March 30, 2019

my favorite shade of blue...





The update of our front entry is finally complete, with the last finishing touch involving just a little bit of painting.

We inherited this antique hall tree many years ago from my husband’s Nana. When it came to us it was sort of a dingy cream color. 

In its prime, it must have been a beautiful white, but over time it had yellowed terribly. So at our home it went through a phase of dark green and then a pretty shade of chalk paint called Florence, but now it’s finally PERFECT!

This color from Farrow & Ball is called “Stiffkey Blue” and it’s the most gorgeous shade of soft navy. Like a well-loved pair of blue jeans, it just feels right at home, dressed up or dressed down.




And it matches perfectly with our new Serena & Lily wallpaper. This blue and white vining Priano pattern is so pretty, and I truly love it more and more each day!

The natural textures of this French market basket and pretty hydrangeas look amazing when paired with this blue. I found this color quite by accident after visiting the Farrow & Ball store at SoCo Design Center.
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As I was browsing through their wallpapers, I noticed that they sell small sample pots of each of their gorgeous paint colors. 

I picked up a few that caught my attention, because I always have projects that spontaneously pop up, and I love to stock up on pretty paints.

So when I was ready to update the hall tree, I was thrilled that Stiffkey Blue was absolutely the most perfect shade of blue to complete the look of the whole room! 




This is the way this color is described by Farrow & Ball: 

”An inky navy. This inky blue is named after the Norfolk beach where the mud, along with the cockles, share a particular deep navy hue. Although traditional in feel, Stiffkey Blue is often used to create a richly dramatic space with a more contemporary finish. When used in well-lit areas of the home it will appear much bluer, working wonderfully when contrasted with white.




The Farrow & Ball design studio has lots of interesting inspiration, like these color boards created by their knowledgeable staff.

And I love the quirky paint brushes dangling in the front window. So fun! 




So now the hall tree is revamped, the wallpaper is done, and I simply added a fun new light fixture and round jute rug to harmonize with all the blue and white fabulousness that’s going on here in the front entry.

Just for fun, I’m sharing some gorgeous Stiffkey Blue inspiration from some of my favorite designers…  









Be sure to check back very soon for more insight on the SoCo Design Center. Not only do they feature great home décor shops, they also have amazing restaurants and events.




Such a pretty blue!




ciao! fabiana

For lots of fun extras, follow me on instagram!



Stiffkey Blue inspiration photo credit: 
Inspired by Charm, Emily Henderson, Style the Clutter


March 28, 2019

how do you do house numbers?




Time for a Sunday drive around the neighborhood!

I recently spotted some cute newer homes around town

with

custom  house numbers that are somewhat unique.

Here are a few of my favorites… 




Spelling out your house number is always fun!




I love all the different fonts that are used.




Here’s the front porch of that same house.

The lettering style perfectly matches the patio chairs!




Would you consider spelling out your house numbers?





happy sunday! fabiana


For lots of fun extras, follow me on instagram!


For more Newport Harbor Home Tour inspiration,
check out this brand new book:








March 19, 2019

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


For lots of fun extras, follow me on instagram!



all other photos by Serena & Lily




March 10, 2019

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

For lots of fun extras, follow me on instagram!




Photo credit: 
1 Remodelista, 7 Kelly Nutt, 8 Decor Pad, 10 Heather Bullard,
all others found on pinterest






March 8, 2019

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 FarmHome 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


And now the official cookbook 
is available from Malibu Farm!








For lots of fun extras, follow me on instagram!


March 5, 2019

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


💕

While I’m here today, I wanted to share some of my "Tablescaping Essentials" with you. I have a whole page on the Amazon website with my favorite picks for setting a beautiful table.

Quite often time is of the essence, and I have last minute projects or events to work on, so I turn to Amazon for one or two day delivery. You’d be surprised at how many amazing items they have to offer! And I'm constantly updating this page with my new favorites. 


You can check it out here, at Tablescaping Essentials.






Photo credit: Magnolia and E! News


Shop for MAGNOLIA books here:



  

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