Kim Macumber Interiors

The White Barn Inn

2012-03-09T03:50:00.002-08:00

We had such fun with my cousin Catherine and her husband Max this past weekend. We toured them around in the rain and muck and tried to make New England shine. We had a ball and enjoyed each other's company even in the rain!

One of the highlights of the weekend was a trip up to Kennebunkport, Maine. We have been talking to them about this area forever and thought we should show them where we were going to grow old. In hopes that they like it and will continue to visit!

Don and I have been wanting to visit The White Barn Inn. We have heard wonderful things about this beautiful little Inn and the fact that the gourmet restaurant boasts a AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star Dining Experience ... we thought this to be the perfect time to give it a whirl.

We arrived late afternoon ... and after driving through rain ... we found beautiful snow. This was a treat ... doesn't the background remind you of "White Christmas?" ... I know it is March. It is what we do here!

Because Don's love of wine, we were treated to a fun back room tour of the Wine Cellar!

A peek into the Bar and Restaurant ... the lights were magical.

This was before dinner ... I snapped all the photos so we could actually relax and enjoy!

Dinner was delicious and the service impeccable ... but the company was the AAA experience for us!

Enjoy your weekend! Erin is coming home for her Spring Break ... can't wait to wrap my arms around her!

xo,

kim

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things ...

2012-03-08T03:46:00.000-08:00

I am certain Mary Poppins would agree ...

via Pinterest

Animal Print, Black Stairs and Bannister, Orange Fabric, Sea Grass Rug, Lantern, French Mirror.

What else do you need?

xo,

kim

Design Center Therapy

2012-03-07T03:52:00.001-08:00

It is Wednesday ... and I have so much to do that my ADD is in full swing ... I spent last night trying to organize my thoughts, my day, my to do list, my taxes, the laundry ... it was just too much!

But here's what got me through it. I spent the day at the Boston Design Center ... a veritable feast for my eyes and fingers (yes, I touch everything!).

I am gifting you only one image today ...

Suzanne Kasler for Lee Jofa. Frantic, yet calm. Colorful, yet serene (I am working on calm and serene). Ready for Spring, but not yet in Full Bloom. This made me smile when I flipped one of the large boards and it sprang to life for me! I will be looking for a place to use this ... let me know if you have any ideas!

Happy Wednesday ... hope you find your inspiration and that one vision that keeps you moving forward today!

xo,

kim

Kitchen Before & After

2012-03-06T04:02:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I shared a kitchen I am currently working on ... Today, I thought I'd show you one that is now completed (almost)! I am not a professional kitchen designer ... I let the builder, architects and homeowners figure out what is the best use of space for types of cabinets, etc. that they need. Then, I like to swoop in for the fun! Actually I am very appreciative of my clients that let me swoop in!

Light Fixtures, backsplash, paint colors, island design, window treatments ... this is the part I love!

Here's the gut job ...

Inspiration Fabric.

S. Harris - Daydream

This fabric was our jumping off point for the color palette ... we are going to tie the kitchen and dining room together with this gorgeous silk.

And here is a look at the NOW!

The Star of the Show is the little pig cutting board that my client already had.

Enjoy your day!

xo,
kim

Back to the Basics

2012-03-05T04:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! I enjoyed a long weekend with my cousin and her husband touring New England ... the weather was HORRID!! But, we had fun anyway ... lots of laughs and cocktails!!

Now, it's Monday .. and I am back to work ... down to basics. I am having such a ball working with a new client. We are combining a love of rustic and contemporary ... please join me in the process!

We are in the kitchen ... cabinets are in, we are waiting on the island and separate bar area being built ... and now we need hardware.

Now ... in mid-construction. We are in the process of picking out hardware and paint colors.

Our Inspiration Fabric ... for the banquette ... to add color and a graphic punch.

Allegra Hicks Fabric and Benjamin Moore Affinity Collection Paints

The Hardware ... we were finding all the standards ... over and over ... and then flipping through my Veranda magazine this past weekend I found Rocky Mountain Hardware! TA DA!! Just what we had been on the hunt for. Contemporary, warm, substantial and unique. Now for the decision making ... here's what we are considering:

Rocky Mountain Hardware

Big Decision Week! Have a wonderful Monday and thanks for joining in the fun!

xo,

kim

Purple and Pink ... can you do it?

2012-03-01T03:39:00.000-08:00

As you know I am working on Mandy's Bedroom ... a teenage girl that still loves purple ... well, don't even think she is talking about the Bubble Gum Pink or Barney Purple of most three and four year olds' dreams ... Pink has grown up ... perhaps it has always been grown up and I am just seeing it for the first time and Purple has taken on an extremely sophisticated attitude!

Check these beautiful pink and purple hues ...

And even the most manly of men will not be threatened by these purple hues ...

All Images Via Southern Living

I know, it is just Thursday ... but have a wonderful weekend! My cousin and her husband are coming up to visit New England! Don and I will be enjoying all the sight seeing and mostly their company! Have a wonderful weekend and see you on Monday!

xo,

kim

A Little Glimmer!

2012-02-29T03:28:00.001-08:00

I think I am having One Room Challenge Withdrawals!! For those that weren't following, for the past six weeks,15 of us bloggers were in a challenge to get One Room Done! Well ... we completed that last week ... you can click on the One Room Challenge Button on the right to start from the beginning or go here.

So ... I feel the need to show you what else I have been working on.

Rookie Mistake Number One! I didn't take before photos ... the room just kind of evolved! I was working with my client on painting her kitchen area ... and it just seemed natural to carry the paint right into the dining room ... then we started REALLY looking at the dining room ... I got ahead of myself and then found us in the middle of everything with no before photos!!

The room was yellow ... a chair rail ... and a beautiful table and chairs (will show you when the room is COMPLETE!)

Here's what is happening right now:

The Dining Room is not big but we wanted it to have a Big Impact. We chose Benjamin Moore Metallic Paint - Bronze for the ceiling. We wanted to echo the bronze/gold stencil in the wallpaper but not have it too shiny. Three coats over the painted ceiling we started with. The Depth and The Sheen are gorgeous. You look up and feel drawn in ... not stopped by the lower ceiling.

Close up of the Lee Jofa Wallpaper ... grass cloth with a gold stencil ... stunning!

Lamps that mimic the pattern on the walls ... and the Crowing Jewel, Metallic Ceiling.

You can see that our drapes are not up yet ... they are coming ... and you will be able to see them in the next Big Reveal. I have a hard time keeping a secret. We also have some fabulous Brimfield finds ... remember these?

Well, they have a new home in this dining room and you are going to be blown away!!

xo,

kim

A Shared "view"

2012-02-28T03:39:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wish Brooke Giannetti was a family member ... because she appreciates "Patina" ... if you are not familiar with her or her book Patina Style go get it and visit her blog Velvet and Linen.

My family doesn't always appreciate my love of "old things" ... Old houses, old furniture, flea market finds. I love to think about where these pieces lived before I found them. The stories they could tell, the lives they have been a part of.

Last week Don and I went up to Kennebunkport for the day ... he knows if we go I will drag him to Old House Parts. I showed you the photo of a window I found ... I wanted it. So he said go for it, we'll come back next week to pick it up. We weren't in my Denali. When I got home I looked at some old photos from a trip we took last year. The Same Window!! See ... it was waiting for me. I had forgotten all about it. It, however, never waivered and waited patiently for me!!

It was a little too tall for our house ... so the kind folks at Old House Parts took three rows off the top for me!

Out to the gravel to be cleaned and removal of some broken glass!

Murphy and Byron want to help and don't understand what I am doing with a bucket of water and why they can't drink it.

All cleaned up and just like new :)

Up off the floor to it's new home.

Somewhere, a while ago ... someone else looked through these window panes. I don't know what their view was ... and while my "view' is just a wall ... the reflection of what might have been makes me smile.

xo,

kim

"Living" with Alice Williams ...

2012-02-27T03:39:00.001-08:00

and her Art! Alice's colors and images are warm and inviting and appealed to me the first time I saw one of her pieces. I am so intrigued by artists ... just like anything else, they come in all shapes and sizes and march to their own beat. I have been fortunate enough to be given a "peek" into her life. As I have learned more about Alice, I believe she speaks to me even more because of her love of Europe, color, and her almost "impressionistic" flavor (although I would never trap her in that term ... she can paint anything!). As I continue to go on and on about original art, I have found that getting to know the artist makes the work even more special. Now, I have had the good fortune to meet several of the artists whose work I love. But this also means studying up a little and getting to know more about those that I may never meet.

