Hamptons Style Beach House

When I think of Hampton's Style I think of coastal elegance. I envision wide open light and airy spaces which are both classic and coastal. This Long Island home is the perfect example and showcases both class and sophistication and still has elements which make it more down to earth. 

Beach Front in Barbados

There is no better place to spend the weekend or any day for that matter than right on the beach and Barbados has some of the best beaches that you could ask for. The properties vary in size, architecture, design, location and price but all have one thing in common - the beach! To see more properties like this and for information on how you can own your own piece of the "rock" visit Island Gold Realty on Facebook or their website here. 

The Crane, St. Phillip.

Colour Crush - Tangerine Tango

As I've mentioned before my love of design extends to fashion and beauty and I am often inspired by an outfit or product I have seen. This was the case when I came across these major reddish orange pants and knew that I had to find more of this delicious colour.

Sarah Richardson : Real Potential

Sarah Richardson did not fail to impress in the Season 1 debut of HGTV's Real Potential. I've been following Sarah Richardson since Design Inc, Sarah's house and then Sarah 101  and even blogged about her here before. The premise of the show is about showing home buyers how to uncover the hidden potential in a home. Real Potential is a little different from her previous shows as it is focused more on her real estate passion and reno know-how. She was quoted in an HGTV interview saying " it's not just about the fluff and pretty. I love demolition" 

Off to the beach!

It has been a very busy week and I foresee a very busy weekend ahead also. I've been working on a couple different projects, in and out of meetings and preparing my new layout to  accommodate new advertisers on the blog. I've also been trying to figure out why my Twitter has been posting spam for the last two days - has this ever happened to anyone else? On a more positive note LDB has hit 150,000 views and I am very excited! I remember when it first hit 1,000, I could have never imagined then it would be where it is now. Thank you to everyone for your support over the years and for the huge response I have had in the past three months which has contributed to the growth in numbers. 

Even though I have a busy weekend ahead I'm adding one more thing to the list - Go to the beach! Happy weekend and lots of love *** 

Designer Profile - Oliver Messel

While researching information for a different project I came across Oliver Messel once again and I am slightly embarrassed to say I did not know more about this incredibly talented designer and interesting individual. Messel was an English artist and one of the most well recognized stage designers of the 20th century. He came to Barbados in 1959 and spent the last 12 years of his life between Mustique and Barbados. Messel brought a refined elegance to traditional island living and produced some of the most stunning properties in Barbados still today. 

Organization made pretty

I am not ashamed to admit that I am easily distracted by pretty things and to me nothing is more pretty than an organized space using chic everyday items to keep things neat and tidy. This morning I was doing "research" for a blog post and ended up getting sidetracked and pinned every closet, organized desktop and vanity that could be found on Pinterest. Needless to say I also got distracted from actually posting on the blog as well.

Casual Chic Comfort

I have always been drawn to simple spaces with monochromatic colour schemes and natural elements. White on white interiors with accents of wood, woven baskets and jute accessories can be casual or chic but always have character. These coastal inspired spaces have similarities but very different identities. 

Fashion Inspired Interiors

As I've mentioned before good design is not limited to only Interiors and my love for design spans to fashion, architecture and graphic design. Often interiors may be the inspiration for fashion or vice versa.

I have always been a fan of simple black and white and the elegance and "chicness" of it and when I saw the outfit above I went in search of some of my favourite black and white rooms. For more fashion and interiors inspiration follow me on Pinterest. 

Gallery Walls

Gallery walls are a great way to add interest and personality to any space. Today I have focused on more organized and symmetrical gallery walls but there is no rule that all the pictures need to be of specific content or that the frames need to be the same colour. In fact the charm of the gallery wall is it can be as personalized as you want it. A gallery wall is the perfect place to display personal photos or items of interest and to add character to your space. 

Perfect Patios & Porches

Patios and porches not only add extra square footage to a property but are a perfection extension to a living or dining space. Some tips to maximize the perfection below (Images via Coastal Living) 

At home with Kathryn Ireland of MDD

Anyone who follows my blog knows that I am slightly obsessed with Million Dollar Decorators and one of my favourite personalities on the show is Kathryn Ireland. I love her personality and authenticity and her relationship with her fabulous French housekeeper Jacqueline keeps me entertained at all times. 

Apart from her sense of humour and character it is no surprise that Kathryn Ireland is an incredibly talented interior designer. Her look has been described as comfortable, bohemian and family friendly and her celebrity clientele includes Steve Martin, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and most recently Lindsay Lohan.