Inspiring Architecture for a Fall Week-end Getaway

Crisp mornings and golden afternoons filled with apple orchards and pumpkin patches makes my heart tug for Fall getaways and a country home retreat to enjoy it all.  I continue to tear out and hold onto images from my favorite shelter magazines of inspiring architecture that might one day serve our design needs.  I've held onto these photos of a renovated Connecticut farmhouse from the much missed (folded in 2008) Cottage Living magazine's November 2007 issue.  Not only is the renovation of this 112 year old home wonderful and in keeping with the original line of the structure, but I love the refined interior spaces and choices of finishes.  My idea of a perfect spot to take in a Fall "Color Tour".  Happy Week-end!

Pollen's Pumpkin Heads

Chris Condon Creating Pumpkin Heads @Pollen

{Image Found on Pollen's Facebook Page}

Our creative friends Bonnie Garrison and Chris Condon own the loveliest of flower shops - Pollen - located in Buckhead.  Complementing their cut flower bouquets, potted orchids & plant arrangements, and landscape gardening needs, Bonnie and Chris seek out artisan wares and interesting finds offered for sale as well. Their shop bungalow makes for a dreamy haven, with something fun and fresh always catching your eye.  Check out what the duo is up to for Halloween.....  Pumpkin Heads - the right mix of witty and whimsical design, perfect for Halloween gift giving.

Local Artisan Textiles ~ Block and Brayer

Block and Brayer Textiles

{Image Found Here}

Hollis McFadden is the creator and designer behind Block and Brayer, a textile company based in Athens, GA. Hollis' deliberate choices of materials - hemp linen for her fabric and non-toxic ink for her patterns - are both environmentally friendly and help to extend the overall life of her textiles.  Her artisan process involves creating custom designs, carving the pattern, and utilizing a hand block printing technique, all performed in her Athens studio. Block and Brayer fabrics can be purchased by the yard for upholstery and ready made pillows are available as well. For order inquiries:  info@blockandbrayer.com.  Check out below a selection of pillows from Block and Brayer - I love the mix of organic patterns with nature inspired colors. Many thanks to blogger Allison @Lulu Interiors for turning me onto Block and Brayer after reading her post.

{Images Found Here}

Fashion "IT" Girl >>> Charlotte Olympia Dellal

The world is at her feet.....  Literally.....  Charlotte Olympia Dellal is the creator, designer, and owner of Charlotte Olympia, the smashingly successful fashion shoe line.  Launched in 2006, Charlotte Olympia has quickly become the go-to shoe for the best dressed set, counting Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Daphne Guiness as loyal fans.  Now at 29, Charlotte's fashion star continues to rise this Fall as she is featured in both Vogue & Harper's Bazaar magazines.  Check out more details below.

Vogue, October 2010

Harper's Bazaar, November 2010

Week-end Recipe ~ Nigella Lawson's Pumpkin Scones

Nigella Lawson

Published in her newly released cook book, Nigella Kitchen, Nigella's scone recipe is the perfect week-end starter. Pumpkin, one of the most savory tastes of Fall, is the key ingredient.  Click here for the detailed recipe and read more from my previous post on Nigella's Fall entertaining menu suggestions as featured in the October 2010 issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

{Images Found Here}

Trend Spotting >>> Reverting Back to Preppy Cult Classic Clothing Design

For me, certain clothing companies will always be synonymous with preppy style.  Growing up in Connecticut in the early/mid 1980's key staples seemed to be apart of everyone's wardrobe - a Barn Jacket from J Crew; Leather Moccasins from LL Bean (with the laces tied in knots);  a Boat Bag from Lands End.  Through the years, these companies have changed their styles and designs to keep up with the emerging trends of the day.  Some of the trendy clothing is just that - too trendy (see J. Crew's Fall/Winter Catalog), but thankfully, LL Bean & Lands End are getting back to their design roots.  Both have developed clothing labels focused on bringing back the classic designs of the clothing & accessories with which they built their successful reputations on - LL Bean Signature & Lands End Canvas.  Check out more details below.  {My secret wish...  please, please J.Crew -  take note and bring back the classic staples - great pants, tops & tees, a maybe a Roll Neck Sweater or two.  Enough with the ruffles, sequins, and way too skinny jeans.}

{Image Found Here}

{Images from LL Bean Signature}

{Images from Lands End Canvas & Lands End Canvas Facebook Page}

Can't get enough classic preppy style?  Check out the Stubbs & Wootton classic ladies slipper offered in style "True Prep" - the English setter design lifted straight from the cover of True Prep: It's a Whole New Old World, the follow up book to the cult favorite The Official Preppy Handbook.  Click here for more info.

Style Setter >>> Sarah Richardson

Sarah Richardson, noted Canadian interior designer & host of her TV show - Sarah's House - already had a loyal fan following when she debuted her design show stateside on HGTV.  Her interiors work had been published in shelter magazines, Canadian House and Home Magazine named her as one of their "Stylemakers" (their youngest designer chosen to date) and in 2007 she was honored with Canada's distinguished award - "40 Under 40".  Originally starting out behind the camera as a prop stylist & set decorator, her design skills quickly became in high demand.  Matched with a charming & witty personality, Sarah made the easy and successful transition to being out in front of the camera.  The 2 seasons of Sarah's House that I have seen tackle a Mid Century Modern style home's head to toe renovation and a Country Farmhouse in need of a re-design and more livable space.  The appeal of Sarah's House is in the format of the show....  each 1/2 hour episode centers around 1 room, allowing the viewer to see its transformation from raw space to completed design (paint, upholstery, furniture, flooring, etc...) and ready for move in.  Also, her partner in crime, Tommy, adds a little design sugar & spice to the program.  The November '10 issue of Food & Wine Magazine features Sarah's tips to "Personalize a Kitchen", and it also mentions a new show in the works - Sarah 101.  Be sure to watch the clip below from the Canadian show - Passion Profiles - and hear Sarah describe her early beginnings to the success she enjoys today.

Food & Wine Magazine, November 2010

Nigella Lawson >>> Fall Feasts

Staying true to her calling as the Domestic Goddess (comfy home & cooking meets etheral manner) Nigella Lawson turns to what is growing in the garden (pumpkins & squash) as inspiration for putting together a Fall entertaining menu. She is featured in the October '10 issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine doing what she does best - preparing no fuss dishes, keeping ingredients simple yet satisfying - and serving her nourishing meals to friends & family within the comforts of home.  For more info & recipes click here.