Friday's Finds - The Gift of Giving...

For You

I wanted to share a much needed quote I heard this week:

NOTHING IS PERMANENT BUT CHANGE - Heraclitus

Photographer: Tim Walker

A gift for Mom

Who doesn't need a fabulous new clutch? Above, Anya Hindmarch raffia bags through Vivre. On a tight budget? Below, are clutches by Felix + Rey for Target

For your child

Another great money saving idea, hang cards, images from your favorite calendar or book via small clips or clothes pins. It's much cheaper then spending the money on frames and it creates an unexpected look! Image: Cookie Mag.

A wonderful charity I read about via Cookie Magazine. I know I have clothing my son never wore. I am going to make it a point to drop some items off for children in need. Read more about the charity Uma Thurman supports -

Room to Grow

WHY I LOVE SUMMER + DAILY INSPIRATIONS

I'm often asked, where do I seek daily design inspiration from? My answer: everywhere!
Currently I'm loving colorful summery hues, that aren't too sticky sweet!

Jay Jeffers is a master with color, this is a colorfully fun but sophisticated palette.

I JUST LOVE TRANSFORMATIONS

I'm a complete sucker {for lack of a better word} for interior design "before + afters". This Nantucket cottage {another one of my favorite things} was completed by Jeffrey Bilhuber. The design was featured in Architectural Digest in 2003. {I won't bother to label the before + after images - it's quite clear} Happy Wednesday!

Images: Architectural Digest

Thank You, IIDA.

A quick thank you to Brianne from the student chapter of IIDA, for contacting me to be a guest blogger on their site. Read my interview here...

Where I'd like to..

Read my child a bed time story..

I found the above images via My Notting Hill. The adorable bedroom is featured in a design show house located at the Washington D.C design center.. The interior design is by SCW Interiors. I would love to create a built-in bed someday!

Images: SCW Interiors

Ahhhh. TIS' THE SEASON...

Yes, I am of course loving the site of green grass, and buds on the trees {yes we only have buds here in Boston}. but what really gets me in a tizzy is flea market season! I ventured up to Todd Farm in Rowley, Ma. yesterday. Every Sunday from Mid-Spring - Late November droves of vendors set up their "stuff". I arrived at around 9:30. Next visit I plan to head over closer to sunrise! {5 AM is when the field opens} {sorry about the late post, it's been a crazy day}

I thought this abnormally high table, would make a great kitchen island. All it needs is a 3" slab of Carrara marble! When I circled back - it was gone!

These whimsical garden chair were interesting. With some serious TLC they could be adorable.
I also ran into my fellow designer friend and new blogger Danika. She found a great light fixture for her porch. I snapped a photo of her with her find but somehow lost it. Check out her great new blog here. {I believe she posted her mid-century light fixture}

If you live in the area you mustn't miss Brimfield. The Spring date is May 12th -17th. For more info, see the official website. Can you say roadtripppp.........

Images: Apartment Therapy, Brimfield Antiques website

Friday - This week's finds..

I'm in the middle of planning a small gathering, so I've been invitation hunting. I can't help but conceptualize when I plan anything creative. Almost Sunday has an amazing selection of beautifully designed cards, and artwork. The above wedding program is gorgeous. {those were actually my wedding colors too} {thanks for the paper tip Mrs. S. Crawford ;)}

While I was on Etsy, I couldn't help but poke around! I always love throwing a random pillow into the design mix. These would both work well in a bedroom. top: Alexandra Ferguson's pillows are created using felt derived from recycled water bottles {Happy Earth Day} , bttm: Nuka

Enjoy the sunshine with friends + family this weekend!

I went to the South of France when I was in my 20's. I loved it and can't wait to go again someday. This image is in Napa, but many of the elements pictured reminded me of France.
Image: House Beautiful

SURF'S UP

So the word is, we are finally going to be getting some warm and sunny weather this weekend. Summer is by far my favorite season in New England. I've always loved the idea of hanging my husband's turquoise {rarely used - to his credit it's a long board, which isn't easy to surf with} surfboard somewhere in the house. I think a brightly colored board would look great in a mud or play-room. I'm getting excited about the idea of heading to the beach soon!

I came across Grain Surf Boards, via the fun blog Holly Goes Lightly. Each board is sustainably created with harvested wood. Grain Surf Boards also offers do-it-yourself kits and classes in their York, Maine shop. Beautiful!

Surfboards have a casual, sculptural quality

Images: Met Home, House Beautiful via Habitually Chic

Top Image: Dianne Erwin, Surfing and board images via Grain Surfboards

GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT...

Isn't this bassinet so simple and sweet? It also looks easily transportable, which is a huge help for any new parent. Available here, design by Nume.

Where I'd like to...

Entertain guests...

Alexandra Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos's living room is elegant but inviting.

I love the unexpected mix of grey, pink, turquoise and purple!

Images: Elle Decor, May 2009.

OF NOTE...BOSTON THIS WEEK + MORE

Boston is a busy place this week! The Boston marathon was today. The Independent Film festival is running April 22-28. For a schedule of films, visit the I.F.F. Boston site here. There is a vast selection of wonderful films playing.

Also, showing in selected theatres is the much anticipated Valentino, The Last Emperor. The documentary chronicles Valentino's haute couture world of fashion and his 50 year relationship with his long term business partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Can't wait to see this one. It's currently playing locally at Coolidge Corner in Brookline and Loews, in Harvard Square.

Valentino Snapshots

{above three images via The Luxe Chronicles}

Did you submit your pug in time? Winners of the fashionable pug contest will be announced on 4.24.09.

http://www.valentinomovie.com/#pug_page

Inspired by a hint of red....these rooms are injected with the perfect amount of the lively hue!

Image: Ohdeedoh

M. Design Interiors

Congratulations to everyone who completed the Boston Marathon today!