Just One More Day...

What if we had one more lazy, hazy day attached to our weekend? Just one more day to savor that morning coffee for as long as we like and romance ourselves with a day full of adventure outdoors? Some will get to enjoy the holiday today, however I'm coming out of my wine coma and slipping back into reality...

Fall In Napa

This weekend I'm headed to Napa for some adventures in wine country. Time in Napa is always carefree and the epitome of R&R. There's nothing better than an escape from the city with your best friend only to drink copious amounts of wine in a beautiful landscape. I've always loved this photo of Claiborne Swanson Frank taken near her home in Napa on the shores of Lake Hennessy. It is among a collection of portrait photographs in her book, American Beauty.

12 Years & Many Many Tears

Well, the reviews are true. The Best Picture frontrunner is an extremely raw deep dive into the business and psychopathology of the American slavery system and without question, full of many powerful moments, sober beauty and horrific realities of what was a part of history we cannot avoid.

It's a tough one to watch but a brilliant film unquestionably deserving of the acclaim it has received thus far. You can find the trailer for "12 Years a Slave" here.  

Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda...

Do you ever look at photographs of interiors and think about what you would have done differently? I go through this thought process constantly and find it's a natural reaction that can often help shape your own design palette. The above is Ralph Lauren's poolhouse bath in his Bedford home. I'm particularly drawn to the layering element thanks to the vignette of photographs and gorgeous table lamp on the bureau. I also love how the French bistro mirror commands the space while adding more depth to the room. (I have a thing for gold frames). There is an element of sophisticated ease that really speaks to me.

Although I am a fan of pedestal sinks despite their lack of surface space, I find this particular sink a tad too dated. I would love to see a pedestal sink with just a hint of modern shape while still keeping its traditional elements. Lastly, I absolutely despise the tile. I'd love to see a basket weave or hexagon marble tile to add a little sleek dimension and deter away from early 90's meets "looks like Kris Jenner picked the floor tile" vibe.

Even an area rug and different floor tile in the living area of the poolhouse (below) would do wonders! Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda...