Alex Katz at the MFA

This weekend we dragged two very unresponsive teens to the MFA.  I've been wanting to see the Alex Katz exhibit.  So glad that I went.  
(The contemporary art wing broke some cracks in the stubbornness of said teens.)

cottage re-do

I am so looking forward to getting back out to Orient on the weekends this summer!  We are renovating the kitchen with new cabinets, paint, wallpaper, and lighting.  We've also emptied the small space to have it painted completely white -  floor to ceiling.

Some inspiration I've been ruminating on:

I've usurped this idea and will have an unpainted "runner" going up the stairs.  The rest of the staircase, banister, etc. will be white.

The cottage is tiny and we may have outgrown it, but we are so in love with everything about living on Village Lane and on the beach and with our "family" there, that it's worth staying.  You don't give up something so perfect as this. 

Built-in installation

Here are some before and after shots of custom built ins that were installed last week at a project I've been working on in Lexington.  I am so pleased with the outcome.  Alpine Woodworks does a superior job.  The millwork looks as though it's always been there.

Dining Room before:

Note the terrible light fixture. Home Depot special?  Be sure to check back for the amazing replacement!

 

And....

 

After:

 

Office Before:

And....

 

 

 After:

I could work on styling the shelves for days, but the room really has been transformed!  Stay tuned for more on the installation of this project.

textile inspiration

Here is some inspiration I've been collecting for textile designs.  

I am drawn to neutral things and earth tones (and black) as a rule.  I love texture, tribal references, historical indigenous patterns or natural geometrics.

With summer coming, I've been infusing much more color into my life.  I've always loved color, but I can be wary of them.  As I start wearing more color, I am finding that I use more in interiors.  I've been lucky to have clients that know what they want & many want color.  Many also have young children.  This has me thinking about fabrics that we can all live with and love, no matter our age.

And don't even get me started on stripes.  When in doubt, a classic stripe (awning, ticking, anything!) works in all environments.