Saturday morning around the house...

View from my front door

Spring has certainly sprung here in Alabama. The dogwoods, azaleas, and wisteria color the landscape against the backdrop of the most vibrant green. It really is beautiful, especially after the last couple of stormy days!

Sophie, my endlessly patient German Shepherd

And while Sophie spends her morning rolling in the grass (or getting her picture taken by the weather-beaten azaleas), I love to spend my Saturday mornings with a cup of coffee (preferably in one of my John Derian for Target marblized mugs), curled up with a recent shelter magazine or design book.

I snagged this lovely by the editors of Southern Accents at 2nd & Charles

Today's read was this treasure trove of Southern interiors from homes across Alabama and Virginia and everywhere in between. Can you tell I'm a smidge biased to Southern style?

The view from my fireside chaise

The flowers really are gorgeous right now, so I've been trying to bring the outdoors in with arrangements around the house.

A tiny arrangement on my bedroom mantle

How do y'all spend your lazy Saturday mornings?

Seaside Sublime

Dining area by Stephen Sills - Photo courtesy of Architectural Digest

I think I have a serious case of spring fever. Ever since it started warming up here, I cannot stop dreaming of the beach.

Study by Westbrook Interiors

So, what better way to channel that yearning than to imagine my very own beach house? (I love how the study above exudes a sort of Charleston/Isle of Palms kind of beachy vibe.)

Foyer by Nathan Turner

Let's see, it would need to be light and bright, but still elegant. (I'm not much of one for themes.)

Living area by Tom Scheerer

It would certainly need lots of space for lounging. (It is a vacation home after all!)


Seating area by Lauren Gold and Sasha Adler of Nate Berkus Associates

If you can't tell, I am quite fond of pale pinks and blues in a beach house. To me, it keeps the color palette cool and soft, but has an element of the unexpected.

Outdoor dining area by Kemble Interiors

It would also need a gorgeously lush outdoor area...

Kitchen by Bonesteel Trout Hall

... And a bright and airy kitchen. (I just love the color of the cabinetry!)

Bedroom by Domino founding editor Deborah Needleman

Of course, you would also want your guests to have a comfortable place to stay.

Vignette by Bunny Williams

But, most importantly, you must have a beautiful bedroom retreat for yourself!


Bedroom by Sara Gilbane Interiors

Here's to a wonderful week ahead, you guys! (And, hopefully, a beach getaway too!)

Wide open spaces...

I cannot help but have a soft spot for Texas. The people are friendly (the culture mimicking the South in its courteousness), and yet the setting is so different. It is massive, with such diverse landscapes as deserts, grasslands, and forests. Plus, their state pride is definitely something to behold.

But one of the main things I love about Texas is all the wide open spaces there, and the beauty and silence that comes with it. I think landscape architects Ten Eyck capture this aspect of such a beautiful land perfectly.

I hope y'all are having a wonderful weekend!

Wish I was here...

Patio by Chris Barrett



Al fresco!

Outdoor dining area by Rita Konig - photo courtesy of Lonny

It is a fabulously gorgeous day here in Alabama and it inspires me to work on my own outdoor spaces, specifically a large flagstone patio in the front of my house. It would fit a table like the one above just perfectly! Now, where to get a whole set of outdoor dining furniture for next-to-nothing?....

Have a great day everyone!