Celebrating the 4th in Nantucket ...

For me there's no better place to celebrate the fourth of July (while earning some much needed rest and relaxation) than Nantucket. From the climbing roses and weathered, shingled, beachfront homes to the laid-back atmosphere and family feel, Nantucket is where I love to call home (at least for a few wonderful summer weeks). Of course this time of year, it seems everywhere I turn in my beloved coastal town, I'm surrounded by inspiration. Nantucket pulls off red, white and blue like no other. Here are some fun shots I took this week.

 A patriotic lighthouse.

 Hydrangeas in tow.

The perfect place for cocktails? A fire pit for the cool island nights.

Vintage chairs with a hip new vibe.

 A little bit of heaven.

Ready for the parade!

Part of the summer landscape are these beautiful climbing roses. The raspberry color against the white fence is so happy! 

Love these nautical bookends ...

Enjoy and happy fourth of July!

You're Invited ...

With a trip to Nantucket around the corner, I'm dreaming of some time outdoors, aren't you? It's the picnics and pool parties we've been waiting for all year long! This summer however, I'm adding a little chic to my soiree. Here are some great BLUE items to take your party to the next level.

I'd reach for these classic ballets in turquoise all summer long!

J. Crew classic leather ballet flats $125

 Perfect for a Sunday brunch poolside!

Paola Navone for Richaed Ginori

Paola Navone for Richaed Ginori

I would serve these with mojitos at dusk.

Kim Seybert cocktail napkins-set of 6 $78

Indoor/outdoor rugs have come a long way.

Brita Sweden indoor/outdoor rug

A few of my favorite fabrics to add a little oomph to your outdoor upholstery. 

Eileen Kathryn Boyd Esquire 21006-422

Manuel Canovas Bragance #1461-01

Schumacher Antibes Chevron #659-20 Navy

A couple of other party pointers ..

1) Serve your favorite cocktails with colorful napkins and paper goods.

2) Create drama by lighting up your patio plants and adding votive candles, lanterns and portable can lights.

3) Spray a vintage table white and set up as an outdoor summer bar. You'll always be party ready!

4) Create a playlist of your favorite songs.

5) Put together a hostess basket for your guests including fashionable insect repellents.  

Enjoy yours!

Last Minute Father's Day Gifts

If you're like me, work, summer plans and my children's end-of-school activities have taken over my life leaving Father's Day shopping a last minute endeavor. So I took a quickie gander online, and thought I'd share a few gift ideas I think any dad would appreciate.

 Kodak's photo books are such thoughtful gifts.

Kodak Gallery Photo Book $8.99

 There's something to be said about a written note!

Montblanc fountain pen $610

Charles Tyrwhitt shirts are both stylish and well made (and I love this lavender check).



Charles Tyrwhitt

 I might add a pair of coordinating socks ...

A pair of aviators like Tom Ford's style will have the dad in your life looking cooler than ever.

 A little something to get your man smelling irresistible (love the color of the bottle too)!

Acqua di Gioia $39.50-$82

Of course, a framed family photo or drawing from your kids may just be the best gift of all. 

A favorite shot my husband Jim will love.

Turquoise Obsessed

With my husband Jim at a summer soiree in a vintage kimono inspired jacket.

Being known as a lover of color, I'm often asked to name my favorite hue. And while I'm a true believer that we all have a color story that speaks through us, choosing an absolute fave for ME would be nearly impossible. With that said, there are a few shades I come back to over and over again, turquoise being one of them. It's such a versatile color - it can be happy and bright in a living room, chic and serene in a dressing room and cutting edge in a kitchen. Here are a few of my favorite spaces - some of them from my very own home.

Painted Pretty: Turquoise is a fabulous paint color for almost any room!

This could be a woman's salon, dressing room or home office.The stenciled turquoise wall paired with the black and white photo gallery make this chinoiserie look hip and modern.

This Tiffany blue hue is a timeless classic and creates an exquisite backdrop for this amazing red chair!

An unexpected color combination, the turquoise wall is a very distinct backdrop for this raspberry and white toile day bed. (I also love the faux bamboo tole chandelier and silhouette pillows!)
 

Designer: MassuccoWarner Miller

I painted my living room this incredible blue - Benjamin Moore’s Seaside Resort. The same hue accents my dining room shelf unit; I love carrying a color throughout a home.

This highgloss painted kitchen is rich and sexy – who wouldn’t want to hang out in here!

elledecor.com

Bold Accents: Pillows, window treatments, art and lighting are just the beginning when it comes to incorporating turquoise in your home. 

In the June issue of House Beautiful, I designed a bedroom with turquoise damask curtains and leopard print roman shades using fabric from my Duralee collection.

 

One of the easiest way to freshen a room is to change the accent pillows. The pop of turquoise against the chocolate sofa makes my den come alive. I still love how it looks!
 

 A vibrant painting by Jasmina Danowski.

 A modern and reflective screen.

A twist on a traditional chandelier.

A painting, pillow and vase add a splash to my sun porch. Of course my favorite accents  in this photo,  featured in a spread in Family Circle Magazine this month, are my children, Emma and Luke!