I recently came across an image of the Parisian rooftop garden of the  Hermes head office on rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré in Paris.  I had no idea this magical little oasis existed.  It is called "le jardin sur le toit" meaning the garden on the roof and it is exclusively for the staff of Hermes.  It is said to be a particular favorite of the head perfumier who created a fragrance inspired by and named after the garden.  

I have always loved the idea of a secret garden and this is exactly the type of secret garden that I imagined!  Fruit trees, boxwood, roses, treillage hanging on the walls.  I love everything about it!

Originally it was created during WWII as a vegetable garden to help the family survive the war when food was in short supply.  The garden is now lovingly tended to by Yasmine, the head gardener.  Dream job!

Rather than flags, Hermes scarfs are are flying in the breeze!

"HERMES" spelled out in treillage.

This garden is a total dream.  I would love to be able to visit in person!

1.  Design- 
Read my post from earlier this week about Tory Burch's home in Antigua.  She restored Bunny Mellon's former home.  Speaking of Bunny Mellon.....If you want to read about a fascinating life you should definitely read the book that came out a few months ago about her.    

3.  Home Decor-
Loving this wallpaper by Mark D. Sikes for Schumacher that they are selling on One Kings Lane.  

4.  Art-
I love using large scale art in space, especially photos.  I have been looking through society Slim Aarons prints to possibly use up in the Adirondacks.  Maybe this one or this one.

5. I got a pair of these Artemis silk loafers in a similar print this past spring at TJ Maxx of all places, and I LOVE them.   They are super comfortable and well made.  I am thinking of getting a pair of these velvet mules or these kilim loafers.  Too bad they don't have them at TJ Maxx.  ;-)

Bunny Mellon....a tastemaker, gardener extraordinaire and philanthropist (fascinating life.....read about it in this book that came out a few months ago)  had many beautiful homes.  Among them was her acreage in Antigua.  Designed by Architect H. Page Cross and decorated by Billy Baldwin, this was Bunny's favorite house.  

A portion of the original property came up for sale a few years ago and was purchased by current tastemaker, Tory Burch and is currently featured in the September issue of Vogue.  

The property had been vacant for nearly 20 years before Burch decided to purchase it and bring it back to life.  

Mellon did not lack the finances for perfection but she also wanted everything to seem unpretentious.  Her wardrobe was custom made head to toe by Givenchy, even gardening clothes, but was at the same time also typically understated.  She strived for a sense of imperfect perfection.  She instructed that her interiors looks at though they were full of items "brought down from the attic" and instructed her gardeners to clean up fallen leaves but then scatter some under trees to make it look as if they had just fallen.  She also instructed her staff that broken potato chips be removed from bowls before serving them  Such was the life of Bunny Mellon.  

Tory and her long time designer,  Daniel Roumaldez respectfully restored the Antigua house with minor adjustments to make it their own while staying true to the original vision of Bunny Mellon,  H Page Cross and Billy Baldwin.  According to Tory the house did not require a major overhaul because, “how do you perfect someone’s taste when that person has perfect taste?”

I have fall fashion on my mind.  I have a few basics......some on the pricier side.....that I am wanting to add to my wardrobe.  

1.  These Gucci loafers.  They are everywhere now but I really want them!  

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2.  Speaking of Gucci......this belt!  I am not a huge belt wearer but this one is so good!

3.  I always love leopard but I am really wanting a leopard coat this year.  I haven't seen this one in person so I am not 100% sure because faux fur can be really bad.  I may look like a crazy old woman wearing this coat but I LOVE it!  If it ends up not being good I am go for something a little more subtle like this one.  

4.  A gold link chain link necklace is a classic.  But for a much more affordable price I might go with this one.  

5.  A new bag is always nice for fall.  I don't really need one but since I love my Louis Vuitton neverful and use it all of the time.  A Goyard tote had been on my wishlist for a while but I don't really like how they don't stand up on their own.  If you put it down on the floor they just slump over.  I just remembered another French brand that I saw in Paris a few years ago......Fauré Le Page.  I like the look of Goyard a little better but these totes are much more structured.  The only problem is they can only be bought in the store or on sites like TheRealReal. 

Happy Fall Shopping!

