The Wicker Pineapple Light

Lit Wicker Pineapple

Living in historic homes in the D.C. area, I loved decorating with pineapples because they had such a Colonial Williamsburg vibe. It wasn't until I moved to South Florida that I was aware that they are also very much used in tropical decor.

The Chinoiserie Closet

Danielle Rollins

 I would love to switch out the fluorescent fixture in my walk-in closet for a fabulous chinoiserie one. Check out this stunning vintage wicker pagoda above. 

But my closet has ten foot ceilings and is about twelve feet long and I don't want to sacrifice good lighting. There are so many gorgeous vintage and new options out there. Any advice? 

Very Exciting Find

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 I found this stunning verdigris iron palm chandelier last week in Sarasota and my electricians hung it yesterday. I love it. It's hard to get a perspective on the size of it with the 12 foot ceilings, but it's huge - it measures 4 feet wide by about 4 feet high. It is vintage/antique and really exceptional. It is very heavy - the little ball on the bottom of the alabaster glass shade is solid lead for example. I have yet to find anything like it online. I'd love to know more about it. All that I know is that is came from an estate on Bay Shore Road that was being renovated, for you locals.

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Christmas Lighting

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 I ordered a dozen LED pillar battery candles from Amazon and am using them in all my hurricanes and such. I love that they come with a remote and have all kinds of features like several timers, candle flicker, and dimming. And they are made of real wax. Here is the link - they are a steal.

These are the ones I set up last night.

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I have more to do today. They look so pretty at night. I love that all my Christmas lighting this year is battery operated inside and out - no ugly electrical cords and no big electric bill. 

More Progress

Palm Chandelier in the Vestibule 

A long but successful day yesterday with my handyman getting lots of items off the punch list. A former designer and builder of high end wooden boats, he is very sophisticated and well traveled and we hit it off absolutely great. Above is the Pottery Barn Kids Palm Chandelier in the vestibule - I love the palm shadow it throws on the ceiling. Sorry, these photos were taken quite late so the lighting isn't great.

Rafffiana Pendant in the laundry room

The raffia pendant is so fun. Check out the rattan knobs below.

Rattan knobs

I loved the gardening comments yesterday - thank you so much. So many ideas for me to check out. I love gardening as much as decorating and can't wait to get started outside.

My gardener will be here Friday for cleanup and mulching.

My daughter and I were texting last night and she was raving about the Impossible burger - available frozen at Costco and in the refrigerator case at Trader Joe's where they live in NOVA. They made them last night on brioche buns with cheese, fresh basil, avocado, sweet onions, and organic mayo from Trader Joe's. If it wasn't $5 Sushi Day at Publix, I would be having that for dinner tonight. Maybe tomorrow. Sounds delicious. Have you tried one? I know they offer them at Burger King as well.

More Projects

Robin Weiss - Traditional Home

I slept in this morning and it felt so wonderful. I have always slept great, but not these last few months. You can't sleep when you are not safe. Wasn't there a movie "Sleeping With The Enemy" several years ago?  Now I am back to sleeping like a baby.

My handyman comes over today and I am excited to get my punch list taken care of, including of course hanging the lighting. I have never had 10 and 12 foot ceilings before and the conventional wisdom is to hang fixtures higher - like 3" higher for each foot over 8.' Advice on this?

Thanks to my follower who recommended an art installer for me. I spoke with him yesterday and he sounds wonderful - I am having him over for a day to hang everything for me as soon my sofas and dining table arrive. I timed the orders to arrive after my painters finished but still not shipped. The best laid plans of mice and men....

Just now as I sit in the lanai. Good morning.

There was an ocelot sleeping under a tree at my old neighborhood the other day. Seriously?

I am so far ahead of the curve, that I am ready to attack the garden - in a good way. I met with my lawn/shrub/tree care guy yesterday. I also met with my gardener. I'm so excited to get this garden beautiful - the sellers were here part time and had health issues and the garden is lovely, but needs my TLC and filling in some spots. I know lots about gardening - for my new followers I studied landscape design at my law school alma mater GW and am a Master Gardener, but am a new Florida gardener. I had hoped to take the Master Gardener course here, but it may well be on hold.

So to my Florida followers, advice on favorite books, plants, and the like would be of great help. Things are quiet here - the VAST majority of residents are snow birds, and this is great timing to get things done. I am excited to start this project. I am hoping to combine a more formal English garden with a very Palm Beach Old Florida feel if you can envision that. The Palmer Weiss Palm Beach home pictured above is a great example.

I met two new neighbors yesterday and have been invited for cocktails in the lanai with the puppies. Lanais are a great way to socialize and social distance. Speaking of puppies, I went grocery shopping and got them their veggies - they love asparagus, Brussel sprouts, corn, carrots, edamame, you name it. So cute. Last night we all had linguine with Boursin. "Lady and the Tramp" LOL

They eat what I eat every night for dinner. They are serious gourmets.

