opening and closing windows containing paint with lead will release lead dust, which your children can inhale or ingest if they put things into their mouths frequently. There are several companies that can perform an XRF Test to determine the exact location and amount of lead paint. They come in with a laser and shoot every wall, windowsill, window, window trim, etc., to tell you if lead is present and at what levels. The cost will vary depending on the size of the house and how many surfaces you want tested. But it will save you money in the long run if you don’t have to strip paint in every part of the house. While you can encapsulate it, we didn’t want any of it in our home, so we had the contractor strip anything that had any amount of lead down to the wood. Then primer and two coats of paint were applied. A contractor who works on areas containing lead paint will need to be certified to handle and encapsulate or remediate lead paint. Always ask for this certification.

Like lead, you’ll want to check for asbestos. This can be costly to remove and dangerous if it’s not remediated.

HVAC. If the old home does not have central air conditioning, you’ll want to install it. Anyone who purchases a renovated home will expect central air at a minimum. And it’s easiest to do this before you start doing any cosmetic work like repairing walls, painting, and wallpapering. In some old homes, radiators and baseboard heat are still used even after a renovation. But no one wants unsightly through-the-wall or window air conditioning units, which is what we had. And no one wants to sweat if you’re in an area with warm summer days.

Dining room before we bought it. Dark and cluttered.

The dining room today.

Lots of hidden surprises. Expect you will find a lot once you open the walls. You may find major issues like structural damage and bad plumbing and electrical that needs to be replaced. You might find leak damage. We had four layers of wallpaper in our living room that revealed major plaster damage that is expensive to repair. Don’t get rid of original things like plaster if you can keep them. Along the same lines, decide what you want to keep and restore and what is easiest to remove and replace. Things that add character like unique millwork are likely worth restoring if you can afford it and that’s part of the home’s charm.

Hire a good general contractor. Yes, it’s possible to hire people for every trade and manage it yourself. But believe me when I tell you that surprises pop up almost daily so you need someone who can call in the appropriate sub-contractor ASAP to take care of it. Otherwise it slows the progress of other trades working on the house. Also, unless you can be there every day all day long, you’ll need someone managing it. Not all trades can be working at once, and a general contractor can schedule it all to keep the project moving. 

On the contractor, never hire the cheapest guy. There is usually a reason they’re the cheapest. Always get at least three bids before choosing. Make sure that each contractor is bidding on the same scope of work, which you should clearly present to them in writing, whether that’s in an architect’s drawings and/or a written scope of work that you’ve drafted. Does it include finishes? (I’ll get to my suggestion on handling finishes later.) Check at least three references for each. Go to the houses they’ve completed and look at their work. Talk to the homeowners about how clean they were, whether or not they stayed on schedule, if they had a lot of change orders. If something broke after they were technically finished, did they stand behind their work and fix it? Ask the contractor for a guarantee for a certain period of time after completion. That’s typically a year.

Look past the clutter and dreariness. This was the living room with the previous owner.

Today…lighter and brighter.

What will the contractor do and what can you do?  If you have the time and energy, pay the contractor for labor only and source your own materials. When you hire a general contractor, they place a fee on top of their work for the components of the job, e.g., plumbing, electrical, demolition, drywall, etc. That typically runs anywhere from 12-17%, depending on where you live. So everything they do and buy gets a markup. And if a subcontractor working for the contractor makes the purchase, you could be paying two markups. We have done two renovations of older residences, and I took charge of sourcing the materials myself. I purchased the doors, windows, lighting, millwork, faucets, tiles, hardwood floors, and appliances—and I paid the contractor for labor only. They purchased the paint (the brand and grade that I specified in the scope) and were obviously responsible for all building materials and supplies. But in order to be successful doing this, you need to have an agreement with the contractor up front for them to tell you when you will need these things AND you will need to understand the lead times for them. You don’t want your bathroom tiles to be two weeks away from delivery if your contractor is ready to install them today. This approach requires organization, but it can be done successfully if you do your homework and prepare. And it will save you A LOT of money.

The contractor’s contract. When paying a contractor, pay by project milestones…things you can see completed. NEVER pay them by time, e.g. $x due every two weeks. The former will ensure they move forward on the job. The latter guarantees nothing, as you will be obligated to pay even if they aren’t making real progress. I have seen so many people get burned this way. At most, pay 10% of the total job budget for them to begin. Always hold out 10% until final completion of all punch list items (odds and ends that need to be completed to finish the job). Structure the contract for payments of a percentage of the total budget as major milestones are completed, e.g., when plumbing and electrical inspections are completed and the walls are closed, when windows and floors are installed, etc. Look at the scope of your work and when major items should be completed and structure accordingly.  

