JERSEY SHORE SANS THE SLEAZE

all photos by Jonny Valiant

At this juncture in time, hearing the term "Jersey Shore" doesn't exactly conjure up images of refined living thanks to certain TV programs. In the September issue of House Beautiful, decorator Mona Ross Berman turns the tarnished image on its ear with her fabulous "surfer chic with class" style.  I love this cottage she lent her colorful touch to. 

So many great rooms and no tattoos or hair gel in sight! 

I hope all of my friends on the East Coast here in the US have weathered Hurricane Irene ok and are now safe. I wish everyone continued safety with all of the clean-up, repairs and the process of getting on with your lives.

DIGGING RUTHIE SOMMERS' DIGS

All photos by Victoria Pearson courtesy of House Beautiful

Do you know of a designer whose work always jumps out and grabs you?  For me, Ruthie Sommers is one of those people. Often, when I see her work, even before I know it's a space that she has designed, I have an instant attraction to it. I love the fun and unexpected elements she layers on along with the hues that I tend to find most pleasing. She somehow knows just how to integrate traditional elegance with a perfect dose of youthful spunk and always get it right. 

This recent feature of Ruthie's L.A. home from House Beautiful 2011 just left me with a great feeling. Like the contented, satisfied state you often pass into after eating your favorite meal. A visual feast! 

HB STILL DELIVERS

I guess that I started reading House Beautiful when I was maybe......10?

I have to say I was loving this month's issue, especially the chic California beach cottage designed by Krista Ewart for her sister and family. That surfboard with the crisp green geometric pattern by Halsea is really grabbing me!

Love the pink fridge

and this summery breakfast table spread. It all just feels "happy" to me. Did you spot the "Keep Calm" mug? Mine are available here.

(all photos House Beautiful) 

THANK YOU, HOUSE BEAUTIFUL!

(Click to enlarge)

A BIG thanks to the editors at House Beautiful for featuring my Chair Collection Note Cards in their Holiday Gift Guide. They are available here.

I hope everyone had a good weekend! We were having record highs - even for Florida - in the mid 90's, but my weekend was enjoyable and productive. I got a chance to clean out/organize my closet. I was operating by the adage "if you haven't used it, lose it". Cleaning and organizing get me high. Sounds strange, I know, but it's cheap and harmless, at least. How was your weekend?

CARLETON VARNEY - MR. COLOR

The soothing pale pink of the walls with the stronger colors is a perfect combo.

That sofa fabric! LOVE it.

A bright and comfy sunporch.

The strong graphic quality of the striped walls and zebra runner makes for a peppy and youthful entrance. (photos by Mikkel Vang courtesy of House Beautiful)

I must admit that I don't know a lot about design legend Carleton Varney. I was vaguely familiar with him just by virtue of the fact that I have been reading decor mags since I was about 10, but lately I have learned a bit more via other blogs and the latest issue of House Beautiful.

This man loves color and has quite a way with it. Having grown up partially in the Great Lakes area, I am well acquainted with the lake cottage subculture there and when I saw this charming home in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, I was captivated. I love cottage style and the warm informality that it exudes. So, having said that, I just HAD to post a few of the photos here. The colors, the painted wood floors and all the light soaking into the place are so inviting. An interview with Mr. Varney and a complete photo tour can be seen here.

ASHLEY WHITTAKER COMMISSION

My painting of the room Ashley Whittaker designed
Gouache on Arches 8x10

Ashley's beautiful design in Southampton

Here is a commission I recently completed for New York designer Ashley Whittaker. Ashley is a very talented designer who was named in the Domino 10 last year. Domino magazine chooses the top 10 up and coming designers and Ashley has more than established herself in that position with her stellar work. She is a former protege of prominent interior designer Markham Roberts and I know that we will only be seeing more and more of her work in leading design publications in the coming days. She is a delight to work with and I was honored that she chose me to immortalize this scene in one of her projects in Southampton, NY. Her work is featured in the current February 2008 edition of House Beautiful. Jennifer Dwyer of Peak of Chic has featured her in a post today, so please check it out. As always, Peak of Chic offers gorgeous photos and fascinating text to accompany them.