Inspired - Ruthie Sommers

There's no doubt that Ruthie Sommers is one of my favorite designers, so when fresh, new images of her work pop up in a magazine I'm a happy girl. Here's a recent article in Veranda magazine of Ruthie's advice on being a decorator/interior designer. Her design details are feminine, unexpected, colorful and perfectly executed! 

 All images by Francesco Lagnese via Veranda magazine

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Exercise your right + Inspiration

It still blows my mind that the 19th Amendment wasn't enacted until 1920! I consider my right to vote a privilege. Whatever your party affiliation, make sure to rock your vote today!! (that goes for the guys too) 

"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

I also feel fortunate to be a woman running my own growing design business! Here are a few design icons in their creative spaces who I admire for their strong business sense, forward thinking, creative ideas and individualism!! 

Tory Burch ( I LOVE her office)

Windsor Smith

Aerin Lauder

Frances Elkins

Jenna Lyons

Estee Lauder and an interesting article about her beginnings!

An older shot of Kelly's office

Kelly Wearstler in her current design studio
image via L.A. times

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Friday's are extra worthy:

OF EYE CANDY!! Check out Kelly's home The Coveteur! 

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Design Perspective - Francie Hargrove

I was introduced to this very talented lady by another talent lady, Lisa Mende.  When my husband and I took our trip to Highlands this summer.  I contacted Lisa and asked if she would share her favorite haunts in the area with me.  She graciously agreed and Francie Hargrove's shop in Cashiers was on the top of her list!  

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Although I was not able to actual go inside her amazing shop.  (It was Sunday when we passed through and it was closed.)  I came home and found this eye candy on her website.  I then got busy with kids home from camp, back to school, design jobs, and yada yada yada (still love that episode) here we are at the beginning of Fall. 

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But now that Fall has arrived, it reminded me of Ms. Hargrove's style.  As you can see it has a very cozy "Fall like" feel much like the entire feeling of interior design in that area.  The Old Edward's Inn was very similar to these photos.

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 So, given all this, I thought it would be fun to do a new series called "Falling Into Fall." Where I pull together easy ways to add a shot of "Fall" to your life.  I think it's fun to pull in small doses of this style for the Fall and Winter months.  So, over the next couple of months, I'll show you some quick tricks to do just that.  I hope you like it.  In the meantime, here are a few more inspirational images from the talented Ms. Hargrove.

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Happy Hump day. M.

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Design Perspective - Pursley Dixon Architecture

This Charlotte, North Caroline architectural firm has one of the most impressive portfolios I've seen in awhile.

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I had a hard time pulling myself away from these images.

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Just look at the marble detail on this island.

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Notice the ceiling in this bathroom - not to mention the full length mirrors and the marble/nickel sinks layered in front of the mirrors.

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Such a fabulous use of a narrow space.

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Talk about bringing it to the laundry room!  Pairing a galvanized tub with a decadent tub faucet and floor to ceiling subway tiles - totally divine.  

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Look at the wall to wall windows in that living space!  If I had to live on a farm, this would be the ideal version of it for me.

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This image really intrigued me.  The main kitchen wall is recessed into an alcove that has then been framed with thick trim.  So clean, and walking a tight rope between modern and traditional.  Just adore it. 

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I realize this is not part of the architectural elements of the space, but I just love those skirted benches  with that enormous island.  Totally good stuff.

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Another interesting image - the architecture here is so breathtaking.  Not a stitch of furniture needed to make this work! 

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OK, I could go on and on with this one, but rather than copying their entire portfolio, click over to their website and check out all the offerings - Pursley Dixon Architecture.

Happy Monday! M.

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Kelly for Groundworks + more...

I'm loving Kelly Wearstler's refined fabric collaboration for Lee Jofa's Groundworks collection. Charcoals, blacks and cream tones paired with bright shades are sitting well with me right now! A couple of my girl friend's and I are thinking of heading to Miami for a getaway this Fall. (the plus side to using my Amex too much - free miles) I vote that we stay at the Miami-Viceroy. I'll at least grab a drink there to take in the amazing design details! I've been a fan of Kelly's work since I was in grad school, that was about 12 years ago. (I hate to date myself) The entire design hits on so many details that I'm currently adoring! See my mentions below! I love that Kelly marches to the beat of her own drum, her designs and fabrics feel more artist and dynamic then anything else.

When I move I think I need to cover something in the charcoal and cream faux bois print (top pillow above)

LOVE: Limed wood paired with aqua and deep cobalt

Architectural outdoor spaces

Graphic chairs, tufting and limey-yellow ( a color predicted to trend next winter)

Rope details and small club chairs - working on a nursery with rope details right now!

Oversized lamps and tufting! (Did I mention tufting ? )

And as ALWAYS, fret work..I'm always searching for the next best fretwork design.

Custom Chandeliers and citrus yellow

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