My Favorite Memorial Day Sales

Eddie Ross Interiors

 

A red, white, and blue color palette need not be kitschy. Here, a red, white, and blue color scheme is made far more sophisticated by including coral and turquoise in the mix.

Styling the Kitchen Island & More

Classic Style Home

My kitchen island is arriving in a few hours and I am quite excited. I have been thinking about how I will style it and was looking at some kitchens I have posted about for inspiration. Unfortunately, the vast majority are clearly staged just for the photo shoot. As you will see below, I will not be daily slicing bread, watermelon, buying a cart full of lemons, limes, apples, plantains, artichokes, or in the case of one photo below, the entire produce department. 

The Scent of a Home

Marie Daage

 

I have a collection of these wonderful chinoiserie candles I got years ago at Neiman Marcus. These hand painted porcelain Limoges goblets feature Chinaman on a Swing, often seen in chinoiserie fabrics and wallpapers. I unfortunately can't source them anywhere in the US for you, just abroad. But they are so darling, I had to share.

A New Day

Thank you all so much for you wonderfully supportive comments and emails yesterday. As one commenter said that loved "You've Got This." Trust me to handle things prudently.

A few great developments from yesterday.

I met several new neighbors and was invited to join a nightly wine hour in a neighbor's driveway - bring your wine and chair - sounds like a great way to meet neighbors and social distance. I do not own a folding chair though - hahahaha. A new purchase I think. Is there a chic version? And my Mark and Graham rattan monogrammed wine tote.

Rattan Wine Tote

I received in the mail yesterday this very Florida pink Palm Springs kimono from Anthropologie.

Palm Springs Kimono

I decided to store some of my blue and white porcelain in the pantry in the kitchen for a few days and fell in love. Thinking of upgrading the shelves and taking the door off and keeping it as there is another pantry for food items.

What's for dinner?

On Monday the painters are doing touch-up, cleanup, and finishing the mirror frame in the dining room. Tuesday the countertops are installed, and Wednesday the movers. I need to squeeze in a food run as the only food in the new house is dog food. Wednesday, my first night in the new house will be sushi from Publix. Publix has brought back $5 Sushi Wednesday and I pick up sushi every single Wednesday. It is fantastic - try it if you are near a Publix. I have the cutest coral pink chopsticks I use, not  a fan of the free wooden ones, and of course blue and white Chinoiserie plates.

My Favorite Scented Candles

Kate Spade Live Colorfully

I just got this set on eBay because the colors are so fabulous - a tropical and fun vibe for my new abode. Not sure about the scents - I bought them for the colors.

But I am completely addicted to scented candles because my house has to smell as good as it looks. I am going to share with you my absolute favorites. Please share with me yours. I'd love to find some new candles I love.

First up is Trapp Orange Vanilla. It is Brazilian Orange and Tahitian Vanilla, I have used this candle for decades and can't get enough of this scent. I have to have this candle in my rotation.

Trapp Orange Vanilla

Next up is Seda France Japanese Quince with rhubarb, passion fruit, white fleshed peach, and white jasmine petals. I have an entire bank of jasmine behind the lanai and the scent is literally intoxicating.  I love this scent so much I also use their diffuser and liquid hand soap. The pagoda box is adorable, great for gift giving too. And Chinoiserie!

Seda France Japanese Quince

If you've ever wondered why Anthropologie stores smell so amazing, this is one of the reasons. Their Capri blue candles are always burning in their stores - I love Aloha Orchid - orchids, jasmine, and gardenia. Wow.

Capri Blue Aloha Orchid

Another great candle tip - Anthropologie does not smell great because of one scent - they burn different candles around the store - do the same in different rooms of your home.

Last but not least is another Anthro staple - the iconic Capri Blue's Blue Volcano - oranges, lemons, and limes.

Capri Blue Blue Volcano

Now, please don't leave without sharing your favorites.

Wearing Chinoiserie

Anthropologie Flamingo Silk Shift

We all love Chinoiserie in our homes, what about adding Chinoiserie to your wardrobe this summer? Here are my favorites.

Society Social Hostess Gown - so retro Palm Beach Chic

Anthropologie Silk Zebra Dress

J.Crew Enamel and Pave Elephant Bracelet

Elizabeth McKay Navy Silk Elephant Shirt

Elizabeth McKay Pink Silk Bamboo Ballet Dress

Elizabeth McKay Blue Elephant Dress

Elizabeth McKay Pink Silk Bamboo Shirt Dress

High/Low Cabinet

Albert Hadley

I have always adored the iconic Albert Hadley obelisk cabinet shown above. I think the vintage Hollywood Regency cabinet with its gold leafed interior shown below available at LIV Vintage has the same look. The exterior would be fabulous in white as shown or repainted in black. At bottom is a modern version of a cabinet with gold interior at Anthropologie.

LIV Vintage

Anthropologie

Copy Cat Chic

Be sure to check out my find on the wonderful blog Copy Cat Chic.

Jonathan Adler Elephants

These adorable Jonathan Adler salt and pepper shakers are on sale at Anthropologie for $29.95.

Ostrich Pillows in the Chinoiserie Bedroom

I am crazy about these ostrich pillows in this Chinoiserie bedroom from Lonny. Below are high and low versions in fabulous colors.

Calypso St. Barth------

Anthropologie------

Yesterday's Chinoiserie Finds

Can you spot my latest finds? On the extreme left is a tiny Blanc de Chine goddess from my favorite consignment shop for $8.00. She the smallest I have and so sweet. At the far right are the cutest Ikat Mini Bowls from Anthropologie for $8.00 each. Click photos to enlarge. I'll be enjoying everything from indoors as DC is about to get hit with our first real winter storm of the season.

Is Chinoiserie Hereditary?

I grew up in a mid century modern home filled with teak and rosewood Danish modern furniture, Rya rugs and modern art. I felt like a stranger in a strange land. Chinoiserie was not part of my parents' vocabulary. Today while at my daughter's apartment in Georgetown I was struck by how similar our taste is. Her apartment is a younger urban version of my home. Her first apartment, it is filled with great finds from stores like Ikea, Target, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Crate and Barrel, and CB2. Today we take a peek at her living room. I have thrown in a couple pictures of her entry that we looked at in an earlier post. Click the pictures to enlarge. Is your taste in interior design like the home you grew up in or very different? Is your design aesthetic like your parents? An interesting topic.