'Til Monday: Exploring Russian Gulch

At this time last weekend, we were camping in Mendocino at a spot called Russian Gulch.  Together with Alex's cousin and aunt we explored a small part of northern Cali's majestic seacoast.  This particular area is made uniquely beautiful by the Frederick W. Panhorst bridge, which frames the shoreline creating a dramatic introduction to a secluded beach.  Once there, our twin boys and Loki (our free spirited dog) ran amok, while Zoe's sole intent was to build a mini rock and seaweed village.  We did some kayaking around the rocky ledges among the giant seaweed and were rewarded with the most amazing views.  Moments such as these, i.e.:  away from home routines, disconnected from work and technology, are both craved and treasured by us as a family.  Here's to another weekend of exploration and escape. Hope you all have a great one, too!

Soon I'll share one of the amazing meals we prepared over the campfire at Russian Gulch.  Seriously, if you want to eat well while roughing it, camp out with us.

Many thanks to VK for sharing one of her most favorite camping spots with this wild bunch!

Color Preference: 9 Vibrant Interiors

When it comes to color, my preferences are most often earthy tones.  I like them best layered with patterns and mixed textures, but as of late I also find nature inspired colors very appealing.  When combined with  leather, metal and modern furnishings the statement that these hues provide is right up my stylist alley.  Here are a few examples of my type of colorful interiors where the application and hue are perfectly suited for each other.  From furnishings, floor to ceiling walls, to trims and ceilings, the refined use of color can make a big impact on your space.  Take a look:

Are you a lover of color?  If so, is it all out there or tamed like mine?

For more color inspirations follow my "For Color Inspiration" Pinboard here.  For color consultations and advice please contact me at debra@cocoonhome.com

Images:  1./2./3./4./5./6./7./8./9.

DIY: A Sea Catcher

While camping in Mendocino over the past weekend (more on that adventure later), we collected driftwood and dried seaweed to add to our seaside mementos.  The foraged shore finds found themselves in box where I recently threw in some vintage buttons, chandelier crystals and a mix of feathers.  Together they all looked so pretty that the kids and I decided to make something with them, and voila, the "Sea Catcher" was born.  Using twine, leather cording, a little glue and my drill we simply arranged the collection and attached a few of our other favorites.  Take a look:

This Sea Catcher was made of Maine driftwood, dried Mendocino seaweed, vintage buttons and glass crystals from a chandelier we used to own.  All remind us of beautiful places and happy times.  Can't wait to see how our next one comes together...

Mid-Morning Dance Party

Realizing that when September comes along, we'll all be busy with school and work again, I've decided to take an untethered approach to summer's end.  With no real routine in place, we find ourselves enjoying JUST being home.  There are, of course, the occasional outings to Lake Anza for a swim, spontaneous gatherings with friends and our legendary mid-morning dance parties.   Given the time and the opportunity to find something to do on their own, our kids have been pulling out their board games, matchbox cars, old books and  even building blocks.  There's often a request for screen time but we've been comprising on when and just how much.  My relaxed attitude toward it seems to have lessened its focus.

Within the next few weeks we'll be receiving lots of guests and even hosting a wedding party!  Things will pick up around here and we'll have plenty of dance partners to go around.  I guess we'll have to take the dancing outdoors when our dining room table arrives...

How are you spending the remainder of  this summer?  

A Master Bath By Vera Abud Interiors

Each time we visit our dear friend Vera (of Vera Abud Interiors) and her family, I'm not only excited to catch up with them, but also to be around her creative energy.  She happens to be one who is too modest about her multiple talents that reflect a beautiful, sophisticated elegance and an amazing discerning eye.  While our children and husbands do their thing (mostly play soccer and drink beer--in that order) we talk design.  Sharing our work, the inspirations that fuel it and even the struggles that come with it, we often chat late into the evening.  Our visits are always inspiring but sadly brief, since they usually take place in transit during our summer travels.  With the hope of extending their visual gratification, I attempt to capture Vera's aesthetic with my camera.  Last year I shared her home office with you, this time we decided that her recently renovated master bath would be the focus of my camera lens.  This latest project, very true to her style, is a visual extension of the rest of the house and blends classic appeal and vintage accents with modern comfort.  Take a look at her work and see Vera's list of favorite places to shop below:

In pursuit of her laid back luxury signature style, Vera's favorite places to shop are: Bungalow (Westport CT), Terrain, Anthropologie, and Lillian August.  Her online sources are One Kings Lane and Second Shout Out.

Vera, thank you so much for sharing your work with my CHD blog readers and many, many thanks for yet another amazing visit!