Is it spring yet?

Because I am SOOO ready.

Gorgeous California patio by Chris Barrett

Porch by Andrew Law at the District Design House

Mark D. Sikes - his Hollywood Hills garden

Mark D. Sikes - another view of the garden

Tom Scheerer

Backyard at home of Jenna Lyons

Via 1stDibs

I'm seeing more and more of these encaustic tiles these days. I love them for a patio. The Cement Tile Shop has some really pretty ones like this one called "Sofia":

Patio by Hallberg & Wiseley

Landscape by Charlotte Moss

Patio by Yvonne O'Brien

Porch by Laurie Durden via Garden & Gun

Via Southern Accents

Patio by Helene Aumont

Vignette by Richard Holley

Malibu home of Richard Shapiro

Another view and a beautiful sunset....

Shed a little light on things

Living room by Studio Reed Design

Hello, all! I wanted to share another item that is currently listed on Chairish! I also wanted to give some examples of how this piece could fit in any room. Today, I'm featuring this gorgeous (and massive!) vintage drip glaze lamp:

Isn't that glaze amazing?!

Although this piece is mid-century, I don't think it necessarily has to be used in that setting. You could go all out with vintage pieces - barkcloth curtains and shag carpets - or you could take a different approach....

Living room of Aerin Lauder

I think it would work in all sorts of settings. Against warm, rusty peach walls, like in Ms. Lauder's living room.

Foyer by Bunny Williams via Veranda

Or in grand and glamorous entryway, mixed with classic and modern elements.

Chris Barrett

Home of Cece Barfield Thompson

I love the idea of the lamp in a lovely eclectic setting like the one above. So pretty!

Via House Beautiful

Image via Vogue

Barbara Westbrook

As you can tell, I like the idea of mixing it with other shades of blue and green! I think that combination - along with some warm woods and textural accessories - would keep the lamp, and the room, looking timeless. Here is how I might put it together with other pieces:

Wall Covering - Lamp - Table - Sofa - Tapestry Pillows - Velvet Pillow - Chair - Lantern - Curtains

It would be neat to do some moody artwork as well. I love the selection at Anewall on Etsy. For the room above, I might do something like this:

Or you could go more modern and graphic and do an overscale print like this one:

There are so many ways to blend an item you love with your own things and your own style. You don't ever have to let the age or providence or style of a piece dictate how you want your space to look and feel. Although this lamp may not be what you're looking for, I hope this post delivers some inspiration for your own home!

Madeline Stuart

I hope y'all have a great day! And keep checking my Chairish shop for more fun furnishings, and back here for more ideas and inspiration!

The Scheme of Things

Living room of Frist house in Nashville - McAlpine Booth & Ferrier via Architectural Digest

When I look at pictures of homes, I love analyzing all the different layers of the decor: the furnishings, the colors, the use of light. But one thing that is so important - and such a hallmark of good design - is the basic layout of the room.

Bonesteel Trout Hall

It is a real challenge to make a space functional for those who live there (determining what its true purpose will be, optimizing the flow of traffic, etc.), while creating an environment that is aesthetically pleasing.

Home of editor Deborah Needleman - via Domino

When faced with the blank canvas of a large room or one with multiple uses, the task can be that much greater. I love to see rooms that succeed at it though: carving out spaces to curl up by the fire, play music, or have a casual dinner.

Phoebe Howard

This is a smaller room, but it is laid out so beautifully. I imagine it as a guest room and I don't think it could be anymore thoughtful or gracious. There is cozy bedding, a vanity area, attached bath, side chair for tossing items or putting on your shoes, extra towels, plenty of light, and a soothing color scheme. Perfection.

Chris Barrett

Alice Lane Home

The folks over at Alice Lane Home in Utah have a great formula for floor plans: 1 sofa + 2 side chairs + 1 statement chair. They use it in most of their projects and why not? It looks so put together and classic.

Jeffrey Bilhuber

These last two rooms are the epitome of comfort and grace. Just look at that custom, double-sided sofa above!