Styling a room with the final detail is what really finishes a space.  These finishing touches such as styling a coffee table is a final step really worth taking to make your space special.  A lot of people get hung up on styling a coffee table and while there are some guidelines you can follow there is also a lot of playing with objects to see what feels right.  The best styling occurs when you use special objects and unique items that you already own.  It really gives a space a personal touch.  

Here are some rooms with great coffee table styling.  

This is my favorite way to style a coffee table and typically what my coffee table looks like.  I start with stacks of books all at similar but slightly varying heights. On top of the books I like to put a small tray or a box or different objects that currently have my attention.  Shells, a cool paperweight, a vintage item I came across.  Like above, I also love to have a vase of fresh flower to add some life and some height.  An orchid or another potted plant also works and lasts longer.  

An ottoman stacked with books and topped with more "objet"  including a Chinese bowl.  

Another favorite way to style a coffee table is with a tray to corral items.  This particularly works great if you have kids or need to clear the table off regularly.  You can lift the tray and place it to the side while the table needs to be cleared.  The tray also keeps the table looking a bit neater.  In this room the hurricane adds height and there is also a stack of books to create interest.  

A bit simpler styling here.  One stack of books with a vase of beautiful flowers.  

Also a simple but effective look.  A stack of books topped with a few objects and a cool textural bowl.  This look is monochromatic and fits the room perfectly.  

For a more elegant room, simple styling with a stack of white books, a small box and a potted orchid.  Keeps the rooms looking neat, yet personal.  

Here are some ideas below for styling your coffee table.

For a more modern look start with a clean white lacquer tray.  Add a stack of books....you can keep it clean by using black and white books.  Add a cool vintage brass animal object and a great smelling candle.  
Tray 
Crab
Candle

For a fuller, more layered look, start with a great rattan tray to add tons of texture, place a few stacks of books around, top the books with a pair of vintage Staffordshire dogs, a vase of fresh hydrangeas and a beautiful inlay box.  
Tray
Dogs
Box

Simple, stylish ways to style a coffee table.  

In the June issue of Veranda, a beautiful 19th century Connecticut farmhouse by Timothy Whealon was featured.  I keep going back to it and looking at the photos.  It is so dreamy and soothing.  

I love the tonal exterior and the absence of flower in the front of the house.  The masses of green landscaping are set off so beautifully against the white house.  

Vegetable garden to die for!  I mean....can it be any more idyllic.  I can imagine myself in the morning dressing in all white and strolling outside to my perfect garden with my dog sitting obediently by my side......but in my life I would still be wearing my pajamas, getting annoyed at the bugs and heat and then having my muddy dogs jump on me and dig up whatever I was about to harvest in the garden.  Instead I will  fantasize about how perfect my life would be if only I lived in this house!

After my morning gardening I would come in and sit down here with a cup of coffee and hand write letters to friends.  I will also hand letter the place cards for the dinner party I will be having tonight.  

Then I might move in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea and the morning paper.

 After that I would take my dog for a leisurely walk before lunch to work up an appetite.  And of course my dog is always freshly groomed so that my antique wool runner is never stained from dirty dog prints!  His leash and collar are stowed away in the antique Chinese trunk in the foyer.  

When we return from our walk I would go into the kitchen and  have a fresh salad from the veggies I picked that morning with a side of French cheese.  Maybe a glass of wine as well.  

After lunch I would set the dining room table for that's nights intimate dinner party I would be having with a few good friends.  The flowers on the table would be fresh from the garden, of course.  

I would then move to the window seat for my afternoon cup of tea.  

Before getting ready for dinner I would go out and look around the garden to see what other flowers are blooming and would make good arrangements in the house for this evening.  They would all be placed in the most perfect containers that I choose from my stash that is neatly organized in the built-in cabinetry of my flower arranging room.  

Then I would head up to my bedroom to change and get ready for the arrival of my dinner party guests.  

Now that I am ready,  I would head outside with a tray of cocktails to greet my friends.  We would take a stroll around the garden before heading inside for the roast that I have been cooking in the oven all day.  I might grab some basil or rosemary as a fresh garnish from my potting bench as we walk inside for dinner.  


I will then go to bed and wonder how I am going to do this all again tomorrow.  What a life!  


But seriously....is this not the most gorgeous house.  Exactly what a Connecticut country house should be.  

