dorinda's blue stone manor

Today was the day of the Lenox Garden Club’s

Home Tour that featured Dorinda Medley’s home

as one of the homes to visit!

Dorinda is a cast member on

the Real Housewives of New York.

Do you watch?

Dorinda’s a fan favorite and she has a

gorgeous home, a mansion really,

in the Berkshires and

since most of couldn’t be

there in person,

here’s a little tour…

And believe, me,

she made it nice!

The house,

that Dorinda dubbed

“Blue Stone Manor” was built in 1904

and sits on 18 acres of lush property.

There are so many gorgeous rooms,

including nine bedrooms in this

11,000 square foot “manor”.

Here’s Dorinda in the spectacular blue room...

with her bedazzled peacock.

Here’s a nice view of the kitchen,

that’s seen its share of drama and laughter.

She usually hosts the cast during the winter holidays,

so it’s fun to see the house in the summer,

with its lush lawns, roses and hydrangeas. 

Oh, how I wish I was in the Berkshires

today for this special event!

Bye for now, Dorinda!

Today’s fan photos from the home tour!

And here's a little tour you can watch 
guided by Dorinda herself...

ciao! fabiana

photo credit:

Dorinda Medley

E News

Lenox Garden Club

ocean blue and bright white

Ocean blue and bright white…

the most beautiful combination for summer!

I seem to do a lot of posts on

my love for blue and white,

probably because this

duo is so versatile!

Cool and soothing…

Classic and chic!

Relaxing and tranquil…

Blue can reduce stress and calm you.

So this weekend,

take some time to

relax and look up at the pretty blue sky.

This can actually slow your metabolism…

and remember to breath,

deep long breaths.

Have an amazing weekend...


ciao! fabiana

photo credit:

1. House Beautiful

2. House & Home

3. House & Home
4. House Beautiful
5. Serena & Lily

new vignette preview

Just a little peek at what

I’ve been working on this week…

I’m just rearranging a few things

around the house to make it

feel more summery.

I thought I'd pull out some of my 

favorite blue and white plates and create

a little asymmetrical display on an empty wall.

There are a few other little vignettes

 I'll share later in the week.

I hope you're having a great Wednesday!

ciao! fabiana

raili clasen's kitchen of the month

From beginning to end, this month’s issue

of House Beautiful is stunning.

Very rarely am I this excited

page after page after page.

Starting with this farm-house inspired beauty 

designed by Raili Clasen of Raili CA Designs.

Here in Newport Beach, many of us are familiar 
with the Raili's (pronounced Riley) Designs

because several of the homes 
she's designed have been 
part of the Newport Harbor &
Corona del Mar Home Tours.

We've seen these homes inside and out,
up close and personal,
and they do not disappoint!

This huge kitchen is as big as a barn,

according to Raili, and measures 20 x 25 feet,

and that Caesarstone topped island measures 
in at 14 feet in length.

Three huge pendants from Urban Electric Company 

add drama and much needed scale over the island and

a single row of eleven bare Edison bulbs light 

the dining room table.

Ann Sacks cement tiles are the perfect visual aid 

for the backsplash behind the cooktop and 

on an adjacent wall at the dry bar.

The outdoor spaces are just as important as the indoor ones,
so architectural designer Eric Olson designed a huge
fireplace to be the focal point

and gathering spot for the outdoor lounge area
that's framed by two matching pergolas.

Several of Raili's homes have been featured on the

Newport Harbor Home Tour, including 

two that were her own private residences.

Her first design project, which was her own home, 

was featured on the Newport Harbor Home Tour in 2013.

It may look familiar to you because it’s been

in Better Homes & Gardens magazine

and on pinterest a lot!

Here’s her other private home that was featured

on the home tour in 2015.

I love how her style evolves,

but she still brings out the fun in every room.

You can tell from this overall shot of the

kitchen, living room and dining room

how spacious the entire home is.

What do you think of this kitchen?

This outdoor space is just a peek at Raili’s design for

this home that was in the Corona del Mar Home Tour.

Here’s a tongue-in-cheek little detail from a house

that’s a few blocks from mine, also featured in print.

How about a little floor-to-ceiling cement tile?

Raili’s not afraid to take chances! 

Hoping your Monday is moving along smoothly…

have a good one!

ciao! fabiana

photo credit: 
Raili CA Design

Eric Olson Design

House Beautiful

For more decor by Raili,
check out this brand new book:

cute curb appeal in laguna beach

Isn’t this little house darling?

I and to stop and snap a few photos of

the pretty façade of this little vintage cottage.

It’s located in the popular “tree streets”

neighborhood in North Laguna Beach,

and guess what?!

It just came on the market… 

I actually met the owner, Keith 

and his talented landscape designer Ruben Flores,

who were both outside putting finishing touches 

on the garden and exterior.

They were super nice and they both

obviously have great style.

Ruben is also the guide for the Saturday morning

Laguna Beach walking garden tours and he also has done

the landscape design for lots of interesting homes,

like the witch’s house in Beverly Hills! 

This home was originally built in 1920.

The charm and the details are so lovely, and

just inside this gorgeous picture window

is the amazing gourmet chef's kitchen.

You see the whole house has

been completely renovated!

The location is perfect and this property even

features a Bocce ball court along the side.

How fun is that?

I love all the shady trees and the lush landscape

all done with white flowers and pretty greenery.

And since it’s on the market, 

I got a little peek inside from the magic of the internet 

and the multiple listing photos.

The inside is so bright and airy,

and here’s that lovely kitchen with the

picture window facing the front yard. 

I love all the beautiful windows

that face the lush front yard.

The décor is timeless, classic and chic. 

Connection to the outdoor spaces is so important

in this home and works beautifully.

Even the laundry room has a fun dutch door!

For more info on this house,

check out the listing for 461 Locust Street.

enjoy your sunday! 

fabiana

For more on this adorable home,
check out this brand new book: