a blue and white update!

I wanted to pop in and just share a little glimpse of the new Serena & Lily wallpaper that we installed in our front entry. I had been waiting months trying to decide between two different wall coverings, and I’m so happy I went with this blue and white vining Priano pattern.

It’s amazing how this pattern draws the eye upwards and makes the room feel so much bigger! I have to admit, I’m slightly obsessed, and I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love it.

Coming home has never been sweeter!

I’ll reveal the whole space very soon which includes a fun rug and a new coastal inspired light fixture. I even painted my antique hall tree an amazing new deep blue color inspired by the wallpaper.

And just for the fun of it, I’m sharing more Priano inspiration here…

photo by Lark.Interiors

photo by Monika Hibbs

ciao! fabiana

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all other photos by Serena & Lily

ten of the most fabulous Dutch doors

Someone's knocking at the door... 

Happy Sunday, daylight savings style!

Did you get a chance to sleep in a bit this morning? I was up bright and early as usual and have a long “To-Do” list today, starting with getting to Costco to get our weekly meals in order.

So in lieu of all the tedious chores and projects I have, I want to focus for a moment on ten of the most beautiful Dutch doors that captured my attention today!

Dutch doors get their name from their popularity in the Netherlands and having been a feature in some early Dutch paintings. Did you know that in England they’re called stable doors?

They’re designed to keep children in and animals out, while keeping the home fresh and breezy. Ever so popular, today’s Dutch doors are as pretty as they are functional. 

Which one would you like to see in your home?

ciao! fabiana

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Photo credit: 

1 Remodelista, 7 Kelly Nutt, 8 Decor Pad, 10 Heather Bullard,

all others found on pinterest

shortbread cookies and home tour news

We made it to another Friday, and this is THE weekend to catch up on sleep since Daylight Savings starts on Sunday. Anyhow, I wanted to update you all on the happenings going on around here…

Firstly, I wanted to share my latest obsession, these Key Lime Shamrock Cookies. I baked them up exclusively for Cottages and Bungalows, and I have to say they’re probably my family’s favorite cookies right now! To quote my husband, “They’re better than Girl Scout Cookies.”

If you’re a fan of shortbread, you’ll love the addition of fresh lime zest to the mix. And if you’ve never attempted to make shortbread, they’re among the easiest cookies ever, as they only include three basic ingredients. Recipe found here.

The Newport Harbor Home Tour is on the horizon, and we’re getting pumped up about the seven amazing homes on the tour this year. This is a peek at Ashley Clark’s home from last year’s tour.

Don’t you just love this outdoor space that’s adjacent to the pool? Sitting in those fun chair swings just make you feel like you’re on vacation!

All the home tour fun begins at Jenni Kayne at Lido Marina Village on May 16. They’re kicking off the festivities as hosts of our morning reception, catered by Malibu Farm.  Home Tour tickets are now on sale!!

While I’m at Lido Marina Village, I always make a point of stopping in at Serena & Lily, my happy place! Such a fun vibe in that store, and I always walk away with lots of inspiration for my home.

Like these amazing grouping of outdoor Summerland Pendants! They’re so bold, they just make quite a statement on their own, don’t you agree?

Lido Marina Village is the perfect place for a morning walk along the water. There are so many fun places for breakfast and lunch, and Nobu is here too, which would be lovely for dinner. I haven’t been there yet, but it sounds amazing!

Look at all the veggies growing in raised planters around this restaurant. Yes, that’s broccoli!

ciao! fabiana

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the joanna gaines & jennifer lopez project

Word on the street is that Fixer Upper super fan Jennifer Lopez has hired Joanna Gaines to remodel her new Malibu Beach house that she shares with bf Alex Rodriguez. Pictures don’t lie… 

here’s the dynamic duo checking out the digs from the beach side.

One can only imagine how spectacular this home will turn out, as money probably will be no object. What J Lo wants, J Lo gets! And now she and A Rod have "JoGa" to help make this dream into a reality!

Here’s a little Fixer Upper inspo of what some of the elements of this amazing project might include, taken from some of Joanna’s Texas projects, but with that definitive Malibu Beach vibe!

ciao! fabiana

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Photo credit: Magnolia and E! News

hgtv: leanne ford season 2

Sometimes flipping through tv channels can be quite a chore. So many stations and so little content! Besides my trusty Real Housewives shows, Beverly Hills and New York being my absolute favorites, I rely on interesting home décor shows to help me unwind in the evenings.

So I’m excited for the premiere of Restored by  the Fords' second season on March 19th. In case you missed it last year, this show follows the sister and brother team of Leanne and Steve Ford as they restore and renovate vintage homes in Pennsylvania.

Leanne's decorative style is quirky and out-of-the-box fabulous, and I really dig her style and how she mixes vintage with more modern elements.

You may have seen some of Leanne’s stylish home goods recently featured at Target. They're currently carrying her fun light fixtures. Anyhow, it’s a fun HGTV show to be on the lookout for…

This World Market bamboo light fixture (in photos above and below) is so versatile and affordable! I just installed it in my front entry and it meshes perfectly with my new Serena & Lily wallpaper. Pictures to follow soon!

ciao! fabiana

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photo credit:  HGTV, People and Country Living