Comments : 56

Hi there, how are you? Hope you are having a great week…any exciting Labor day plans coming up? We are supposed to be heading to my sisters beach house, and I cannot wait. I am looking forward to a few days of total relaxation and some summer fun. No time like the last weekend of summer to start enjoying it:)  Today is as always a random post about a few different things, so lets get started!!
OK I am seriously in love, in love I tell you with my new window seat! Makes me do  my happy dance every time I walk by it……I had done the cushion but just got some of my pillows made, I had them cut out scenes from the Brunschig and Fils window seat fabric and added trim to the velvet and had bolster made and am waiting on the other blue and white vase pillow. Now that these are in place, I can figure out what I am doing for the window…I am inclined to go simple as to not take away from the beauty of the window seat and pillows….so here it is! (still experimenting with different sized pictures….hence the different sizes here) Most seem to like the enlarged pictures.

I think the pillows and what I did with them have a very “Charles Faudree” vibe going on!

Got the pretty faucet installed on my vanity in the powder room….slowly one thing at at time, its coming together. Waiting on the Chinoiserie mirror we ordered and chandelier, then we are done!
Dough bowls……got in my first order, seriously gorgeous. Worth naming each and every one and calling them my own, and don’t you know I wanted to keep them ALL! I did keep one for myself and there are so many wonderful ways to use them, I put some flowers in and it looked so pretty. For those of who waiting for me to get more,  I promise working on and hope to have more fingers crossed, next week!

Finally finished my little DIY project, with my mirror rosettes. OK, OK I know this is not a huge DIY like some who tackle entire pieces of furniture or other big projects..but this was a victory for me because I had such a hard time finding this darn rosette and lo and behold found it in such an unsuspecting place. Armed with a glue gun, I got to work and love the result! Decided on the originals, after trying several different ones. Funny how we often go back to the first, isn’t it? So here it is all done…..only waiting on my sconces and chandelier and its a wrap! 

A  few taken later that afternoon…love the late day light.
Barstools.….finally decided on this one from Vanguard. I am wavering between a few fabrics, I know I want something simple Becca’s remember the blue and white Brunschwig fabric going up on my kitchen window has a lot of pattern. I see something simple and fell in love with this grain sack French fabric from Kravet. I don’t at all want it to feel gimmicky but at the same time KNOW it will look fabulous, it will understated and beautiful on this chair….and i love the way the natural color goes with my floors and the mix of cools and warms. Here it is and the chair…

Draped it over the current chair so you could get an idea, its absolutely understated but think it works…thoughts?

Remember how I was thinking of switching the hardware on my island? Well I think I made up on my mind. Here’s one of the cup bins in the ant. brass to give you an idea. It definitely pops against the black whereas the oil rubbed bronze gets lost. The big handle is on top of the countertop that I would use for towels to be hung off the island…thoughts?

Taken with the iPhone, so the quality is so so.


Store biz……the kitchen/bar towels have arrived! Many of you inquired about them…they will be up for sale next week. Here’s a sampling……

When we were in the city over the weekend, we were near our old stomping grounds and I was shocked to see the most beautiful Food Emporium (my old regular supermarket when I lived in NY) transformed under the 59th st bridge. I mean seriously it would make supermarket shopping a royal treat, the architecture alone is worth the trip. Took these two pics with my iPhone.

Also visiting a friend yesterday, look at her view from her living room patio. How gorgeous is it! I told her I feel like I am in Lake Como every time I visit her…only thing missing is George Clooney:)
Tonight I am trying this recipe (from Bon Appeit), sounded too good to not make. Heard the lemon gives it that refreshing zing to make this a winner. I used to have the recipe for something very similar that was out of this world…so here it is just in case you want to try it too!
Fettucine with peas, asparagus and pancetta
yield: Makes 4 servings
active time: 40 minutes
total time: 40 minutes
Pancetta (Italian bacon) is available in the deli section of many markets.
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or penne
  • 3 ounces pancetta or bacon, chopped
  • 1 1/4 pounds asparagus, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups shelled fresh green peas, blanched 1 minute in boiling water, drained, or frozen peas (do not thaw)
  • 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced, white and pale green parts separated from dark green parts
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving
  • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, divided

print a shopping list for this recipeview wine pairings

preparation

Cook pasta in pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot.
Meanwhile, cook pancetta in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1 teaspoon drippings from skillet. Add asparagus to drippings in skillet; saut? 3 minutes. Add peas, white and pale green parts of green onions, and garlic; saut? until vegetables are just tender, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add vegetable mixture, 1/4 cup pasta cooking liquid, dark green parts of green onions, 1/2 cup Parmesan, cream, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon peel, half of parsley, and half of basil to pasta. Toss, adding more cooking liquid by tablespoonfuls if needed. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to large bowl. Sprinkle pancetta, remaining parsley, and basil over. Serve, passing additional Parmesan cheese


