Elegantly French

In Eastern Long Island, designers Todd and Amy Hase started from scratch building a home that is full of magnifique French design components. From the chandeliers to many antiques throughout the home which is set on six acres to the dimensions of the height of the ceilings – 18 feet – the couple, who has a summer chateau in Normandy they visit each year stayed true to aspects that demonstrate a genuine French-esque quality.

Found in this September’s issue of Elle Decor, have a look at their now complete two year project and to read the entire interview, click here. I think you’ll be impressed.

Simply Stunning

What a smile! Again, the beautiful feminine allure is scattered through the many September magazines.  In Vogue Spain’s “Buena Chica”, Barbara Palvin, photographed by Jason Kibbler, is radiant in chiffon, lace or a bowtie neckline.

I’ve decided to use her as my inspiration today to be vivacious, energetic and at the same time willing to be productive.  I hope the middle of the week is finding you well and more than able to finish the week. Have a beautiful day.

Slim Paley’s Beach House

If you haven’t stopped by the blog Slim Paley, you really must do so.  I first discovered her when I began blogging last year and have enjoyed her honest voice, her beautiful taste in home decor and fashion, as well as her green thumb.  Quite often she shares photos of her home and garden and they are breathtaking.  After being anonymous for quite some time, readers of the September issue of House Beautiful (if you read closely) learned who the author of this uniquely beautiful blog was – Carolyn Espley-Miller.

Her beachside home in Carpinteria, California, (just miles away from Santa Barbara) is the perfect balance of feminine and masculine with a bit of a cafe-in-Paris feel and white slip covered sofas and armchairs throughout.  The views alone are absolutely stunning, and Carolyn herself is the interior designer behind this welcoming home.  Below are all of the amazing images you will find in September’s issue of House Beautiful and if you’d like to read the interview, click here.  And if you are curious as to how the name of her blog came about – Slim Paley was created in “homage to Slim Keith and Babe Paley, two iconic women with so much style and grace.”

Carolyn, you as well have much style and exquisite taste.  A blogger to be applauded and appreciated.  Bravo!

Images courtesy of  House Beautiful

All Things Shiny, but Not New

Last weekend, I enjoyed a leisurely Sunday and flipped through some of the new September magazines.  House Beautiful’s Color issue was an enjoyable page turner and this New York apartment was included.  Using high gloss paint throughout the home brings an unexpected element.  I am very curious to know what you think.  The interior designer stated that the extra sheen is believed to give the home an air of mystery as though the walls are there, but almost not there. Have a look and do share your thoughts.

All images courtesy of House Beautiful

Let Me Cook Here

A French inspired kitchen, awash in white with an abundance of natural light was created by designer Lisa Cohen and is located in Alpine, New Jersey.  The owners, inspired by blue and white porcelain and French pastries, now have a kitchen that immediately transports you to another place and time.

Just imagine waking up and wandering into the kitchen to grab yourself a cup of tea.  As you wait for the water to boil, you become distracted by the gentle awakening of the day you can’t help but see above the hammered-copper sink and nickel faucet due to the wall of windows.  Yes, I most certainly would feel quickly at home in this kitchen found in House Beautiful’s September issue.  If you’d like to read more about this particular kitchen, click here and enjoy the tour below.

Gisele Bundchen – Harper’s Bazaar UK – September 2010

To be expected, many of the top selling fashion magazines are choosing dependable, classic beauties to grace the covers of their September issues, and Harper’s Bazaar UK is no different.  While some may tire of her, I doubt if I ever will. Gisele Bundchen talks to Melissa Whitworth about childbirth, getting her body back and her dreams of family life on a farm. Photographed by Cedric Buchet, she exudes the exotic good looks we have come to recognize and appreciate clad in black and blue designs.  There seems to be something utterly impressively about Gisele, something that in denying just wouldn’t be right – similar to denying a gifted musician their due applause.

Images courtesy of Zimbio