I love magazines.  I have subscriptions to all the major interior design publications.  Even though you can find most things online and on Pinterest I still really love flipping through the pages of a magazine.  
But I hate having magazines laying around.  I am not a whole issue saver.  I usually read the magazine front to back and then quickly go back through and tear out pages of ideas, products or homes that I love.  
I have piles of magazine tear sheets that I used to organize in binders but in the past couple of years they have just been stored in a big basket.

I love going through them every once in a while and coming across things that I forgot about.  I recently came across this house from Coastal Living designed by Jenny Keenan, a South Carolina based designer.  While the whole house is gorgeous there are a few vignettes that I really love.  Since it is a beach house it is perfect for summer.  I would love to be in this house on the ocean right now!

The scenic De Gournay wallpaper would be enough but mixed with the painted floors, wicher peacock chairs and the blue upholstered chairs this dining nook is perfect.  I also love the skirted table in the distance.  

Perfect mix of gilt, marble topped console with wicker and shells against a stark white background.  

All of the bedrooms have their own personality.  They also all have such a great mix of furnishings and fabrics.  

Perfect beach house bathroom-white tile, marble and mixed metals.  

I just love this whole vignette.  Ikat, block prints, rope, shells, acrylic, antique hand colored prints, blue and white......love!

Love this adorable blue painted stair runner.  

See more of this house at Coastal Living.  

1.  Loving all of the items in Sarah Bartholomew's new collections for Pottery Barn.  

2.  H&M and GP&J Baker teamed up and used some of Baker's print to create some new pieces  for H&M.  They are coming out next week!

3.  I am always looking for new good wallpaper and this week I remembered about Meg Braff's selections.  I ordered a few samples and can't wait until they arrive!  

4.  Speaking of wallpaper.  Wallpapered ceilings are on my radar for a couple of places.  I created a new pinterest board for inspiration!  

5.  Another addition to my love of wicker and rattan is this drinks dispenser I found on Pottery Barn.  So chic for a party!  

I am working on a couple of bathroom designs right now and have been really surprised at how much you can buy on Amazon!  I thought it might be fun to put together a powder design with items you can purchase all from Amazon.  


First up is the Kohler Kathryn series toilet and pedestal sink.  Great classic style.

 Two great faucets......the Rohl in chrome on top (great quality and a little bit more budget friendly) or the Perrin & Rohe in polished nickel below.  

Classic marble 1" hexagon tile for the floor.  Won't ever go out of style.  

To add some personality- a great wallpaper.  A powder room or other small space is the perfect place to add some color or personality to your home.  These are all from York or Waverly and I am really impressed at how they have upped their game and have some really great patterns.  

To add an extra detail a monogrammed hand towel.  

Love this one!  Such a stylish  monogram.  

And a cute lucite towel ring to hold the hand towel.

A great rattan mirror to add some texture.  

The perfect finishing touches....a great bottle of French soap.  My favorite soap that lasts forever and looks great on the sink and a fabulous smelling Dyptique candle.  

An adorable powder room with personality all ordered through one site.  So easy! 

It's mid July and I still haven't done any good summer shopping!  So typical.....and I wonder why I can never find a good bathing suit.  They are all sold out.  I am really good and ordering shoes and bags, though!!  I ordered a really cute pair of leopard slides from Anthro the other day that I am excited to get.  

1.  I have also ordered a pair of Birkenstocks!  I am still not 100% sure what I think.  I know everyone has them now but every time I put them on my feet I feel like a clown.  I love them on other people, though.  This pair arrived last week.  

2.  I have been looking for wallpaper for a few projects.  One of those projects is my house in the Adirondacks.  A few of the bedrooms are ready to be painted or wallpapered.  I think I landed on my choice for one of those rooms.  This great paper by Oscar de la Renta for Lee Jofa:

3.  I went to the city last week and wanted a book to read on my way home on the train.  I popped into a book store in Grand Central and picked this up from their best seller section.  Not a bad read.  Twists and turns but nothing scary that keeps you awake at night.  

4.  Speaking of books....a great interior design coffee table style book that I got a few months ago is Gil Schafer's book.  I have looked through it a few times in the last few weeks for inspiration.

5. Up at the lake we have a "party raft" off of our dock.  Initially when it was put in the water my husband was horrified at the big plastic blow up ruining the view, but it is so much fun.  Much to his horror we also have two inflatable swans that we float on.  I recently came across this giant peacock party raft and really want one!   If you are going to have an ugly floating party raft you might as well make it interesting.  We might have a giant floating bird raft next year!  ;)