Think long term and have patience. I mean this beyond just powering through bumps in the road. When one is renovating a home, it’s easy to want a quick fix to be finished and just move in already. But sometimes the quick fix isn’t the smartest route and not what’s best long term. Here’s an example. We closed on our home in April, and we hoped to use it that summer. Our plan was to do mostly cosmetic work. We had old, unsightly, and less than ideal through-the-wall air conditioning units on the second floor. Central air was only on the first floor. Foolishly, we didn’t want to add time to our renovation so we didn’t install central air on the second floor initially. We were simply going to replace the wall units and save the central A/C for a future, larger second floor renovation. But during the following Spring when we began looking into new wall units, they weren’t inexpensive, and it was difficult to find the right size, as the existing units were really old. So we then had central air installed about six months after the initial renovation was complete, and that added a lot of extra cost (and time, obviously) versus if it was part of the initial renovation. We also opted to restore our historic windows versus trying to replace them. Having the contractor restore them did not require any approvals from the village’s Architectural Review Board (ARB), so we did that to save time. New windows would have been better for many reasons, but that would have required a window manufacturer to design them, approval by the village ARB (which takes a few months), and then time to manufacture and install them. But in hindsight, we wish we had just waited and spent the money on new custom windows versus restoring the old. What’s the lesson here? Spend the extra time and even delay short-term progress if it’s the best decision for the long term.

Do all you can afford to do while the contractor is there. When he has to leave and return at another time, you’ll spend more money.

Along those same lines, think for the long term so you spend wisely. If you plan on phasing your renovation, don’t spend a lot of money on something that may be demolished in a few years during the next phase. For example, when we purchased our home, we dreamed of reconfiguring the second floor (perhaps with an addition) within five years. So instead of renovating the outdated bathrooms and replacing old carpet with expensive hardwood floors, we decided to just clean the bathrooms really well and install nice but inexpensive sisal and carpet on the second floor. Then if we knock down walls and change the layout in the future, we aren’t demolishing expensive marble and bath fixtures and hardwood floors. We also chose to delay a kitchen renovation, as we thought we would do that at the same time as any bathrooms since the kitchen was clean, even if old and a bit outdated. We simply had the cabinets repainted and updated a few appliances that needed it.

Also, don’t go cheap on important parts of the home. As an example, when we renovated our apartment, we needed new windows. The window salesman told me I could save money by putting a fixed window in my walk-in closet if I never planned to open it. The problem with that, which I realized after the fact, is that I can’t clean it. So it’s always dirty except for about two weeks after the building has the outside of all windows cleaned. Don’t go cheap on things that are meant to last and not frequently changed or replaced: windows, flooring, appliances, windows, heating and air conditioning, a roof, etc. These are usually the most expensive items, and it’s best to spend an extra $1,000 now on quality versus having to completely replace them too soon because they don’t last.

Middle living room with the old owner. So. Much. Stuff.

The transformation of the middle living room, where we hang out.

Love the front door (which we painted) and the original working pocket doors leading to the formal living room. More of the banister which was sanded and stained, along with the floors.

The attic has full-height ceilings, so it has potential to be a play room/game room for kids (or adults).

I hope you found this information to be helpful, whether going all in on an old home or making some improvements to the home you’re living in now. Feel free to message me with any questions. Someone should benefit from my mistakes. ;-)

MY HEART FOR ART: AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPE ART

Emily Jeffords Landscape

When Studio McGee launched their latest collection with Target, I was one of those crazies who set my alarm for 3 am. Prior to that, I had “hearted” everything I wanted in my online Target account so that all I had to do was click “add to cart” when everything went live. In that group of favorites were two pieces of landscape art. Being from Target, neither was original art. But it’s hard to beat framed art for under $30, even if it is a print. I love small pieces like this for bookshelves and even to lean on dressers and bedside tables. Unfortunately, by the time I went to checkout at 3:01 am (no exaggeration), the landscape art was GAWN! You can imagine how disappointed I was, along with half of the other design nuts who also woke in the middle of the night for the chance to score these bargains.

A highly coveted, sold out landscape from Target x Studio McGee

But there is life beyond Target. If you wish, you can head to McGee & Co. to purchase one of many pieces of landscape art on Studio McGee’s original online store. The offerings are prints, but they’re terrific quality. My two favorite pieces are this watercolor, which would pair nicely with this one. Unfortunately, the low low prices are typically reserved for Target, which is why they sold out in under 60 seconds. But we all have to face the harsh reality that almost everywhere on this planet demands higher prices than Target for fabulous on a budget.

If you insist on Target, Project 62 and Threshold have a few amazing pieces of landscape art at extremely affordable prices. I love this piece for over a bed, which is how Studio McGee often styles landscapes. This foggy tree landscape also has a very Studio McGee vibe, in my opinion.

If you’re looking for the option to purchase framed or unframed art, the latter which I often do because I love to dress these pieces myself, then I recommend a few online shops that give you the option. Artfully Walls has more art than you can imagine. So I’ve chosen three favorite pieces of landscape art from their collection. The first is a more modern landscape, followed by this traditional piece and this one of the California Coast. Minted.com also has a huge collection, and I love this moody landscape, available framed or unframed.

Digital prints are an extremely affordable way to fill your walls. And two of my favorite shops for this are Juniper Print Shop and Collection Prints. They will also print and ship the art to you if you don’t have a quality source to print it yourself. One of my favorites from Juniper is called Montauk (even though I live in Southampton)…doesn’t it look like Montauk? My favorite from Collection Prints might be this beautiful view image of the horizon, along with this vertical landscape.

Horizon by Collection Prints

Riverbank by Collection Prints (vertical)

Juniper Print Shop carries a few prints by Laurie Anne Gonzalez. But a larger section of original art, along with prints, from this uber-talented lady are available directly on her website. One of my favorites may be North Shore — I just love the palette!

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m an Emily Jeffords junkie. Between original art and prints, I have seven works by her in our home. And when it comes to prints AND frames (on some), you don’t get much better for quality. The image above is actually a square print on canvas, and her prints on canvas look like originals. You really have to examine them closely to tell they are prints. The piece at the beginning of the post is also by Emily. Many of her prints have the option to come framed, and I have always been more than thrilled when purchasing a piece with this option.

Brynn Casey’s beachscapes and seascapes are truly unique. You’d swear they are photographs, but instead, they’re paintings and drawings created with her insane talent. This print of a graphite drawing on paper is one of my favorites.

If you think you can’t afford original art, think again. Well & Wonder presently has an amazing collection of landscape art by Sallie Robbins Strickland and a few other artists. This might be my favorite of the collection, and at around $100, how can you lose? Makes you wonder why you ever lost a wink of sleep over missing out on any Target launch.

An artist I love for her landscapes that often include houses is Donna Walker. This small painting on canvas is affordable and so charming.

About 15 years ago, I discovered an amazing gallery in San Francisco called Lost Art Salon. And I left with a few pieces of art for my walls, along with a few sculptures. I still adore each of them so much. The gallery carries “lost art” by artists lesser known than Picasso and Matisse but some just as talented. The owners of the gallery, Rob Delamater and Gaéton Caron, are not only gifted in curating art—they create it, as well. This beautiful gouache on paper landscape was painted by Rob. The gallery also has a collection of vintage and contemporary frames, and you (or they) can choose one perfect for your art to make it truly unique and special. Since I discovered this gallery many moons ago, others like Serena & Lily have, too. But the gallery itself, along with its owners, are still so charming, despite gaining popularity.

And last but not least, one of my favorite artists of all time is Alexis Walter. She often launches “smalls” collections, in addition to having more affordable works on paper. Follow her on Instagram for collection release dates. This beauty is perfection, and you can always increase the presence of it or any other work by using a larger mat when framing.

FRAMING OPTIONS

As for framing, there are a few options. I have used Framebridge more times than I can count. It’s the best deal in town. Shipping of your art and finished/framed piece once the job is complete are free. They’ll even send you packaging to ensure it travels safely to them. If you purchase a digital print, you can send them the file and they will print it and frame it. That’s service. I can remember the days when I’d spend more on framing than the artwork itself, but services like Framebridge made that a thing of the past. Thank goodness! I shared more about my experience with Framebridge here. Simply Framed offers a similar service, although I haven’t personally tried them yet.

These ready-made frames from Blick were recommended by Alexis Walter. I LOVE an old-world style thick gold frame to make any piece more substantial. The gold leaf option is my favorite in this line, but other finishes are available, as are a variety of sizes—so you don’t always have to spend a fortune on custom framing. Stores like Blick, Michael’s, and Hobby Lobby are great for ready-made frames.

Art is such an important part of creating a warm and welcoming home. People often ask how I know what to buy. And it’s really not rocket science unless you’re buying it as an investment to resell one day. Buy what you like. Pay attention to how you feel when you look at it. And if mean that literally. If it evokes some emotion that is positive, take it home.

xoxo,
Jennifer

THE PERFECT SPRING TABLE

Staying in has been rough, but it’s the right thing to do for our country and our world at this time. It means I’ve been cooking a lot more. Cooking is usually fun for me, but when it’s all you do day in and day out, it begins to lose its luster. So I’m finding that I need to be a bit more creative and make dining at home seem special. One way to do that is by making meals you normally don’t have the time to make…if you have the ingredients. Another way is to make a more festive table. And the bonus to doing all of this? When we no longer have to social distance and we can gather with family and friends again, we’ll have sharpened our cooking skills AND we’ll have a beautiful table setting to welcome and delight our guests.

