Cottages, Cottages, Cottages.........

I think I'll do a series on cottages this week since it's that time of year again.

Normally, this long weekend in May is the unofficial start of summer in the Maritimes.  However, this year it was unusually cold (with snow in some parts) and instead of getting our gardens started and opening up the cottages, all of that has been put on hold for now.

Nevertheless, it has me thinking about cottages and I thought I would share some with you.

A few years ago, Coastal Living featured a group of small cottages in Maine that were privately owned and beginning to look run down.  So, a group of 16 interior designers were hired to refurbish the cottages and prepare them for summer rentals.

Each cottage is quite small and each interior is completely different........I thought it was a brilliant idea and fun to see what each designer was able to come up with in such a small space.

Today's cottage is called 'Sleepy Hollow' and was designed by popular Maine designer, Tracey Rapisardi.  Tracey uses pastel colors, likes to re-cycle and upcycle, loves florals and painted furniture and produced a delightful, cosy cottage anyone would enjoy!

Check back tomorrow to see another of these charming cottages!

Have a great day!

Coastal Living

Friday's Featured Friend

Have a fabulous and colorful weekend everyone!  I'll be working with textiles all weekend - time for some new cushions!

Pinterest

A Shingled Southampton Home

Here's another house from the past!

It's from a House Beautiful article in 2002 and the home is owned, and was decorated by, Katherine Bryan...........along with some help from her friend, the late Mark Hampton.

The Sandinavian design and the grey blues used throughout, give the three-story, 12-bedroom home a classic, airy and fresh look that is as timeless today as it was then.

Artist Lucinda Abbe painted the floors and the wall garlands.......and with ginghams, tickings and rag rugs scattered about, it's a picture of casual, relaxed comfort and pretty to boot!!

Another example of America's favorite color scheme - blue and white.

Enjoy!

House Beautiful

Women's Portraits

Thought I would share some of my favorite women's art with you today..........I love women's portraits in decor and all of these images are just some of my favorites.......I particularly like the Martha Walter piece and think it would look great in our summer living room.

The Fernando Botero piece is whimsical and would be appealing in any room setting.

Hope you enjoy!

Henri Matisse

Paul Cesar Helleu

Martha Walter

Nicky Haslam's mother

Frederic Whiting

Dame Laura Knight

Frank Cadogan Cowper

Edouard Manet

Charles Wysocki

Tarsila do Amaral

Henri Matisse

Fernando Botero

Designer Baths

Thinking about bathrooms these days and particularly those by top designers.  There are so many beautiful bathrooms designed by architects, designers and everyday homeowners.  Big and small, full baths and powder rooms, the creative results are endless and inspiring.  But today, I am featuring bathrooms by well known designers.

Often, we'll see whole house layouts in magazines and very often, the layouts do not include the bathrooms in the house.  Case in point, Mario Buatta bathrooms!  In all of his published homes, I've only ever seen one of his bathrooms that I can remember and I will start with his.  Do you know of more Mario Buatta baths?  Would love to see them!

Here are a few bits of eye candy for you to enjoy today.............

Have a great day!

Mario Buatta in Sister Parish's former NY apartment

Anthony Baratta 

Images 2 - 6

Charlotte Moss 

Images 7 - 9 

Kirsten Kelli

Carolyne Roehm 

Tucker and Marks

Charles Faudree

Bunny Williams

Nicky Haslam

Above 2 images

Carrie Hayden

Penelope Bianchi

Betty Lou Phillips

Betty Lou Phillips

(Unforgettable!)

Betty Lou Phillips

Pamela Pierce