Three is the Magic Number

Lonny

I've got three on the brain lately. We're expecting baby number three in late July. I've never liked things in even numbers, in pairs, too balanced..so I suppose it is destiny, that just like the arrangements around the house - the stack of three books, the three vases on the table, the three paintings on the living room wall, I'll have three precious children, too.

I loved this perfect trio from the latest issue of Lonny magazine.

Friday Love

House Beautiful

Here's wishing you sunny skies and a restful weekend.
(and no dust bunnies!)

Sectional Sofas with Sass

Elle Decor, Photographed by Simon Upton

I have to admit. I can be a bit of a sofa snob. This extends to people who refer to it as a "couch".

Sectional sofas, well, I hadn't ever been a huge fan...Scared that perhaps that right arm might contain a hidden drink holder or that the left arm chair might secretly recline or have a pocket for the TV remote. 

But in the last month, I've seen a few that have me drooling. I'd still never use in a formal living room or one that has to do double duty like mine, but these have me yearning for a family room!

The pink one above was just recently in Elle Decor. Designed by Steven Gambrel and upholstered in a Brunschwig & Fils fabric. 

Architectural Digest photographed by Roger Davis 

I also like Sheryl Crow's sectional sofa, which was just in Architectural Digest.  

It is called the Ginebra sofa and is from 22 Bond St.

The Bond St website showed a different version of the sectional, which can be customized. Still smart design, although I prefer Sheryl's for the wood legs and fabric. I also wonder how well this one will wear, with the bench seat cushion.  Fabric on those tends to stretch and cushions can show "bottom" marks with time.

Restoration Hardware 

For the masses, Restoration Hardware has a nice sectional, the "Belgian Arm," although with not quite the wow factor. In a different fabric however...there could be potential. 

In summary: let's use the word sofa. Avoid anything advertised in the Sunday newspaper fliers that might come from a place with the words "furniture" and/or "world" in its company name.  Make sure you actually have the space to pull a sectional off. And thinking outside those boxy arms and microsuede fabrics can only lead to fun, in this gal's opinion. 

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!)

Images: MA Belle, JK Hotel Capri

Painting the Day Away

Kristen Buckingham

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.

"There isn't any other stair quite like it..."

Image from Ivy & Piper

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?