landscapes unique

We opened the pool two weeks ago and since then, it's been a mad dash to get the backyard and, namely, the deck in entertainment mode.  The pollen hasn't made that easy, by the way-check out my pile after sweeping the screened-in porch...

As I (painstakingly) apply the second coat of stain and sealant on my deck (by hand, with a paint brush, might I add), I can't help but find myself daydreaming of planters spilling over with ferns, lantana and sweet potato vine, lanterns aglow with (citronella) candles, hanging lights sparkling in our pine trees and white blooms as far as the eye can see.  I'm getting there slowly, but surely...here is what the deck looked like before (a year of southern sun and rain took quite a toll)...

And here it is now, with two coats of honey gold stain...

Last night, while searching through my inspiration folder of pictures, I kept coming back to pictures I had found online of Landscapes Unique, a landscaping firm in Wilmington, N.C., founded by Tracy McCullen.  I can't tell you how many houses I'd driven by at the beach that had been touched by Tracy's talented hand and what an impact it made on the rest of the house.  His team creates the perfect balance between nature and architecture while keeping his designs simple in order to keep the focus on the architecture of each home.  His online portfolio is truly amazing, from which TONS of inspiration can be drawn.  Here are some of my favorites:

  

219 north cliffwood

If you aren’t familiar with Brooke Giannetti, interior designer and author of the blog, Velvet and Linen, you don’t know what you’re missing.  Brooke and her husband, Steve, an incredibly talented architect, create drop-dead gorgeous spaces, photos of which they graciously share in extensive detail on her blog. One of my personal favorites, handsdown, is a Santa Monica property, 219 North Cliffwood, which Steve designed. 

The exterior is so charming, with its stone walkway, white picket fence and climbing roses.  Kind of reminds me of the house from Father of the Bride...

Love the gold grasscloth wallpaper and glass chandelier in the dining room...

...but the kitchen takes the cake for me.  The curved hood, industrial pendant lighting, butcher block countertop and soapstone farmhouse sink do an amazing job at making this brand-new space feel like it's been around forever...

What I wouldn't give for this butler's pantry...

Powder room...

Master bedroom...

The view from the master bedroom...

The spectacular master bath...

LOVE the huge laundry room (which is about the same size of my kitchen).  The slate floors, gleaming white subway tile, folding area and endless cabinets and storage…genius!

The game room, gathering area and wine cellar downstairs…

The pool and outdoor sitting area is where I would spend all of my time.  Can’t you just imagine crawling onto one of those comfy couches with a book and a glass (or bottle) of wine?

Click here to see more of Brooke's projects. 

fab find friday: whitewashed candlesticks

TJ Maxx has been more miss than hit lately.  I still stop in frequently to check out their new inventory for projects I'm working on, but it's been a long time since I've purchased anything for my own home that I didn't ultimately end up returning.  Then, last week, in a mad dash to find lanterns for a front porch restyle, I turned down an aisle and these beauties were staring right back at me:

Their size (the largest is 2 feet tall), chalky whitewash finish and turned, knobby bodies are perfect.  Even better was the price: between $10 and $12 each! They will be the perfect compliment to my sunburst mirror (if it ever gets here) over my mantle. 

Hurry to your closest TJ Maxx to score some for yourself! 

theloveshop

Etsy is one of my favorite sources for one-of-a-kind, affordable art-I can always find prints to use as fillers in gallery walls or a unique print that stands out on its own.  I'm currently helping a friend design a nursery for her firstborn that will have a gallery wall with baby pictures of the proud parents-to-be, and we want to include some some whimsical, modern prints, as well.  After a quick search on Etsy, I found theloveshop, and it did not disappoint!  Their 8x10 prints are absolutely adorable and whimsical, and best yet, their prices won't break the bank.  They are currently having a buy 2, get 1 free sale, so head on over if you're in the market for some fun, modern prints.  Here are some of my favorites:  

  

                                                                                                   

 For more information on their sale and additional print choices, check out theloveshop's gallery here.

trad home

Trad Home, the latest online magazine that happens to be the brain child of Traditional Home and Lonny Magazine, certainly did not disappoint!  I was up way past my bedtime last night, devouring each and every gorgeous image.  I especially loved reading the bios of each designer named in the "20 New Traditionals".  This home, designed by Lauren Gold and Sasha Adler, took my breath away:

The neutral palette, natural textures and whitewashed furnishings is right up my alley and lends such a fresh, relaxed feel.  

 

The charcoal subway tiles in the kitchen are stunning:

I think I love the dining room most: the unexpected combination of the grasscloth wallpaper, linen upholstered chairs, farmhouse dining table and capiz chandelier gives a fresh, modern feel to an otherwise traditional space:

Check out the rest of the premier issue here.