DREAM HOME

Every so often I like to revisit this tried-and-true favorite, a Hamptons home designed by the insanely talented Amanda Nisbet. If Design Darling were a room, surely that last room would be it, no? See the full home tour here and the rest of Amanda's portfolio here. Time for me to pin each of these spaces to my dream home file... 

Every so often I like to revisit this tried-and-true favorite, a Hamptons home designed by the insanely talented Amanda Nisbet. If Design Darling were a room, surely that last room would be it, no? See the full home tour here and the rest of Amanda's portfolio here. Time for me to pin each of these spaces to my dream home file... 

I'D LIKE TO SPEND MY SUNDAY HERE...

Have you ever seen a prettier home/pool/yard/anything? Way to go, Ali Schwarz.

P.S. As always, lots more exterior inspiration here!

Have you ever seen a prettier home/pool/yard/anything? Way to go, Ali Schwarz.

P.S. As always, lots more exterior inspiration here!

MARK D. SIKES // WEST HOLLYWOOD GARDEN

We've had what I consider absolutely perfect weather (low 70s, sunshine, a cool breeze) all week and naturally I wish I could spend every waking moment outdoors. When I stumbled upon this garden space designed by Mark D. Sikes (who also pens a fabulous lifestyle blog) I knew it was too good not to share. Climbing ivy, French doors, and more topiaries than I can count? Dear Mark, you've created heaven on earth.

P.S. Click here for more inspiring exteriors!

We've had what I consider absolutely perfect weather (low 70s, sunshine, a cool breeze) all week and naturally I wish I could spend every waking moment outdoors. When I stumbled upon this garden space designed by Mark D. Sikes (who also pens a fabulous lifestyle blog) I knew it was too good not to share. Climbing ivy, French doors, and more topiaries than I can count? Dear Mark, you've created heaven on earth.

P.S. Click here for more inspiring exteriors!

WHAT'S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU KNEW...

...before moving out and living on your own? I mentioned in Monday's post that so many friends are making the move to New York which is making me all the more eager to do the same. I'm crossing my fingers to make it happen in early 2013 which means I have a few months to save my pennies and soak up all the advice you have to give...

{Lynn Nigro in Lonny}

What's one thing (or two or three) you wish you knew before moving into your first apartment?

...before moving out and living on your own? I mentioned in Monday's post that so many friends are making the move to New York which is making me all the more eager to do the same. I'm crossing my fingers to make it happen in early 2013 which means I have a few months to save my pennies and soak up all the advice you have to give...

{Lynn Nigro in Lonny}

What's one thing (or two or three) you wish you knew before moving into your first apartment?

EXTERIORS & HYDRANGEAS

One of my favorite things to do on Nantucket is buy an iced coffee in town (or an ice cream cone in 'Sconset!) and walk around looking at all the pretty houses and gardens. This trip's takeaway? You can never have too many hydrangeas!

Vicente Wolf in Veranda

Deborah Silver

New England Home

Veranda

Source unknown

On that note, I think I have a new favorite color: hydrangea blue. Toss it in the mix with hot pink, navy blue, and white and that's my dream color palette at the moment. Do you love hydrangeas as much as I do?

P.S. You can always find more exterior inspiration here!

One of my favorite things to do on Nantucket is buy an iced coffee in town (or an ice cream cone in 'Sconset!) and walk around looking at all the pretty houses and gardens. This trip's takeaway? You can never have too many hydrangeas!

Vicente Wolf in Veranda

Deborah Silver

New England Home

Veranda

Source unknown

On that note, I think I have a new favorite color: hydrangea blue. Toss it in the mix with hot pink, navy blue, and white and that's my dream color palette at the moment. Do you love hydrangeas as much as I do?

P.S. You can always find more exterior inspiration here!

JANICE PARKER LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Confession: I have a new obsession. In addition to perusing the portfolios of interior designers, I've realized I love looking at the work of landscape architects. In case you couldn't tell from my exteriors board, I love looking at homes, gardens, pools, you name it — and this portfolio in particular is keeping me extra inspired...