I have this desire to know what goes on in the artists' head when they paint. I want to feel the piece. Maybe I don't feel it quite the way they intended. That is what makes it even more fun!

First ... enjoy a little taste of Alice's current work.

for more by Alice, go here.

Alice and her husband make their home in Atlanta ... but they continue to make travel and living abroad a huge part of their life. They bought a "penthouse" Condo in an older building in Atlanta several years ago. I tell you this, because while Atlanta has many high rises ... this building was most likely built in the 60's or 70's and is only 5 stories high. Very unpretentious when you pull up. Then you gasp as you step off the elevator and enter the re-creation of this mid-century condo into this home.

Alice's studio ... Notice the doors that she found in France.

Their "main" room ... so many little sitting areas ... Alice and Don have lived all over Europe and you can see it in their home. The beams, the wood work on the walls, the doors, the furnishings ...

The furniture has been collected over time ... and they have been allowed to keep that look. Not meant to match, not necessarily meant to go together. The different styles and fabrics reside in the same space quite comfortably.

then you start to notice the art ... and remember that you are in the home of an artist. One who paints with a passion.

The entry hall ... all her art! You all know I love a good Gallery Wall ... this Gallery HALL is more than I could hope for!

Step with me out onto large patio ... because they are only 5 stories high, they truly "sit" among the trees here. And look at the views. This was taken on a dreary winter day ... imagine how this space will come alive in the spring and summer.

I never understood those who studied "Art History" in college ... now I do ... I think it is time to head back to school. Until then, I absorb all I can from those who are willing to share!

Happy Monday, get to know the artist and enjoy the art!

xo,

kim

p.s. A big shout out and thank you to Emily Clark for featuring our "One Room Challenge" on her blog last week ... We had a lot of fun with the challenge and she loved our work!! Thank you Emily!

The One Room Challenge Reveal!!

2012-02-22T04:56:00.000-08:00

This is it! Just 6 weeks ago, Linda of My Crafty Home Life gathered 15 of us together to get one room done in this time. We all said yes! Well, things have been happening. If you want to catch up, go here. If you have been following ... thank you and I hope you like what happened here and with all the rest of us!

Just a review ... here is where we started. Remember the facts:

Young Family

3 girls

1 Lab puppy, Ruby

Kids and Parents In need of a Family Room

Parents in need of a place to entertain and relax

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Please forgive the fact that I chose the wrong time of the day ... when the sun was coming in the window!!

We still have a few more pieces coming ... and yes, the artwork ... which will evolve over time!

Here's a recap of what took place to change the look and feel:

1. Addition of the beams to add architectural detail to the space.

2. Taking the paint up to the beams ... which makes the room feel larger and warmer.

3. Re work the fireplace, new granite and mantel.

4. Paint ... a coat of paint can rock your world!

5. Maximize seating with two sofas.

6. Lantern to replace the fan.

7. Custom Fabrics to make it personal and unique.

8. Rug to bring it all together with texture.

Thanks so much for following us ... take another look at all my fellow challengers and see the wonderful things they have done!! So many things to learn ... Hope you are inspired to get "one room" done!!

xo,

kim

Saved by Suzy

Nicole Scott Design
The Pink Pagoda
Refresheddesigns
Taylor Morgan
My Crafty Home Life
(a life style thing)
Dutch.British.Love
Rue De Emily
Trapped in North Jersey
Nana Moon Shop
Inside Ways
House Four
Living Savvy

Mandy's Room

2012-02-21T04:18:00.000-08:00

Photo Inspiration for a young Teenage Girl's Room. We are looking at paint and window treatments to reach our goal ... Fresh and sophisticated ... but still Fun and Feminine!

Happy Tuesday!

xo,

kim

Happy Presidents' Day!

2012-02-20T04:12:00.000-08:00

While at The Cloister last summer, we were able to visit the room where the 2004 G8 Summit took place. Truly magnificent. This table was created by a man who, the story goes, took over a year off of his regular job to make it ... You can truly feel the power in this room.

A little History Lesson ... The G8 (Group of Eight) is a forum for the governments of eight of the world's largest economies. The group originated with a summit hosted by France in 1975 that brought together representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was a Group of Six and over the years added Canada and Russia. Interestingly, the European Union is represented, but cannot host or chair summits.

Hope you are having a wonderful Presidents' Day ... we are enjoying the break!!

xo,

kim

Still in Progress ...

2012-02-17T03:19:00.000-08:00

but worth showing the coming together of this beautiful living room ...

Chairs have always been my obsession. They are like shoes. A woman can never have too many. Don has even threatened me ... NO more chairs ... whenever I walk out the door to an antique show or flea market. So, while I still stalk the chairs ... I am discovering a new passion. The Lamp. You may have seen this lamp when I blogged about this chair, you can read about it here.

While we are pulling this room together, we had an unexpected addition! This piece of furniture ... found in a barn, needing some love, got painted to go in the bedroom. Well ... take a look, it now has a starring role in the living room. And it needs a good back drop, don't you think? So a paneled wallpaper feature is in the making. This gorgeous Zoffany Wallpaper is about to be our Star.

Next, bring on the light. I am about to do something that I don't normally do. I am going to mix metals. The lamp above is gold. The pulls on this dresser are silver (very art deco and we didn't want to change them) so we are hanging silver sconces.

Sconce

Do you like to mix? This is new to me ... I am kind of a "purest"! But I am feeling pretty good about my first intentional mix!!

Have a wonderful weekend ... hope you mix it up ... whatever you do!

xo,

kim

2012-02-16T03:46:00.000-08:00

A bottle of 78' Lytton Springs Zinfandel back in 1983 was the wine that opened my eyes to the world of wine. I remember it like it was yesterday. A huge peppery, plumb bomb, inky black in color and like nothing else I had ever tasted. At the time I think it was around $10. A decent bite out of a college students beer budget but worth every penny. Ever since, I have had a special appreciation for this most versatile grape.

Zinfandel production began in California in the early 1800’s, and has been cultivated and produced continuously ever since. It has survived the Phylloxera epidemics in the mid 1850’s and 1970’s, both of which nearly wiped out California winemaking. It has survived times of cult popularity and complete disregard. It’s used as a blending grape and as a standalone varietal. It can be made sweet and succulent or dark, dense and brooding and everything in between and has a price point from $5.00-$55.00. Zinfandel is the quintessential team player, the O Positive of grapes and is one of my all-time favorite mid-winter sippers.

Below are a few to try;

Grgich Hills 2009 Zinfandel

If you have never enjoyed a piece of Boysenberry pie this Zin will make a really good substitute. It is packed with Boysenberry compote flavor with a slight hint of Cardamom in a toasted crust. It has a beautiful smooth texture, a delicate but short finish of hazelnut and a mysterious not really sure where it hits your palette feel. It is not up front by your teeth, not really an in the middle and nowhere near dancing with your uvula. Odd but delicious; should set you back about $30.00.

EarthQuake 2009 Zinfandel

Appropriately named, this powerhouse of a Zin is about as big as you can get without becoming a fortified wine. It is nearly onyx in color, has a huge nose of vanilla and plum, which teeters on the edge of prune. There is a slight alcohol burn to it as it has a minimum of 16% by volume and feels as viscous a quart of Mobil 10w30. Not my cup of tea truly but exhibits one extreme of what Zinfandel can deliver. About $18.00 a bottle.

Ridge 2009 Lytton Springs Zinfandel

Ridge bought the Lytton Springs vineyard and winery back in the early nineties. Although I do not have the same fond memory and appreciation for Ridge that I have for Lytton Springs , they have refined the wine and taken it to another level. The 2009 is supple and delicious. It has a distinct nose of blackberries and pepper with just a hint of vanilla. It is not overpoweringly extracted, has a great back palate mouth-feel and is quite simply delicious. Of the three it is my favorite and lands in the middle of the pack price wise at about $24.00

White Zinfandel...any year, any winery.