Sunday Funday

Lanai Bar Cart

Yesterday was such a lovely day. I chatted on the phone at length with two dear friends. One is a law school classmate and the other is a lawyer and girlfriend in Alexandria. My big project yesterday was to clean out half the garage so my car can sleep inside - it also had a nice wash, wax, and vacuum. And I took the fur babies for their first real walk around the neighborhood. They were in heaven.

I did some styling in the lanai today including this cute bamboo bar cart I picked up last week at HomeGoods.

Advice needed - I have two Chinese Chippendale counter stools that I adore but need bar height. They are 36" at the seat, so not terrible low, but a few inches higher would be preferable. The problem is the legs are metal and very thin. A good story regarding them. The house I just moved out of escaped from I couldn't use them because the breakfast bar was quite large and we needed four stools, not two. So I had them carefully stored in a remote unused corner of the three car garage. I asked GG if this was a good spot so they would be safe and he agreed. The very next day I found them piled with dirty tools and old wooden crates and the cushions crushed beyond belief. The entire area around them was empty; this was completely purposeful. When I brought it to his attention his response was, "It is 100% your fault that I have no respect for your things."

RED FLAG #1 - Nothing is his fault, everything is your fault.

But I digress, any idea on leg extenders? I was able to save the cushions BTW. The gorgeous Brunschwig & Fils Xian was plasticized, so I spent a couple of hours gently blow drying the cushions so the heat would make them bounce back and it worked. Here are the stools. Thoughts? They are usable as is but I feel a bit like a little kid - LOL. It may be safest just to leave them as is.

The handyman is here tomorrow and Wednesday, so today I need to make sure I have the correct light bulbs for all the fixtures.

For the foyer - Dana Gibson Bamboo Lantern

For the dining room - Ralph Lauren Gold Leaf Pagoda Lantern

For the breakfast room - Ballard Designs Casa Florentino Umberto

For the vestibule - Pottery Barn Kids Lilly Pulitzer Palm Chandelier

For the master bath - Pottery Barn Kids Bailey Crystal Chandelier

For the laundry room - Kichler Raffiana

Then the wallpaper hanger and art hanger, and I will be done!!!!!!!!

I so want to start having house guests - especially my daughter and her boyfriend. I still haven't met their new schnauzer Millie.

Millie

Look at that face! Have you been waiting on having house guests because of Covid? Not only is travel an issue like flying, but so many tourist activities are closed or not safe to do, including eating at restaurants and going to the beach.

Updates and Great Finds

Pottery Barn Kids Bailey Crystal Chandelier

For years I wanted a crystal ship chandelier, but never got one. I never really had a ceiling high enough for these massive chandeliers. Here is one at 1st dibs for $35,0000.

1st dibs

Last week I was playing around online and spotted this mini Pottery Barn Kids crystal pirate ship version on sale for $70.00 and free shipping. It arrived last evening. Too cute! It might go in my toilet room in the master bath - LOL - why not? Who doesn't want a crystal pirate ship while using the toilet I ask you?

I ran into my HG yesterday and found a Chinese Chippendale brown rattan bar cart for $79.99 and two gorgeous Ann Gish silk dupione pillow shams for $19.99 each that retail for $340 each. All are slated for the master bedroom.

The painters are getting down to the short strokes on the house and will be done by the end of the week. Tomorrow he starts lacquering the guest bathroom in the tandoori orange.

Yesterday I drove to four Home Depots to score enough of the huge globe lightbulbs for the ceiling fans. 100 miles of running around but they look amazing! I am on a mission.

This morning I am off to Michael's for liquid gold leaf as my painter is matching the frame of that massive mirror in the dining room to the Ralph Lauren gold leaf and crystal pagoda lantern that will hang in there.

And I did find a new handyman through my realtor that she has been using for years. I am on his schedule and he seems very nice.

One week from tonight I will be sleeping in my new home.

New topic for your assistance. BTW, I loved everyone's comments yesterday on the question of a TV in the master bedroom - very interesting. I am leaving the Pit Boss grill I own here with GG. Visually I don't want a huge barbecue grill in my new lanai. I just want something small and easy to use with minimal smoke and cleanup. I had an outdoor standing George Foreman electric grill before that I might replace. Any other thoughts? My lanai is not huge and looks out on those gorgeous preserves, so I don't want anything out there to take away from the view. I guess I could just pass on a grill entirely. And what is the deal with the Big Green Egg grills??? Am I missing something amazing? A Japanese style grill does have a certain CC appeal and they are very attractive.

Small Big Green Egg Grill

Here is an electric grill from Target in coral pink for $19.99!

MyMini Personal Electric Grill

McDonald's French Fries & More

Where Can I Hide These?

My puppies have not had their usual time with me this week, so on the way back yesterday I surprised them with a special treat - a small McDonald's French Fries. Margot is trying to figure out where to hide hers from Harper.