Insanely gorgeous, right? Check out the rest of Janice's work here. Who else shares this obsession with pretty exteriors?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Confession: I have a new obsession. In addition to perusing the portfolios of interior designers, I've realized I love looking at the work of landscape architects. In case you couldn't tell from my exteriors board, I love looking at homes, gardens, pools, you name it — and this portfolio in particular is keeping me extra inspired...

Insanely gorgeous, right? Check out the rest of Janice's work here. Who else shares this obsession with pretty exteriors?

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

SUMMER PICNIC

I'm not sure how I've only just discovered The Cherry Blossom Girl but it's instantly become one of my daily reads. The Paris-based Alix has some of the prettiest outfit pictures I've ever seen and her snapshots of the city remind me of my semester abroad in France. How stunning are these photos taken in the Jardins de Bagatelle?

They make me want to slip into this dress, pack a picnic, and head to the park! I do have a vintage picnic basket that hasn't seen much use lately. What are some of your favorite summertime activities?

P.S. If you have a spare moment, will you do me a quick favor?!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I'm not sure how I've only just discovered The Cherry Blossom Girl but it's instantly become one of my daily reads. The Paris-based Alix has some of the prettiest outfit pictures I've ever seen and her snapshots of the city remind me of my semester abroad in France. How stunning are these photos taken in the Jardins de Bagatelle?

They make me want to slip into this dress, pack a picnic, and head to the park! I do have a vintage picnic basket that hasn't seen much use lately. What are some of your favorite summertime activities?

P.S. If you have a spare moment, will you do me a quick favor?!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

THE START OF SUMMER

I hope your Memorial Day involves pretty houses, cute puppies, and cool cars. Cheers to the start of summer!

*Images Abigail Ahern, Aerin Lauder, and source unknown — please holler if you know the original!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

I hope your Memorial Day involves pretty houses, cute puppies, and cool cars. Cheers to the start of summer!

*Images Abigail Ahern, Aerin Lauder, and source unknown — please holler if you know the original!

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

POOL PARTY

This weekend I'm looking forward to a favorable forecast, a Preakness party at my friend Shelly's house (you can bet I'll be wearing my new hat!), and maybe even taking a dip in the pool. Speaking of...

...how gorgeous is this backyard by Amy Howard? Flowers, hedges, and the perfect pool — yes please. Happy weekend to all of you! 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

This weekend I'm looking forward to a favorable forecast, a Preakness party at my friend Shelly's house (you can bet I'll be wearing my new hat!), and maybe even taking a dip in the pool. Speaking of...

...how gorgeous is this backyard by Amy Howard? Flowers, hedges, and the perfect pool — yes please. Happy weekend to all of you! 

Keep up with Design Darling on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter

Exterior Inspiration

The latest victim of my type A personality was my Pinterest account. Overwhelmed by the number of pins on my Interiors board, I decided to create separate boards for Dream Home and Exteriors. These come from my Exteriors board but do check out the rest!

Some day ;) How do you organize your inspiration? Are you on Pinterest? If so, do share the link in the comments!

The latest victim of my type A personality was my Pinterest account. Overwhelmed by the number of pins on my Interiors board, I decided to create separate boards for Dream Home and Exteriors. These come from my Exteriors board but do check out the rest!

Some day ;) How do you organize your inspiration? Are you on Pinterest? If so, do share the link in the comments!

Chez Azaria

When I came to California, I thought I was packing for summer — sunshine, warm weather, etc. Little did I know that San Francisco summers are anything but! With the chilly temps and hazy fog we've been experiencing lately, I can safely say I'd much rather be hanging at actor Hank Azaria's Bel Air home a few hours south of here...

Designed by Trip Haenisch, the 1932 property features views of both the ocean and the bright lights of Los Angeles.

I love the open plan of the kitchen. The stainless steel and more rustic island make for a very organic feel — just the California cool I've been missing!