I had a whiff of it back in the late 80's. Thats as far as it ever got.

Life is short, enjoy the wine!

DM

One Room Challenge Week 5!

2012-02-15T04:06:00.000-08:00

This week on the One Room Challenge ... Linda and the rest of us that she brought together are busy wrapping things up in our Room. We are putting on the finishing touches. If you need to catch up ... go here and you can start from the beginning!

I'll give you a look at our chair ... it makes me swoon.

Let's talk a little about rugs ... you can see a peak of the West Elm rug under our chair.

Rug rules I try to live by:

Rugs should be as big as you possibly can take them. If you can, take the rug out as far as possible in the room, leaving approximately 12" of floor exposed around the perimeter of the room.

via

Geometrics can actually be neutrals ... here are a few of my favorite inspirations:

Layering Rugs creates depth and warmth ... do it if you dare!

Cote de Texas

Brooke Gianetti's Beach House

Brooke Gianetti

We chose the West Elm Rug for texture and look ... remember our first week we discussed that this young family needs something to hold up to a new puppy and three energetic little girls. We couldn't find an "off the rack" rug that we like enough to fit the space ... so chose this one because we like it and it "holds" the seating arrangement just fine. Then in a few years when they are ready to make the longterm rug investment they can follow my rules!

Looking forward to the big reveal next week!! Remember we had an issue with the brackets needed to hang the window treatments on the large windows. Custom brackets are coming today and we are scheduled for install on Thursday ... I am checking my mudroom by the hour to make certain they get delivered in time!!

Next week is the Challenge Finale! A few things to take care of before you see the whole picture ... it is down to the wire!

Please drop by my other Challenge partners and see what is happening in their rooms!

xo,
kim

Saved By Suzy Dutch.British.Love

Nicole Scott Design Rue De Emily

The Pink Pagoda Trapped in North Jersey

Refresheddesigns Nana Moon Shop

Taylor Morgan Inside Ways

My Crafty Home Life House Four

(a life style thing) Living Savvy

You never know ...

2012-02-14T03:39:00.000-08:00

... where you'll find some inspiration ... or WHAT you will find!

Last week I was taking some things to my local Salvation Army. And every time I do this, I take a spin through the furniture section ... just in case.

Here's what's camping out right now.

A French console and mirror ... truly worthy of Versailles!! If you are in the Boston Area and looking for a deal ... this can be yours for $1400.00!! Don't walk ... Run to the Salvation Army in Framingham!!

I only considered throwing it in the Denali for about 2 minutes. Then I came to my senses, Don would have killed me!!!

Hope your week is off to a good start!

xo,

kim

We won a Liebster!

2012-02-13T03:45:00.000-08:00

Our friend Linda of My Crafty Home Life awarded Don and I this award! Thank you Linda!

There are five rules that need to be followed by those accepting this award:

Choose five up-and-coming blogs to award the Liebster to. These five blogs must have fewer than 200 followers.
Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
Post the award on your blog.
List the bloggers you gave the award to with links to their sites. Leave comments on their blogs so they know about the award.
Share 5 random facts about yourself.

Five Random Facts about US:

1. I am an only child ... I always wanted a big family. Don and I have been married 8 years ... we blended two beautiful families. We now have 4 children and 3 dogs.

2. I hate Home Goods ... you should probably already know this! But I still pop in on occassion!

3. Don is a fabulous cook ... if it weren't for him we'd eat alot of boxed things.

4. Lamps are my favorite accessory.

5. Don writes about wine every Thursday because it is fun, it makes us laugh and we enjoy the times together when we are drinking the wine!

Now ... I present this Liebster Award to:

1. Sharon at A Lifestyle Thing.

2. Tiffany at Living Savvy

3. Taylor at Taylor Morgan

4. Kelly at Refresh Designs

5. Vanessa and Heather at At the Picket Fence

Now ... I have to say ... I have no idea how many viewers these ladies have ... I am certain it is way more than me! But I love you all anyway and have enjoyed getting to know you through this blog!

Please check out all these ladies and say hello ... I know you will find a design trick, a diy idea, an inspiration of some sort from them. And thank you again my sweet Linda for guiding me through blogland!!

Happy Monday!

xo,

kim

Friday Drive

2012-02-10T03:52:00.000-08:00

Don and I needed a little break from our crazy schedules. Last Friday we took our favorite drive up the coast to Maine. First stop, Billy's Chowder House in Wells. A Lobster Roll ... and a bottle of wine.

It is Friday after all!

A lobster roll like no other!

We wandered the roads and enjoyed the scenery on this cold day at the beach. We have had such a mild winter this year it is a little odd ... but so beautiful!

Snow on the rocks ...

No trip up to Maine would be complete without a trip to my favorite haunt "Old House Parts" in Kennebunk ... remember when we went up there last year? See it here.

I am looking for some architectural pieces ... for something ... really just looking!

I came home with this one ... well, not really ... I have to go back to pick it up ... but it has my name on it!!

Say hello to the kitty ... the owner of Old House Parts is Tom Joyal. If you look carefully you can see that the markings on this sweet house cat says "JOY"!

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo,

kim

2012-02-09T03:43:00.000-08:00

Outside the Box

Wine from a box…what comes to mind? A better question isprobably what contortion did you just put your face through when you read thosefirst four words. Here is the scoop, wine from a box is available for almostany varietal; Cabernet, Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc andPinot Grigio just to name a few. Is it any good, well beauty is in the eye ofthe beholder right? Boxed wine has been on the market for nearly 30 years, butonly recently have winemakers started to take it seriously. Will it replace thebottle, not in my lifetime but it is a practical method of bringing pretty goodwine to the market at a very reasonable price…I’m talking cheap. A box of wineis usually three liters or the equivalent of four 750ml bottles. Kim and Ibought a Malbec by Black Box for $18.00, or $4.50 per bottle. I can honestlysay I had never tried a $4.50 bottle of wine before but have to admit, it wasnot bad. No, it will not be replacing my Caymus Cabernet, or even the $20bottle of Josh but I would put it up against a decent $15.00 bottle of Malbec... and wedid. Here is what we found.

Black Box, Argentina Malbec $18.00 3 Liter ($4.50 per 750ml)

A nice nose of red raspberries and cherries with just a hintof pepper. It has a solid mid palette mouth feel with some fruit forward punchand just enough acid to give it some balance without giving it that puckerycitrus taste. It has a soft, lightgarnet color and a short but pleasant finish.

Dona Paula Estate 2010 Argentina Malbec 750ml. $14.99

A deep, rich nose of Blueberries along with a slight hint ofwhite pepper and tinge of alcohol. Deepgarnet in color with a rich leggy or dense appearance in the glass. A midpalette mouthfeel with a viscous and long lasting finish of dark fruit andcedar.

Bottom line…like them both! However at a $4.50 price pointthe Black Box is a pretty sound investment. Don’t be boxed out, give it a shot.

Life is Short. Enjoy the Wine.

I've been accessory shopping ...

2012-02-07T03:54:00.000-08:00

The littlest things make the biggest impact ... and the past week I've been shopping! Trying to finish up a couple of projects with the little things ... Accessories!

So I thought I'd share a few things I've found ...

It feeds my creative side to see how so many ordinary things can be styled in not so ordinary ways. It's the "stop and smell the roses" thing. Enjoy your week ... and really look at your surroundings ... and smile!

xo,

kim

Marilyn

2012-02-06T03:47:00.000-08:00

Indulge me as I dedicate this post to one of my ya ya's ... best friend's in the world. You see, her father is a retired Airline Pilot, living in Reno, Nevada. He is getting older and she is trying to get him to sell his house and move closer to her ... Brentwood, Tennessee. As we all know, the real estate market is tough right now. So she is desperately trying to get him to update a little ... like change the powder blue wall to wall carpet, get rid of the matching levolor blinds ... can you see it? But his "Card" he believes is his "Marilyn" room ... well, as you can imagine we have laughed about this and have come up with our own visions of what we think he has going on in that room!

Then the arrival of my February Architectural Digest ... perhaps Dad knows what he is doing after all!!

This is from the home of Jorge Elias, a Brazialian architect. Perhaps if Dad would take some pointers from Jorge ... he might sell that house alot quicker!!

