easy, breezy beach house chic

I'm hanging on to the remaining days of summer with a vengeance.  Even though it'll be a while until we get any cooler temps here in the south, it's been so gray and gloomy lately it almost feels like Fall already.  What better way to perk up those summer spirits than with a beautiful beach house in Naragansett, Rhode Island? Snippets of this oceanfront stunner caught my eye while flipping through the September issue of Coastal Living over the weekend and I was thrilled to see it's the latest from Rhode Island-based interior designer Kate Jackson!  The best beach houses are those that are both elegant and welcoming and give a subtle nod to the nautical and Kate accomplishes this in spades here with a sand and sea glass blue color palette, pops of navy and orange, gauzy sheer curtains, oversize hanging lanterns, seagrass rugs and touches of driftwood.  Sheer perfection:

A light blue painted island and cabinet backs and bold navy and white striped bar stools add a pop of color to the light, bright, all-white kitchen and eating area without distracting from that amazing view!

That beadboard-backed coffered ceiling is to die for!  I love how Kate carries the blue-painted bookshelf backs to the living area, as well:

Navy and orange details are fun and fresh:

That view!!

So much good in this small outdoor space, from the wicker sectional and hanging lights to the pattern, texture and color of pillows and throws.  The perfect perch to admire that amazing view, day and night!

equestrian elegance

What is it about Fall that makes me want to head for the hills and hole up in a little cottage in the mountains?  This elegant equestrian home in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains is anything but a "little cottage", but for me, it's the epitome of rustic, rugged sophistication.  The work of Pursley Dixon Architects and designer Kate Jackson, the entire property is absolutely stunning in its simplicity, from the beautiful reclaimed wood beam ceilings right down to the gorgeous wide planked floors.  It's quite a departure from the light, bright nautical spaces Jackson is known for, but she knocked it out of the park with this gorgeous home, keeping the color palette soft and neutral with lots of texture and the perfect mix of antique rugs and furniture pieces.  Equestrian living at its finest:

To see more of this gorgeous property, check out Kate Jackson Design and Pursley Dixon Architecture.

Happy Monday!

kate jackson, take 2

I'm a huge fan of Rhode Island-based designer Kate Jackson's casual, yet tailored, modern style - I posted some of her amazing spaces before, but when I saw this eclectic beach cottage in Watch Hill, RI, over the weekend, I fell in love all over again! Charming details like beadboard ceilings, Peter Dunham fabrics and natural textured furniture create a fun, fresh vibe that is both chic and family-friendly - the perfect weekend escape to the beach! 

To see more of Kate's work, check out her portfolio here.  Happy Monday!