Our feathered bowls and plates from Jars and made in France have a subtle pattern reminiscent of water- perfect for a summer table setting. Cream and blue colors transport you to the sea even if you’re not by the beach. A simple floral centerpiece of hydrangeas is classic and elegant. See the Jars stoneware collection on our Little Blue Dish Shop. (Featured in Architectural Digest July issue and shot by Pieter Estersohn)
Some hydrangeas are so vibrant in color and others are very pale, washed out blues and lavenders, which is what has inspired our color palette this week. We scatter ashes from our fireplace around the soil of our hydrandreas to change the PH balance and the color to more of a blue. But most all of your questions about planting and growing hydrangea can be answered on the United States National Arboretum webpage. Above we selected Benjamin Paint colors for our palette that you can use as a guide. And speaking of Benjamin Moore, today they announced their 20 … Read more
There are several sites out there that are selling Made in America products, but one site in particular we found is www.stillmadeinusa.com. This site is a directory of companies (not just products) by categories. For instance did you know appliance company Dacor still makes all their products in the USA? Or that retro looking refrigerator on Rachael Ray’s set kitchen is from the company Big Chill, in Boulder, Colorado? There are large companies and small artisan companies- we could search this site for hours!
When considering your wedding photography, don’t forget about your engagement photos. You may want to have the same photographer do both. And while the photographer works with you to do your engagement photos they’ll get to know you a bit more so that on the wedding day you’ll feel much more comfortable and the photographer with you. You feeling at ease around your photographer can help them capture those emotional moments that you want to remember the rest of your lives. Melissa Mlejnik of La De Da Photography loves casual shots, nothing too contrived. She loves capturing everything natural … Read more
Adding red, white and blue in a few unexpected ways can really bring in a more festive feel to your 4th of July celebration. Red, white and blue ribbons to hang lanterns is a great idea (notice these ribbons are polka dot). You could also hang paper stars in different sizes from the ribbons or paper lanterns. Varying the height and size of the stars or lanterns could also add more visual interest. Jamali Garden has sest of 4 white mini lanterns for $15. We see a lot of stars and stripes for the 4th, so adding in polka dots is … Read more
As we celebrate our nation this week with the 4th of July, the color palette of red, white and blue can conjour up a lot of different emotions for many of us. Most of us associate it immediately with our flag and others as a classic, maybe even a country (as in rural) association. Others may associate it with our military. Charity Navigator guides you through the best charities for our heroes. So if you have been meaning to support your police, firemen or veterans this may be the week to search out either a local or national charity. Read more
Last week we talked about a nautical color palette, but what most people would consider a more tradition palette of navy, creams, white and a little red. This week I wanted to feature a different nautical inspired palette based off this photograph of a boat and rocks and a more hazy sky. The colors I chose this week from Benjamin Moore all have a bit more red in them to compliment the orange in the palette better. Instead of a black- black the baby seal black looks different in different types of light.. sometimes it looks deep blue, others … Read more
You can find inspiration just about anywhere if you look close enough. I found mine in a tiny little antique shop nestled down a narrow street near the Royal Palace in Monte Carlo. Tucked in a box was this old wooden handled stamp with a brass stamp plate and on it an anchor and two B’s. It was like fate. My last name is Butler Beling and my husband and I had just bought a house back home by the sea. I took it to my printer of many many years who can work miracles and I highly recommend! Ray … Read more
I love simple details that personalize your home and these Anchor Wall Stencils I found on Amazon are a very simple project to give a room character this summer… or all year long. Another simple idea is to add a door knocker like this brass anchor knocker. They are not just for front doors though, I recently toured a home where they had put a small brass shell door knocker on their powder room. It was a memorable detail of the house. And of course as I’m always telling clients, throw pillows are such a simple way to add … Read more
Since we’ve been talking about anchors this week, why wouldn’t we give you some anchor inspiration for celebrations? If you are thinking of a nautical wedding (or party this summer) this post might be just for you! Tying your theme (or color palette) into even the smallest details makes all the difference like this anchor embroidered ring pillow, above or these seating cards with anchor charms, below. via Martha Stewart Weddings Your invitations give your guests a glimpse of what style your wedding with be. Below, Printable Anchor Wedding Invitation Set from Mikio Design on Etsy.com. There are so many invitations … Read more
