Happy Sunday! Thank you for joining Mary Ann, Annie and me for our Sunday Favorites. We are still knee deep in boxes but let’s take a look at New Digs, Lauren Liess, Ware Porter & More.
LAUREN LIESS IS FIXING UP ANOTHER FIXER-UPPER
Lauren Liess most recent post struck a nerve with me since we are in the midst of fixing up and downsizing. She is once again moving which means we will all be in for a treat watching the transformation. The crazy thing is however, she is moving into a fixer-upper to fix up while she is fixing up her new home. Yes, you heard it right. That woman has energy!! You can read about her adventures here. If you don’t follow her on Instagram you should here. You can also follow her second account the lost cottage here.
WARE PORTERS FRESH TAKE ON TRADITION
While researching my last post on small space coffee tables, I came across the work of New Orleans-based Ware Porter. I don’t know how I missed it, but I am currently obsessed with his fresh take on tradition and unabashed use of color in his designs. You can find his portfolio here.
More eye candy from his Nola home here.
The red cupboards in the kitchen to die for. I would never have the guts to go all out for color like this but I sure love it.
You can read more about what inspires him and shop his favorites on Chairish here.
“Luxe fabrics mixed with natural fibers, such as abaca and sisal. I also love to use emerging artists’ paintings alongside important Georgian furniture”
Lastly, you can follow him on Instagram here. Aren’t his designs just so fresh and fun? You can learn more about him in this article in Noladore.
KIM’S STYLE NOTES POST LAST WEEK
If you aren’t reading Northern California Style you are missing out. Kim’s blog just keeps getting better and better. Last week she did a wonderful post on how fashion influences design and vice versa. I think you will enjoy it. In fact, it was her post that inspired this week’s outfit of the week. Kim is also teaming up with Sarah and me for our monthly series Signature Style. My move has caused me to delay this month’s post, but we will be back as soon as I can find everything!
OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
As I have mentioned I love the Prarie Dress (or whatever you want to call them) look but just hadn’t seen one that I thought I could wear. This one from Emerson Fry my be calling my name. Love the color combination, no puffy sleeves, and minimal layering. What do you think? I paired it with simple inexpensive accessories from Etsy and Amazon, an African bag (the Contessa loves these), a hat from Anthro that won’t blow off your head, my favorite Gap jean jacket, and these darling ankle wrap sandals from Belk (love the details on these). If you think these would not be comfortable for you, I think this number would be equally good with my favorite Olukai flip-flops. If you are heading to the beach you could ditch the accessories except for the bag, hat, and flip flops! And don’t forget your sunscreen. Have you tried the Elta MD tinted sunscreen? Fabulous for gardening days without makeup! All items are linked below the graphic.
GET THE EMERSON FRY HEIRLOOM DRESS LOOK
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS
If you follow me on Instagram, I have been posting a few sneak peeks (very few) of our new digs. Quite frankly, we have been so busy we can barely think. I apologize if I haven’t been on top of your comments etc., both here and on Instagram. I read every single one of them, but we are just knee-deep in unpacking repacking and trying to get this place organized. This little house is really quite charming and I think you are going to enjoy the transformation. I am itching to get the courtyard garden going.
The tile on the fireplace surround was covered partially by a hideous set of brass doors. I thought the tile was awful and planned to paint it. When we removed the doors and I added a little mantle styling it kind of grew on me. What do you think? I am really liking it strangely enough! I cannot find my larger mirror will replace this one when I do!
The first things I unpacked besides the furniture were my treasured paintings from my friend Pat (Patricia Huber Art). You can see the vineyard painting in the background. In the foreground a gorgeous bouquet of David Austine roses from my friend Roxanne. Roxanne felt bad that I didn’t find the time to pick a big bouquet of my own before I left. She left these on my doorstep and made my day!
Well, that’s it from here! Back to unpacking (and a little decorating for the soul). Have a great day. Thanks for reading New Digs, Lauren Liess, Ware Porter and more.
I love the fireplace and the detail in the brick!
Cindy, I’m chiming in again, this time about the bathroom. My husband was career Coast Guard, and we moved a zillion times. Nearly every move, I had to adapt to what was there, because we didn’t own most of the places we lived. So, my frustration level was sometimes maxed out because of things I couldn’t change. Now that we’re retired and I have had those experiences thrust on me, I realize that it was all for good. Our new home even has things I didn’t choose, but I’m not in a rush to deal with it. I’ve had way worse. So, green tile isn’t your go to, but you can add your unique interpretation of what goes with period tile. If you always do what you’ve always done, you miss the adventure of a new place. I was adamant about dragging old furniture to the new house, but quickly saw the error of my thinking. A new address equals a new recipe, or at least a twist on an old favorite. Enjoy the challenge!
I’m so glad you didn’t paint the tiles. They are original, right, and it’s good to respect and cherish past craftsmanship and styles, I think.
I hope you can bear to leave the original bathroom tiles as well. They are part of your home’s unique history and you may learn to like them! Enjoy your new home!