There are a few great places to find affordable home goods to create the perfect table setting. I recently took a virtual trip to World Market and scored big time. My first rule of dinner plates is white. The second rule is large. Because I want the food to be the showstopper, and I want my guests to have room to pile it on. These dinner plates are perfect because they meet the criteria AND they’re affordable. For Spring and Summer, I love a natural fiber placemat. A round, charger-like style breaks up the angles of my rectangular table, but any shape placemat would be wonderful with this texture. That said, I do like a contrast with the wood tone of the table, so don’t make it too matchy matchy. I’m absolutely smitten with this corn husk design. For linens, I like to keep them light and simple, and they should work with the permanent decor in the room. This blue and white floral napkin is perfect in my dining room and the pattern is great for hiding food stains if you have messy guests (or messy children of your own!)

Another favorite for home goods? Target, of course! The glassware and flatware are both Target finds. I love the gold tone because it’s fresh and can take on a more formal look if desired, yet it’s perfectly casual next to our corn husk placemats, as well. The glassware is from our favorite friend Joanna Gaines and is part of their Hearth & Hand line for Target.

When it comes to flowers, I like to keep it simple and low. Low? I don’t want flowers blocking the view of my friends and family. So these gold bud vases from Paloma & Co. are absolutely perfect. Place your favorite seasonal bud in them and line the center of the table. It keeps flower costs low and doesn’t interfere with conversation. I used mini daffodils that are growing everywhere in The Hamptons right now. And I think it’s always a nice touch to give each guest a flower of their own to make their place setting more special. The daffodils matched the in-season forsythia that I have all over our home.

And finally, serving bowls are fun to mix and match. I love a variety of smaller bowls for holding condiments versus putting the ketchup and mayo jars on the table. This set from Amazon is perfect for serving food, placing at a bedside table to hold jewelry, or placing on a coffee table to hold candy. Don’t you just love versatility? The white serving bowl is a Home Goods find from a few years ago (I paid $5.99 each—WOW!), but I found a similar style here. It reminds me of the Nambé Butterfly style, which comes with a much higher price tag. I love a bargain, too!

This is a challenging time for all of us. But I am trying to make the best of it and enjoy time with my kids. They’re always wanting to go somewhere. It’s a bit of a blessing that they can’t, as it forces all of us to spend more time with each other doing the simple things in life. A beautiful table can make our dining at home more special, and in a way, we are “setting the table” for future company. Because it will happen. And I’m looking forward to it. Hang in there with me!

SHOP THE TABLETOP

MY FAVORITE COFFEE TABLE BOOKS

I’ve mentioned a few times that it’s the stuff in the home that makes it interesting. By stuff, I don’t mean bedside tables and sofas. I mean the things that you’ve collected over time and the things that show off your personality and your interests. Nate Berkus likes a collected home and even published a book called The Things That Matter. It made my list! He shows examples of homes that tell a story, and he speaks to how this makes a house a home.

But when you have a new home and you’re trying to decorate and finish it all at once, you don’t always have all of those collected things at the time. One of the easiest ways to add style, color, interest, and to bring some of yourself into a home, is with coffee table books. I mentioned this in my Guest Room Before & After post, so today I wanted to show you a few more examples of how we’ve used them and share a few of my favorites.

I like interior design, art, fashion, landscaping, and travel, so naturally, you’ll see a lot of those in this curated collection. But in addition to having really wonderful content, some of these book covers are art themselves. So even if the subject doesn’t really interest you, think of it as being similar to a vase or other accessory. And this may be the one instance where you can judge a book by its cover.

You can stack them to add height where needed. If a book has a beautiful cover, make sure it’s on the top of the stack so everyone can enjoy the art. A great example of this is Slim Aarons La Dolce Vita and the Alex Katz book I’ve featured. Pay attention to the colors in the covers when pairing them. And remember they’re called coffee table books for a reason, as they are a wonderful way to fill the large surface area of a table or console. You can place candles, vases, and interesting objects on top of them. And they’re books, so they obviously look fantastic adorning bookshelves! Keep scrolling to see a few more examples of how they can beautify a space and to shop my favorites. Hopefully you’ll find one or two that will become one of yours. Simply click on the images in the “SHOP BOOKS” section below to shop.

A few examples from a favorite designer and artist…

Photo via Paloma Contreras Instagram—Paloma’s Bedroom

Photo via William McLure Instagram

SHOP BOOKS

Simply click on an image to shop…

HAMPTONS LIVING ROOM DESIGN GUIDE

A few weeks ago on the Instagram Stories “Ask me” feature, someone requested that I have more source guides for our Hamptons home. The rooms that I designed myself are on the blog already. The guest room, the boys’ room, and the second floor landing are available for your reading pleasure and inspiration.

