French Chateau

It's August, so it must be time to depart Paris to spend a leisurely month in the South of France. Many Parisians travel to the countryside during August; many places shut down during this month. I just placed an order to have an exquisite settee custom made in France specifically for my decorating client. Because of the August shut down the piece will not be started until September, but it is certainly worth the wait....

So I figured why not rent a chateau in France for the month while I wait,

Or so I could dream....

Please enjoy Chateau Dumas with me..

Image: Chateau Dumas

A Study in Blue

You have been daydreaming of a long bath all day. Beautiful white peonies and a plush white towel await you. Wall sconces are dimmed and reflected in the gorgeous over sized mirror, time to unwind...

As you journey to your sitting room you can't help to look up to admire the glass chandelier that reminds you of a big blue iced cupcake...

You have arrived ~ so relax, smell the flowers and enjoy a good book.
*Check the fab blog Paris Hotel Boutique to see the chandelier & more.
Images: House Beautiful 1& 2, Lucina Moodie

Settee with Style

With the feel of throne, the back like a headboard, country checks that I love and a groovy granny square seat, please take a seat and enjoy. I visited the incredible Mackenzie-Childs farmhouse, showroom and workshop in Aurora, NY where the they create their wonderful whimsical pieces. Additionally, much wine was sampled during wine tastings at the surrounding Finger Lakes Wineries! I especially love the hand painted landscape on the settee's backboard, and all the Dry Rieslings.....
Images: Mackenzie-Childs

The Holiday

Imagine a beautiful woman from America, frustrated from the end of a relationship, switches houses and spends two weeks in a dream like home in England. An English charmer, thoroughly British country cottage. Her other half in the switch, the lovely lady from England will reside in a gorgeous and impeccably decorated American home, they have traded homes for a 2 week escape from their lives.

Yes, I have been catching up on my movies. A designer's dream to peak into such wonderfully decorated residences. Loving the painted check floor. Don't you just adore the stone wall surround to the amazing soaking tub?

Image: The Holiday

Rose Corner Garden

Have a wonderful day! Roses tucked into a little corner spot surrounded by mint at the homestead. Iced tea with mint anyone?

Image: Brayton Homestead Interiors

Paris Flea Market Visit

Oh, she sighs, what decisions. Shall she purchase the Victorian passementerie or the vintage vegetable garden print? Hungry after her excursion at the Paris Flea Market on such a lovely Saturday in Paris she must have a bite to eat in order to forge on to more antique stalls.

Café Paul Bert, conveniently located near her favorite market Marche Serpette, will do quite nicely. She cannot help but think how wonderful the red and tan bistro chairs would look in her homestead kitchen. Yes, a bowl of hot onion soup will be perfect , then more shopping. Please enjoy pictures from my Paris trip, I would love to be there now…..
Images: Brayton Homestead Interiors

Red and White Check Love

With a crispness yet country vibe, nothing says Summer to me like Red and White check. Reminiscent of country picnics, vintage tablecloths and home baked pies, this classic check is a staple in my kitchen at the Homestead.

Krumpet looks dapper with the summer hair cut I gave him as he lounges on a check cushion. My kitchen table, set for a country breakfast, abounds with checks on vintage glasses and new linens while hydrangeas are tucked into old bottles. Please enjoy....
Images: Brayton Homestead Interiors

Stylish Summer

The Garden Clutch arrived! It is so lovely, Thanks Mandi.

Hesitantly, I opened Mandi's blog Red Planet to see the lucky person who won the lovely Garden Clutch in her generous giveaway. I have really been admiring the handmade soft blue bag with the great vintage button. It took a few secs to sink in, so imagine my excitement when the small piece of paper shown had my blog name on it - I WON! Mandi's charming clutch has the perfect combination of color and pattern not to mention it is impeccably made. I will be so stylish this summer. Be sure to visit her wonderful blog and shop. Thanks Mandi...
Images: Red Planet

Red White Blue and charming

Hoping your holiday is everything you want it to be. For me that includes a family cookout followed by relaxing with a stack of books and magazines....
or maybe in my yard at the Brayton Homestead, circa 1796, getting ready for its 213th Fourth of July....
or eating strawberries and cream (vintage needlepoint)...

but it is not a holiday until I bake Mom's famous chocolate pudding cake (shown above)! Have a wonderful holiday....
Images: Home and Garden 1, Brayton Homestead Interiors 2-4