The Art of Georgia Fiennes

This young English lady's artwork is full of some of my favorite things - lots of color, florals, chandeliers, whimsy, charm, but most of all - animals!

The artist, Georgia, says she is also an animal lover and likes to depict them in unusual circumstances - as in teacups, chandeliers and even shoes.  The expressions on their faces only adds to the whimsy and can bring a smile to almost anyone.

Enjoy!

www.veryfineanimals.com

Monique Lhuillier Dollhouse

Monique Lhuillier, fashion designer extraordinaire, noted for her bridal and ballgowns, replicated her New York brownstone bridal shop for the 2013 Designer Dollhouse Showcase, an annual charitable fundraiser.

Take a peak at the intricate details of her gowns, bags, shoes, room interiors, chandeliers, magazines, wall art and sketches.

If you never get to visit her New York bridal salon, you will now have an idea of what it looks like.

A mini delight!

Enjoy!

Refinery 29

Friday's Featured Friend

As I write this on Friday morning, the beautiful and terrorized city of Boston is on police lockdown while police teams search for the second and last Boston Marathon bomber.  One of the two bombers was killed overnight and his 19 year old brother is on the loose and on the run.

Boston residents are being confined to their homes, all schools and businesses are closed, and now all public transportation has been shut down............all because of one seemingly normal college student who decided to become a terrorist.

Things are looking very scary right now........pray for the capture of this fringe lunatic and allow the innocent captives of Boston to get back to normalcy, peace and harmony as soon as possible.

Tim Flach Photography

The Hamptons Home of Candace Bergen

Hi Everyone!

One more shingled house to share with you.

Today's house is owned by actress Candace Bergen and her husband, Marshall Rose.  Since they also have homes in New York and California, this is a year round getaway for them in the Hamptons.

I saw this house in Architectural Digest a couple of years ago, and loved the homey and comfy interiors....perhaps because it is a year round getaway, it has a lot more color and warmth than most summer homes........which are often blue and white and have more of a coastal look and feel.

The designer chosen to update this house was Elissa Cullman, the same designer chosen to do Oprah Winfrey's Hawaiian home, which I posted about some time ago.  I mention this because you will see similar Cullman touches in the addition of animal weathervanes, quilts, lots of color and an overall inviting ambience.  

Candace likes animals and whimsy in her home and she has achieved both here.  Certainly, her beloved dog, Jerry, seems to enjoy lapping up the good life.  I don't blame him!

Enjoy!

Love this long, spacious back deck.

Another view of the backyard.

Luxuriant greenery along the walkway

Notice the dog figurines in the living room

The animal weathervanes and the dog under the console table add whimsy

Al fresco dining

Upstairs sitting room - notice the quilt on the wall to the left

The master bedroom with a comfy sitting area

The guest room with another quilt on the wall

And here's Jerry!  Living la dolce vita!  A lucky dog to say the least!

Architectural Digest

A Hamptons Shingled Cottage

In keeping with the two shingled cottages previously shown this week, today I am sharing another shingled cottage - this time in the Hamptons.

This is the summer home of Katie Couric, well known and popular talk show host.

The 7,000 sq. ft. house has 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a tennis court and pool.  It is Katie's summer getaway from her city life for her and her two daughters.  As she also has a home in upstate New York (her winter getaway) and her apartment in New York city, this home is designed for the relaxing summer months.

After purchasing the house a few years ago, Katie's older sister Clara, who is a designer, helped Katie realize the home of her dreams.  And it is lovely!

Enjoy!

Hamptons Cottages and Gardens

Daily Mail

Rose Cottage - Before and After

Today's 1920s cottage had a total makeover by designer and owner Jeffrey Bilhuber.

As a boy cycling around Nantucket, the rose covered cottage was well known and loved by Bilhuber.  When it came up for sale many years later, he bought it in ten minutes, over the phone, with the interiors never having been seen by him.

As a designer, he had his work cut out for him, and I'm sure he relished the idea of a total makeover.  Working within the existing dimensions, he managed to turn this space into a delightful, two bedroom getaway!

I'd say he was quite successful.........wouldn't you?

Enjoy!

Rose Cottage - absolutely charming!

First impression of living room!

Same room with Bilhuber's magic touch!  Cosy, cool and inviting!

The sunroom has it's own charm - love all the windows, wood floor, beams and siding.

Sunroom made over.......wow!

The other end of sunroom became the dining area.

The dining area looking into the living room.

The dining room from another angle.

The master bedroom before Jeffrey.

The master bedroom after.

The guest room before.

The guest room finished.

Architectural Digest