Watch Hill - A Blue and White Cottage by the Sea

Hi Everyone,

How's your week going?  I hope all is well with all of you!

It's beginning to look more and more like spring here!  More sunny days and warmer temperatures to enjoy. Perhaps that's why I'm pondering coastal living and warmer climes.

I thought you might enjoy this  Ralph Lauren collection from a few years ago.  It's called "Watch Hill" and even though it's been around for a while, I wanted to share it.  For those of you who haven't seen it before, it's a dreamy collection and for those of you who have seen it before, it bears repeating and enjoying once again.

Just imagine coming home to this little blue and white cottage by the sea.......the very thought of it is enough to make me swoon!

Have a wonderful day! 

Chic Potting Shed

This 600 sq. ft. glass walled potting shed is described as a 'chic shed'.  Since it's owned by Georgia garden designer, Suzanne Hudson, it could be called a 'chic she shed', as this is where Suzanne loves to putter, pot and prune.

On rainy days, she loves to just curl up and peruse her gardening books.  And with comfy wicker chairs, a table for two, mood lighting and pretty vignettes everywhere, it's also a perfect place to entertain her friends for a visit and a glass of wine.

For three years, Suzanne gathered and collected 139 old windows and five sets of french doors.  She also designed the shed herself, personally planning which window would go where.  

Using Benjamin Moore's 'Tarrytown Green' paint pulled it all together and allows it to blend beautifully into the surrounding space.

What a very creative lady and fabulous backyard getaway!

Salvaged door turned into trumeau mirror.

These oil lamps, along with hanging lanterns, turn the shed into a magical space at night.

It must be simply dreamy with the night lights!

House Beautiful

A Beautiful Classic Baratta Home

Here's another beautiful Baratta home........this one is very traditional and classic in design, as you will see.

The last time I posted a Baratta home (here), it was a classic coastal home, but this home is designed for a large family of three generations and lots of pets who love to gather at this home on a bay just a half hour from Manhattan.

With a mix of toiles, ginghams, chintz, ticking, needlepoint rugs, wicker and beadboard, and the usual attention to detail that Diamond and Baratta subscribe to, the home is a wonderful haven that anyone would be proud to call home.

Enjoy!

Look at the backyard overlooking the bay.

Covered veranda

Papier mache table and toile walls.

The pink toile upholstery is a beautiful complement to the panelled walls.

Love pretty rooms!

Custom needlepoint carpet.

Casual dining.

Formal dining.

Master bedroom sitting area.

View from the master bedroom.

Master bedroom sitting room.

And a flower arranging room - so cheerful and bright - absolutely divine!

Veranda

Mario Buatta in Southampton

Finally!

I've been dying to share the latest Mario Buatta update on the Southampton home of Hilary and Wilbur Ross that I mentioned to you earlier this month.

I've already shared the Ross' New York apartment and their Florida guest house, Wind Song Too........now you can feast your eyes on their summer estate in Southampton.

The images speak for themselves............another Buatta masterpiece.

Enjoy!

Blue ceiling, pink chinoiserie walls, green accents

Grandchildren's playroom.

Topiary Promenade with sheep.

Architectural Digest

Ralph Lauren Roomsets

While browsing the net recently, I happened upon the site of mcowenandbanks.co.uk...........an interior design company based in East Sussex, UK.

Turns out Peter Banks does 'roomsets' for Ralph Lauren and it didn't take me long to fall in love with his warm, cosy, inviting English interiors.

The first two images below are among the first of many unforgettable images I saw in New York city on my last visit.  Yes, it was a 'roomset' at Ralph Lauren's Madison Avenue store and by the time I got to the top floor and walked into this room, I felt like I had been transported to the south of France.......and I was in love! How could I not be?  Can you imagine walking into a room like this and not 'feeling' the ambience...........oh yes, I felt it all right......like a bolt of lightning!  It certainly perked me up and really gave me a whole new awareness of 'interior design'.........it was an impeccably designed room......that is, I could have moved right in and felt at home immediately!

Hope you enjoy and as always, I appreciate your visits and look forward to your feedback!

Have a great day!

Above images Ralph Lauren, Madison Avenue, New York 2010

Ralph Lauren - Watch Hill 

I absolutely love this summery, coastal look!

A Ralph Lauren cottage bedroom.........love it!

Isn't this English interior dreamy?

Above 3 images, Peter Banks of McOwen and Banks for Ralph Lauren

English Mansion Roomsets

Peter Banks for Ralph Lauren

Country House Roomsets

Peter Banks for Ralph Lauren

North Atlantic Roomsets