Read more: http://www.architecturaldigest.com/homes/homes/2012/02/jorge-elias-sao-paulo-home-slideshow#ixzz1lAyK2mbu

Have a wonderful week ... Decorate with what you love ... and let your Marilyn run free!!!

xo,

kim

2012-02-03T03:46:00.000-08:00

The Grape Divide

Chardonnay is one of the most low maintenance grapes togrow, is adaptive to a wide range of climates and is relatively neutral inflavor and can be manipulated to accommodate a wide variety of flavors. Nowonder it is the USA’s number one selling varietal. So for fun we had a littletaste testing; Alice and Don (my mother and father) Kim and me. We sampled twobottles of similar price range…about $50 bucks each. One from the origin ofChardonnay, Burgundy France and one from the acclaimed Napa Valley region ofCalifornia. Both bottles were chosen as true representative samples of eachregion.

Here is how it went:

Bottle one:

Mum – “Sure is better than the cloudy bubbly stuff we hadfrom the carafe at lunch”

Dad – “You Beaut”

Dad – “sure a lot of pear”

Mum – “You swallowed a hair?”

Kim – “are you OK Don”? “what's it mean when I feel it in themiddle of my mouth”

Dad – “yes I am fine…I TASTE PEAR, I didn’t swallow a hair”

“OK, OK, lets startover. Just tell me what you taste”.

Dad – “I still taste pear”

Kim – “Minerals, I taste minerals, kind of a flinty taste”

Mum – “Flinty, How do you know what flint tastes like…didyou put a light in your mouth at one point?”

Kim – “Of course not, it just tastes what I imagine flinttastes like”

Mum – “that’s just strange. I smell flowers however. It isactually pretty nice. Smooth, crisp and has a nice finish, I like it”

Dad – “I taste pear”

Kim – “I really like it, is there any more?”

So… on it went until that bottle was gone; we proceeded toBottle two;

Kim – “ew, it’s oily”. I think I need a cracker.

Mum – “it’s so strong and buttery”. “I would drink it ifthat’s all there was”.

Dad – “hmmm, I like this one”

Kim – “It tastes like an oily Heath bar to me”

Mum – “is there any more of bottle one?”

Dad – “this is damn good, I’m a fan of this one”

Kim – “I don’t like this one at all, maybe I should not haveeaten that piece of “Dentyne Ice”. “Oh look at the time, we have dinnerreservations, we gotta go”.

That’s about how it ended, a million laughs and great funbut my guess is Madame LeRoy will not be inviting us over to review her nextGrand Cru Burgundy bottling… She has no idea what she will be missing J Bottom line is this.Both of these wines were excellent. The Chablis was bright, floral with mineraland citrus tones with a very crisp finish. The Napa was thick, opulent, loadedwith oak and toffee and had a tremendously long finish. Same grape, twocompletely different experiences; which one is better, entirely up to you, Iliked them both; More importantly I liked the fun we had tasting them together.

Here are the bottles;

Number one:

William Fevre

Premier Cru

2009 Chablis

Vaulorent

Number two:

Schaeffer

Red Shoulder Ranch

2009 Carneros Chardonnay

Life is really short ... have a great time with the wine!

One Room Challenge - Week 3!

2012-02-01T03:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome Back! This is our third week in the One Room Challenge! And this week involves big decisions and much progress to see!

Just a reminder of our inspiration fabrics:

With bright and bold colors you need to make certain there is some kind of what I call "grounding" ... to make them feel connected! We are going to do this with our paint selection.

We started with the grey in the stipe of one of our inspiration fabrics. Kind of hard to tell in this photo, the grey has the slightest tint of lavender which keeps it soft and not too "steely".

This is sometimes how paint decisions go ...

1. We sampled two greys, one was a little light, one too dark.

2. Then, the questions ... is grey right?

3. We brought in gold and orange and brown! I know ... but we did!!

4. This cemented our decision that grey is the right color.

5. We looked in the Affinity Selection of Ben Moore paints and found the one in the middle of the two and chose it!!

Here's how the above process looked in real life!!

Meet Hobson, our patient painter!

Remember we wanted to add some beams to the ceiling to add architectural interest. Also to add some depth and to keep the "eye" moving up in the room, we painted all the way up to the beam. Not stopping at the edge before the slope of the wall, like was done in these before photos:

A close up of one of our beams!! Are you spying the new lantern? Remember the White Fan ... eliminated!!

Please forgive the reflections and crazy photo ... but notice instead how the solid piece of black granite and the new mantle make a much more classic statement than the peach and grey faux marble tiles.

Next up ... Chandelier/Lantern for the space. If you missed yesterday's post, go here, for the trick in chandelier sizing!

Sneak Peak Reveal!

The beautiful gray, new mantle, new fireplace surround and new lantern!

Stay tuned as the next week as furniture begins to arrive and some window treatment decisions get made!

Don't forget to stop by my other One Room Challenge friends and check out their progress!!

xo,

kim

Saved by Suzy
Nicole Scott Design
The Pink Pagoda
Refresheddesigns
Taylor Morgan
My Crafty Home Life
(a life style thing)
Dutch.British.Love
Rue De Emily
Trapped in North Jersey
Nana Moon Shop
Inside Ways
House Four
Living Savvy

A little Chandelier "how to" ...

2012-01-31T03:47:00.000-08:00

Do you know the best trick in determining the perfect size chandelier or lantern for your room? It is so easy and will make your decision process so much simpler!

Take the dimensions of your room ... 20" X 15" ... add those together ... 35" ... that should be the "perfect" diameter size for your room. Now, this is not hard and fast ... you can go a little smaller or a little larger. It depends on the look you are after. But this is the starting point for your hunt!

This week for the One Room Challenge we are working on several details in the room. One of which is choosing the overhead lighting. There are already 4 can lights. We have put them on a dimmer switch and now we need to replace the White Fan!!

Here is our Lantern inspiration:

But at $1,050 ... we are looking for something similar. The four lights, the "openness" of the sides and the bottom so it will cast light.

Okay, but a little too "gothic" and only two bulbs ...

Ballard Designs

The Winner! From Ballard Designs. Softer lines, 4 bulbs and open!

Check in tomorrow to see this lantern in place ... and a few more improvements!

xo,

kim

Urban Walls!

2012-01-30T03:36:00.000-08:00

Found these fun Wall Decals on Etsy ... if you are feeling a little shy about testing your own artistic abilities, then head over and look at these. A bolt of fun or whimsy if you are feeling a little bored this winter ... for the right space ... just might perk up your spirits!

You know how I love a good gallery wall!

Kind of Alfred Hitchcock-ish!

I prefer my birds in a cage!

All Images

Have a great week ... and do something artsy!!

xo,

kim

Bluebonnets go Shabby Chic!

2012-01-27T03:58:00.000-08:00

One of my dearest friends is a gardener, a lover of fairies and all things beautiful! When I think of bluebonnets, I think of Heather. She lives in Austin and we were lucky enough to visit with Erin and Callie were younger. Here they are at the Austin Botanical Gardens ... the bluebonnets were absolutely breathtaking!

Fast-forward and I am reading in my new favorite magazine Garden & Gun. The "Travel and Adventure for the Southern Soul" Section was particularly personal this month! Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic has not only opened a shop, but a bed and breakfast in Round Top, Texas!

The Prarie

There are several different cottages on the property you can choose from. For obviously sentimental reasons ... but also for the simple beauty ... my pick is the BlueBonnet Cottage!

And did I happen to mention the Round Top Antique Fair ... and the Junk Gypsies. I have so many things to accomplish here. Three for the Price of One!

Looking forward to a Texas trek ... sometime soon, I hope!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo,

kim

2012-01-26T03:43:00.000-08:00

Louis Jadot 2008 Meursault

What a fabulous wine Kim and I enjoyed last night. A Chardonnay from the Cote de Beaune region of Burgundy, the 2008 Louis Jadot Meursault. Unlike the typically extracted California Chardonnay, this beautifully balanced white is teeming with honey, clove, citrus and mineral. It envelopes your entire mouth and has a finish that lasts almost a minute, it’s simply wonderful. A little on the pricey side at about $38.00 but compared to a similar quality California based Chardonnay it’s a deal. On the off chance you were wondering, Meursault, is just a bit further north in the Cote de Beaune region than it’s more famous neighbor Puligny-Montrachet. There are no Grand Cru Vineyards in Meursault which is probably why they can sell their wines at a significantly lower price point (add $30-$300 more per bottle for the Grand Cru’s). But do not worry, you do not give up much if anything in quality. Meursault almost exclusively produces whites so you are always assured of a pretty good bottle. If you have not tried one, do it, you will not be disappointed and you may become a white Burgundy fan for life.

Enjoy the wine.

It's All About Personality!

2012-01-25T03:59:00.000-08:00

Here We Go ... Week Two of the One Room Challange!

Creating a custom room and design doesn't mean you have to break the bank or be rolling in the dough! I encourage all my customers to work with me to be creative in their space. Let's not go to the big box store and buy the catalog cover room ... yes, they are pretty, and soothing and pulled together. But they aren't "you" ... it is someone else's personality ... we MUST have your personality ... or it will never feel like home!

Remember our room is taking a double role of family room and living room ... we want the furniture to speak to both. I happen to love sectional sofas. But they aren't right for the role of this room. We want it to be comfy and inviting ... but keep a level of sophistication for entertaining.

When we left off last week, we had made a decision on our inspiration fabrics:

And we added a rug!

A. Rug from West Elm
B. Stripe from Duralee
C. Butterscotch Ikat from Duralee
D. Pumpkin from Duralee

Here's how they will be used:

We will choose a stock neutral fabric for this Sofa from Mitchell - Gold.

The Charlotte

The Room is large enough, and since we are not going to use a sectional, but want to maximize seating ... we'll take two of these sofas, please!

Boston Interiors has a nice product and great pricing ... and like Ballard Designs (remember the Chair)... will allow you to choose your own fabric to put on their pieces at no extra cost. Here's what we chose:

The Apollo

We'll take two of these chairs as well!

The Santa Fe

And One Cocktail Ottoman to round out the room!

The Basics are In Place, now we need to make some structural design changes.

Remember the faux grey and peach marble tile fireplace surround ...

It is in for a change ... A new solid piece of black granite. This will neutralize and ground the space while looking richer than the tile effect. We will also lower the mantle.

The "vaulted" ceiling gives wonderful height to this room ... but my clients and I would like to see it warm up a little. We will be adding some beams to the ceiling.

And, guess what? The TV. It will go above the fireplace!!

Things are moving over here ... we'll be showing off the New Fireplace Surround and New Mantle in place next week!!

Are you making changes? I would love to hear about them!

xo,

kim

Please check in with Linda at My Crafty Home Life and our other Challenge Sisters as we transform 15 rooms in 6 weeks!! I know you can find some inspiration somewhere in here!

Saved By Suzy Dutch.British.Love
Nicole Scott Design Rue De Emily
The Pink Pagoda Trapped in North Jersey
Refresheddesigns Nana Moon Shop
Taylor Morgan Inside Ways
My Crafty Home Life House Four
(a life style thing) Living Savvy

Lilly's Dragon!

2012-01-24T03:43:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year. "The 2012 Year of the Dragon is favorable for the establishment of family, the birth of healthy and smart children. During this period we should be bold and not humble."

Lilly Pulitzer takes the meaning to heart and has begun this year Bold ... Not humble.

Hot Pink:

Navy Blue:

Sofa:

Elephant!

All Images - All Lilly

While 2012 is good for birthing smart children ... I'm a little (LOT) passed that. So I am going Bold ... Not Humble.

How will you go Bold this Dragon Year? Happy New Year!

xo,

kim

The Language of Art

2012-01-23T03:46:00.000-08:00

My love for art has changed over the years ... like my design interest. Like everything else in life it comes from experience and learning. The only art I was really aware of growing up was what my mother loved. And while I still truly love her style, I have grown to appreciate more modern and abstract art. For me, it is the colors and the movement. They evoke a feeling that I really can't describe. And I happen to believe that is how and why art should be purchased. Not because you need to match something or find a print that fits your space. You should buy art because it moves you. I don't mean to be weird about this or existential ... but just let it speak to you.

Brad Robertson speaks to me ...

Brad Robertson

It doesn't hurt at all that Brad is a fellowAuburn grad! ... In fact, I didn't know this until I began working on this post about him. I feel a kindred spirit ... just wish I was as talented as he is. In the meantime, I will just save my money to bring his art into my home.

The next time you are looking to hang something on your wall ... be moved!

xo,

kim

Hide the TV ... yes or no?

2012-01-20T03:45:00.000-08:00

Here lies the design problem for many family rooms. We like to watch tv. It is horrible, I know ... but it is true! I have to say that there is a tv on in our house most waking hours. I even leave the sunroom tv on during the day for my dogs so they aren't lonesome. I so admire the families that only watch tv on special occasions or for an actual educational experience. Not real life for my family!

For my One Room Challenge we need to incorporate a television.

So ... for the family room ... the TV might have to take "center" stage ... but it doesn't have to be the focus. But rather than going through excrutiating pains of trying to hide it ... just go with it and make the rest of the room so fabulous that you don't notice it!

Traditional Home

What do you think?

Have a wonderful weekend ... I will be pondering the television!

xo,

kim

2012-01-19T03:44:00.000-08:00

Forefront 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

This inexpensive Cabernet, about $14.00, by the famed Pine Ridge vineyards is…well not my style. Not that it’s lousy, it is just not my cup of tea…so to speak. Heavily extracted, with deep, dark cherry and cocoa flavors. Smooth to the point it seems like it has no tannins at all. This wine falls into that “New Age” category where terroir, tannin, delicacy of fruit and craft of the winemaker are replaced by the overpowering, manufactured taste of fruits that have little semblance to the real thing. You can pick up nuances of fruit but they are so over blown that they are hardly recognizable, almost like the winemakers used dehydrated cherries from Chernobyl.

Truly this wine would only work well with the hardiest of BAR-B-Q, or perhaps a Hershey Bar. Beyond that, just too much for me.

Enjoy the wine.

One Room Challenge!!

2012-01-18T03:43:00.000-08:00

Linda, from My Crafty Home Life, wanted to complete a room. She sensed that she wasn't the only one out in the real world that needed a little push to get things done. She reached out, and the rest of us said "YES" get us moving! We 15 design bloggers have pledged to one another, and now you, it is time to finish a room. Just ONE room. And we will report to you on our design scheme, progress, a few lessons along the way ... and a completion in 6 weeks! Please join us ... be sure to take a look at everyone's site and see what everyone is up to on these cold days of winter! We will update you every Wednesday for the next Six Weeks! (and maybe some lessons in between!)

Ready, Set, Go!!

My Room - Living/Family Room

Situation: Just Moved In, Currently Contemporary and Cold.

Subjects: Young Family. Three Beautiful Daughters. One new Lab Puppy named Ruby.

Room: Double Duty ... Family Room AND Living Room.

Desire: Cozy, Warm. For Family Movie Night. For Entertaining Adult Friends.

I am so excited to be working with this precious family ... they have just moved into a new home and we have some work to do. While the lines of the house are good, everything has a really "contemporary" cold feel. Cool blues, peach and gray "marble" tiles on the fireplace surround, matching pale blue blinds ... etc., etc.

Here's where we begin:

This was "move out" day of the previous owners. Thankfully they moved the "built - in's" out as well! From this shot you might be able to see the one end of a fan blade ... really? It needs to go!

We were lucky in that we had a blank slate to work with!

Inspiration: Warmth and Color and Life!

Duralee - Butterscotch - no longer available

When working with a completely blank room, it often makes sense to start with a rug. This sets the basis for your room. However, with this young family, we wanted to create the space they love first with fabrics. Because they have a new puppy and young girls they wanted to purchase a rug that would complement their new furnishings, but be able to have something that they wouldn't worry about little puppy bites and occasional accidents! And then if need be, they can toss it away in a year or so and not feel guilty!

Join me next week for the next step in turning this cold room into a cozy space for a young family!

xo,
kim

Please visit all of our rooms ... and Get Inspired to Finish One Room this year!