So…that’s what new here, whats on your agenda for Labor day weekend? Is it going to be a chill weekend at home, are you entertaining or are you being wined and dined? I think we are headed to my sisters beach house and I am looking forward.  I am also hoping to head  off to Brimfield Antiques fair for a few days next week….cannot wait! Wishing you a fabulous day………

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Good morning! I think the window seat looks fantastic! The antique brass handle pulls look sooo much better. You are right you can actually see these! I really like the bar stool style you are pondering as well as the fabric, although is the fabric too light to where it too will get lost like the oil rubbed handle pulls? Maybe this is in my own house, but I worry about a light fabric in a kitchen where the threat of stains is higher. We have a lot of college football parties and guests are always sitting at the island and snacking when lo and behold they drop the chip intended for their mouth. Maybe I should invite less messy guests? ha! Hope to try the new recipe. My husband has a hobby of dry curing meats so the pancetta is at the ready! Have a great day. – Tonya

GOOD MORNING BEAUTIFUL!

WOW…..YOUR WINDOW SEAT is………F*A*B*U*L*O*U*S!!!

Tina, I KNOW I would be dancing down each hallway and sliding down the bannister of your castle! teehee…you are making it even more cozy as you add all of these wonderful embellishments. YOUR ROSETTES look as if they are vintage pieces on this mirror. WOW. AND THANK YOU so much for coming to visit my tester post! Debby is great, and I can now see that she has waved her magic touch here….no wonder I always loved your blog template!

Have a great Labor Day weekend at the BEACH! I am heading out to our local lakes…you would love the manors on the shores of Lake Minnetonka my friend…very much like your home.

BONNE JOURNÉE! Anita

Tina the window seat looks right out of a magazine, love how you did the cut outs of the fabric on the pillow and trimmmed it, so gorgeous.
The rosettes are also perfect, I cannot believe what a great idea that was and even better, how beautiful they turned out.
Love the barstools, think the fabrics great but maybe wait till you have the window treatment up then see what works? I made a mistake by acting too fast and had to redo my chairs which was frustrating.
Love the towels and dough bowls, its all so pretty.
Enjoy your time at your sisters house, sounds like fun. We are going on our boat and taking our first overnight trip on our boat to Cape Cod. Wish me luck:-)

LOVE the bar stools and the fabric!! Ann the window seat – gorgeous. Everything is looking terrific! Your bathroom is the best – i can’t wait to see the long awaited sconces in place. Have a great weekend with your sister!
Stacy

Your home is beautiful as well as your taste and generous spirit-but what I admire MOST is your ENERGY…please bottle and sell that at your store as well!

Hi Tina, The window seat is gorgeous and, yes, very Charles Faudree. Everything he does looks so comfotable. I love your choice of bar stools and the fabric is perfect. You must be having a lot of fun!
All best,
Phyllis

Tina, you’ve got to be my very favorite blogger! I love your style! I was never a Chinoiserie fan but after seeing your wallpaper, I am putting a silk chinoiserie fabric in my powder room–on the walls no less! I would never leave your bathroom as I love that gorgeous tub as well as the fabrics that you’ve used. While I like the fabric on the bar stools, it feels too trendy, aka Restoration Hardware. Your kitchen is much too elegant and on a different level! I’m not sure if Vanguard stools swivel but I like that feature in a chair as well. Check out the ones by Wesley Hall L50008 and consider covering it in a leather. They have fabulous colors and you could go as bold as you dare. I know that whatever you decide to do, it will be fabulous. I hope you’ve already called Architectural Digest to feature your home. It is absolutely gorgeous!!! (I’m not a blogger and not even sure if I should be leaving a comment. I just had to “hop” in). Hope you don’t mind.

I always wanted a window seat…Yours is gorgeous. Loving the new hardware in the kitchen! The fabric for the barstools is gorgeous -I know my kids would ruin it (yes, even at their ages)! Who would have thought to put flowers in the dough bowls? Genius! Love the rustic feel of the bowls. xo

Tina, I love how the window seat looks. I would do a dance also, good job! I love the bar stools, but keep in mind that it is a trendier fabric so it could date them. If that does not mater than go for it. I think they will look great!

