Shabby Chic Cottage

Hi there!

We are completely stormed in here on the island today - the bridge is closed (that connects us to the mainland), schools and businesses are closed, as well - a typical March day on the east coast, but a bit of a shock after our summer like weather of last week.

So, I still have summer living on my mind - my mental escape from what is really happening here.  And this cottage has such a cool, soothing, serene interior I just had to share it with you!

Enjoy!

All images via BHG

East Coast Cottage Living

Good morning, Everyone!

A little snow here this morning and very cool again.  Winter may linger a while longer.

Perhaps that's why I still have cottage living on my mind - I am definitely thinking pink and warmer climes.

Today's cottage is by east coast designer, Tracey Rapisardi......I've seen her work before and I really like her light, colorful touch.

And this cottage epitomizes casual, summer and cottage living with beadboard, rattan, painted furniture, quilts - it has it all!

Hope you enjoy!

All images via BHG

Mary Douglas Drysdale

How refreshing to see Mary Douglas Drysdale's work again.  It's been a while since I have seen her work and it is as fresh, crisp and unique as ever.  You have only to look at the images below to see what I mean.  

Her attention to detail has always been exquisite.  This particular Capitol Hill home was a complete makeover and it has Mary Douglas Drysdale written all over it.

She has seamlessly combined classic details with modern accessories and has boldly mixed her colors so they, too, have become seamless.  Her blue and white touches are perfect, while the citrus green brings the whole look to life.

I love the green secretary she designed, as well as the blue cabinet in the kitchen.  They are both standouts.

To see more of this wonderful home, check out the current issue of Traditional Home magazine.  It's one of the most delightful issues I have seen in ages and is chock full of other great homes and ideas.  

Enjoy!

Love this combination of greens - walls, fruit,

floral greenery and trim on shades

Subtle touch of blue with the green

Classic and modern mix of colors

and art

Sightline to living room

What a stunning piece of furniture and vignette!

That pop of red!

Another stunning cabinet with gingham -

how can you go wrong with gingham!  Love it!!

Kitchen is so fresh!

What a nice combination of colors in the art work!

How pretty is this!

Beautiful blue and white detail backed by beadboard

Homeowner's quilt collection in family room

All images via Traditional Home

A Palace Renovation

Good morning, Everyone!

Another spectacular day on the island!  So much to do today!

I was planning to feature a small English folly this morning, but this story was in my inbox, so I thought I would share it.  (I'll post about the folly tomorrow.)

I have been a total Anglophile since I was a young girl......I love everything about England and couldn't wait for my first visit there. When I finally did, I made my way to Kensington Palace to see Princess Diana's dress exhibition.  (While there, I was also able to see the sewing room where so many of the fabulously detailed gowns had been made in the previous century.  The seamstresses would sew all night in dim light to produce the embroidered and bejewelled gowns of the time.  The conditions were not very good a century ago....so poor, in fact, that some of the seamstresses would go blind at a very young age.)

I was reminded of all that when I saw this feature about Kensington Palace's refurbishment this morning.  I knew Princess Margaret's former home at the Palace was being refurbished for Will and Kate, but I didn't realize the renovation extended to the Princess Diana display, among other things.

It's a wonderful tribute to Princess Diana and brought back so many memories of her too short life.

Diana was the most beautiful young wife and mother and I was fascinated with her every move.  When she and Charles were married, I was glued to the television and when they came to Nova Scotia soon after, I was there.  I read every article about them and remember every one of the occasions that are depicted in the    wallpaper below that's been designed in her memory.

I hope you enjoy as I have!  The watercolor sketches are all very whimsical.

The very shy newlywed still on her honeymoon

and being followed by photographers

A more confident Diana in her 30s

The famous wedding

The Mario Testino layout

New mom and baby Will

This was an early official night out for Diana and she fell

asleep during a performance - the Palace annnounced 

the next day she was 3 months pregnant

The engagement announcement

Sadness and depression have set in 

Diana's first official outing as Charles' fiance

Princess Grace befriended her at this event and her only advice

to Diana that night was that "it's only going to get worse"

 

Happier times?

To see more pics see the Daily Mail.

All images via Daily Mail