A fun read

Since this was published in 2008, I know I'm a bit behind on reading it, but what a fun book! Bringing Home the Birkin by Michael Tonello is quick, witty and engaging--I hope it's made into a film.

I only have a few items from Hermès but each one is a treat to wear and browsing the stores is always fun.  The ribbon makes a great key ring for those extra house keys too. ;D

Creative display

Ben Brougham displays his Liberty of London bike on the kitchen wall.  He purchased his bike at the Liberty of London pop-up store in Manhattan.  This caught my eye because I purchased one as well--the minute Liberty was up on the Target website last spring.  Mine is stored in a more conventional manner, but beautiful nonetheless :D

photo from Lonny Magazine

hanging in my garage

Oval Office redo

Even the President of the United States has the desire to redecorate his space once in awhile.

On the left, President Bush's sunbeam rug and on the right, President Obama's new quote rug. Photo from New York Magazine.

While the Obamas were away on vacation, they had the Oval Office redone.  Gone is the sunbeam rug President Bush and his wife Laura designed and a new one has taken it's place.  This one is more subdued, with some of the President's favorite quotes encircling the edge.  Both rugs are beautiful, and as someone who loves quotes, I think this is a nice change. The new rug was made by the Scott Group in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The renovation was paid for by the White House Historical Association, a non-profit group.

New wallpaper, couches and coffee table were installed as well as recovering the chairs throughout the office.  The artwork and clock remain the same.

photos from The New York Times

A bowl of fruit has replaced the traditional fresh flower centerpiece.

Here are the quotes the President chose:

• “The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself” – President Franklin D. Roosevelt
• “The Arc of the Moral Universe Is Long, But It Bends Towards Justice” – Martin Luther King Jr.
• “Government of the People, By the People, For the People” – President Abraham Lincoln
• “No Problem of Human Destiny Is Beyond Human Beings” – President John F. Kennedy
• “The Welfare of Each of Us Is Dependent Fundamentally Upon the Welfare of All of Us” – President Theodore Roosevelt

Kevin Sharkey

Kevin Sharkey is a favorite of mine, I was excited to see him share the cover with Martha Stewart on Living this month. 

He has been designing his apartment and sharing the journey over many months on his blog.  As a talented designer, he inspires others with his ideas and experiences.  Martha has stated he is the son she never had . . . I love his impeccable manners!

He hosted a housewarming cocktail party to celebrate his new space.

So glamorous and fun--ping pong was played on his dining room table with monogrammed paddles and scores kept on the mirrored wall with Chanel lipstick.

What a view! Looking out on the Hudson River and New Jersey.

all photos from Martha Stewart Living

Great "ice chest" in the bathroom for all the champagne, that's Kevin's Hermès box collection stacked in the shower for a pop of color in the background.

Tory Burch

Tory Burch in her New York City apartment at the Pierre Hotel.

photos from Elle Magazine

These glimpses of Tory's kitchen and eating area make me want to see more.  Love her story and her style, would love to see more photos not only of this home but her Hamptons house too.  Tory is featured in the current issue of Town and Country magazine as well.

I have to say, I find this boot amazing!

Halima Bootie

Martha Stewart Kitchens at Home Depot

Recently, Martha posted on her blog a new line of kitchens available at Home Depot later this fall.  From the few photos I could find, they look beautiful.  This makes me want to completely redo my own kitchen!  Can't wait to take a peek at my own Home Depot.

Love this island and the stainless steel stools.

Great space for cookbooks.

I want my spices and oils organized like this--what easy access.

The simplicity and color of these light fixtures make them a great accent in the room.

Finished Guest Room

Now that our summer guests have had a chance to see the room, I am posting pictures of the final outcome.  Love this table topper fabric from Calico Corners, it's very easy to sew.

The view looking in, above the bed I mixed original pencil sketches of New York City with very inexpensive framed paper.  Quilt from West Elm, ivory shams from Pottery Barn, decorative shams and pillows custom with fabric from Calico Corners.

A chair by the window.  Window panels and pillow from Etsy.  Seat cushion custom.

And who wouldn't want to wake up to Audrey?  She makes my day! :)