MOODY

My life seems to be a series of projects, both professionally and personally. Though most of my work is spent guiding others through creative endeavors, often, when it comes to my own personal projects, it can be easy to flit around from one idea to the next. I find that my mind can quickly get cluttered with a sea of ideas - and with Pinterest, Instagram and a plethora of other visually-driven platforms, those inspirational images can be stored in a million places. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I harness the back to basics approach: a good old fashioned mood board. A mood board doesn’t need to be an editorial masterpiece - as evidenced below - a “copy & paste”, or “upload & place” does the trick!

As we embark on gutting a bathroom in our tiny A-frame cabin, I’ve sifted through my folders and put everything in one place. We’re striving for a clean and easy palette - walls will be shiplapped (even in the shower!), we’ll integrate unlacquered brass fixtures and a console-style sink. I’m especially excited about the sink… the stone top will be constructed with Vermont marble to include a wall-mounted faucet and I want to design a really tall backsplash, as shown above. Colors will be neutrals. Simple, slightly industrial and timeless.

I’m working with Lindebroeke Press to design some personal stationary. When my husband and I got married, I had some stationary made for our impending stack of thank you’s. It was SO fun and helpful. Above is the general direction for our collaboration.

Puttin' on the Ritz

Well, not quite “high hats and narrow collars” as they say, but I’m trying to step up my summer game with the time we have left. That means, more dinners at home under soft candlelight, evening swims at the beach with my husband, and early wake-ups to squeeze the juice out of each day.

I’ve just returned from the west coast and with September on the horizon, it’s time to relish in the time we have left. I’m looking forward to sharing more glimpses behind the C&C curtain in the coming weeks. Our August C&C COMMUNIQUÉ was indeed well received and I look forward to our September COMMUNIQUÉ (sign-up here!).

Pictured above:

Dahlias from Robin Hallow Farm - see here.

Wicker Placecard Holders from Mark D. Sikes’ new collection with Irwin Ribera - see here.

Bespoke hand-painted watercolor place cards by Ashley D. Studio - see here.

Newly acquired hand-painted German Majolica plates - see here.

Aerin Lauder x Williams Sonoma rattan glassware - see here.

It's All Happening

The C&C summer is in full swing. While it’s very much been full throttle in and out of the office (I thrive on chaos!), there have also been necessary moments for pause along the way. We’ve buttoned up several initiatives that will soon advance to new phases and scopes of work. New endeavors are on the horizon for fall & winter. It’s all happening at every angle! Yet, each milestone is a moment for reflection and celebration. They are also opportunities to re-energize creatively. I’m doing my best to do just that. I’m trying to harness my inner book worm by reading Bunny Mellon: The Life of an American Style Legend (am I the last person to read this book?!), carve out time to visit my favorite farm stands and putter around in the garden.

So while I do my darnedest to take a breath and let the good times roll both professionally and personally, I invite you to join me. Life is short, summer is delicious…make it #candcapproved.

Here’s to creativity and squeezing the juice out of summer!

Step by Step

It seems every time we drive up north to our little country abode, I’m schlepping some sort of box, bag, lamp or item that has an intended purpose in our home away from home. This weekend we’re bringing our wicker furniture we’ve spray painted dark green for the porch, in addition to some carpet and wallcovering samples. Our renovation for the most part, has been a DIY (thanks to my handy Hubby), and as much as the process continues to drag on, it’s been nice to go at it bit by bit to ensure each decision has been thoughtfully considered.

In the box: Soane’s “Scrolling Fern” for the masterbath and a few natural fibers for the living room, stairs and bedrooms.