As I’ve mentioned before, we were lucky enough to have designer extraordinaire, Paloma Contreras, design much of our home, including the front living room. This room is the first room anyone sees after stepping into the foyer, so it had to be a good one. Paloma did not disappoint. It was designed in 2017, and so many people have asked me to share a source guide. A few things are no longer available, but I’m offering alternatives so you can achieve a similar look. Soooo, here goes…

Let’s begin with the art. I actually sourced the art in this room, and I sourced much of it for the entire home. Art is so personal, and it’s sometimes difficult for another person to know exactly what another is thinking and feeling. People have often asked me how I know a piece is the right one. It’s very scientific. I just pay attention to how it makes me feel when I look at it. Art isn’t something you should have to talk yourself into. It’s either love at first sight or it’s not the right piece. It should just feel right. Harmonious. Like it was meant for you. Paloma had already chosen the pillow fabric for the sofa, and when I saw “What We Leave Behind” by Kristi Kohut, it was love at first sight. Paloma agreed when I sent her the image. It’s printed on hand-torn rice paper and signed by Kristi. You have to look really closely to discern that it’s not an original. Framing was provided by Framebridge, but they no longer frame pieces this large. If you like the look and don’t want one large piece, there is always the option of two smaller pieces side by side like this piece paired with this one, both which are available, framed and matted if you like, from minted.com.

The sofa is from Restoration Hardware and is a sleeper sofa. The room has two sets of working pocket doors (original from 1896…so that means they squeak a little) that close to create a fifth bedroom when the house if full of guests. So the sleeper sofa was a must in here. It’s covered in Perennials Textured Linen Weave stain-resistant linen fabric in Natural, so there’s no fretting about my messy kids jumping on it with dirty hands. Here is a very similar option from Pottery Barn that is a little more budget-friendly. The pillows were custom-made, but I found shops on Etsy that can make the fuschia pillows, as well as the natural and blue pattern.

Flanking the sofa are end tables with gorgeous lamps. They may look white in the photos, but they have a beautiful texture that makes them anything but boring. The end tables were a Restoration Hardware clearance purchase. I won’t tell you the price because you’ll hate me. But this beautiful gold and stone option gives you that same round shape with a slightly more elevated style. Serena & Lily has frequent sales, so you may get lucky and score these for a discount. Another option is this glass and gold round end table.

The coffee table is by Bernhardt and is no longer available. I actually purchased it from a store in Maryland whose owner happened to be driving up to New York City to visit her daughter and delivered it for peanuts. She also discounted it because it had a few scratches in the brass. But if you have kids, you know scratches are inevitable within a matter of days, so hey, why not start out with a few to reduce your stress? What’s my point? Don’t be afraid to buy used furniture or discounted items because they have a few flaws. It’s a great way to save. All that said, I won’t leave you hanging. Here are three options to achieve a similar look: Option 1, Option 2, and Option 3. Coffee table books are the perfect accessory, and many of my favorites are linked in this blog post. The blue and white ceramic drip vase was originally from Williams-Sonoma and was in our master bedroom, but I took the liberty of moving it. Here is a similar option available today.

Of everything in this room, I’ve gotten the most questions about the art and the woven chairs. Everyone always asks if the chairs are comfortable. And surprisingly, they are! I wouldn’t want to cuddle up in one for a movie, but they’re fine for conversation. And they’re woven really well, so there aren’t any loose strands snagging your clothing or poking you in the leg. In between the chairs sits a beautiful gold gilt cocktail table, perfect for resting that glass of summer rosé!

Underneath all of the furniture are two layered rugs. The top layer is an indoor/outdoor rug, which is wonderful if you have children. It’s also very soft. Our home doesn’t have an official playroom, so we often move the woven chairs, coffee table, and cocktail table aside and use the space for games, building trains, and constructing LEGO sets. The seagrass rug is the same one that is used in the second living room and dining room.

On the windows, also original from 1896, are the same hardware, linen panels, and shades from the dining room. Since all three rooms as connected by door openings, we felt it important to keep it all consistent. Belgian heavyweight linen panels dress the windows over woven wooden shades from the Shade Store. The linen panels, as you’d guess by their name, are heavy and thick. They come in two widths, 50 and 100 inches, so you can choose based on the size of your window. I had them hemmed to fit the windows, so with all of this, we have a custom look without a custom price. The Shade Store bamboo grass shades were named Hampton-2 when I purchased, but it now appears the shade is named Almond. The hardware is from Pottery Barn—rods and drapery hooks are both in cast iron. Between the two window on the front of the house are small, round, gold gilt mirrors that were originally purchased in a set of three from Pottery Barn but are no longer available. I found a few similar options here and here.

Regarding accessories besides the coffee table books, I purchased this set of Japanese rice bowls from Amazon for a steal, and they’ve been useful in many places around our home, including this living room. I also have one of my favorite small pieces of art leaning on an end table. It’s a square canvas from Art by Megan, and it’s absolutely perfect for a coastal home.

As you can see, all of the items listed are hyperlinked in the post, but in case you’re one of those people who just wants to shop, you can click on the photos below to shop many of the items available through the LIKEtoKNOW.it app. I hope you’ve enjoyed touring this room of our home. As always, please feel free to message me with any questions.

