The Gropius House

Sometimes it takes becoming a visitor to a familiar place to do and see things you never had the chance to do before.  The Gropius House in Lincoln, Massachusetts, was a place I always wanted to tour while living in New England.  Often times, on my trips to Walden Pond or the deCordova Museum with my children (toddlers at that time) I would slow down to check it out.  On one occasion, I actually stopped only to find it closed, which by the way, didn't stop me from walking its grounds.  Now, years later, I enjoyed an afternoon tour of the home of Walter Gropius:  architect, art educator and founder of the Bauhaus School of Design.

Having founded the Bauhaus School of Design and appointed to Harvard University's Graduate School of Design in 1937, Walter Groupius and his wife Ise were friends to many celebrated artists and craftsmen.  Most of them were frequent guests at their Lincoln, Ma. home.  Besides the amazing architectural features of this house, hearing about the people who visited it was one of my favorite segments of the tour.  I saw the room where Frank Lloyd Wright spent the night, gifts given to the Gropiuses by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, and museum quality art and textiles created by other notable artists adorning the walls of the historic residence.

Unable to take photos on the inside I managed to snap a few from the outside.  Take a look:

Another favorite part of the tour was the roof deck off the Gropiuses' daughter's bedroom, which is stunning both by its color and its design (which casts the most perfect shadows on the privacy wall).

'Til Monday: Happy Summer

For the past 2+ weeks, we've been visiting family and friends on the East coast, some of whom we haven't seen for an entire year.  Regardless of how much time goes by, reconnecting with them is always easy, a true testament to good and lasting friendships.  Today we're off to Maine for a few days, where we'll spend time with two dear friends:  JG and Henry (our bestie canine friend).  I can't wait to share images of the things we've been up to, like touring the Gropious House, swimming in Walden Pond and working (yes, working!) on a CHD project.

I hope everyone is enjoying a "Happy Summer".  Do share your escapades with me!

Follow along here to view daily snapshots of our summer adventures in the making.

Loving The Look: Cultural Black And White

Often times the use of black and white in interiors conveys a starkly modern look, but when it's mixed with tribal patterns, unique textiles and grainy woods, the classic combination takes on a warmer, more inviting feel.   Take a look at some of my favorite examples of black and white's worldly appeal:

If you're also Loving The Look, follow my Black And White Pinterest board for more inspiring images like these.

Images:  1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

Out And About: Terrain

During our stay with friends in Connecticut this past weekend, our hostess insisted we visited Westport's Terrain.  I must admit, there was no resistance on our part to go along.  After enjoying an amazing brunch at the cafe, we walked around and took in the entire store.  Filled with interesting botanicals for indoors and out, cool home accessories and garden decor, Terrain accomplished merging all my favorite things into one amazing retail destination.  Take a look:

Thank you EA and VA for yet another great visit.  We hope to reciprocate soon and take you to Flora Grubb, the West Coast version of Terrain.

Before And After: A Renter's Garden & Tips On Creating One

Almost every time I drop by to see my mother-in-law, Natalia,  I feel drawn into her garden.  It's full of personality just like the rest of her home.   Granted,  she rents, but that doesn't stop her from transforming the small outdoor space into her own private haven.  Since she has been a passionate gardener for most of her life, finding a rental with an outdoor area was of the utmost importance.  When she first moved into the cottage (almost 2 years ago), its small yard was lifeless, barren and depressing.   Now it's slowly becoming verdant (drought permitting) and alive.  Utilizing lots of ceramic pots, a wide array of plants and a few interesting accents she has managed to extend the indoors out.  I asked Natalia to give us a few pointers on creating an inviting outdoor space as a renter.  She shares them below.

1.   Use pots to display the more interesting, pricier plants.  If or when you decided to move, you can take them with you wherever life takes you.

2.   Mix plant materials that are compatible with each other visually and physiologically, i.e. requiring the same amount of shade or sunlight and degrees of humidity or dryness.

3.   Whenever possible use plants indigenous to your geographical zone for ecological reasons or exotic plants that would thrive in your climate.

4.   Don't be afraid to use flea market finds such as mirrors or chandeliers to add whimsy and character to your outdoor space.

5.   Repurpose accessories from previous homes.  The guardian angel plaque has accompanied me through my last 5 moves[!!]

6.   Do plant things in the ground, especially if they will enhance the appearance of your rental.  I am in love with the Pampas grass I planted in the front of the cottage.  It wasn't expensive and it added movement and softness to the rigidity of the containers around it.

7.   Create seating or lounging areas that will encourage you to spend time outdoors, whether it's reading, meditating or just sipping good wine.

8.   Attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies to your little corner of the world by choosing flowers and shrubs that welcome life and color to it.

9.   If your outdoor space is limited, utilize walls and fences as backdrops for vertical gardens.  Dramatic and showy, they provide great focal points.

10.  Be patient (mind you, not MY best quality).  The drought, or the floods, or the bug infestations will pass, and your garden, albeit rented, will eventually live up to your initial visions for it.