Everything looks beautiful Tina!
I am dying to know where you scored the rosettes.
I did a similar thing to my mirrored bookshelves after a trip to Paris and need to replace a few.
Keep some extras on hand.
Have a great weekend at your sister’s place.
T

Yes, Lake Como, just a little bit more sunshine…..oh, so traditional. Home, that is…

Dear Tina,
Everything about your house is gorgeous. Your window seat fabric is wonderful, your powder room is to die for, and your final choice on the cabinet pulls is right-on. I read your blog every day, but usually don’t comment. Just because I am speechless at every last thing that you are doing to give your home your personal touch. Keep it up!

Your window seat looks extraordinary and I am swooning over your powder room chinoiserie wallpaper. I want it!

I love the fabric you chose for your kitchen stools, it is perfect. Can’t wait to see the finished product. It looks lovely with all the marble and the floor tiles!

Where do I begin? LOVE your bathroom, the dream of a window seat and the magnfiicent fabrics. Your bathroom/faucet is a dream, is is Sherle Wagner? Love how you displayed the dough bowls and think the barstools are perfect, I really like the fabric a lot but would wait till you have the window treatment up to be sure it still works, just my opinion.

Like everyone else, in awe of your talent, energy and good taste. I have learned and gained so much knowledge from you and your amazing blog, far more than a design class could have taught me. I have a new “thing” for blue and white and I cannot wait to get the ginger jars I just ordered. Thanks for all you do, Tina and enjoy your Labor day weekend.

That supermarket is amazing! LOVE your window seat and I think I could eat, sleep and live in your bathrooms, every one of them. Your taste is “off the charts” perfect!!

Your window seat is perfect Tina and would so enjoy watching your “happy!” dance as you stroll by! Your fabric choice for the bar stools is perfect (would be my choice!) and the hardware on the island works perfectly. Great spot for bar towels .. never thought of that!

The market pictures are so fun to look at. I have always enjoyed wandering through a lovely market filled with perfect produce, flowers, and the like.

I’ve made that pasta recipe .. or very similar. The peas and asparagus are delicious together. This is a perfect summer dish!

LOVE the barstool fabric! Goes beautifully in your home. Love the new kitchen hardware. Good call. I was the MOST FORTUNATE winner of last week’s giveaway of the bread board, and I cant’ wait to receive it. Next up from your store: One ( or more) of those fabulous candles! And maybe some of those fun new kitchen towels. And okay, probably some silver pieces. And I don’t want to leave out the blue and white.
Have a great weekend. I know you’re sorry to see summer end. As for moi, I am so excited for fall I can hardly stand it.

As usual, so much packed into one post! I love the new brass drawer pulls – a great statement piece. And I love the flowers in the dough bowl. I know what you mean about wanting to keep everything in your shop, but when I have that feeling I tell myself it’s a good thing because it means I am staying true to the things I really love to keep the shop authentic to my style…but it’s still hard! That recipe sounds yummy – enjoy!

The windowseat is perhaps the most beautiful windowseat I have ever seen. IN LOVE!

Ditto your bathroom and your guest bath, make that your whole house. Every time I see a glimpse of your kitchen, makes me weak at the knees, can you show your kitchen for old times sake? I miss seeing it. The barstools are great, I could also see a colorful stool there with your colors but if you are looking for something to blend, thent thats a nice choice.

Love the flowers in the dough bowl..never thought of that. I cannot wait to buy those towels, love them. Almost as much as I adore your blog.

Sweet Summer Blessings to you!
Love the soft yellow color you have on the walls of the bathroom along with sweet window treatment. Appreciate you letting us take a peek into your world and see what you are up to.

Labor day Week-end is just about here and I will be celebrating my 38th wedding anni. Seems like a dream.

God bless and please come over to my place for a chat.
d

I’m afraid our labor day weekend plans are anything but regal. We’re doing Chuck E Cheese with a slew of kids for my daughters 5th bday party =) I adore the new brass hardware for your island. Worth the change! I love how everything else is coming together as well. I’m so enjoying watching the progression of your home. It’s beautiful and inspiring!

I love your design taste and your home. I only have one constructive comment. The electrical outlet plate beneath the gorgeous windowseat needs to be changed to a darker plate that would blend in with the surrounding wood. Again, love, love, love your home.

