Still Coasting ...

In keeping with the same theme as last week here are a few ways you can achieve the coastal/nautical look for the summer. So do away with dark colors and bring in the light summer breeze with neutral slip covers, organic accent furniture, fun throw pillows and accessories.

Sea Styling ...

It's time for your wardrobe to get a makeover as the weather warms up ... I can't wait to be by the beach, in the meantime here are a few items I picked out ...

1. Straw Tote, Michael Kors

2. Panama Hat, J Crew

3. Arizona Double Chain Watch, La Mer

4. Tampa Cut Out Swimsuit, Melissa Odabash

5. Sea Salt Texturizing Mist, J Crew

6. Marmont Silk Tunic, Milly

7.Cut Off Shorts, Frame Denim

8. Meg Striped Espadrilles, Michael Kors

Lavender French 75 !!!

This is a perfect cocktail for the hot summer months ahead  ... and who doesn't like a hint of fragrance in their cocktail. Recipe via Love and Lemons

Lavender French 75

Ingredients

2-4 teaspoons lavender syrup, to taste
4 tablespoons gin
squeeze of lemon, to taste
4 tablespoons champagne
ice, if you're ingredients aren't already chilled
optional: sub sparkling water for champagne for a lighter cocktail 

Lavender simple syrup:

about 5-7 little fresh lavender flowers
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water 

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, bring the ingredients for the lavender syrup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sugar dissolves. Stir as needed to keep the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
2. Transfer to a glass jar and let chill in the fridge. Strain out the lavender after 30-60 minutes and continue to let it chill. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Mix all cocktail ingredients together & stir. Taste and adjust to your liking.

Notes

note: since the concentration of your lavender syrup may vary, I found that the best way to "measure" this was to pour just enough syrup until I could taste the floral note. (about 2 splashes)

Trending Thursday: Beach Chic

Memorial Day is around the corner - finally - time for the real summer to begin. To kick off the season, I've put together some home decor ideas to bring in the mood and inspire you to get your summer vibe going ... take a look and have fun redecorating:)

1. Blue Coral Sculpture, William Sonoma

2. Woven Leather Pillow, William Sonoma

3. Diamond Pattern Blue Stool, Wisteria

4.Hastings Reclaimed Coffee Table, Pottery Barn

5. Portland Lantern, Z Gallerie

6. Coral Table Lamp, Lamplus

7. Jute Rug, Pottery Barn

8. Clam Shell Bowl, Wayfair

Impressive Hardware Store!!!

Jaw dropping flagship store for Restoration Hardware in Boston. The massive 40,000 square foot store is located in a historic building which allows for its impressive architectural and interior design. The sheer opulence and drama of this space makes me feel like I'm in a dream. Images via Architectural Digest

Travel Tuesday: Alpina Gstaad

Gstaad is known as the playground for the Swiss elite and now Alpina the five star luxury hotel is drawing discerning travelers from across the globe. More than a place to stay in the Alps, it is a new icon for Gstaad combining Swiss tradition and thoughtful luxury.

 

Lounge area for guests to relax after a day of skiing.

Local style with fresh and modern textures layered upon antique woods.

Spectacular mountain views from the master bedroom.

Wood carving, hewing of stone and authentic leatherwork by local craftsmen.

Six Senses Spa at the hotel.

 

The Spa offers a luxurious sanctuary for guests to relax.

Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Grand Simplicity ...

For those of you that missed this article last week in the New York Times, I have the pleasure of sharing it with you. This house belongs to London based interior designer Rose Uniacke who designed it keeping its historical context in mind. I love all the architectural details, vintage furnishings and antique furniture that she incorporates in her home without making it look dated.  "I don't like furnishing just for the sake of it. I like referencing the context of a building." Rose Uniacke manages to successfully give context to her home while keeping it timeless, simple and cozy.

Cantilevered staircase carved from Portland stone and a George IV giltwood mirror

A Sigmar Polke painting and 17th-century Mughal rug in the study

A portrait of Roy Orbison by the Polish artist Wilhelm Sasnal in the entry.

 17th century northern European mirrors and a 19th century French chandelier.

A George III armchair and a painted Regency chair in the master bath.

Uniacke's Kitchen.

The indoor pool made from lava stone.

Uniacke in the conservatory.