SHOP THE POST

HAMPTONS DINING ROOM DESIGN GUIDE

My husband accuses me of not listening sometimes. But this post proves otherwise. On Instagram questions last week, someone asked if I could share resources for more of our home in Southampton, NY. I’m happy to do so. We were fortunate enough to hire an amazingly talented interior designer, Paloma Contreras. We had just finished a grueling renovation, and I was out of steam and time. Plus, I had been following Paloma for years on her blog, and as much as I loved her work, I knew I couldn’t pull it off nearly as well as she could. So we were tickled pink when she agreed to take on our project. Although I wasn’t the designer, I want to say a few things about this room in particular.

I’m a big fan of a white background, and I knew I wanted that for the entire house. There was a time when white wasn’t cool. At least I thought it wasn’t. But now, it’s all the rage. Because it’s clean, fresh, calm and serene, and allows you to use art, fabric, and texture to add interest. If you want to redecorate, you don’t have to go through the trouble of repainting because white goes with everything. The trick is choosing the right white, and that part has a few variables. Do you want a cool or warm white? Or are you going for white white? Do you want a certain color as an undertone? How much light does the room get? The same paint can look very different in two different houses and even two different rooms in the same house. For paint in this room (and throughout most of the house), we used Benjamin Moore paints. The walls are Calm in a Flat Finish. Why flat? Because it’s an old house, and although we did a lot of skim-coating, the walls still aren’t perfect, and flat paint shows fewer imperfections than other finishes. The millwork and doors are painted White Dove in a Satin Finish. I always prefer a Satin Finish on wood.

Now onto furnishings. Let’s start with a few things from Restoration Hardware. The dining table was a steal because it was on clearance for $800. That was good news for us. The bad news is that the exact table is no longer available, but I found a similar option here. It’s a turned leg dining table in oak. A lot of people freak out and are bewildered when they see white fabric dining chairs. The good news is that for most people, these chairs are not a problem because they are covered in Perennials Performance Classic Linen Weave stain-resistant fabric in Natural. Red wine has been spilled on them, and they’ve been saved. Wine-Out (this exact brand) has been a lifesaver and is a secret weapon of mine that is great for any stain, not just wine. HOWEVER, if you have small children who like to wipe their hands on a chair as if it was a napkin, these are not the chairs for you. At least not in this color. My kids have their own chairs, and you can tell which chairs belong to them. But I will say that the rest of the chairs look almost brand new, even after many guests have sat and eaten in them for four years.

Belgian heavyweight linen panels dress the windows over woven wooden shades from the Shade Store. The linen panels, as you’d guess by their name, are heavy and thick. They come in two widths, 50 and 100 inches, so you can choose based on the size of your window. I had them hemmed to fit the windows, so with all of this, we have a custom look without a custom price. The Shade Store bamboo grass shades were named Hampton-2 when I purchased, but it now appears the shade is named Almond. The hardware is from Pottery Barn—rods and drapery hooks are both in cast iron.

Lighting should never be an afterthought. It is to a home what your favorite necklace, bracelet, earrings, and/or handbag is to your wardrobe. It’s the Jerry McGuire of a room—it completes it! It is so critical. The beautiful chandelier and sideboard lamps are both finished in aged iron, adding dimension and depth to the room and coordinating with the window hardware.

Many people opt to forego rugs under dining tables, but if it’s durable and hides stains, why the heck not? Because rugs complete a room, adding warmth, and let’s be honest, they feel better underfoot. I love the layered look, which we also have in our formal living room. The seagrass rug is available in many sizes, while the layered striped rug is available on Amazon and Target in a few sizes!

Now let’s get to the art. All three pieces in this room are original pieces, so they aren’t available unless you commission it from the artist. The large piece over the white scalloped lacquer sideboard is by Caroline Boykin and was purchased from Gallery 1930. This gallery provides amazing and friendly service, and they carry work from so many talented artists. If you’re looking for original art, this is a great place to begin. Framing was provided by Framebridge, and this piece is finished in the Valencia Floater Frame. If you don’t want to invest in original art, Katherine Freeman sells well-priced large prints of her original pieces. Lemon Drop is a great one. The two pieces over the head chairs (which reside against the wall most of the time), are by Aubree Bunch, but a very similar print is available from minted.com, as is a huge selection of art prints for all tastes.

As with any room, accessories are important. Vases, bowls, and platters are all appropriate for a dining room and can add color, texture, and interest, so don’t forget the finishing touches. You can find these things at Target, HomeGoods, West Elm, and Pottery Barn if you’re looking for big box recommendations. In my opinion, looking for these “things” that make a house a home is always the fun part, so look at antique shows, flea markets, and specialty stores when you travel. For any additional questions, always feel free to message me. And if you’re looking to makeover your dining room, I hope this provides inspiration and even a cheat sheet for something I know you and your dining guests will love for many years to come.

