Pretty Inspirational: July 2011

7.28.2011

Where Antlers Never Go Out of Style

Rainbow Lake in the Adirondacks was beautiful. Below is a picture of our lakefront area. We spent most of our time on and around this pier fishing, jumping, swimming, launching kayaks and eating meals. The lake was great for rafting and wakeboarding. Much smoother then the Magothy River!

We spent a day in Lake Placid which included checking out the the Olympic Center. The ride simulating the luge and ski high jump was very cool. Also the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery served us great food and their award winning UBU beer. I do have to admit that once I walked outside and noticed all the Ironman triathletes walking around (due to an event scheduled later in the week) that I regretted the hamburger I had just devoured.

We all agreed that one of our all time favorite things to do was swinging on the rope swing! It's provided hours of entertainment for the kids and adults.

Thank you Dad for hosting such a wonderful and memorable vacation!

I quickly learned that homes in the Adirondacks are called "camps". I did take pictures of some pretty "camps" on the lake but I have to say the boathouses stole the show! I was impressed with how much effort was put into their design.

Our "camp" was filled with antlers. In the Adirondacks and other mountainous areas antlers have been used for decoration for a very long time and will probably never go out of style. Outside of these areas, antlers have been the rage for several years now. After a quick google search I discovered that in 2008 The New York Times predicted that antlers were on their way out. Well, they still seem to be going strong and are being used in all kinds of interiors whether rustic, modern or traditional. I believe they've remained popular longer then expected due to their sculptural look and people's desire to connect to the past and/or natural world.

Check out how antlers were used in these interiors.

via Canadian House and Home

via House Beautiful

via Southern Living

via House Beautiful

via Canadian House and Home

via Colorado Homes

via House Beautiful

via Veranda

They aren't for everyone but they can definitely add some fun to a space. Would you put antlers in your home? If so, here are a couple that I found for you.

Restoration Hardware

West Elm

Have a great weekend!

7.13.2011

Vacation Plans, Bringing the Outside In, and a New Vendor

I'm so excited to be heading to the Adirondacks this Saturday for a week long stay! Two years ago we stayed on Blue Mountain Lake at a wonderful camp called The Hedges. The vacation is such a wonderful memory. We stayed in a log cabin that felt luxurious because we were surrounded by beautiful mountains situated next to a crystal clear lake and the camp had great service, food and activities. It was the ultimate vacation for relaxation. I also took one of my all time favorite pictures there of Kylie and her cousin, Lila.

This year we decided to stay in a beautiful home right on Rainbow lake. The main reason for the change is the whole family can fit in this house. I can't wait to see the house in person and jump off that pier (probably in a wetsuit since I'm a wimp when in comes to cold water!)

While on vacation I'm going to upload some of my better pictures of the area to my facebook page. If you not already a facebook fan, you can click here to "like" my page.

Lately, I've noticed that tons of rooms in the design magazines have not only plants in the rooms but super sized ones. Sometimes they even become the room's main focal point. It's funny how we're always trying to bring the indoors outside with couches, bars, kitchens and rugs. But we also try to bring the outdoors in. Below are some pictures I found with these green giants. I would love to hear what do you think? Would you put one in your home?

Viranda

Unknown

Southern Living

Meg Braff

Grant Gibson

Elle Decor

Country Living

Elle Decor

I also wanted to let you know that I just picked up the cutest painted furniture line called Somerset Bay. Great pieces with timeless design inspired by coastal areas such as Nantucket, Newport, Carmel and Bar Harbor. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from their line which are available in 18 different finishes...