Amanda Nisbet in Coastal Living

Coastal Living Magazine keeps getting better and better. I must say, I'm starting to look forward to finding it in my mailbox almost as much as I would Domino (almost). The March edition is packed with images that had me salivating- tons of color, bold prints, unique furnishings, and, of course, beautiful coastal images. (Is it summer yet?!)

The featured Long Island beach home designed by New York-based Amanda Nisbet was no exception. Her use of bold colors, rustic textures, and refined whimsy make this home work both functionally and aesthetically. It looks like a home where sandy feet and wet bathing suits are welcome, but not at the expense of style; and that's my kind of beach house. 

Plates Not to Pass

I realize I'm way behind on this discovery, but I've recently begun watching Sarah's House on HGTV. While I'm actually not a huge fan of this network and its lineup of DIY shows that are often devoid of inspiration and style, I have enjoyed watching Sarah completely renovate old houses room by room. I'm most interested in her team of contractors, from whom I learn the most every episode. At the end of each show I vow to get my contractors license someday...add it to the list, right?

Anyways, my point in bringing up Sarah's House is that she renovated a basement guest room on an episode that aired this weekend and had a unique approach to inexpensive art for the walls of the room. She purchased some great plates ($9/piece) and had them framed in shadowboxes and hung. I love this because you're getting cheap art, but it's a change from your run-of-the-mill plate hanger display. Actually, once framed you can hardly tell that these are plates!

Image via HGTV & The Beautiful Shelter

So, naturally, when I got my daily email from fabulous e-decor shop Joss & Main this morning and saw that they're featuring Thomas Paul plates, I was excited. Here are some of my favorites that would make incredible artwork for your walls, especially framed in shadowboxes! 

Happy plate shopping!

Walk on the Wild Side

This week over at SavorNC, I'm discussing leopard print rugs and how to keep 'em classy. Join me, won't you?

Something to Savor

There's a (relatively) new magazine out for us North Carolinians to enjoy, called Savor NC. And-get this- it's a real magazine- remember those? They have wonderfully glossy pages that you can actually turn with your fingers while curled up on the couch with a blanket and a glass of wine (there's no better way to read a magazine, is there?) But, I digress...

Savor NC is a great publication devoted to "savoring the good life" in our great state. From wine and food to travel and decor, this magazine does a wonderful job of celebrating North Carolina in a way that we can all appreciate.

In between issues, visit Savor NC's blog, where (full disclosure) yours truly will be blogging a few times a month about all things relating to the world of design. Today I've posted my top ten white paint colors, an arsenal of basic neutrals that work for practically any room. Be sure to check it out and keep your eyes peeled for the next issue of Savor NC, found at various locations near you.

Best Dressed

Image via Huffington Post

Most inspirational dress at last night's Oscars? Cate Blanchett's Givenchy number. Oh, how I love it. She's made me rethink lavender, a color of which I've never been a huge fan. But after seeing this dress, and then mentally translating it to the world of interiors (bringing it back, people), I could live in a room of these colors (love the splash of canary yellow!) and textures. Lovely.

It's funny, the critics are very mixed on Cate's dress and it's been very controversial today; whatever, I say. I'm no fashion guru, but I thought it was elegant, interesting, and timeless, which is a win in my book. And I love how the colors remind us that spring is finally around the corner!

Who won your vote for "Best Dressed?"

Pardon me

...but this is what I've felt like for the past few weeks. (minus those magnificent windows, unfortunately)

A certain 6-month old has demanded every last drop of my energy & attention lately, which has left me no time for posts. I'm praying for a restful weekend and that we'll be back in business on Monday.

Island Design

The February edition of Coastal Living features the beautiful Bahamian home of Marcie Bond, the owner of a clothing shop (Marcie Bond Resort Clothing) in New Providence Island. Each image had me both wanting to hop a plane for the islands and redecorate my house- with lots of color. 

Bond's Caribbean cottage was built in 1963 and needed lots of work when she and her family moved in. But, instead of tearing it down in favor of new construction (where's the fun in that?), Marcie restored the house to its original layout and retained many windows, doors, and other distinctive features. She also decorated with mid-century furnishings, fabrics and accessories as well as local art, giving the home an authentically vintage Bahamian look. Her decor is not only gorgeous, but it's livable, cheerful, and a smart nod to the home's original charm. 

After reading this article, I don't know what I want more- a trip to the Bahamas or that fabulous pink & brown China Seas canopy over my bed!

all images via Coastal Living