MY FRAME OF MIND

Art by Kristi Kohut

Years ago, when I had a full-time job and no kids, I had more disposable income. There isn’t much left over these days after paying for Beyblades and UnderArmour everything for my older son who thinks money grows on trees. But when I used to have money to spare, one thing I began spending it on was art. The most unfortunate part about collecting art, in my opinion, was the sticker shock that came with framing. In 2010, I purchased a piece from a gallery in Washington, DC for $600, and the framing set me back $750. Does anyone else see anything wrong with this picture? Pun intended. ;-)

So when I discovered Framebridge about four or five years ago, I did a happy dance. Let me tell you just how easy this service is, and most importantly, how beautiful their frames and workmanship are. Framebridge is a mail-order business. At first, that might create some concern. Shipping your treasured and sometimes expensive art thousands of miles on a truck or a plane in a box or tube? I was a bit skeptical, but after my first experience, my reaction was, “I’ll never do this any other way.”

You begin by choosing a frame online. You can upload a photo of your actual piece or just use a generic image. Choose the dimensions, the mat, and the frame. Or if you feel you can’t choose the best frame, you can select the option to have Framebridge choose it for you. They’ll mock up a few suggestions and you can make the final decision after reviewing the images they email. If you have materials to ship your work, they’ll send you a UPS label for FREE shipping. Don’t have proper packaging? No problem. They’ll also send that to you for free, along with bubble wrap, tape, and instructions for how to safely and securely pack and ship it. When your work is framed, they’ll ship it back to you…again, for FREE. That’s all, folks. Seriously. 

In addition, if you have a photo or a digital print, Framebridge can do the framing AND printing for you. That’s a wonderful service, especially if you’re in a time crunch. Great for last minute holiday and birthday gifts.

But if you don’t believe my words, then a picture is worth a thousand of them, right? I’ve framed several pieces—works on paper, both original and prints, and works on canvas. Here are a few of my favorite frames—one in gold, silver, and natural wood. But trust me when I say that Framebridge will have a frame for every taste. 

MARIN

A natural wood gallery frame, perfect for bringing a natural, raw element to the room.

VALENCIA

This is a gold canvas floater frame that is perfect for your…canvases.

Art by Caroline Boykin from Gallery 1930

Art by Ann Marie Coolick

Art by Hayley Mitchell

BEVERLY

This silver frame with black sides adds perfect dimension and also ties in darker metals that may be in the room (like my window hardware and chandelier in this room).

Art by Aubree Bunch

VALENCIA (AGAIN)

My favorite floater frame but used on a paper piece with glass.

Art by Emily Jeffords

And finally, did I mention that all of this comes at an affordable price? For your reference, the landscape print above the bed in our guest bedroom was $169 to mat and frame in Olympia with glass. As framed, it measured 37” x 22”. The watercolors framed in silver Beverly were $139 each to mat and frame. And again, that includes packing and shipping materials and shipping both ways. For a 15% discount off your first order, feel free to use this link. This post is not sponsored. I just love Framebridge and love to share my love.

MY PICKS FOR ONLINE PILLOW SHOPS

A guest bedroom in our Southampton home. Pillows from Danielle Oakey. Designer: ME!!!

I’ve had a heavy fashion focus on the blog and social media lately. With Fall arriving, it was easy to do with everyone putting away their shorts, sundresses, and swimsuits and hunting for sweaters and coats. But I’ve learned that many people who have an eye and love for fashion also strive to have a beautiful home. If I could afford it, I’d probably renovate our apartment every few years, but alas, I don’t have that budget. The great news is that one easy way to refresh and beautify your abode is by changing up pillows. I love the idea of a neutral sofa so that textiles can be used for an easy and affordable update. Some think I’m crazy because I love a white/off-white sofa (we have two in our beach home!) Rest assured, they’re covered with stain-resistant fabric (Perennials). The same goes for my beds—I like white bedding dressed with pillows and quilts at the end to add texture and/or color.

When I first started this blog, I wrote a post to share My Favorite Online Pillow Shops. And as time goes by and I “meet” more fabulous creators and business owners through social media, my list of favorites has grown. Hallelujah! So this post will feature a repeat or two and some newcomers. Here comes the fun stuff!

Howdy, Danielle! (Danielle Oakey. Photo via danielleoakeyshop.com)

Photo via danielleoakeyshop.com

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to having a girl crush on Danielle Oakey. Danielle started her business on Etsy and was unexpectedly removed from the site, so she established a shop on her own at lightning speed to save her business. She’s weathered the storm (literally) through natural disasters like a flood in her basement that destroyed much of her inventory. She recently moved across the country. What started as a small business to supplement her family’s income while her husband was completing his medical residency/fellowship, has blossomed into a very successful woman-owned business. Can you say “girl power?” Danielle’s pillows dress the bed in a guest room in our Hamptons home (opening photo), and with the launch of her new Fall Collection, I’m dying to update elsewhere. Other reasons to love Danielle? She assembles pillow combos to make your life easy and take the guesswork out of decorating. Her textile patterns all work really well together to bring warmth and style to one’s home. It’s also fun and helpful to follow her on social media for tips on growing your small business.

