Sunday Fab Five: Maximalist Interiors, James Farmer’s Home Again, and a Collected Outfit Worth Stealing
I’ll be honest, life around here is a little busys right now. I’m getting ready for a creators summit next week with some of my best blogging pals, and then, at the end of April, France. France. So yes, the mood is celebratory, and this week’s Fab Five absolutely matches it. We’ve got a carefully put-together outfit of the week I am loving, a deep dive into James Farmer’s beautiful book Home Again and what he’s been creating lately, and a home tour on Homeworthy that you might want to check out. It’s maximalist, joyful, and absolutely bursting with color and pattern. Pull up a chair and a cup or glass of something good. Let’s chat about my Sunday fab five:maximalist interiors, James Farmer’s Home Again, and a collected outfit worth stealing.
Sunday Fab Five: Maximalist Interiors, James Farmer’s Home Again, and a Collected Outfit Worth Stealing
Home Again-James Farmer
If you don’t already know James Farmer, consider this your introduction to one of the South’s most beloved designers. Born and raised in Georgia, James has built his entire business in his hometown of Perry and that sense of deep-rootedness shows up in everything he does. His style is warm, layered, and gracious. His eleventh book, Home Again: A Return to Gracious Interiors, is exactly the kind of design book you want to live with rather than just look at. He takes you on a tour of homes he and his team have designed across the country from his own beloved Farmdale Cottage to a sprawling estate in South Carolina’s Lowcountry and a jewel box home on Martha’s Vineyard. The photography by Emily Followill is wonderful. Whether you’re redecorating a single room or dreaming much bigger, this book will have you will love this book.
This living space stopped me in my tracks. I love the caramel colored sofa and chairs with the mix of green and blues. Perfection in my mind.
I’ll confess I’ve admired James Farmer from a bit of a distance for years. His talent is amazing and he practically invented gracious Southern living , but some of his earlier work leaned a little maximalist for my taste. So when Home Again: A Return to Gracious Interiors started showing up everywhere I took notice. It was still deeply southern layered and beautiful but with a restraint I hadn’t noticed before. I ordered the book! You can check out James Farmer’s work here, and follow him on Instagram here.
Outfits of the Week
Let’s pretend we are guests at Farmdale for the weekend. What to wear? I have you covered! I own the sunglasses, and the tunic (in the butter color). The beautiful floral pants are from Anthro.
I have been coveting this dress (a good price point) from Elisamama, as well as the Cuyana bag and the Stuart Weitzman sandals.
Our Favorite Contessa on Homeworthy
My friend Elizabeth (the vintage conttessa) and former partner in crime for Ageless Style takes us on a tour of her eclectic Orinda home on Homeworthy. I think you will enjoy it. She shares her treasures and the history behind all of them. It’s a lot of fun!
Simple Healthy Appetizer
We have a wine group that meets once a month. The host provides the wine and all of the guests (around 30) bring an appetizer. I love making appetizers but I often struggle to find something that isn’t too fattening. All of the great wine and food in this area have wreaked havok on my waistline! Last week I airfryed broccoli and
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Chipotle Aioli
Ingredients
- 1 lb brussel sprouts get a mix of green & purple if possible
- 2 T citrus-flavored olive oil or EVO
- sea salt and cracked black pepper
Chipotle Aioli
- 1/4 c greek yogurt
- 1/4 c mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove
- 1-2 tsp adobo sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- smoked sea salt & cracked pepper to taste
- 1 green onion (green top only) finely sliced
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.Wash and trim ends of Brussels sprouts.Slice each Brussels sprout in half .Place Brussels on a sheet pan. Drizzle with oil, dash with salt and pepper and toss to coat.Roast in oven for 15 minutes or until slightly browned, While the Brussels are roasting, combine the aioli ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside in refrigerator until ready to serve.When Brussels are roasted to perfection, remove from oven and transfer to serving dish. Serve with Chipotle Aioli topped with green onions.
Notes
Roasted Broccoli with Lemon Aioli
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup low fat greek yogurt
- 1/4 c low fat mayo
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice plus more to taste
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest plus more to taste
- 1 garlic clove finely grated
Roasted Broccoli
1 lb broccoli
- 2 T citrus flavored olive oil
- sea salt to taste
Instructions
- For Dip: Mix finely grated garlic and grated lemon zest to yogurt, mayo and lemon juice Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.Fro BroccoliPre-heat oven to 400 degrees.Wash and trim ends of Brussels sprouts.Slice each Brussels sprout in half .Place Brussels on a sheet pan. Drizzle with oil, dash with salt and pepper and toss to coat.Roast in oven for 15 minutes or until slightly browned, While the Brussels are roasting, combine the aioli ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside in refrigerator until ready to serve.When Brussels are roasted to perfection, remove from oven and transfer to serving dish.
