Bahamian Cottage

Some of my fondest childhood memories are summers spent in my grandmother's cottage in the late 1970's.

As I was researching for a project, I came across this article in the February 2011 issue of Coastal Living Magazine. Although my grandmother's cottage was not quite as glamorous, the article reminded me of those beautiful summers.

As I turned the pages of the magazine, I felt like I was walking back in time. I instantly fell in love with Bahamian shop owner, Marcie Bond's 1963 cottage. Her charming home, renovated in 2005, is located in New Providence Island.

Marcie collaborated with decorators, John Fondas (her brother and shop owner) and friend Amanda Lindroth. I love the fact that they used retro pieces and fabrics all in keeping with the era in which the cottage was built.

This year, this will have to be my virtual vacation spot!

Fabrics on seat cushions and panels by Quadrille in blues and whites.

The majority of the furniture pieces date back to the 60's & 70's. The scale is just right for a small cottage. Love the white lamps with the pink shades.

I love how she used tourism ads from the 60's & 70's as artwork in her banquet area. The hot pink matte and bamboo frames really stand out against the white walls.  Coastal Living, February 2011

The canopy headboard hangs over a mirrored lattice headboard. The China Seas fabric used for both canopy and bed skirt has been in the line since the 1960's. The silver garden stool and floor lamps  keep in line with the era.

The Color Purple

I must admit, purple is not my favorite color. In fact up until recently, I truly detested it. I am not sure why. Maybe it has something to do with an early childhood memory. Was it that awful purple jumpsuit I received from Santa that year when I really wanted a puppy?  All I know is that I have never used purple in my home and it has never filled my wardrobe. Sure, an occasional piece of clothing here or there but only a tiny bit and it must be a particular shade.

This is not to say that I don't admire the color purple on others or in their home. I do see the need for it. I can even appreciate it. After all, it is the color associated with royalty. 

When you have a child, things change. My 5 year old daughter LOVES the color purple. Ever since she could pick up a crayon or marker, purple has been making its way into our home. In fact, I have a beautiful work of art drawn directly on our bedroom door in various shades of purple crayola. 

My fondness for this color is growing and I catch myself looking at fabrics and paint colors with a new light.  With my daughter in mind, I have been researching some options for a purple room. Here are some rooms and fabrics that have not only inspired me to like the color purple, but to use it too! 

House Beautiful, September 2010

Manuel Canovas fabric



Veranda, July/Aug 2011

Veranda, July/ Aug 2011



 

Kravet silk fabric with purple and orange.

Manuel Canovas fabric

housebeautiful.com

I love the vibrant color of this velvet chair.