Photo via linenandcloth.com

Linen and Cloth is also owned and run by a hardworking wife and mother of FOUR! Michelle has done it all: owned a home decor store, a staging and design business, and has enjoyed designing and decorating homes for others. She uses vintage textiles, as well as designer fabrics, to offer a diverse collection of both neutrals for soothing spaces and pops of color for a more lively aesthetic.

Photo via harbortheory.com

Two shops that have a smaller selection of pillows are Harbor Theory and Pillowpia. They both have offerings outside of pillows. Harbor Theory creates her own designs, and in addition to offering pillows made from them, she offers fabric by the yard in case you want to coordinate other parts of your room like window treatments and other bedding. In addition, she offers a small art collection to complete the look in your room.

Photo via pillowpia.com

Pillowpia also sells home items other than just pillows. But what I like about this shop is the collection of solid pillows with beautiful texture. She also carries pillows in found indigo fabrics and a few other patterns, but I find it’s often difficult to find solid colored pillows that aren’t custom, so three cheers for Pillowpia!

Photo via chloeandolive.com

Chloe and Olive is a wonderful place to go for pillows from your favorite designer textile makers. Think Schumacher’s Vanderbilt fabric (one of my new favorites). They also carry pillows in the Antelope design that I first fell in love with in a rug but now also love in pillows. You can shop by colorway. They offer $1 swatches so you can try before you buy. And pillows ship for free within 1-3 days.

Photo via dearkeaton.com

Dear Keaton is a home decor site going way beyond just pillows. But I love so many of their pillow options because it’s a mix of designer and found/vintage offerings. And who doesn’t love a one-stop-shop to purchase other accessories once you’ve found the perfect textiles to anchor your room?

Photo via mcgeeandco.com

McGee & Co! ! I feel like I shouldn’t even mention them because their brand in home decor is probably as well known as Kleenex is in every American household. But they are that admired and well-known for a reason: they make some darn good stuff. And if you’re lacking inspiration, there’s no shortage of it on this site or that of their interior design studio, Studio McGee. Most recently, to help you style these pillows, they’ve released a tutorial (complete with video) on styling a sectional sofa! What more could you ask for?

Photo via susanconnorny.com

Susan Connor has a special place in my heart because she is based in Brooklyn and creates the most beautiful textiles. I first discovered Susan when one of my favorite designers, Kelly Nutt, decorated a home with her stunning creations. (See Kelly’s site for some serious design inspiration!) I’ve never met Susan, but she seems like such a humble person…difficult to believe with all of that talent. And a big congrats goes out to her, as she recently launched a new pillow collaboration for McGee & Co. How’s that for recognition of a job well done? Go, Susan! Beyond pillows, Susan also sells fabric by the yard to make coordination of upholstered pieces and window treatments easy. And wallpaper? Yep, that , too! You can order swatches of fabric and wallpaper for a try-before-you-buy service.

Photo via kerrirosenthal.com

Kerri Rosenthal is a Jane of All Trades. What doesn’t this woman do? She’s an interior designer, artist, and textile maker to name a few. Her vibe is bright and cheerful. You can’t help but feel energized and happy when viewing any of her creations. I love her pillows for a child’s space or a beach home. Her pillows are an easy and relatively inexpensive way to add that pop of color and joy to a home. And if you just can’t get enough, there’s always her art and wallpaper. And if you want to wear it all day and spread sunshine, she even makes clothing!

Devon and Paloma. (Can I bring my sleeping bag to your shop?)

Photos via shoppalomaandco.com

Paloma & Co. is the latest endeavor from talented interior designer, author, and now shop owner, Paloma Contreras, and her shop partner and fellow interior designer, Devon Liedtke. This Houston-based team has an absolutely gorgeous design aesthetic, flawlessly mixing old and new, modern and traditional, wherever they go. And they’ve brought that vibe to their shop so that you can carry it into your home. They travel the globe to bring unique home accessories to Houston (and anywhere you are because they ship!) I can’t get enough of their one-of-a-kind silk ikat pillows—this particular one is my favorite. And the best part? Their home accessories make it easy for you to complete the room…all delivered to your doorstep in one package from one of the best interior designers around.

Photo via clothandwool Instagram

As luck would have it, I received a new follow on Instagram from a company call Cloth & Wool while writing this post. I clicked on their profile, and my eyes were so thrilled with what a saw. Beautiful textiles from a Washington, DC based shop that will launch its online presence on October 1. I’m from the Washington, DC area, so I had to give them a shout-out. Plus, I love the vibe of her images. Think African mud cloth, indigos, and other found vintage fabrics. Here’s wishing you a successful launch and bright future, Katiana!

Pillows! The easiest and most cost effective way to transform the look of a room. Fresh flowers and coffee table books help, too! If you like to change things up a lot in your home, do yourself a favor and buy neutral furniture that would look great dressed in many different fabrics.

xoxo,
Jennifer