My Closet in Progress

Lots of progress on my new closet - lots more to do, but it's getting there.

My painters finished the guest bedroom, my study, and the vestibule yesterday, so today I'm gong to bring a few things over to my study, like the Mary McDonald red leather campaign chair and black lacquer table from HomeGoods. I can't wait to see how things look.

It's like Christmas morning every day at my new house. Really.

I also cannot get over my HomeGoods. Do any of you have one like mine? It's as if every Chinoiserie, Greek Key, designer, blue and white Chinese porcelain, Kate Spade, MaryMcDonald, Ralph Lauren piece gets sent here. UNBELIEVABLE. Did I mention all the Frette sheets this week? I might have to create a local HomeGoods chapter of Shoppers Anonymous.

I did find a local monogrammer with great reviews for those who asked - I hope to swing by this week and will report back. These are their standard monograms but they can create anything custom.

Monogram Examples

My painter removed all the lighting fixtures and has called a local couple to pick them up. They have a non profit and sell donated items and all proceeds go to the homeless in Sarasota County. I was in Lowe's yesterday and found this fixture. My daughter has been suggesting a raffia fixture and I could not resist this at $113.00. I am tweaking what goes where, but will find a spot. It's too cute.

Kichler Raffiana

At this price, I don't care that it's trendy - it's fun and beachy.

Have a great day my peeps.

Progress Report

Draza Stamenich - DC Design House 2009

Yesterday could not have gone better.

1. The plumber arrived right on time and installed the new hot water heater in the garage. He commented that it is the nicest garage he has ever seen. I will have to post pictures but it is really nice. It was just painted by the seller in crisp white with a gray floor, built in white cabinets, and white plantation shutters on the window. It is absolutely pristine. My car will be very happy in there.

2. My painters arrived and we had a great time playing with the Samplize paint color samples. They were unaware of Samplize and very impressed. I will take photos today and reveal the winners.

3. Two trips with the car loaded with breakables. My garage looks like a blue and white Chinese porcelain store. Or the home of a ginger jar hoarder.

4. I realized today I need a lighting fixture for the laundry room. As you might recall, I have enough of the Brunschwig& Fils "Ironing Bored" left over from my previous laundry room to have it wallpapered. Yeah!!!!!!

Above is the inspiration board for my Alexandria, Virginia laundry room which was massive. It was about 225 square feet. Mine here is small, but I will make it really pretty.

Brunschwig & Fils Ironing Bored wallpaper

The photo up top is from the DC Design House back in 2009. Excuse the grainy photo. It was the smallest room in the house and my favorite. I had never before seen a laundry room with such attention to detail - Gracie wallpaper, a Neirmann Weeks chandelier, garden antiques, aviary wire on the cabinets, a travertine counter. This will serve as inspiration for my laundry room.

I especially like the lantern lighting fixture. I'm thinking this would be nice. Navy and pewter. An open cage design.

Leighton Cage Pendant

Well, I am off for the first run of breakables over to the house and to see what the painters are up to. Have a great day everyone. I will post tomorrow on the Dyson vacuum and the lobster rope door mat. And I need some sleep. All this adrenaline has me going 24/7.

A Vestibule? & Coral Pink & Help Me

1st dibs

As you enter my new house, off the foyer there is an area that has a coat closet, a linen closet, and then doors to the guest bedroom, the guest bath, and the study. It is square. Not a hallway...... is it called a vestibule? There is a pocket door to close off the entire guest suite. It has a very nondescript lighting fixture that I want to replace with something really fun and coral pink! Coral pink fixtures are few and far between.

The one above sold on 1st dibs already for $$$$. Here are some more ideas.

Visual Comforts Kate Spade Cavanagh Lantern

Shades of Light Lotus Flower

Sazerac Stitches Loa Carousel

I like this but it's too big -

Nordic Chandelier

I like this but pricey -

Mitzi Leigh Lantern

Another idea is to find a vintage or new lantern and paint it coral pink myself. Do you like any of these or have an idea on a pagoda style lighting fixture I could paint? This is a spot I can just have some fun.

I also love those little round clear bulbs in the Kate Spade fixture - more fun than chandelier bulbs.

P.S. I meant to mention that I was saddened to receive an email about Wisteria going out of business after 19 years. Yet another victim of the pandemic. It was a very well curated collection and I will miss it. I so fear that when we emerge from this we will be left with chain stores and chain restaurants. There won't be any reason to go out.

My Front Door

My Front Door

This is the front door of the Florida house - I had my painter repaint the front doors in a glossy black, added this Pottery Barn lighting fixture I have wanted for years, and hung this very chic lion door bell.  I bought him twenty year ago for my house in Alexandria, Virginia and it did not work there. I love it here.

I love my door bell!

And look who was trying to come in last night -

I was just asked to serve on the Landscape Committee in my community and my first meeting is Monday - by Zoom of course. I personally nixed meeting in person. I am really enjoying gardening in Florida - here is my home.