fresh'n up

I love how a coat of paint or a piece of fabric can make a very traditional piece look fresh and fun. 

image via Classy Clutter

  

 F. Schumacher fabric image via sara gilbane interiors



the bride wore blue suede Uggs

My beautiful little sister, Kate, is the ultimate Northern California girl.  She has a super green thumb, loves crystals and pretty rocks, has a big heart, a calm spirit, and is wise beyond her years.  I had a fantastic time at her wedding last weekend.

Kate

images lft to rt, top to bottom: the wedding was at Chico Canyon Retreat, right next to a mountain stream; picture of my mom & Uncle Scott; biscuits and gravy for the 9am wedding; cake decorated with simple flowers--perfect for the setting 

 Everything was so relaxed and casual.  My older sister and I spent the rest of the weekend tooling around Nocal.  We sipped lattes in Sonoma and mineral waters in Calistoga.  Road bikes through the vineyards in the rain.  Climbed rocks to sit beside the crashing Pacific Ocean waves, and ate famous cheeseburgers and fries at In-and-Out. 

I love my Hunter boots--perfect for hail in Calistoga; the rainy beach at Bodega Bay and even Chico Canyon Retreat!

Dining Well

I'm the kind of shopper who wants to see all my options before making a selection.  Lately, I've been thinking a lot about dining rooms and dining room chairs.  I love chairs that boldly make a statement.  Chairs that may even be a little bossy--making themselves the star, and telling you what to do with the rest of the room.

Julie Bowen's dining room featured in InStyle Magazine--love the abstract pattern that makes these traditional chairs look playful.



Love the vintage cool of Bertoia side chairs

Always a fan of the Eero Saarinen Tulip table whether paired with the matching tulip chairs or something more traditional.

One of my all time favorite dining rooms--this yellow is so classic and fun.

{images via Pinterest}

Class is in Session

I’m taking a college course that is pretty demanding and I just finished my second exam – whew…
While studying at my dining room table, I thought I’d probably be more enthusiastic about studying if I was sitting in a fabulous home office (okay, maybe not enthusiastic, but at least more focused). For now I can only dream...

Lorraine LeBree’s Home Office Wish List
1. Desk large enough to spread out all my design magazines, fabric swatches and notes – creativity is messy
2. Window with a view – for daydreaming and window-watching
3. A pair of reupholstered wingback chairs for visitors
4. Cushy rugs – for our 2 legged babies
5. Large floor pillows – for our 4 legged babies
6. Chandelier and sconce light fixtures – ordinary just won’t do; and
7. Storage space for our fabulous thrift store and garage sale finds


This classic home office design is a great solution where there is limited space. Even though there is work to be done, there’s still time to take breaks, look out the window and daydream.
http://www.alspics.com/

I can’t figure out what I like more - the floor to ceiling book cases, the spiral staircase framed by the pop of color on the walls or the dark leather seat bottom chair with the weaved back.
http://www.homedesignreviews.net/

White can be modern and classic at the same time and provides no distractions from getting your work done – love the accents of black throughout the room.
http://1st-home-interior.co.cc

The zebra print chair is a great touch. Did you notice the elephant book ends in the background – subdued safari style!
http://1st-home-interior.co.cc