Porticos, Whales, Witches and More....

A few weekends ago we took a trip to the coast of Massachusetts.  We visited Gloucester, Salem and Plum Island which were all great little seaside towns with a lot to do and see.  

Before we went whale watching we witnessed Gloucester's very busy fishing port while eating a lobster roll.  

We saw so many humpback whales but my brother got all the money shots, which I'm still waiting for (hint, hint Josh!)

Then off to Salem to spot some witches.  

Not too many witches to be found but Kylie was a good sport...

In Salem, I insisted we check out Chestnut Street which is a Registered National Historic Landmark because of the exquisite architecture of these historic homes.   The architectural details were amazing.  Made me wish faux shutters never came to be.   The walk also brought back memories of my History of Interior Design class where I was expected to know every single architectural detail of these amazing porticos!

Then off to Plum Island, an island north of Cape Code near the New Hampshire border.  I took these pictures during a morning walk...

A view of the Atlantic from where we stayed, the Blue Inn.

Still on school time, I woke up at 6 to see the sunrise from the door of our cottage.  A beautiful start to a great day!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Fallingwater

Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece, Fallingwater,  is having a big birthday...75 years!  This beautiful home is the ultimate example of integrating a home with it's surroundings.  I have not seen it personally but that is going to change soon...a day trip with the family is being planned to Mill Run, Pennsylvania!

Enjoy these beautiful pictures taken by Christopher Little for a new book to commemorate Fallingwater's 75th anniversary.  Click on the picture to enlarge...

Have a great weekend!

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 Canadian House and Home

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 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!

Spring Green

"It's a beautiful day, don't let it get away!" - unknown

Spring is my favorite season.  Each day new plants show themselves.  The kids start to play outside more.  People seem to smile more.  It's the season that reveals a bright happy green color everywhere.  You see it outside when the leaves start to grow on the trees or with new growth on plants.

These pictures of our yard capture the "spring green"...

The color of our house is a testament to one of my favorite colors...

Also the neighborhood's flowering cherry trees are a real treat each Spring!

The green outside inspired me to bring a little green inside... 

The picture of the canoe in the background was taken by my dad when we were vacationing in the Adirondacks a couple years ago.  I admit I'm a little biased but I think he's a super talented photographer whose work you can check out here...Colby Munger Photography.

Below is an oil painting by Mary Streaker of my children sitting on a neighbor's pier a couple years ago.  

Hellebore is a wonderful plant that grows well in dry sandy soil in the shade.  I can get cuttings most of the year from this great plant!

Don't hesitate to bring inside "spring green" too so it feels like spring all the time!  Enjoy these pictures with this great color...

Don't miss my guest bedroom design in the Washington Post House Calls column to be printed on Thursday, May 5th in the Local Living section!  On Thursday, you will be able to see the full article here...House Calls where you can comment on the design.

Also, I love to hear your feedback and ideas!!!  Please take a minute to add a comment to the post!