Serene Green

Just returned from a fun week with our high energy, 8 year old grandson Camilo, who needed a little company while his big sister, Olivia, was out of town with her mother at a highland dance competition.  Having raised one daughter, and not having daily contact with little boys, being around Cami for a week was an eye opening experience.  What energy!!  Up at 6 a.m. like clockwork, computer time, breakfast, in the pool for a couple of hours, out of the pool and cycle down the street to play and have lunch, cycle home, in the pool again, dinner, basketball at the top of the street or baseball down at the field, or maybe an hour or two of artwork, a little tv, bath and bed and out like a light!  And on top of all that, he's quite a little photographer as well, as evidenced by my profile photo......that's right, taken by no other than our very talented Camilo!  (And sister Olivia is equally as talented and energetic!)  They sure make it easy to be proud grandparents!

Thank heavens he has a lot of friends to share his energy burning days with and a father who is more than happy to play soccer, basketball or whatever with him when he gets home from his 12 hour workday.  I'm not sure I would have made it through the week without all their help since it was way beyond my normal pace.

I wonder if that's why I awoke this morning with serenity on my mind.  It must be time to chill out with some beautiful green scenes.

Enjoy!

Images 1, 2 & 3 Diamond Baratta, Image 4 House & Home

Image 5 Mary MacDonald, Image 6 Southern Accents

Image 7 Unknown, Image 8 Monet's House, Giverny

Cottage Garden Benches

I am off for a week with  my family, so am leaving you with a few more wonderful garden scenes.

Have a great week everyone........I'll be back soon!

Diamond Baratta Design

Diamond Baratta Design is one of a kind!  Two friends, William Diamond and Anthony Baratta, head this design firm in New York City.

Their rooms stand alone in the world of design, as they are able to envision and incorporate ideas that would stop most people in their tracks.  No detail is too small, and if they are unable to find what they need for an interior, they have it custom made.

After many years in the business, they now have a field of experts at their behest - quilters, rugmakers, artists, cabinetmakers, embroiderers and large manufacturers of textiles, such as Lee Jofa, and carpet maker, Stark Carpets, to produce their personal designs. 

And therein lies their not so secret 'secret'!  What they produce is one-of-a-kind!

Today, I am posting one of their nautically designed interiors.......and you will see what I mean.

Enjoy!

Cape Cod Summer Home

Tugboat S.S. Lollipop

Entry with built in benches

Hand hewn lighthouse newel post

Hand painted floors

Rug by Diamond

Ticking fabric on walls

Custom made gingham carpet

Tole vases converted to lamps

DB designed fabric on sofa

Antique quilted cushions and ottoman

Homeowner's collection sailor's valentines in LR

Custom designed quilt pattern on walls, chairs

DR Wedgewood shell plates

Family room has custom designed Lee Jofa fabric on furniture

with antique quilted and hooked pillows

Vintage windmill refurbished

DB coffee tables and Orkney chairs

DB rag rug

Sun porch

DB latticework and porthole table

Master bedroom

DB bed and nightstand

Antique quilted pillows and linen on walls

DB rug

Boy's room

DB bed and pier tables

Hand painted floors

Beach house family room in red to match tugboat

DB fabric and antique quilt ottoman

Hand painted ceiling border and floor

Antique portholes and sconces

All photos via Veranda

Wouldn't you say they have a penchant for detail?  What do you think?

Comments welcome!!

Oprah's Hawaiian House

As promised last week, here is the followup on Oprah's homes - her Hawaiian retreat.

What began as an old gray farmhouse Oprah purchased to tear down, ended up being restored and perfected to Oprah's requirements.  The property was purchased for it's location and magnificent ocean views.  With the help of an architect and designer Ellie Cullman and her team,  the house was brought back to life. 

After the floorplan was completely redone and the house taken back to its basic structure, the master bedroom ceiling was raised to give the room an airier feel, french doors were installed throughout the house and a wrap around verandah was added.

Since this property is meant for a very relaxed lifestyle, the interiors were designed with comfort in mind.  The folk art weathervane in the shape of a galloping horse became the focal point in the living room as a reflection of the horses in the field.  The rooms are painted in beautiful summery colors of yellows, greens and soft whites.  Oprah's master bedroom is done in her favorite shade, green, which is also very serene.  Along with her colorful bouquets of fresh flowers and her beloved African American art, it has become her home away from home.

All in all, an absolutely wonderful getaway.

Enjoy!

Oprah's Hawaiian Home

Veranda ocean view

Living Room

Dining Room

Dining Room

Master Bedroom

Bedroom Balcony

Kitchen

All photos via Oprah.com

Beautiful Bunks

Images 1, 3 & 5 Southern Accents,  2, 4 & 6 Country Living, #7 Elle Decor

Loving the Art of Jennifer Lanne!

I discovered Jennifer's art a few years ago while perusing a Country Living magazine and have followed her work since.

The article described her happy life on a farm in New York state where she resides with her husband and a band of characters better known as her happy family.....their two Saddleback pigs, Violet and Olive, cats, araucana hens.....all of whom have names, I'm sure, it's just that I don't know them!  I do know they are all cherished and I was delighted to note in the article that vintage doll cribs are used for her cats beds!  What a great idea!

Jennifer's studio is a large barn on their property, so her work is inspired by her surroundings - her beloved pets, flora and fauna, other farms, birds and nature in general.  Her painting style is a mix of rustic and refined with an overall vintage look........and her art speaks volumes about her daily life.

Sounds idyllic and looks idyllic......despite the fact life is very busy as Jennifer travels about to country fairs and displays her work in many retail outlets throughout the United States.

For more on her art and where to find it, go to jenniferlanne.com and you will find another source of her paintings at earthangelstoys.com.

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Serendipity

One for the Money

Don't Be Shy

Precocious

White Noise

Swanky

Green Velvet

Crow Cherries

Barn Studio

Beloved Violet and Olive

All photos via Country Living and jenniferlanne.com