Affordable and Interesting Art @ Crate & Barrel

While shopping for a client at Crate & Barrel recently,  I couldn't help but notice the store's art offerings this season.   With lots of interesting patterns, both bright and sedate colors  and a wide variety of textures and sizes, finding the right piece to decorate an empty wall becomes an easy task.    Above are just a few of my favorites but click here to see the rest of the collection.

In furnishing a home, adding art to its walls can be very satisfying if done right.  Remember, one can never go wrong investing in the art one loves.

1. reflection print 2. inner layers print 3. manifesto print 4. living water print

California Style

Since last Friday's announcement of our upcoming move to California, I've been experiencing relief.  Knowing that our friends and family are now aware of the big changes ahead for us, I feel like I can begin 'California dreaming' (aka decorating).  I so love our current home but I'm excited about creating another look and feel for our new abode.  Not yet having bought a house on the west coast keeps the concepts very broad,  but I would love for it to be a mix of midcentury glamour and ethnic touches.  Call it bohemian chic.   Layered rugs, comfortable and eclectic furniture, gold accents and one of these for sure.

 The chairs I recently spied at Reside [see below] would fit the look perfectly.  I'm seriously considering buying them for the house we don't own yet.  What do you think?

 I received so many wonderful comments about our move.  Thank you all for  your well wishes and sharing in our excitement of it!

'Til Monday: This is Big

We're moving to California!!  

For quite a while, I've pondered on how to gently break the news to my local readers and how to blog about it effectively to my global ones.   Finally, I decided to just come out and "say it".  This is big.  This is huge.  California has always been a favored place to live for my husband and me (having done so for 6 years when we were first married).  Its dramatic landscape, vegetation and overall diversity are unparalleled.  We're excited to share all of that with our children.  The next few months are going to be very challenging, as we prepare both physically and mentally for the move.  I get quite exhausted just thinking about it, and with the passing days, can't help but ponder about all we're leaving behind.  Massachusetts will always be my children's birthplace and the home base for some very solid friendships.  Hope ALL of you think of this move as a brand new adventure and stay tuned to it.  Dare I say that no one will be disappointed?  

Color Obsession: Brown = The New Black?

This spring's color palette is bright with oranges, yellows and pinks, but I'm gravitating to all shades of brown.  Perhaps 'the new black', it works well with every color in a softer sort of way.   The color itself symbolizes wholesomeness, stability and approachability.  Who couldn't use a little or a lot of that?!  Presently, I know I could...

 Take a look at some of my favorite "brown" finds:

 Images:

1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

The Way We Live: A Beach House

The summer home you're about to view represents the perfect balance between natural elegance and sophisticated style.  Combining textured wood, smooth glass and ethic textiles and accessories, this house is both comfortable and intriguing.  Take a look:

Thank you VA and EA for sharing your special beach home with my readers.