Archive for the ‘Browns’ Category

October 3rd, 2013 1 Comment

kitchen pendants- where to start your search

Selecting lighting for your kitchen island can be overwhelming, I know. I’ve been debating what kitchen island pendants to select for a kitchen project I’m working on right now. Industrial? Traditional? Vintage schoolhouse? Chandelier? A drum Pendant? The choices seem endless. I’m working on a farmhouse that’s a mix of vintage and modern, so I’m going back and forth between a drum shade or white and polished nickel industrial pendants (since all our faucets and hardware are polished nickel). I’ll make sure to share the outcome with you in the coming weeks. But for now I wanted to share with … Read more

September 26th, 2013 No Comments

edible chocolate mushrooms, leaves and acorns- andie’s edible sweets are amazing

Andie’s Edible Sweets on Etsy.com has the most amazing sweets. The beautiful items on the shop are like miniature pieces of edible art. Impress your guests at thanksgiving with a leaf cake (with edible leaves) or put out these nut flavored candy acorns as treats! Branches, feathers, mushrooms, owls- they all can adorn a gorgeous fall buffet or wrap tiny bags of them as favors. They also have snowflakes as we head into winter or gorgeous chocolate seashells or even edible scrabble letters.  Take a look at the shop on etsy.com- you won’t believe your eyes!

September 25th, 2013 No Comments

simple favors- they don’t just have to be for weddings

Favors at weddings don’t have to be so expensive. A simple little token for guests to take away with them is always a gracious gesture, but don’t stress; If you can’t find a gift that you want to give you don’t have to give a favor. If you can’t think of a personalized favor, a favor of a local treat is always a great idea- local candy or fudge, honey, maple syrup etc..  Also, you don’t have to be hosting a wedding to give your guests a favor; You can give your guests a favor whether the gathering is small or … Read more

September 24th, 2013 No Comments

how to create a simple buffet for entertaining

Setting up a casual buffet for entertaining friends at home can be simple. I like to bring a table that I usually use inside- outside for two reasons. One, it feels homey and creates a unique look. Two, it allows your outside patio table to be used to actually sit down and eat with your guests. If you don’t have an extra table, you can use anything from an old dresser or a cardboard table and drape it in a nice simple ivory cloth. Use everyday items from your kitchen like cutting boards , cereal bowls and tumblers as food … Read more

September 23rd, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: muted fruits & foliage colors for casual outdoor entertaining

It’s officially fall. But while it’s still warm why not continue to entertain friends and family outside. Creating a casual afternoon of cocktails and bite sized food doesn’t have to be as daunting as you might think. I’ll be sharing my tips all week for casual entertaining so I hope you’ll follow along today through Friday. Pictured above is this week’s color palette which I introduce each Monday and my paint chip picks from Benjamin Moore.  Colors chips from top to bottom: Pearly Gates 190, Pearl Harbor 2165-50, Golden Gate 033, Palace Pear cw-650 and Sweet Pear 389.  It’s a … Read more

September 20th, 2013 No Comments

easy weekend entertaining with cherry fizzes and hot toddies

These are the last weekends with a bit of warm weather before the cool air comes in, so why not take advantage and invite a few friends over for drinks? This cherry fizz (above) is easy and non-alcoholic. I always like to have a non-alcoholic drink for guests (besides water) so they feel like they are part of the celebration. Cherry Fizz: Serves 2 / 1 cup cherry juice, 1 cup ginger ale, mix with ice and serve in chilled glass. How about a Hot Toddy? (see recipe below) Serve in an old fashioned thermos to take outside to an outdoor … Read more

September 12th, 2013 No Comments

design and travel come together at designtripper.com

I wanted to share a site that I love to browse for design inspiration and travel called designtripper.com. Created by a former publishing editor whose work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, the New York Times etc., Meghan McEwen seeks out compelling places all over the world and shares her insight and great eye for design. Looking for an amazing vacation spot surrounded by lavender fields? This site can also help you find unique places to stay. As well as her travel site Meghan has opened her own bed & breakfast called in Detroit called Honor & Folly. I … Read more

September 11th, 2013 1 Comment

how would floral & event designer matthew robbins plan his own wedding?

You can finallly find out! Matthew Robbins‘ gorgeous wedding is featured this month in Martha Stewart Weddings. Matthew, a brilliant floral and event designer and a long time contributor at Martha Stewart Weddings (a contributor to our blog too!) also has a book to help you plan your wedding entitled Matthew Robbins Inspired Weddings. Although you can view Matthew’s wedding online in the link above this is one print issue you’ll want to actually have in your hands and scour over. Issues are on sale now so best to pick up your copy before they are gone!  – Lynn … Read more

August 23rd, 2013 No Comments

open house: come tour a brand new home for sale in new york’s southampton

Come inside with us and tour this 6,000+ square foot home with six bedrooms, six and a half baths, 5 fireplaces, 2 car garage and a 16′ x 50′ gunite pool and spa just minutes from Long Island’s pristine white beaches. For the full listing visit www.23HeadyCreekLane.com. A bird’s eye view- just minutes to the Atlantic Ocean. The gunite pool with spa. A waterfall cascades from the spa to the main pool. Glass doors are all along the back of the house overlooking the pool. The kitchen and open living space look out onto the pool and back yard. The … Read more

August 22nd, 2013 No Comments

selecting colors for kitchen cabinetry & islands, my tips for a cohesive design

I’ve been working for several months now on a custom home for a client.  From the beginning it was decided to keep the kitchen light and bright with white cabinets and a marble countertop. But my suggestion has been to have the large island be a dark gray/blue color (similar to the color pictured above) as a beautiful contrast to the white. The overall house color palette will be soft shades of white, gray and pale blue. So this week we are selecting the color for the island. We also are having a custom wet bar designed and need to … Read more