Invest in Versatility

I was breezing thru Domaine and one of the articles I read was about the most versatile pieces for the home.  I agreed with all their recommendations (except maybe tufted headboards), and added a few of my own to the list.  These are things that are well worth the investment, read transitional; meaning they can be placed in a traditional or more contemporary setting.  Often times they can be found at several price points, and can be either the workhorse in a room as in the case of the neural sofas or the woven shades, or maybe the stand out piece,such as the gilt mirror or zebra rug.

Go for one or go for them all ~ You can't lose.
My choices have asterisks*


NEUTRAL SOFAS ~

Invest in a great white or ivory sofa.  You'll have it forever and can transform a room around it for years to come.

Susanne Kasler

Mary McDonald

GILT CARVED MIRRORS ~

I love this unexpected accessory in any environment.  It says "look at me" in more ways than one.

AERIN office, Jacques Garcia

NATURAL FIBER RUGS ~

A sisal or natural material rug is a great backdrop for a rug on rug look and can easily transform from easy breezy to an elegant interior!

Jenny Wolf

Melanie Turner

FARMHOUSE TABLES ~

Pair it with an unexpected chair style and you've got a fashionable, functional design.

ZEBRA RUG* ~

Big fan…enough said.

Gary Spain

FRANKLY, ANY ANIMAL PRINT * ~

It is completely neutral and wakes up a room

WOVEN SHADES* ~

The texture gives just enough style to the barely there window treatment.

Jeffery Allen Marks

BLUE AND WHITE POTTERY* ~

No matter your decor or color scheme, it just works, and works amazingly.

Ironically, many classic rooms have several of these objects happily coexisting together within the same four walls.

Do you have anything to add to this list?

Fancying Flat Weaves

Maybe it's the heat, maybe it's my need for change, maybe I am smitten because a beach house project has me searching for "something else, something new," but I have fallen for flat weave rugs.  They were never really on my radar.  I always gravitated towards the flat weaves plush, high pile counterpart, but I am feeling adventurous.

They feel crisp and contemporary (even in a most traditional pattern).  They are as practical as they are beautiful.  You can turn them over to double the life span of the rug.  With a plethora of design options,  Navajo, oriental, geometric, stripe, in bold, fun colors, or a natural neutral, the looks are limitless!

Flat weave rugs are usually tightly woven from cotton and/or wool.  The ease of cleaning makes them a perfect option for homes with pets, kids, or allergy sufferers!

I am really excited to choose a fun rug for my beach house project.  The hard part is always deciding between all the wonderful options.




Flat weave rug photos courtesy of Studio Four NYC  along with Merida, Dash and Albert,  Serena and Lily and Madeline Weinrib : these are some of my favorite resources.

Walk with Me: Coconut Grove,FL

I am wrapping up decorating a home in Coconut Grove, FL.  The house was sold and the owners are relocating.  We weren't quite done, but the best laid plans…

I am completely smitten with the area.  Every time I wander past the lawn I have to have my GPS on, because the neighborhood is a maze of narrow winding roads overgrown with flora and fauna.

As a matter of fact, Coconut Grove is the oldest. modern, continuously inhabited neighborhood in Miami.  "The Grove" is lush with vegetation, alive with lizards, and peacocks reign!  Often I see them roaring the streets, but not this day.  I heard them, though.  They sound like cats in distress, I kid you not.

Every nook and cranny holds interest to me.  Every path or gate begs the question, "What's beyond?"
I hope I did not alarm the neighbors as I trolled the streets with my camera.  I was so inspired; loving the greenery and the wild, tropical, residential feel of it all.

Many native plants and trees create living privacy screens, so it was really hard to see all the interesting homes, but I persevered!

Classic Spanish Mediterranean abodes felt at home in the location

   

An homage to the famous mascot that calls The Grove home

I am sure it takes much work to create the natural landscape that looks like it has evolved over many,many years

Some trees ~ pregnant with stag horn ferns

The perfect tree swing hung below; an idyllic setting, a romantic respite.

I understand "Meet The Fockers" was filmed in The Grove.

My curiosity peeked at the sight of this Asian inspired property, Kampong, part of the Fairchild Botanical Garden, but the trees put me over the edge.  I think it's a Banyan tree, but I have never seen anything like this.  If you know ~ do tell.

The long wavy strands of almost ombre colored branches were otherworldly, especially when surrounded by the mist that had settled after a sudden rain.  I wish I could have color captured it better; the hanging vines or branches looked as if they were glowing.

Foo Dogs stood sentry over a slightly more humble but no less interesting residence

I twist and wind thru the streets...

… like the roots and branches of the trees and shrubs that call The Grove home

 British Colonial homes are equally appropriate in the tropical oasis

I saw modern day tree houses 

I love the assemblage of objects greeting guests at this front door, and the warm terra cotta color is welcoming as well.

I played the game, what kind of house would I want if I lived here?  I chose a hybrid of many of the homes I saw and came up with a Mediterranean Modern.

I love the color blocking going on here.  I am sure the owner planned that red car in just the right position.  Attention to detail: I like it.

I'm gonna miss this charming place, but feel lucky I had the opportunity to experience it!

Under the heading of write it down, make it happen:  I am interested in creating a bigger presence in  South Florida.  Despite the heat and humidity, my love of travel married with my love of decorating = perfect pairing.  Plus, my kids are there,what's a mother to do?