Victoria Hagan

Hope y'all are having a great day!

A Woman's Touch



Dining room in home of Raina Penchansky - Photo courtesy of Lonny


I don't want to be too prejudiced here, and maybe it's just all the time I've been spending with my sister and her precious new baby, but I think women have a different outlook on a home and, therefore, cultivate it in a different way... a softer way.

Living room by Madeline Stuart

Whether it's using a hint of pink, a cozy furniture arrangement, or accents that soften sharp angles (like pillows, lots of upholstered items, or billowing curtains), women can create warmth in myriad ways (and recognize the importance of that creation).

Home of Erin Fetherston - Photo courtesy of Vogue

So, with that in mind, here are a few examples of interiors that have that woman's touch. Enjoy!


Foyer by Susan Ferrier

An antiqued mirror reflecting the warm glow of light from underneath pink silk lampshades? Who wouldn't love to come home to an entryway like this one!

Living room by Chris Barrett (who is a "she")


Looking at Miss Barrett's portfolio, you could confuse her work with some of her male designer counterparts like Martyn Lawrence Bullard or Jesse Carrier, but, if you look closely, you can find softness in even the most modern of her projects, such as in the floral fabric on a banquette or the curved leg of a metal stool. She is amazingly versatile and you must give her website a look!

Living room by Barbara Westbrook of Westbrook Interiors

Another fabulously talented designer (and fellow Southerner) is Miss Westbrook. The room above is one of my absolute favorites. It is structured without being overbearing, and engaging even when done in a neutral palette.

Foyer by fellow Alabamian Melanie Pounds - Photo via House Beautiful

I cannot say enough good things about this foyer. I am a big fan of juxtapositions and this space is full of them: the stone floor paired with the pale rosiness of the rug, the solid structure of the chair upholstered in soft velvet, and the dark plaster of the walls contrasted against the cool damask tablecloth. So lovely!

Living room by Suzanne Tucker of Tucker and Marks

This last photo of the day is another one of my faves. It is so well-blended with its plush upholstered pieces and graphic modern art, layered mirrors, and tidy layout. To me, it's just one of those rooms that grabs (and holds) my attention.

I apologize for my extended lag in posting, but I am back on track now, so check back often for more fabulous design!

I hope you all have a great week!

Tipping the Scale

Living room by Bunny Williams

Large rooms are always a challenge. Whether the rooms are tall or wide, finding pieces that match the scale of the space can prove to be difficult. Whenever I think of scale, I think of John Saladino talking about monumental, residential, and human scale. With big rooms, you have to break up the space into liveable portions.


Design by Sara Gilbane


These designers don't seem to have any trouble tackling these vast spaces, using large furniture, built-ins, curtains, artwork, and other accessories to make the most of every inch.

Living room by Fiona Weeks

I love how these rooms still feel spacious, without feeling cavernous. In the room above, Weeks capitalizes on the height of the room and vaulted ceiling with the bookshelves and mantel surround, while large scale furniture (like the sofa in an eye-catching gingham print) and colorful oriental rug bring the focus down to the seating level.

Vignette by Chris Barrett

I love this pretty yet grand table and how it contrasts so well with the more modern (but coordinately large) artwork above it.

Living room by Diamond Baratta Design

Multiple seating arrangements are a great way to break down a large space like the one above. Not only do you end up with lots of places to sit (great for entertaining), but it creates a nice flow for the room, leading the eye from one spot to another.


Design by Madeline Stuart

Sometimes rooms are so large that it's hard to even tell that the scale of the pieces within it are as grand as they actually are. For instance, look at the greenish blue lamps on the console above. At first glance, they don't seem that large, until you compare them to height of the sofa and fireplace, and begin to see that they are probably over three feet tall each! 

Living room by Dan Carithers

I love the room above. The recessed overdoor, the simple but beautiful chandelier, the massive tapestry, the exposed wood beams, and those cushy full-sized couches all work together to create a space that is elegant but warm, as well.

Bedroom in home of Matthew White - Photo courtesy of NYSD

Have a happy hump day!