What I'd do...If I had a million dollars...

With our goal of moving there full time, I have been looking at real estate in Door County for about 3 years now.

Looking leads to dreaming...so let's play a game.

If I could buy this historic hotel in our favorite village:


I'd keep the historic bones and lines of the place but update with a shingled, Cape Code twist, while enlarging the windows, making that second story balcony functional and adding central air so we could lose the window air conditioners. And we should take advantage of the lake proximity and views by adding a rooftop deck somewhere. Think glass of wine at sunset. 

I'd turn this egh, outdated, let's not hang out here, Holly Hobby lobby...

 into an inviting, beachy room where you could grab a nearby book to read, have a snack and relax. 


Furnishings would be comprised of new comfy, slipcovered upholstery and an edited collection of antique accent tables, desks and the like. With a little bit of glam here and there, in unexpected places like the staircase railing. 

For artwork, I'd use vintage paintings, photographs and maps of Door County people and places.  

There would be plenty of fresh food and drink to start and close the day. 

And I'd of course update the guest rooms from this...

to something along these lines...

Voila! A new boutique hotel in Door County, the likes of which hasn't been seen there yet. At this point, I'd put my PR hat back on and invite the travel writers and editors for a weekend.

Current asking price, before my remodel, is only $235,000! Seven guest suites plus owners quarters (let's lose those and add guest rooms, we've got a hefty remodel to pay for). 

There's also lake shore access and a boat slip. 

You know what that means? We can add one of these!

What do you think? 

(Ya, I've just taken the JK Place Hotel interiors in Capri and smooshed them into a tiny hotel in Door County, Wisconsin. Inspiration is inspiration!)


Painting the Day Away


My 4 year old has been quietly painting (in just her underpants) at her art table for over an hour now, while the little sis naps this snowy afternoon away.

The sound of fingers in paint...that great simple smell of "kid"paint which reminds us, her parents, of childhood and classrooms...combined with the promise of our favorite authentic Italian pizza drizzled in olive oil for dinner, makes this a perfect lazy Saturday afternoon.

Isn't this wall of landscapes with blue skies lovely? My own collection is coming together slowly, I will share soon, promise!

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

Carleton Varney Decorated Grand Hotel

Grand Hotel, Masco Cottage

It's been snowing here again for the past two days. And, I'm thinking about summer, again.

Most of my childhood, in mid-June, just about when the lilacs were starting to bloom, we would pack up the family car and head to Mackinac Island, Michigan.

For many, Mackinac Island is synonymous with The Grand Hotel, which is decorated by the interior design legend Carleton Varney, president of Dorothy Draper.

A quick Mackinac primer for those of you not familiar: The only way to the island is via boat or air.



No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island. 

Transportation choices: Horse...
Joe Braun Photography

...Pedaling or walking, as demonstrated by the actress Emma Roberts, photographed on Mackinac for the November issue of Marie Claire by Guy Aroch.


The streets are perfectly picturesque. 


The houses on the island...ya, I've just been dreaming about spending the summer in one of these since 4th grade.  Instead of garages, many have a carriage house and stable in the back. 


The Grand Hotel opened in 1887. It has the world's longest front porch complete with the perfect blue ceiling, a swimming pool named after Esther Williams who shot the 1947 movie "This Time for Keeps" at the hotel and a dress code.  And if you are interested in just taking a peek at the grounds or lobby and aren't a guest, you have to fork over a little cash for the privilege. 


Carleton Varney first began work on the interiors in 1976. His work with the owners, Dan and Amelia Musser also includes four of their personal residences. That's client/designer relationship for the record books!

The guest rooms and public spaces are perfect examples of Mr. Varney's signature use of colors, floral patterns and contrast. 

No two of the guest rooms are alike. 



Entrance to the Grand Ballroom
Joe Braun Photography


A bar with a view...The Cupola Bar 

Just one of the places to dine within the hotel. 

Isn't it all so pretty? 

Friday Love: From the Archives

Photographed by Francois Halard, House and Garden, January 2007

This is an oldie...but a goodie in my opinion. It is of course, actress Chloe Sevigny's New York apartment, decorated with help from David Cafiero. At least it was back in 2007. 

The sofas were great. That mirrored wall, daring for me, yet a perfect solution for a small space.

But what I loved the most was that painting. Oh, how I dream of stumbling upon a painting like that. Or just this one, in particular.  Waaaay out of my league price wise, I'm quite sure, but a gal can dream. 

The article noted it was by P.F. Poole and titled Constance Being Set Adrift.  A young mother, clutching her infant in a row boat, adrift in a vast sea.  Maybe that's why it gets me...the motherly thing and all this craziness in the world. 

Have a peaceful weekend. 


Wednesday's Kitchen


This kitchen looks so perfect and calming this morning. The perfect greige...fresh flowers out. Breakfast all cleaned up.

My life got off to a less than perfect start today. My little one cried from 3 am until 6 am. I almost cried at 7 am when my 4 year old woke me up, ready to get her day started. I managed to throw on a black shirt and just noticed I already have yogurt all over the back left shoulder, go figure. The dog has been out four times and is tracking in mud, courtesy of our temporary spring. 

But...it is sunny and not terribly cold. The temporary spring isn't a bad thing at all, "smells like summer," as my older girl has been saying. The sun does much for the spirit. And we're going to get out. Perhaps buy some flowers or a new plant to distract mom a little, from life's little distractions.  All is good.  



In Love with Pink...Happy Valentine's Day!

Bold Pink...


Little Girl Pink...
Ruthie Sommers

All Grown Up Pink...
House Beautiful 

Pink Underfoot...

Waking Up to Smell the Roses Pink...

Wouldn't a vase of pink roses bedside be a sweet thing to wake up to on Valentine's Day?