Saved By Suzy   Dutch.British.Love
Nicole Scott Design Rue De Emily
The Pink Pagoda Trapped in North Jersey
Refresheddesigns Nana Moon Shop
Taylor Morgan   Inside Ways
My Crafty Home Life   House Four
(a life style thing) Living Savvy

Memories of Kites, Prisms of Today

2012-01-17T03:38:00.000-08:00

My memories of the beach every summer with my family was of kites ... I grew up going to Destin, Florida every summer for one week. This was our summer vacation. It was the treat that was looked forward to for many months. Both my parents worked, worked hard, to make certain that we could have this one week every summer to spend with family.

My Father looked forward to his kite. He would build this "tetra" kite ... ours was 6 feet high and 6 feet wide. He would use a deep sea fishing reel to hold the string ... it would go so high it looked like a spec in the sky. In fact, one year My Dad was on the "wanted" list on that beach, because his kite was interrupting the flight path of Eglin Air Force Base!! We have had lots of fun with that kite!

Funny how design mimics life ... this week has been one of those times when these life memories have come flooding back. I haven't thought about my Dad's kites in years. Then Danika features the "prism" wall she painted for her home office. Not only is it fabulous in it's own right ... but it hit a specific "feel good" nerve for me.

I have also been doing some rug shopping this week with clients. Another "prism" effect. I could put this anywhere and skip across it happily!

The Rug Company London

I wonder how much our individual design choices are based on what feels good and comfortable ... based on memories of our lives. I'll take that any time ... don't ever feel like you have to choose something because it is "in" or the trend of the moment. Go with what makes you smile ... even if others don't get it!!

xo,

kim

A Day On the Farm!

2012-01-13T04:02:00.000-08:00

It has always been my dream to live on a Farm. I am still working toward that ... but in the meantime I try to live the "Farm Life" ... My own little version anyway.

The past few weekends have been so glorious here ... 50 - 60 degrees in January! The typical Saturday morning starts with a visit to Sally's Farm ... for Fresh Eggs.

Every day fresh eggs are put into the little refrigerator in this side of the Barn. Honor System, drop your $3.00 in the box and take your eggs. Have you ever eaten fresh eggs ... you will never want to buy eggs at the grocery again!

This past weekend there was a note from the Chickens! They were a little behind in production since the holiday baking season kind of took a toll on them. They are rapidly gearing back up!

Driving off of this Farm you feel the peace of this quiet life. Boston is only 40 minutes away so we can get the city fix if we want. But mostly we love this!

Then there is Lou, our milkman! Lou comes every week with our fresh, organic milk! The glass bottles that it comes in makes it taste colder and fresher ... and I never have to run to the grocery because we are out of milk!

I knew Lou would become part of the family when he made friends with the beasts in our yard!!

Because of the mild temperatures we have been able to keep up with the brush burning ... Christopher is the man in charge of the Fire Pit!

This was the beautiful "Wolf" moon from our back yard this past weekend ... what a great way to end a Day on our "little" Farm!!

Have a wonderful weekend ... going to be a little colder for us here!

xo,

kim

2012-01-12T03:46:00.000-08:00

How dry I am.

It is 5:30PM and nearly 70 degrees as I sit out on my balcony at the beautiful Hotel Del Coronado just outside of San Diego. Feel sorry for me yet… didn’t think so. Enjoying the beautiful evening sunset, a thought popped into my head. After the initial shock of actually having one, I figured I would write it down quick before it died of loneliness. Here it is.” Tannins”, what do you think so far?

The wine world constantly muses about Tannins, smooth and velvety, graceful, well balanced, polished, front of the mouth, back of the mouth, mid palate….good lord it sounds like a verbose orthodontist selling braces by describing the way adorable little Ernie’s teeth are going to look in three years when your bank account is completely drained. In fact Tannins are hugely complex and involve multiple chemical reactions. If you would like to read about them there is a pretty good entry level article at this link www.wineanorak.com/tannins.htm. Too me, tannins are more about feeling than taste. If a wine, Red in particular is really tannic, it almost feels like it the moisture has been sucked completely out of your mouth after you drink it. Tannins can be felt in the back of your mouth, the middle or the front of your mouth. If the tannins are “well Balanced and smooth” you can feel it all over your mouth imparting a silky or smooth, some say velvety texture. If for instance you latch on to a young, really powerful Bordeaux that is opened 26 seconds after bottling and you take a giant swig…it might make your mouth feel like you won the Eastern Massachusetts stamp lick off shattering the old record of three hundred stamps licked and posted in 2 minutes, 16 seconds…that’s tannic. Tannins can also add flavor…usually bitter and brought on by the oak barrel aging process, but more generally they are simply about the feel. Smooth, silky or velvety; dry as a bone or my top lip is stuck to my front teeth, your talkin Tannins baby. Watch out, next week …Terroir. Until then,

Enjoy the wine

Small Spaces

2012-01-11T03:34:00.000-08:00

Can we just chat about this room? If I ever had the need (or want) to live in a tiny space ... This makes me feel like I could do it ... maybe a small "wall" of kitchen appliances and a small table that just continued on into this sitting room and bedroom. A little feminine, yes, I'm just saying! I could be happy here ... really happy here!!

I got this off the web ... somewhere!! I can see a date and page ... but don't know what magazine??

The linens, the wallpaper, the mirror, the glass screen, the "plexi-glass" table, the chandelier, the headboard, the striped velvet sofa, the pouf ... shall I go on? And here is the thing I love most ... it is small ... but not minimal!

Could you "go small"?

xo,

kim

The French Bedroom ...

2012-01-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

Are you a "I want it now, I'll buy it on the internet!" kind of person ... OR ... are you a "I like to enjoy the hunt and put the pieces together slowly" kind of person?

Well .. you can get this look no matte what type you are!

For the one stop shopper, you are in luck ... The French Bedroom Company out of the UK has gorgeous pieces at an excellent price point!

And here's the thing ... you can toss in a little "glam" or fun with a fuschia velvet chair

Or a Zebra rug ... No one ever said a French Bedroom had to be stuffy!

If you are like me (which is not always rational) and you like the hunt ... you can pick up individual pieces at the Flea and Antique Markets across the Country. My two favorites are Brimfield in Massachusetts and Scott's in Atlanta ... here's what I have found while out and about ...

So whether you decide to take the One Stop method or engage in the Hunt ... The French Bedroom is easier than you thought ... N'est-ce-pas?

xo,

kim

There's a Fire Burning in my Heart!

2012-01-07T18:02:00.001-08:00

The Flame Stitch ... it has been around forever ... and it keeps burning! Perhaps it was Missoni Fashion that pushed the envelope this summer when they introduced their line at Target ... perhaps it has always been a backbone of design ... whatever it is ... it is Back, it is Here and it is Now. Fresher than Ever!

Then:

Flame stitch wall hangings in a bedroom at Chastleton House, Oxfordshire, early-1600s

Northern French flame stitch panel, c. 1700-1750

Now:

Martyn Lawrence Bullard for Schumacher

Adras Ikat Print 174820 Jewel

Raja Embroidery 65810 Caravan

In my opinion ... 2012 is the year of color. With Tangerine Tango and Ikat and the Flame Stitch ... If you want to "spiff" up a little this year ... throw in a pillow or two in these Schumacher fabrics and you will be the talk of the neighborhood!!

xo,

kim

The Grove House ... Ireland!

2012-01-06T03:34:00.000-08:00

www.grovehouse.net

One of my favorite vacations was to visit Ireland and my family ... whom I didn't know! What gracious hosts the Irish are! I met cousins of my mother ... all children of my Grandfather's siblings. Grandaddy Bill came over to America like so many in the 20's ... he made a wonderful life for his family and although had fabulous stories to tell about Ireland he never wanted to return. He left when he was 18 and life was tough. Several years after he passed away one of my Mother's cousins got us all to commit to meeting up in Ireland. It was truly special. On our trip we truly stumbled upon the Grove House in Skibereen. Do you ever go somewhere and are so moved that you try to recreate it when you come home? Well ... this is how I was impacted by the Red & White. Several months later I had a Red & White Guestroom! I am so sad I don't have photos to show you ... but that was before my camera became attached to my hip!!

Here is one of the bedrooms in "The Barn" at the Grove House. The heart pillow might be new!!!

I do have a few photos from our trip ... but these aren't scanning very well, they're old ... so please excuse the quality, just notice how The Barn is still as wonderful as when we were there!!