Where there's sunshine, there ought to be an outdoor living space. I could happily spend all day out here, blogging and reading for my 101 in 1001 list.

The interior of the home leaves nothing to be desired, featuring dramatic pinstriped walls and an on-trend Beni Ourain rug.

And then there's this. I mean, what more could you need?

{all photos via Architectural Digest}

P.S. I'm getting personal on Diana's blog I Love Brunch & Boots today! For anyone who's recently graduated and trying to figure out their next move, be sure to take a peek!

When I came to California, I thought I was packing for summer — sunshine, warm weather, etc. Little did I know that San Francisco summers are anything but! With the chilly temps and hazy fog we've been experiencing lately, I can safely say I'd much rather be hanging at actor Hank Azaria's Bel Air home a few hours south of here...

Designed by Trip Haenisch, the 1932 property features views of both the ocean and the bright lights of Los Angeles.

I love the open plan of the kitchen. The stainless steel and more rustic island make for a very organic feel — just the California cool I've been missing!

Where there's sunshine, there ought to be an outdoor living space. I could happily spend all day out here, blogging and reading for my 101 in 1001 list.

The interior of the home leaves nothing to be desired, featuring dramatic pinstriped walls and an on-trend Beni Ourain rug.

And then there's this. I mean, what more could you need?

{all photos via Architectural Digest}

P.S. I'm getting personal on Diana's blog I Love Brunch & Boots today! For anyone who's recently graduated and trying to figure out their next move, be sure to take a peek!

Well-Groomed Gardens

It's finally beginning to feel like spring in my neck of the woods and I'm welcoming the warm weather with open arms. Today I'd like to transport to any one of these impeccably manicured gardens with an Arnold Palmer and a good book in hand. What are you reading these days? I'm so looking forward to having the time to read for pleasure again!

{these beautiful pictures and many more courtesy of Patterson Maker}

It's finally beginning to feel like spring in my neck of the woods and I'm welcoming the warm weather with open arms. Today I'd like to transport to any one of these impeccably manicured gardens with an Arnold Palmer and a good book in hand. What are you reading these days? I'm so looking forward to having the time to read for pleasure again!

{these beautiful pictures and many more courtesy of Patterson Maker}

In The Details.

We're always being told to look at the big picture. While it's important to keep an eye on the future and to not sweat the stuff, it's just as important to enjoy the little things in life. I love seeing completed before & afters, entire rooms and homes renovated to suit their owners' design sensibilities. But today I'm pledging to revel in the small details that often define the overall: a slightly off-kilter gold fitting, reflective windows capturing a sunny afternoon, intricate moulding framing a light-filled interior. What are some of your favorite details in your home?

{all images via the darling Patterson Maker}

We're always being told to look at the big picture. While it's important to keep an eye on the future and to not sweat the stuff, it's just as important to enjoy the little things in life. I love seeing completed before & afters, entire rooms and homes renovated to suit their owners' design sensibilities. But today I'm pledging to revel in the small details that often define the overall: a slightly off-kilter gold fitting, reflective windows capturing a sunny afternoon, intricate moulding framing a light-filled interior. What are some of your favorite details in your home?

{all images via the darling Patterson Maker}

A Cozy Cottage

I dream of having a little cottage in a backyard garden. A place of retreat for writing, napping, daydreaming...

{via Patterson Maker}

I dream of having a little cottage in a backyard garden. A place of retreat for writing, napping, daydreaming...

{via Patterson Maker}

Designer Treehouses

I'm certain I would enjoy having a treehouse as much today as I would have ten years ago. Granted these aren't your average set-up — we're talking spiral staircases, rope bridges, and wraparound porches! Wouldn't it be fun to "camp out" or watch the sun set from one of these darling dwellings? A childhood dream come true!

I'm certain I would enjoy having a treehouse as much today as I would have ten years ago. Granted these aren't your average set-up — we're talking spiral staircases, rope bridges, and wraparound porches! Wouldn't it be fun to "camp out" or watch the sun set from one of these darling dwellings? A childhood dream come true!