Spring for this!

I came across Aswoon while looking through the Interior Design Magazine website and this screen, called Peacock, caught my eye. I just had to look further.
I went to aswoon.com to find all of these room dividers designed by Susan Woods. I just find them irresistible. I would love to use these somewhere. They're art!Susan Woods designs many other great pieces, including some gorgeous bent wood items. Here's just a sampling. Go check it out now!

The Grand Island Mansion

This last weekend I was in a wedding at the most charming location, The Grand Island Mansion. Situated in the delta area a little ways outside of Sacramento.

It is one of the largest private estates in Northern California and perfect for weddings. They have lovely grounds with a Gazebo for outdoor weddings and a grand ballroom for indoor ceremonies. There is plenty of space among the 58 room for the bridal party to get ready for the big event.

Two dining rooms accommodate quite a crowd. The smaller is cozy with a fireplace and rich drapery framing the windows. The larger dining room is has a beautiful gallery of arches in classic Italian style that open to the spacious window wall overlooking a courtyard. The happy couple can retreat to the bridal suite while out of town guest or bridal party can stay in many of the other themed rooms. From lounging in the Hemingway bar to working out in the gym or watching a film in the theater, the overnight guests will be quite content. This venue is definitely worth checking out sometime!

Photos by Rebecca Ward

Fun Fabrics

In flipping through magazines, I noticed the add by Duralee fabrics introducing Thomaspaul prints. It was so yummy and spring like I had to share. Look at these bold patterns! (including the wallpaper)

These photos also sing of spring!

Hardware Style

I recently picked up this book called Hardware Style by Marthe Le Van. I almost passed it up thinking that I wasn't really interested in different styles of doorknobs and drawer pulls.

I decided to flip through it before passing it up and realized that it was a treasure trove of creativity. There were fabulous ideas of using everyday items to look like fabulous decor items around the house. I'm not big on the country crafty homemade style but this was not at all like that yet fairly simple home project that would look great in a contemporary house.

If you come across this book, snatch it up! You'll be inspired!

March Catalogs

I just received my March Anthropologie and Pottery Barn catalogs in the mail today and thought I would share my favorite images.

These first two are from Pottery Barn. I love this easter tree table display! The framed wall below just looks pleasing to me.

These two are from Anthropologie . I love the lighting and the mirrored chest which is so ever popular right now.

New Intercontinental Hotel

This last weekend in my trip to Monterey, CA, I paid a visit to the new Intercontinental Hotel right on the Cannery Row.

We entered first through the back of the hotel which opens to a new walkway along the water. They had inviting seating around some fire pits in the outdoor courtyard that looked like a great place to relax with a glass of wine.

Inside, clean lines and cool colors of greens blues and tans created a peaceful yet sophisticated atmosphere. There is a nice indoor seating lounge with a fireplace and nice view to the ocean for those rainy days.


My favorite area was the staircase up to the Lobby. It was reminiscent of some of the Aquarium's exhibits with water-esque lights projected on the domed ceiling and a jellyfish light fixture.


The C restaurant looked like a good place to eat!

So check it out if you're in the area!

All photos taken by: Rebecca Ward

Fun Fishy Things

I love koi fish designs on clothing, wallpaper, in paintings, anything!

When I saw this Derwent collection from Osborne and Little wallcoverings I instantly loved it. They have some other fun colorways in this pattern.

They also feature this Aquarium pattern from the Nina Campbell collection. It's a little less sophisticated and a little more whimsical. I love the way they featured it on one wall in the photo below. It would be fun in a laundry room.

You really should check out their other wallcoverings. I just have to share with you these other patterns I fell in love with!

To finish on the Fishy note, I thought it appropriate to share these koi fish galoshes from Chooka on this rainy day. My friend owns a pair and I'm jealous!