Erin & Callie in the Kitchen Peeking over the Loft On the Red & White Bed!

The setting and accommodations were simple, but so warm and enchanting ... the owners were so delightful and made our stay. We had breakfast in the main house each morning and used this little Inn as home base as we discovered the beauty of Ireland!

Dreaming about a return visit!

xo,

kim

2012-01-05T03:36:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Keith and Jill, dear friends of ours dropped a gift in our stocking this Christmas that we could not wait to enjoy. I think the bottle made it into the house and lasted exactly two days in the wine rack before we pulled the cork and got after it. 2008 Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Sorbo Sangiovese. You may recognize the Fontodi label as one of the most famous Chianti producers in Itlay. Generally speaking all Fontodi wines are good but this single vineyard Chinati Classico is a killer. Terrific Bluberry and Vanilla mid mouth taste with a velvety texture, a smooth, looooong finish and really nicely balanced tannins. It would be great with grilled foods, but we enjoyed it that evening with our homemade Ragu, on a freshly baked crusty baguette… outstanding! In fact, the Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Sorbo Sangiovese was so delicious and easy drinking you could enjoy all by itself with no meal at all. What a treat, thanks again Keith and Jill and enjoy it everyone.

Enjoy the wine.

Ahhh ... Those Winter Blues!

2012-01-04T03:37:00.000-08:00

January always brings talk about people getting the "winter blues" ... holidays are over, bills are coming in and sunshine is limited. I, for one, definitely feel the lack of sunshine. However, I've never really been "bluesy" ... until I saw this ...

This Room by the Dallas/New York Design Team, Kirsten Kelli just featured in the Jan/Feb 2012 Veranda magazine has my head reeling ... I want the Blues Baby!! This sent me on a little blue hunt and reminded me of one of my favorite fabric lines full of color ... Quadrille! While the above fabric is not from their line it has a similar feel ... here is some Quadrille that will have you wanting the Blues too!

All photos from Quadrille

How can you possibly have the blues in all this fabulous BLUE!!

xo,

kim

Ballard + Duralee = LOVE!

2012-01-03T03:24:00.000-08:00

It seems like I have shopped from the Ballard's catalog all my life. It has always been a go-to source of mine. Ballard's is a nice middle ground for me. It is not cheap, but not overly priced. They carry accessories and furniture that is "on - trend" but not necessarily trendy. They have classic pieces in their mix which is a great way to show how we can bring all of our styles together.

One of my FAVORITE things about Ballard's is their upholstery. You don't have to choose only their fabric. You can send your own ... COM ... "customer's own material". And the kicker ... they don't charge you extra for sending your own fabric. They are going to have to cover it anyway ... so they extend that to their customers. Way to go Ballard Designs!!

So here's what happens when you take a Ballard piece of furniture ... off the rack, if you will:

Antonia Chair

And buy your favorite fabric ... we chose Duralee's Suburban Home:

Suburban Home by Duralee

Put them together:

Ballard's + Duralee = LOVE!

This is just a little snippet of a living room .... almost done. I will be bringing you a full before and after soon with professional photos! You will LOVE the transformation!!

xo,

kim

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T03:11:00.000-08:00

We have made our New Year's Resolutions and plan on making 2012 one to remember! In all this "renewing" I still need a calendar to write on/in ... I have a mac with a calendar, I have an iphone ... I am very lucky ... but I cannot stand to use the calendar they give me. I like the old fashioned book style and the ones with a whole page dedicated to my day. Because, really, who can fit their whole day on 3 lines? Seriously ... I need to write notes, schedule appointments and I like to tuck little things in the pages! This cannot be done on a digital piece of equipment! I was thrilled to find these fabulous leather bound calendars and journals by Cavallini & Co. from Jenni Bick. Because if you ARE going to have a little notebook calendar, it also needs to be pretty! It is not too late to order one for this year ... Mine was embossed and delivered in 2 days ... the simple things that make me smile!

Jenni Bick

I am determined to be more organized this year ... that comes a little hard for me, I tend to get sidetracked very easily. So ... sorry to be a bore, but I am going to share with you how I am going to make this year run smoother. Starting with Christmas ... yes, I am starting now.

January - Give in, by the large artificial tree on Sale right now!
February - Order cute return address stamp thing that I never have when I am actually doing my cards.
March - Organize ribbons and wrapping paper I already have, choose 2012 theme and buy it! (I tend not to use designated Christmas paper, so this shouldn't be hard!)
April - Find fabric for Christmas Table Skirt ... have it made NOW!
May - Look for some festive new appetizer recipes and do a few trial runs!
June - July - August - Enjoy Summer!
September - Take stock of the outdoor spaces and have a plan come December!
October - Make certain all table linens are cleaned and pressed, polish all silver.
November - Make Biscottis and Deliver the Week after Thanksgiving
December - Decorate my new artificial tree, plug in the lights, sit back and enjoy the Season!

Maybe this will help you ... perhaps you have some good tips to make your year run more smoothly.

My new calendar ... a clean slate and planning to fill it up this year with things worth remembering!

Happy New Year ... make yours a good one!

xo,

kim

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T03:22:00.000-08:00

The kids decided to take our Christmas (New Year's!) card photo as a surprise for us! They found out quickly that it is never easy gathering the crew ... please forgive the bottom wreath that went crooked, that was the least of their worries!!

Wishing you and your families a beautiful Christmas and thanks for checking in on our crazy life and the chaos that abounds.

Enjoy your families and all the celebrations of the next week. We will see you back in 2012 ... maybe even a few projects will get completed. Thank you so much for continuing to check in and sharing in our lives, design and wine!

xo,

kim, don, erin, callie, christopher, sammy, murphy, byron and cooper

2011-12-22T03:05:00.000-08:00

The year is winding down and in the blink of an eye they will be uncrating Dick Clark and propping him up on stage to once again dribble in New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2012. As that crazy Waterford crystal ball sinks lower and lower, ticking away the last few seconds of 2011 Kim and I will ask each other…the question, “do you have any New Year’s resolutions”?

So, to avoid blurting out…lose weight, get more exercise, live for the moment, be more fiscally prudent or any of a thousand other clichés that could pop into my head at 11:59:55PM on December 31^st. I am strategically preparing my resolutions in advance.

Here they are:

· Drink more Champagne – we simply do not drink it nearly enough. Champagne is fantastic. It matches nicely with a plethora of dishes, can be enjoyed as an aperitif or by itself. Champaign is certainly a celebratory beverage, but why wait for a celebration?

· Try a box wine. Ok I said it…yup, going to do it next year. Other than my initial knee jerk reaction of OMG never, at the very mention of box wine, I do not know much about them. The storage concept is fantastic, you will never enjoy a corked wine from one of those baby’s, they last for several days in the fridge and some of the major producers are now manufacturing them…let you know what I think when I get my courage up.

· If we happen to be entertaining or are out with friends and get into a multiple bottle night, drink the good bottle first, then go to the second string. I am not saying go straight to Ripple the second time around, but seriously after your palate goes as deaf as a haddock following the second glass, why pay for the really good stuff if you cannot truly enjoy it.

· My last resolution is to drink the good stuff (first of course)! We are bustin it out this year. You know… those wines in the basement…waiting for just the right moment or occasion. Well next year is the right moment and occasion and we’re going bottoms up. Honestly why wait, life is short…enjoy the wine. Oh yeah, and one last thing, lose weight and get more exercise.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and thank you for reading.

See you in 2012.

Tangerine Tango

2011-12-21T03:44:00.000-08:00

Miles Redd

I was shopping today, trying to finish up my Christmas list and then supposed to be headed home to wrap the presents I just bought. My To-Do list however, told me to stop into my favorite paint store and pick up the Benjamin Moore brochure on Metallic Paints. I am considering adding a little "shine" to a client's dining room ceiling. As I was picking that up I was completely blown away by Tangerine Tango ... the NEW Pantone color of 2012! Annually Pantone will declare a particular color the "Color of the Year" and boy oh boy did they hit the nail on the head for 2012.

"Sophisticated, but at the same time dramatic and seductive" according to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. "Remininscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of a yellow, to form a high - visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy." I'll take Two!

