The Last Hurrah (In Isle of Palms)

For our last hurrah of summer, my husband and I traveled to Isle of Palms with some wonderful friends.  It has become an annual tradition, and one for which I am so thankful.

The home in which we stay is the gathering spot for their extended family and is rich with inspiration.  I have always adored this house. It reflects the home owners' personality and sense of style.
My friend, who has a degree in interior design, has similar taste to her mother; and, together, they have fun updating the family retreat when the whim or need arises.

This ocean front home is uniquely beautiful inside and out. Part Charleston, part Palm Beach, part elegant cabin, it is both casual and sophisticated - striking that magical balance that makes nights spent within its walls both indulgent and restorative.  It's warmth and aesthetic are a perfect match for the temperament of this busy and loving family.  

Here is a peek for you to enjoy...

Shell stepping stones greet guest as they walk up to the back door.

                                     The back of the home is just as beautiful as the front.

Driving up, we are instantly relaxed as we see the Palm trees and luscious green ground cover. The homeowner painted the house this fresh, peachy pink shade a few years ago. It just oozes happiness.

 Inside the home, the  family room is located in the middle of the house between the kitchen and the porch.  The light paneling and stone brick fire place gives the feel of a mountain cabin. Meanwhile, the double story room with its long windows, ocean views and Charleston-style furnishings, keep us from forgetting where we are at all times.

 My friend and her mother just recovered two barrel back chairs in a bright green and blue fabric (pictured below), and purchased new sofas in a pale blue linen  The room is accented with sea green accessories reminiscent of the exterior surroundings.
                    

The walls that are not paneled are painted bright lime green. 

                              The loft area upstairs doubles as a sitting area and a kids play area.

                                      A nook beneath the steps show remnants of a busy day at the beach. 

                                                  I love the open railing going up the stairs. At the top landing is a stain glass window.

                                                       A hidden bar for thirsty adults.

                                        Several places to dine. Indoor (above) or out (below).

                        

                       The screened in porch facing the ocean is the gathering spot for the entire household.

                                                                     The View.

                                              
                                                           

                                                                      The Front.

                                                                      

                                        

                                  

Farewell Isle of Palms and thank you, dear friends, for your gracious hospitality!

Elegant Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces are no longer for just basic backyard barbecues.  They are now beautiful extensions of the home and a place to get away from the world around you  - even if it is just a few steps behind you.

Take a look at some of my outdoor inspirations. I can dream that my patio will look like one of these one day.  I am not even going to add comments.  The beauty speaks volumes on its own.

Be inspired, and enjoy.

Stairway to Heaven

I tend to get my inspiration from projects on which I am currently working or from things about which I am daydreaming for my own home.  As we have just had our stairs installed (they are still fresh wood with no paint or stain), it is time to focus on what I want to do for my runner. Here are a few  inspirations I have in my (bulging) daydream folder, as well as from some recent client installations. Be inspired, and enjoy!

As seen in  Kelly Wearslter's book HUE

 Although my stair case is not as grand as this one at the Hillcrest Estate, I love the look of the custom black and white runner. Kelly custom designed this through Patterson, Flynn  & Martin.

Still love the black floors and the zebra printed hide.

One of my favorite geometric carpets by Rosecore.  The Cite Square Pattern is unique with its high/low texture.  It mimics sisal while offering the allure of wool.  I have used it for area rugs and runners for several clients.

Love this simple horizontal elegant stripe as seen in Elle Decor.  The silk-like texture, which is normally wool and viscose, is a huge hit this year.  Just have to make my clients aware that just like silk, it will lay down. To me, this makes it look like a luxurious antique runner.

From Jonathan Adler's book ON HAPPY CHIC COLORS

This original design by David Hicks is one of my all time favorites. There are now several manufacturers that carry similar less expensive versions, but I adore the wilton by Stark and Prestige.  My staircase looks similar to this one with a foil-like paper.  I might try this in black and white.

 Speaking of Happy Chic...look at this colorful staircase that we just installed a few months ago.  The homeowner (who should be a designer in her next life) wanted something fun and bright on her steps leading to her basement. We discussed stripes but with the many turns on her steps, we settled on a fun, less expensive version that looks amazing!

The owner contemplated which color she wanted on each step to give the most pleasing look.  I think she succeeded! 

As seen in Glamorous Rooms

Another geometric runner makes a statement when you walk in the front door. 

I still think sisal looks great as a runner. This herringbone design was used throughout

a Raleigh home with multiple sets of stair cases.

As seen in New Classic Interiors
Striped runners can be traditional and classic like the one above.

As seen in Defining Luxury

This pinched leopard product - similar to a Langhorne we have on the showroom floor -  is gorgeous. Timeless and beautiful, it goes with all types of decor.

More animal prints.  Beautiful zebra runner as seen in House Beautiful.