Modern trends ... graphic patterns

Chris Lee of the Wenham Museum council,
models a fabulous jacket that she found in Paris.

A new trend in both fashion and decorating right now is bold graphic patterns, either in black and white or a mix of preppy colors. I love this new trend that is really a flash back to around the 1970’s (at least that is where I remember it from!) I have used this play on pattern in my vignette at the North Shore Design Show ...

Wallpaper from the 70s: Jupiter
Drawstring Bag in Night and Day from Vera Bradley
Tennis Racquet Cover from Ame & Lulu

Ame & Lulu even has a collection of bold prints for the stylish pup.

And I have seen more of these fun patterns at
Scribe Paper & Gift in Hamilton (right down
the street from the Wenham Museum) ...

70’s inspired designs by Jonathan Adler.

Fun animal prints and exotics.

Trendy lunch totes also seen at Scribe.

I spotted this preppy boat tote with a colorful ribbon-like stripe pattern at the gift shop located in the Wenham Tea House this week. I will actually be back there tomorrow (or this morning as it is after midnight as I write this) after the Designer Tour of the show, which begins at 9am. I better sign off now and get some sleep so that I am rested for our visitors : )

Small space, big hit

I recently finished a small scale project in one of our boy’s rooms. We call it the “Mini Room.” The space measures 6 feet in depth by 4 feet wide and a mere 4 feet high. The space was stolen from under a new set of attic stairs that were built on the other side of the double closet wall in this bedroom. I have to credit my husband with the idea to create this secret spot for our little guys, although at first I was reluctant ... would it become one more place to store forgotten toys?


Our well-worn copy of “Where the Wild Things Are”

To make it more of a destination than a play space, I designed it to function as a small sitting room, which is appropriate as only one of my four boys can completely stand up in it. To make it extra cozy, I found a large round pet bed for seating. I have since picked up a second one since it was such a big hit (also to avoid arguments over who gets to sit on it – well worth another trip to the store!) Soft pillows and snuggly blankets invite lingering, while a shelf of books encourage my little guys to spend quiet time reading.



I really love this completed project (see, we have finished something!) and the boys have even used the space for sleepovers amongst themselves. Occasionally I will find someone who has snuck the x-box in there for some late night gaming, but for the most part it has been a great place to escape to for a little peace and quiet. And just as my husband predicted, the boys love their secret hideaway, or in this case, their boy cave : )

Classic good looks ...

Today was a super busy day project-wise (and it ain’t over yet!), but I had to take a minute to post this very photogenic pooch that I came across in my travels. He actually moved from his usual position of looking out the window to strike a pose for me. Isn’t he adorable?