This is what happens to me ... I am plugging along doing what I am supposed to be doing ... then WHAM! I was feeling a little bit sad today because there is no snow. Can you believe that? It just doesn't seem to be Christmasy! But then a little trip to the paint store and I am ready for the colors of Spring!!

I will re-focus on the task at hand today ... while secretly figuring out where or where to put Tangerine Tango in my life!

xo,

kim

Tradition ... Biscotti

2011-12-20T03:47:00.000-08:00

When Don and I first married we made a commitment to one another, not just about us ... but our children. We would bring them together and create new traditions to make our two families "one".

You never know how or when traditions happen, sometimes they take you by surprise. Biscotti making was one of those surprises! A good friend, Pam, from Atlanta came to visit in December the first year the girls and I moved to New England. She wanted to do something to bring the girls (Erin, Callie and Sammy) together ... unfortunately this didn't involve Christopher, but he was fine with that!! She taught us how to make biscotti. So that year it seemed natural for us to just use the biscotti for teacher gifts. 8 years later, we are still making biscotti for not only teachers, but those we love and want to say thank you to ... for being in our lives!

Here's how it all begins:

We make half peanut butter and chocolate chip and the other half white chocolate chip and Craisins!

Once they have cooked, you cut them and bake on each side for another 10 minutes to get crispy!

Once they have cooled, dip them in either milk or white chocolate.

We bag them up in cellophane bags and get them ready for delivery!

Each year the process has become sort of a rite of passage of Christmas week ... it is hectic, we can't believe we spend a whole day making these ... but we wouldn't have it any other way!

Biscotti Recipe:

2 ½ C All Purpose Flour (sifted)
1 tsp Baking Powder

½ tsp Salt

1 C Sugar

½ C (1 stick) Unsalted Butter @ room temperature

2 Large Eggs

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Bag of Nestle Chocolate/Peanut Butter Chips or

1 C of each, Craisins and White Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl, whisk to blend.

Using electic mixer, beat sugar, butter, 2 eggs and vanilla extract in large bowl until well blended. Mix in flour mixture, then fruit, chips, etc. Mixture will be dry.

Divide dough in 2 logs using floured hands, shape each piece. Transfer logs to baking sheet. Bake approx. 30 minutes. Cut logs into biscotti pieces, turn on their side and reduce oven to 275 – bake for 10 minutes. Turn biscotti on other side and bake 10 more minutes.

Let cool.

Dip White Chocolate and Craisin biscotti in white chocolate. Dip Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip biscotti in milk chocolate. Put in refrigerator to let harden.

Enjoy!

I hope you are celebrating the traditions of your family this week!

xo,

kim

White Christmas - Family Traditions!

2011-12-19T03:39:00.000-08:00

This is it ... the countdown is on ... I got a running start this weekend and things seem to be going rather smoothly. We kicked off the week of festivity and excitement with a family tradition ... we all gather to watch "White Christmas". It is the one time of the year that the kids don't mind "family movie night!" Or "forced family fun" as they have termed certain events that I make them do.

When it comes to White Christmas, none of them complain! We all love the story, the singing (who doesn't love to listen to Bing sing!) and the dancing. We marvel at the size of Vera-Ellen's waist!

Today starts the countdown! Here's the week's schedule:

Today - Biscotti Making for teachers and friends (recipe tomorrow!)

Tuesday - Finish shopping and Wrapping Presents

Wednesday - need to find a good buy on some linen for a client!

Thursday - Grocery shopping for Christmas Eve!

Friday - all that didn't get done on MTWTh!!

I hope you all enjoy your week ... soak in the goodness of the season, it will be over before we blink!

xo,

kim

Christmas ... in Paris!

2011-12-16T03:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Paris is possibly even more romantic than Paris in the Spring ... or the Fall ... or really anytime is magnificent, Paris has a tendency to always shine ... but I particularly love the way the French celebrate the Season!

via

Arc de Triumphe

Place Vendome

Quiet Courtyard of a home

Ferris Wheel at Jardins de Tuileries

The Champs Elysees at night ... taken from the Ferris Wheel

via

Don and I have been blessed to spend several Christmas vacations in Paris ... we love it and hope we get to do it again! I must caution you however ... this time of year, the days are a little dreary and gray ... we truly live for the nights!

The Champagne Cocktail ... my favorite way to kick off the celebration of the Night and Lights in Paris.

Recipe:

1 sugar cube
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
Champagne
1 oz brandy
orange slice for garnish

Place the sugar cube in the bottom of your Champagne Flute
Dash the sugar cube with the Angostura bitters
Add Brandy
Fill with Champagne
Garnish with Orange

Cheers!

xo,

kim

p.s. please visit At The Picket Fence ... a fun blog by two sisters, Vanessa and Heather. I joined in on their Christmas Blogger Block Party featuring Doors and Porches. They were kind enough to feature our Red Front Door ... guarded carefully by the "boys" Byron and Cooper! Thank you ladies!

2011-12-15T03:36:00.000-08:00

Pine Ridge, Chenin Blanc + Viognier
2010

Our life is complete chaos, but neither Kim or I would have it any other way. Between our jobs, four children and three dogs we scarcely have time to eat dinner let alone plan one out. Tuesday was pretty typical. At 6:30 am before cup of coffee one, the question came..."what should we have for dinner"? The conversation went something like this. Chicken, "no"; pasta "eh"; steak, "grunt"; how about fish? "hmm, haven't had that in a while". So, in a mutual half asleep coma we decided I would pick up a piece of Haddock on my way home from the office. Oh, and by the way Kim mentioned, "don't forget you have to write your blog for Thursday" so pick up a bottle of wine as well, ok?" I love you...

Later that evening, armed with my haddock, a fist full of mushrooms, a box of cherry tomato's, some capers and a dozen or so Greek olives I shuffled into the Sherborn Out, our go to local wine retailer that has a nice selection of wines and is really close by our home, which works fabulously when I am under the gun for time. White's the easy and logical choice to go with what's in the bag I am hauling around, so I start scanning the shelves...Chardonnay...to flabby, Chablis would work well but to expensive, Riesling could be ok if it is dry enough but we did that for Thanksgiving, so after poking around for a bit, Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc was what was pitched into the sack to join the moveable feast.

What a treat, it matched up perfectly. A slight effervescence to balance the buttery fish, enough strawberry and peach to offset the salt of the capers and a crisp minerality that left the palette clean and ready for the next bite. An easy drinking white that was delicious and easy on the wallet. $11.00. How do you go wrong with that?

Try it, you will like it.

Enjoy the wine.

DM

Home Away ... For the Holidays!

2011-12-14T03:46:00.000-08:00

I had a fun time with Erin last week doing a little window shopping. I want the Zebra print ... I have no idea where I would put it ... but I would find a place. It has nothing to do with this post ... other than it was at Z Gallerie ... and I want it!

As we are all "wrapped up" in Christmas and the holidays I seem to be singularly focused on getting the house ready. But as we consider those out of town family members and friends that might be joining us ... maybe we should spruce up some rooms to welcome them ... without the "theme" of the season.

If you are needing to do a quick fix on a guestroom ... take a look at these fun ideas from Z Gallerie ... you can get this look in no time!! Fun, full of color and festivity ... and they'll last longer than the holidays!

I would probably only take an item or two from this line ... not the "whole" look. Even just a set of shams or the duvet cover will offer a little punch to your decor and make your guests happy!

While you are gathering up the guestroom ... a couple of things to think about. Make it feel special, I even have my sheets ironed (at the cleaners ... I don't have time!) it makes the bed feel delightful and fresh!

Water! It gets so dry here in the winter that this little thought will be so appreciated!

Martha Stewart

Water Carafe

A fresh set of beautiful towels ... I know this sounds obvious ... but truly, have you looked at your towels lately? I need to hit the "white sales" after Christmas!

Hotel Collection

And lastly ... a good alarm clock ... not the one that used to be yours and you shoved it along when you got the Bose ... really ... a good one!

Alarm Clock

I love having guests and family with us ... I like all the bedrooms and sofas to be full of people! That must be why I love sleepovers for my kids ... nothing makes me happier than preparing a pancake breakfast for hungry ones the next morning!

Soak in the family and festivities of the next few weeks ... precious moments to treasure!

xo,

kim