A Classic Styled Home

I recently ran across an old House & Home magazine (2004, prior to Pintrest days) and found such a
beautifully styled home. The home is in the Hamptons and shows an elegant style which I felt inspired
to show here. There are a few things you might notice are very classic or in style today too.

 Notice, no island. They didn't want one and instead put a walnut table with Wicker chairs around. I love
 that it's close to the fireplace for cozy meals.  

The owners James and Whitney Fairchild (both spent years working for Ralph Lauren) and every
square inch of the 18th century inspired home they built shows attention to detail. Whitney collects
blue and white Chinese porcelain and brought a huge collection into the home.

When design is done with classic elements I think we don't get 'tired' of it as fast. I like that they kept the
walls very light and neutral to give their items and fabrics the focus. Here are some things that helped
this home have a classic and airy feel. Many of these items can be found on Craigslist, estate sales
and thrift store shopping (this is usually the route I go first).

Mirror   /     Chinese Porcelain      /    Chair
Antique Piece   /      Urn lamps  /      Neutral rugs

Design Tips From The HGTV Dream Home

Most of you probably have already seen the HGTV Dream Home . I've been thrilled about it from day one. It's gorgeous and on Martha's Vineyard (one of my most favorite places on earth). Today, I wanted to look at some of the design features I enjoy and design lessons I learned from the Dream Home. 

The great living room is white/neutral with pops of blue. Look at those board walls. So pretty! The open floor plan of the main area works so well, because the designers created zones using the same colors and neutral colors. Now, count how many different textiles there are in this room. I counted nine all with creams, gray, blue and white. They all look great together and give enough variety to the room so things don't look too match-y. 

I love the symmetry in this room with the built in, and even the chairs by the doors with their fish prints above and matching sconces.

                                                                   More symmetry.

A simple and sophisticated look for styling a table: put rice or sand at the bottom of a large glass hurricane and add a candle. 

The kitchen stays white and neutral to match the same open tone as the living room. One of the details I like is the island side has white panels which assist in the theme of wainscoting and board and batten throughout the house. Classic!

The non-matchy chair set is a great look with the ticking stripe open upholstered bench seat. Notice how many flowers/branches arrangements are in the house. Bringing in nature adds beautiful texture.

Hanging pictures or mirror by three is a magic number.

Candles and flowers always add warmth and comfort.

I'm working on designing a makeover for our master closet and this one is quite the inspiration! The wall and ceiling color are the same paint broken up by the heavy white molding and white built-ins. Love this! 

Hello gorgeous mirror and sitting room!

In the bedrooms, I like how the designers played more with color. Bold choices that play really well together. Notice the three lime green frames/mirrors on the wall. 

Blue, white and coral always look good together. I counted eight different textiles in this picture. 

Sigh... I could move right in. I'm sure most people feel the same as me; a house ready to move in? Sign me up! And you can sign up everyday for a chance to win this house. What's your favorite room or design feature?