When you Meet a Favorite Reader
Last weekend my neighbor and friend Nancy held our annual neighborhood olive oil tasting at her home. Nancy really stepped up to the plate and pulled out all the stops. I failed to take any pictures (what was I thinking?). I was so happy to meet her sister Elaine (who is a good friend of Kim’s from Northern California Style). She is just as darling as I thought she would be! Steve snapped this picture of us. I did not look my best! Steve and I went straight to that party from a pick up party at Caelesta winery and it was quite hot!
Editors Note-I have had several emails about our outfits in the above pic. Unfortunately they are both past years. I did find them on a couple of the resale sights and linked them above-enjoy!!
That’s my Fab Five for this week , a little color, a little pattern, a lot of inspiration. As always, I love knowing what’s catching your eye this week, so drop a comment and tell me.
Thanks for being here and reading Sunday Fab Five: Maximalist Interiors, James Farmer’s Home Again, and a Collected Outfit Worth Stealing.If you have missed any of my Sunday Fab five you can find them all here. if you’re not already signed up for my newsletter, now would be a great time! You don’t want to miss what’s coming.I have some really great interviews coming up! See you next Sunday.
Now let’s pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie!!
Awww! It was such a treat to finally meet you and Steve too! I love that you and my sister are neighbors.
Have a wonderful trip to France.
Hi Elaine
Thank you!!
So many interesting people! James Farmer was the guest speaker at our Decorative Arts group in Newport Beach several years ago. As LeeAnn Morgan would say, “He was just yummy!” A charming speaker, with a heart of gold. He had recently donated a kidney to his sister. His love for his family, and Perry, made us all want to head down there for a visit.
I didn’t know the Countessa lives in Orinda, and I didn’t know the Northern Cali decorator is in Danville! Until I headed to S. Cal to chase my grandchildren, I lived close by in Pleasanton!
I wish I’d met them. They’re my kind of people. The belief that a house is never truly finished, the thrill of the hunt for just the right thing (a thing you never knew you needed), and the love for friends are in my DNA. The Northern Cali writer is a soul sister. I often see her posts on sites I follow. It’s always good to hear another voice speaking up for social justice and an end to the peril our country, and world, face under Trump and his feckless acolytes. Although some may not agree with my politics, we can all agree that Trump’s demolition of the East wing, his hideous gold knickknacks, and his plans for a gargantuan ballroom are all Decorating Don’ts!
Hi Rachel
I am with Kim this very minute and just heard that ballroom isn’t happening.
Loved this post, Cindy! So much good info! I love James Farmer design style—-so warm, inviting and collected. In my mind—-truly timeless.
Elizabeth’s Homeworthy tour is amazing. I found myself entranced by her personality, her collections and the way she surrounds herself with all kinds of different things but they work! Inspirational! Use what you love and it will work. She’s one of a kind!
Hi Carol
Elizabeth is a natural in front of the camera. Her tour was fascinating.
Cindy First of all, so excited to see you and E together! What a darling pic. You both look beautiful. She and her sis are amazing women. Elaine reminds me of you with her style and entertaining. Wish we all lived closer to each other.
I love both these outfits! That BR jacket is in my cart now. I wish the blue dress wasn’t sold out, but I am looking at others by her brand. Did you know Ellisamama supports Nigerian women and is African prints? She started it for her and her daughter and they have matching girls’ dresses! Love all of them.
James is such a fun guy. You have to watch the Homeworthy tour if you haven’t. I can totally see you and he hanging out. I agree like his latest things better.
Can’t wait to see you. x
P.S. I didn’t know you were going to France! So exciting.
Hi Kim
I did know about Elisamama and I updated the link thanks to you that goes to their website!! James Farmer is charming and this book is his best ever in my humble opinion!
Shut up! You look darling.
I wish I lived near you – I would insist we be buddies! 😜
Hi Gray
We would!! You would love Wren too!
Cindy: I love the photo with Elaine. You look so happy! And your waistline looks great, by the way, in that cute outfit 🙂
Hi Pat
It is only because I have a very wide belt on!!
Cindy you have really inspired me to up my fashion game. I look forward to seeing and love your outfits. May I know the brand of that darling jumpsuit you are wearing in today’s pic?
Hi Nancy
It was Banana Republic last year. I did find this one on Poshmark https://go.shopmy.us/p-49866531
If you can wear an XS there is one on Thred Up for $18! I am wearing a small.
https://go.shopmy.us/p-49866963-large
It is called the white lotus collection poplin jumpsuit-if you keep your eye open on the resale sites I am sure one will turn up!
Cindy I love your bag in the picture with Elaine. Could you give the information on it? The outfit is adorable you’re wearing too!
I will try to find them on the resale sites. They are both old! I will link below the picture.
Love the photo of you and Elaine! Either she is a tall gal or you are petite. I am 5’11” and maybe she can do a post for us tall ones? I hate “high water” pants! Please! Everyone writes about petite sizing and I am tall but weigh 115lbs. Many thanks, friend.
Hi Elle
Elaine is tall! I am only 5’4. My granddaughter is tall she is going to be in the same club!!