Tina, I can see why you are doing a happy dance, I think I would be dancing all over your house if it were mine!! Love the style of the bar stools. I am not a big grain-sack fan, but I can see it works really well in your kitchen, nice and subtle. I think it is because I have seen that look so much and your home seems so timeless to me.Anyhow I know you always pull it together beautifully and stay true to who you are. Love the pulls, but what I am really loving is the oblong dough bowl, be still my heart!!
Happy rest of the week,
xo Kathysue

Oh Tina, you should be doing a happy dance, the new window seat looks fabulous! Doing the Brunschwig and Fils cutouts on the pillows was a brilliant idea, they came out *so* well. Love the dough bowls, really pretty and utilitarian.

You know I love the rosettes project almost as much as you do, it’s cool to see more about it. And you are wonderful to share the recipe, it is perfect for our upcoming weekend!

Sending you a smile,
tp

IN LOVE with the bathroom. At the end of a busy day, having made that delicious pasta with a big glass of Chard – that is exactly where I would want to retreat to! As always, your post is stunning, inspiring and captures all my favorite things.
P.S. I’m all about the vista and that is one gorgeous view!!

I love the window seat! It is gorgeous! I cannot wait to see what you do with the window treatment. Love, love love the fabric for the kitchen stools! The bathrooms, both yours and the guest are coming along beautiful!

I love that pasta dish, but I usually make it without peas…do not like them.

I hope you have a fabulous time with your sister! Enjoy the beach.

Have a great day, Elizabeth

Just found your blog and love all your beautiful things. I love the window seat and gorgeous bathroom. Can’t wait to see more. New Follower.

Jody

Tina, I’m in love with your widow seat – it looks fantastic – would love to curl up there with a good book! And good for you with the DYI project – I’m impressed. If I tried to use a glue gun I would probably glue myself to something on accident. Love your rosettes, they add just the right touch!
Have a lovely Wednesday and enjoy the pasta! XOXO

This is such a fantastic post! I love your window seat and all you are doing with your magnificent home, Tina. You have such superb taste. I love the fabric on the bar stools. That store in NYC is unbelievable. Those ceilings!!!!!!!!!!
Have a lovely day.
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Just when I think things cannot possibly get prettier, you surprise me again. The window seat is making me do a happy dance and its not even mine. I love that fabric, its really rich and old world yet fresh looking.
The barstool for the kitchen is so gorgeous, I would love two of those myself, can you tell me who makes it?
What a market! And your friends view, what a lovely setting. I enjoyed all the beauty in this post.
We are off to move my daughter into college tomorrow then taking a side trip to the country for a few days of rest and more rest:-)

The chinoiserie wallpaper in the powder room is marvelous, cant wait to see it all together with mirror and chandelier. They should have your decor process capture in camera – would be a great HGTV show! Oh that window seat, when can I come over with my book??

beijos,
http://acasadava.blogspot.com/

Your bathroom is GROGEOUS Tina! I love the yellow…very cheery. And your tub surround is amazing. I will definitely try your recipe..right up my alley.
I finished “Paris Wife”…very good. Am now reading “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan”…am so far behind, I know. Terrific though!

I hear Gone Girl is great…have you read it?

No special plans for me this weekend…we have the DNC coming so we might head out next week to avoid the chaos.
Hope you have a special time with your sis.
Amy

Love your window seat! Love the dough bowls with the plants in them too! I saw an antique mirror yesterday in a shop with the similar design as your bathroom and I immediately thought of you! I almost took a picture to show you! That supermarket is to die for! It’s beautiful! As is your friends’ view! How fun! Thanks for sharing all of your mid week musings with us! Hope you are doing well!

Love those dough bowls and the plant looks right at home in one…very versatile indeed. I recognized the pics of the gorgeous Food Emporium immediately. The Conran’s that’s now part of ABC Carpet used to be right next to it and I always made a stop at both. Trust me…not all Food Emporium’s are this nice. The one in our town is awful…and it’s not just because I recently moved back from Southern California where the produce at 7/11 is better..haha.
annie

I love all of your home, but I have to remark on the wallpaper in your bathroom, I am entranced by it, it’s elegant, whimsical and the colors are so cool! Have a great day, Hugs Pearl

Dear Tina,

Your window seat cushion and pillows turned out fabulous!
LOVE it. Your home is coming together so beautifully.