I love how you put that Emerson Frye dress together!! Really cute!! As always I love all you do!!
The new cottage will be charming! I can’t wait to see it all!
Hi Cindy!
Excited to see your new digs! Regarding your fireplace…. An old friend told me once she ordered a brand new floral sofa. When it was delivered, she noticed a seam was crooked on the back of the sofa, being a little OCD, she called the store to complain. The lady she spoke to after my friend told her about the crooked seam, said “ do me a favor and live with it 2-3 weeks, if it still bothers you, call us back.” After 3 weeks, she never thought of that crooked seam again. Your fireplace tile reminded me of my old friend. I am glad you waited. 🙂
Can’t wait to see what you decided about your soon to be beautiful garden!
I DO LOVE THOSE AFRICAN BASKET BAGS!THAT IS MY FAVORITE ONE YOU SHARED HERE!
Emerson Fry LONG MAXI dresses are too short for me SO I think it might be perfect for YOU!
YOU MUST TRY!
THAT MAN IN New Orleans!
A MUST FOLLOW.
Yes the fireplace is darling
Am remodeling my guest bathroom n using the same tarbaka tiles you had in your old kitchen FYI
Am a lifetime we member n hope you are doing ok on program while moving a glass of wine 4 points helps at the end of the day
Have lots of gourmet recipes to share and a cook book would be a great cookbook to do together or cooking classes at home what do you think
Suzanne
Cindy, I love the fireplace and trying to determine what type of tiles those are….not Batchelder? I would leave the fireplace as is….the way you have decorated the mantel is perfect.
Love the roses too…can’t go wrong with David Austin!
Cindy I love the fireplace tiles. So unique and charming.
I also love small places. You can decorate them like no other space for warmth and character.
Can’t wait to see all of this as you progress along
Xox
Amanda
agree with all the above on the FP tiles.Do not paint! You would lose the patina,just like anything else old. You might be able to sell the house on those alone. I would love to have something that historical in my”Mid-century” house! I always learn something new from your posts.Happy nesting!
OH those roses! What a nice friend! 😉 Moving has its own large set of challenges, doesn’t it? Thanks for all the great inspiration in the midst of it all, and good luck!! Your place looks wonderful!
Cindy, Wow what a fun post. I honestly don’t know how you get the energy to get to all out and keep finding so much cool stuff to share! Cindy I love the mantel and I would not change it at all! It has so much charm as is with the white paint. I also LOVE that wooden mirror.. Gorgeous mix you put together!
Thank you also for the mention, so very nice of you to say that.. I do adore that Emerson Fry dress and the hat you showed with it – and everything! I agree Elta MD is the best sunscreen and my kids love it too. The stuff is actually great for your skin because it improves the skin barrier function, and so much else! x Kim
Hi Cindy,
I hope you don’t paint the tile, it adds just the right amount of history and interest. The prairie dress is great. I could see you pulling that off. Thank you for introducing us to a couple of new (to me) designers.
You know how much I enjoy Sunday Faves.
xo,
Karen
Oh Cindy, those GORGEOUS fireplace tiles! Are they Batchelder? Wow!! I am sure your home is quite charming and I look forward to seeing more of it along with the beautiful garden you create!
Enjoy!
Christy
Hi Christy
I have been trying to find out if they are Batchelder and have had no luck so far. The picture as far as I can tell appears to be a mission in the background with a live oak in the foreground. I would love to know. From what little research I have been able to do, I am guessing that it was made by Handcraft tile in San Jose (which is still in operation by the way).
Isn’t that just like Roxanne? And such a beautiful bouquet. I would never know about David Austin roses if it wasn’t for you. And now my neighbors are asking me, “What are those roses?”
Hi Pat
I sure have enjoyed Roxanne’s roses and your paintings!
LOVE.LOVE.LOVE the fireplace and those story tiles!!! Oozes charm. Please don’t even consider touching it until unpacked and had the chance to sit with it a bit. Those David Austin roses… stunning, as though cross-bred with a peony. Looking forward to the treat of seeing your new nest feathering process.
That prairie dress reminds me of one I sewed in high school Home Ec class, senior year. Wore it till it was thread bare. Reminds me of the first kiss with the love of my life while wearing it! 🙂 BUY it, Cindy!
Hi Nan
Oh my goodness high school home ec. I was a terrible seamstress. We had to wear one of our creations (remember the tent dresses?) to school. I remember being mortified!
Tent dresses- yikes weren’t they hideous?! Though scolded by the teacher for modifying the prairie dress pattern by reducing the amount of gathering/fabric to create a slimmer profile, she admitted it was an improvement on the design. Hard to believe you are not a seamstress.
As others above have said “love the fireplace”. Those tiles are beautiful.
Hi Julane
I agree. Now the bathroom tile that is another story. It is surgical green, and my husband likes it.
