My Cottage - need advice!

Below are pictures of "The Gypsy House"...my beloved cottage.  I need some advice - here's where you come in!  I'd like to complete a proper pathway on my side yard, but I've never done it before and have no idea how to start or what material to use (flagstones?).  The previous owners put down the bluestone pavers on pic #3, but they just put them straight onto the grass, so now they're all cracked and look awful...I need to get rid of them and start over.   I'd like to locate a small patio further up the yard (closer to the front door - pic #1).  Suggestions?  I've looked at lots of garden books, etc., but was wondering if anyone out there has actual experience...thank you!!  Hope you're all having a blissful weekend! 

Front side of the house - street facing

Side yard...obviously, long and narrow...fence to the left (not pictured).

The arched area is my kitchen...view to the street and front garden

Yellow swallowtail enjoying the clover in the front garden!


The images below are similar to what I had in mind, but I'm open to suggestions!

Don't forget to stop and smell the roses this weekend!

Jennifer Aniston's Beverly Hills home

I have a confession:  I'm a fan of Jennifer Aniston.  It's a little embarrassing, but there it is!  I've been curious about what her post-Brad abode would look like, so I finally did a search for some images today.

I'm impressed.  Originally built in the 1970s, her Beverly Hills house has an earthy, unpretentious (if a house worth $15 million can be unpretentious), Zen-like vibe that I love.  She basically gutted the house and designed it from scratch.  Trying to be eco-friendly, she even had solar panels installed and used fallen - not harvested - timber.  She said she wanted the house to feel "like a hug".  I like her even more now...what do you think?

Images courtesy of Architectural Digest.

So in love with the purple chairs!

Stunning rock wall

Beautiful grain/color of the wood paneling

My favorite room.

Perfection.

Would love to see which bottles are in there...pizza oven to the left

A koi pond leading to the front entrance - fabulous.

   

Une Charmant Boutique Francais

It's no secret to people that know me well that I am a Francophile - big time.  Love the language, culture, food, people...all things French!   Yesterday, I found a cute little Etsy boutique (Royal Bebe Shoppe) which specializes in french home decor items.  Below are some of my favorites.  I am seriously lusting after the beige pillow with the light pink ribbon.  And who doesn't love Audrey Hepburn (no, she's not French, but she should be!).  Visit the shop here .

Turquoise

Last week when I posted about Summer Settings there was one color palette that really grabbed me. It was the turquoise with deep brown and accents of fuchsia. Such a beautiful combination. Since I kept thinking about the color turquoise,  I've put together a group of photos all featuring it. Even though it's strong, turquoise mixes well with other colors: clean white, tan, brown, cool grey, yellow, pink, orange, it all works.

I've started with the photo from the Summer Settings post. Outdoors or in,  turquoise is a vibrant, beautiful color choice.

 photo from The House of Turquoise

 Harlequin Fabrics and Wallcoverings

 Harlequin Fabrics and Wallcoverings

 Harlequin Fabrics and Wallcoverings

Vintage sari fabrics

Summer Settings

A bright sky, lush green landscape, these are the calls of summer. Sometimes you just have to be outside. Let these outdoor settings  inspire and entice you into the great outdoors.

 

 Colorful, bright, comfortable. A great setting. I love the mix of color and pattern on the earthy wicker background.

 I am enchanted by blue and white all over again. It's always cool and crisp in a summer setting.

 I love how the surrounding green is used to highlight the bright pink flowers on the table. The fabrics are pretty great too.

 Its all in the details. The color palette for this outdoor table is perfect. The floral table runners placed across the table makes it all work.

 Exotic, pink, breezy. Where is this? I want to go.

 The deep brown of the house is a wonderful background for the turquoise, white and fuchsia palette. Inviting and vibrant.

 It isn't always about high doses of color. The white and tan create a soft, serene atmosphere.

The soft, cozy hammock setting may actually be better with your eyes closed. Happy Summer
photos from Homes&Gardens

Dreams...

I'm not sure whether it's the change of season, the fact that I have a week off (yay!), or some other cosmic reason, but I've been having some very vivid dreams these past few nights.  I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say that they've been interesting!  Anyone else out there dreaming up a storm lately?

A Dream Within A Dream by Edgar Allan Poe

Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow--
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.

I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream? 

The Serenity Of Neutrals

I talk and post a lot about color but I also have an appreciation for neutrals. The right combination of similar soft tones make for a beautiful and serene setting.

There is great attention to detail in this neutral room from the pleats of the window treatments to the pattern of the accent pillows.

 The contrast of the dark, sleek wood against the light neutral fabric and wallcovering adds to the sophistication of this dining area.

 This room I call Edgy Neutrals. I like it!

 Cream and white with just enough dark wood to give the room depth.

 I like the subtle change in color of the plaid sofa fabric.

There's a lot going on in this room. The neutral palette makes it all work without getting overwhelming.

 The chrome, glass and mirrors add a bit of glamour to this neutral room.

A beautiful soft, dreamy neutral bedroom. Strong color isn't necessary to design a stunning room. The right mix of neutrals is truly beautiful.
Photos from Osborne & Little and Homes and Gardens