Day 27: Travel lures

We’re leaning into Herbert Ypma’s captivating interior & travel photography on the blog today. I first came upon his work through his book Nomad Deluxe, which I discovered one day, while browsing at St Frank’s in San Francisco.

What I’m most drawn to - these images go beyond the beaten path, into less trodden places and spaces. A unique nature resort in Goa, a revitalized hunting cabin on the French coastline, a bed-and-breakfast in Uruguay where the skies are the bluest blue - these are new visions. More “traveller gone rogue” than “picture perfect”.  They’re warm, exotic & create in us a penchant to travel again.

GOA, INDIA

LAKE GARDA, ITALY

LANDES, FRANCE

How gorgeous is this custom backsplash - so inspiring! It appears to be 2 separate pieces, joined down the center.

MOROCCO

TRANCOSO, BRAZIL

la posada del faro, URUGUAY

Herbert Ypma

His books from which the photos above are taken -

Photo credits: Vogue, Nomad Deluxe, Morocco Modern, Amazing Places Cost Nothing

Day 26: The power of one

Borrowing a term from the wonderful designer Mark D Sikes, it’s when one fabric or pattern is used on everything in a room. It creates a strong, cohesive look. And personally, I love it. Today we’re looking at a few rooms that make use of the power of one - some with flair, others with restraint - all beautiful!

More is more in this sweeping master bedroom. The Tree of Life pattern is repeated on the walls, bed drapery, sofa and bench cushion. The flooring and furnishings add warmth to the space and complement the whites nicely. I also like the the pops of turquoise (table lamp, vase, foo dogs) in a sea of red and white!

Architectural Digest

Mario Buatta’s celebrated Kip’s Bay Showhouse where he used Brunschwig & Fils Batik-inspired Verrieres fabric to great effect.

Cote de Texas (thank you too to Little Augury, for a fascinating lesson on the history of this fabric!)

In this bedroom, the wallpaper, bedcover, window shade and sette are all in Pierre Frey’s ‘Sans Papillons’. Offset by plain curtains, and pink lampshades that are picking up on the pink of the flowers.

House & Garden

I love this room, decorated in the iconic Bowood chintz! The beadboard walls give it a certain intimacy. It feels airy, light and like it would be easy to enjoy.

House Beautiful

Day 25: Man in space (and the Woman behind it)

Today, SpaceX sends 2 astronauts aboard their spacecraft Falcon 9, on a trip to the International Space Station. It’s the first time humans will be flying on a brand new US spacecraft since 1981. The first time an all-American spacecraft with an all-American crew will launch into space since 2011. It’s historic. And it has us on the edge of our seats!

Here’s the link to the webcast, if you’d like to follow along. Although I’m sure it will be airing on a lot of the news channels too.

Did you know - alongside Elon Musk, there’s one more key person who’s been the driving force behind Space X’s endeavors? It’s 7th employee and present chief operating officer, Gwynne Shotwell. A very accomplished woman who’s been leading sales, business development and client relationships at Space X for years (her TED Talk’s great!). And is supposedly an effective counterbalance to her boss :) It makes me happy to see a woman at the forefront of such a great mission.

Here’s hoping it all goes excellently. Rise & shine, Falcon 9.

Sketch by NASA artist Robert McCall

Floating Astronaut - Fine Art America

Gwynne Shotwell (via WSJ)

Day 24: A lively summer table

Love all the images of summer coming in right now. Lots of pretty blooms, elegant bouquets & lively gardens! Thought it’d be fun to pull together an outdoor tablescape inspired by these.

A bridal bouquet from a summer wedding in Provence, by Dandelions & Grace

I’m currently drawn to a combination of dusty rose & citrus. I’ve been seeing it in a few places and it feels fresh and light and summery. So here goes!

tablecloth - starting with a rose linen tablecloth (love the color & casual linen!)
charger - bark edge chargers
dinner plates - speckled white
napkins - citrus
flatware - tortoiseshell (an alternate for less)
small glass bud vases with light pink roses for each guest
glasses - stem glasses
candles - vintage milk glass candle holders + dusty rose taper candles
centerpieces - gold planters filled with peonies, coral dahlias, light pink roses & marigold stems

How about a casual lunch & some hearty conversation?

Day 23: Sailing into Memorial Day

This photograph by Ekberg Racing

A shot from the Figawi Race Weekend - a sailboat race & charity event that takes place every year in Cape Cod on Memorial Day Weekend.