Hey Cindy, your tile surround is more than likely Batcheler tile which makes sense given you are in California and the date and style of the house. They are usually castle motifs, trees and many are similar to your color. Do a little research, it will be fun to find out. You can find lots of these at antique stores in the Pasadena area so it might be fun to add a few elsewhere in the house maybe. Stay calm and carry on!!! xxoo kelley
Hi Kelley
I have been trying to research them. As I said above, I am thinking they are batchelder style but perhaps made at Handcraft Tile in San Jose which is still in operation. They have been in operation since 1909. They have always done custom work. I hope a batchelder afficionado will know the answer!
Love love the FP surround!!!! So unique and it looks original to the home right?
Love the wall color too!
Hi Sharon
Yes definitely original. We have owned the house for thirty years. The bathroom has the original tile as well. It is that horrible green and black. I would be all over that if it were black and white, but the floor is green and yellow and the walls gree and black. Quite a combo.
Can’t wait to see your full ‘reveal’! Blessings as you get settled in.
Hi Pam
Thank you so much. The full reveal will be awhile!!
I have to say that I love the tile around that fireplace. But I’m sure the brass doors were the real eyesore. Can’t wait to see what you do with your new digs.
Hi Jill
Yes the brass door really killed it. It still needs to be cleaned up a bit more but it has really grown on me. Dying to know the origin!!
So pleased that you did not remove or paint or anything else to the unique and charming fireplace tiles. Wonderful job (as always) in pulling thetile colors onto the mantle with your accessories. Looking forward to seeing what wonderful and inspiring things you do next.
You would look great in the prairie dress. Too much of me these day to try that look.
Hi Carol
I love that ! There is a little too much of me as well. I need to get back to weight watchers. I have been eating all things bad since packing and moving!!
I love the tiles. I am in Pennsylvania, and they are cherished here. I do believe they are Mercer- they were/are made in Doylestown. I had an entire zodiac fireplace surround in a house here in Bethlehem once- hated to leave it. They are often glazed in green or blue, also.
I can’t wait to see your new decor. I drool over every one of your blogs.
Hi Shelley
It will be so interesting to find out. I have yet to find anything like them in my research. I am hoping someone out there knows!! From what I have read there are many tiles that look like Batchelder but are really just from the era. Would be so interesting if they have a California motif but were made elsewhere. I remember Doylestown well. Isn’t there a year round antique market there? Steve’s brother lived in Pennsylvania for many years. Such a beautiful state.
Love you posts thank you Cindy, and I love what you did with the fireplace I think it is so restful. Cannot wait to see what you are going to do to the garden! I have a similar problem with a space and I want to dig up the grass and put down gravel and make it more Mediterranean. My mother made a true Italian garden from scratch once with foot high boxwood bordering flower areas, and designed her own pattern, so from the upper windows you thought you were in Tuscany. Just what I need right now!!!Take care enjoy your new place 🙂
Hi Francesca
I love gravel. We plan to use gravel in the backyard area. This may become a rental once again when we leave so I need to try and keep the care to a minimum (ha ha). Maybe we can advise one another!
Cindy, I don’t know how you do it, but you do. Terrific post, especially amidst all the moving chaos. Your new home sneak peek is a winner and thanks for the intro into the world of Ware Porter. A big wow! My parents painted their kitchen cupboards a raspberry red in the 80’s. It was beautiful with their black marble countertops. Happy unpacking and getting settled. Sending you all sorts of happy new home mo-jo from the easy!
Hi Deb
I can’t believe you guys are renovating another home! Talk about energy! I am in awe of you two! Is this your new side hustle?
The fireplace surround is a keeper!
I love the vintage fireplace tile but I agree with Gayle above. A slight change of paint color surrounding it might just do the trick. I rarely order any clothes but I’m signing up for that dress. Like you I have wanted one but this one looks scaled down enough for a 5 foot three mature woman. I suspect my daughter is going to want to borrow it. Your home projects are fun to watch.
Your place will be gorgeous just like the others…I like the fireplace like it is! Everything blends very nicely with what you have on the mantle,
I LOVE the fireplace don’t paint it… where are you living now??
The hat you recommended is similar to my Tula of Texas hat that I’ve had for years and is so practical and flattering. I love it.
Please don’t change the fireplace tile. It has its own unique voice that you’re just unaccustomed to, but will soon love to harmonize with it. It is the character that we all long for. If the tile color is bothering you, (not me), then maybe the wall surrounding it could harmonize better. Just a thought.
Hi Gayle
I actually love the tile now. No changing the wall color. I will not be changing the wall color, we just painted it BM White Dove which I love. It was a dingy navajo white before. I love the white. Thanks for weighing in. So appreciate your thoughts!
Don’t paint that storybook fireplace tile! It’s fabulous! Made for books, rattan, and candlelight.
Hi Linda
Isn’t it funny how things just work out. I did not think I was going to like it, but once the brass doors were removed, added the terra cotta pots and the rest of the decor, I completely changed my mind!
I totally agree!!! Plus, if you paint it, that can never be reversed. Priceless!!!
What a fun glimpse into your new place! It’s funny how you and I talk about some of the same things….sunscreen and cotton dresses. I could totally see you in that outfit. I loved Kim’s post, too!!
Hi Mary Ann
I have to get over and read yours!!