I have to tell you though…. I was looking for images this evening
and happened across a pirate blog poster who took one of my old posts
and posted it as his own. Every photos and comment was mine, even a photo
of my dog!

I did report it to Blogger and as I went through this pirate blog,
I noticed he had also stolen at least one of YOUR posts too, Tina.

Check it out:
http://homedesignfree.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-am-baaaack-thank-you-and-why-i-want.html

Maybe you might wish to report it also?
SO creepy.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!
A

Your window seat is a pretty lovely space,
I love the fabrics you’ve chosen for it.
Your kitchen/bar towels are lovely too.
Enjoy your day!

Love your blog, because its not only about beautiful decor but love when you throw in recipes and lifestyle tidbits! I really love your style so greatly value your opinion on just about everything.
The hardware on the island, windowseat and rosettes on the mirror are all a “10”. Just beautiful!
The barstool is great looking, but I would honestly wait until your have the fabric up on the windows to see how it marries with the fabric you are considering for the stools. It might work beautifully, it might not be enough.
The dough bowls filled with flowers is brilliant, I would never have thought of it.
Great idea. We are off to a horse show (my niece is in it) for the weekend, hope you enjoy yours!

I may have to copy that recipe! Love the rosettes and that window seat fabrics are beyond stunning! My boyfriend is coming down for labor day weekend and we are heading to some Virginia vineyards! Should be wonderful weather!

Tina, this is like 10 blog posts rolled up into one, I want to comment on everything!

Love your window seat, agree with the hardware change on the island – I love the one you originally picked, and it is subtle if that is the look you want, but if you want the handle to pop a bit I love the one you picked.

I have admired the dough bowls, but never really thought about buying one, but I love the idea to use it as a planter – beautiful!

Hope you have a relaxing weekend at the beach. After being out of town for several weeks in August, and getting back into the back to school frenzy (school starts in mid-August in Atlanta), we are looking forward to a quiet and relaxing weekend by the pool.

– Holly

Okay, Tina, where to start. I am totally smitten with your window seat – the fabric is gorgeous and of course your pillows! The original rosettes were perfect and I’m so glad you decided to stick with those – grounded the mirror a little – Hate for you to have to change the island hardware, but I’m such a fan of the new ones…just the perfect contrast to the GORGEOUS island color – The dough bowl is the most perfect spot for the potted plant and I would have never thought to use them in this way…genius!! Whew…lots to love here today, Tina!!

Hi Tina,
I do not usually comment but I just had to tell you how much I love your home….every little detail in amazing and I can see that you have wonderful taste and design sense. I think you are spot on with the new handles for the kitchen, love, love, love your kitchen….oh and all of your bathrooms are to die for!!I also am just not sure of the fabric choice for the bar stools. The only reason why I am saying this is because it is to (common) for me. It just seems to me that you have out of this world amazing taste in fabrics and just feel some other amazing fabric would work better. This is the only question that I have. You seem to be a perfectionist to me…. ( I know what thats like, as I am one as well). I was thinking I am sure the window seat was very expensive to make but it seems to me that the first place my eye is drawn to is the front, it just seems to me that the fabric pattern should have matched up, or perhaps a coordinating fabric? I sure hope this comment doesnt upset you, I just wondered if you noticed this as well. I think you are an amazing woman, I found your blog a few months ago and had to go back and read every single post. I have also purchased from your store, as you have amazing taste in all that you do. Enjoy the holiday with your sister… I cannot tell you how I just dream of waking each and every morning to read your blog!!

i love i love i love the fabric for the barstools, tina! it’s fabulous and i’m so envious.

and the window seat is perfect. what peaceful moments await you there.

soak up some rays and beachliciousness for me.

michele

Love the window seat! I would do a happy dance too every time I walked by it! It’s stunning! Okay…I’m super jealous that you’re going to a beach house this weekend! Have fun!

Good morning Tina,

Happy three day weekend! I hope you relax this weekend!Enjoy your time with your sister and the rest of your family! Sounds like a little quite time on the beach with a book is in order for you!

Enjoy the US Open Monday, I will be watching on TV. And of course the Brimfield market. I cannot wait to see your fabulous finds. So many wonderful treasures to be had.

Be safe on your travels, Elizabeth

Tina,

The windowseat looks WONDERFUL! I would get so little done for staring and smiling at it thru the day. Happy Labor Day!

Keri

Join the World of the Enchanted Home!

Subscribe

Instagram

Designed and Developed by BNV Digital Marketing