Client Update: #beaconhillchd

For the past year I've been working with clients in Boston.  At first, we gutted their Beacon Hill condominium to update the utilities, raise the ceiling, refinish the floor and restore some of the residence's architectural details.  Over the summer I had the opportunity to begin decorating the home and I'm flying East tomorrow to continue the process.  We'll be adding rugs, accessories, accent pieces and, of course, some indoor botanicals.  Follow my search as I Instagram potential items for this project at #beaconhillchd.  It will be fun to have you along!

'Til Monday: Honoring What Is Right

This weekend, as we celebrate Martin Luther King, let us all strive to be compassionate towards others and ourselves.  To remember that any time it's the right time to do what is right.  Thank you, Dr. Martin Luther King, for your wisdom, passion and courage that are still called upon to the present day.  We need your strength and belief in justice and equality for all mankind now as we did then.

Off The Counter: Petite Peas and Meyer Lemon Salad

My mother in-law prepared this salad for us a little while back and it was so good that I felt the need to recreate it and blog about it.  The combination of the crunchy iceberg lettuce, the fresh sweet peas and the juice of a Meyer lemon makes for a refreshing end to a hearty winter meal.  Yes, she served this salad after an Italian sausage ravioli and Chateaubriand roast (with a brandied mushroom sauce) dinner.  Did I mention hearty?!

Salad ingredients and instructions below:

Ingredients:

Firm avocado, iceberg lettuce, fresh peas, parsley, Meyer lemon, olive oil and sea salt

Instructions:

Cook the peas for a minute and rinse with cold water.  Chop up the iceberg lettuce and place in a bowl.  Add a diced avocado and the cooked peas and toss.  Sprinkle with fresh, finely chopped parsley.  Drizzle the salad with olive oil and the juice of one Meyer lemon.  Salt and pepper to your liking (preferably with sea salt).

I keep lemon slices (and sea salt) on the side so one can season it to his/her liking.

Enjoy!

Kitchen Update: The Table Top

At last, our dining room table is completed.  Using the same material as we did for our counters, Silestone, but in a different color, we were able to blend our two kitchen areas without making them look too 'matchy-matchy'.   A solid creamy white called Haiku for our counter tops lent a more modern look in the kitchen, while the marbled effect of  Quasar for the table top gave the dining room a more traditional feel.  The combination works perfectly together.  We're loving the look and the durability of the stone and, in all honesty, we're finding ourselves sitting around the table longer.  Eating slower, chatting longer and entertaining more often.  The renovated kitchen has become the heart of our home.  Take a look:

It's hard to believe that it was almost a year ago that we were finalizing the renovation plans for our kitchen and only now do I feel it's almost done.  It was well worth the time invested and I thank all who've been following this [at times] arduous process.  In the future, I will share my art search for the dining area and for fabric to reupholster our comfy chairs.  I will need your help again.

Did you really think we were done?!?

3 Simple Things For 2015

1. This softy hued color palette lends a sense of calm and elegance to apparel or home accessories.

2. Don't underestimate the beauty and interest of a foliage plant. Big or small, outdoors or in, leaves can add drama and life to a space. Stay tuned for a list of my favorites.

3. A suede handbag, reminiscent of the 70's is this year's 'must have' accessory and I'm creating one just for YOU!