inspiration: blue and white in the garden

It’s been so nice out,

that I’ve spent the last two days out in the garden.

I’m so happy it’s spring…

because my garden's really calling out to me!

After a stop at Roger’s Gardens to pick up some lavender,

I was super inspired by their centerpiece display of 

blue and white porcelain in their front garden bed.

It’s such an elegant and timeless look.

I have several of these ceramic jardinières

and four of them are currently unspoken for…

so I plan on incorporating them into

my heavenly lavender garden plan!

I especially love how they look with

blue, pink, and white flowers.

Of course this look isn’t new.

Carolyne Roehm has been doing it for years.

And so has Mary McDonald...

Wow!  And so iconic!

Well, my garden is currently a work in progress.

I just finished plated a dozen new lavender plants

all around my garden shed.

inspiration 

Mostly I planted several tall and wispy English lavender,
but Roger’s also had the most amazing Spanish lavender 
called The Princess Lavender.

It’s a stunning a pinky-purple color that I couldn’t resist. It's smaller and I found just the right spot for it, so I'll share photos of my garden soon, after I mulch and clean up a bit!

 ciao! fabiana

other photos courtesy of  The Quintessence Blog, 

Carolyne Roehm & Mary McDonald

favorite looks from Barclay Butera

A beautiful gray front door and brick fountain

greet visitors at Barclay’s Newport Beach home.

Our friend Kerry’s home is designed with fun 

bursts of orange and is balanced by the elegance of navy 

blue damask pillows and window coverings. 

I love all the natural elements too.

The mirror is my favorite piece of this showroom vignette.

Great storage options in this beach house.

This collection of clocks and books looks amazing together. 

A beach house bedroom has a lived-in look that's achieved

with the contrast of crisp white and warm wood tones.

Doesn’t it work perfectly?

ciao! fabiana

home tour: a little bit of chinoiserie

Being on the committee for the Newport Harbor Home and Garden Tour for the last three years has been so much fun for me.  I think my favorite part of being involved with this group is getting to know all the fabulous women who each have a special talent that they share with us in putting together the home tour.  

This year we have three fabulous women heading up the tour, Karen, Marion and Pam.  I have been to Karen’s home a few times, and am always so impressed with her sense of style, especially in décor.  

I love that Karen’s living room is an evolved space.  It came together over time, as she collected some of her favorite things over the years.  Her blue and white ceramics collection has been building for over thirty years.  

The gorgeous zebra rug was found on consignment.  It’s a great anchor to this eclectic room with its strong black and white pattern. 

Karen spotted this gorgeous French shield at an antique store in Laguna Beach, and fell in love with it.  I have to admit, it’s one of my favorite pieces in this room!   

Every treasure holds a story in Karen’s living room.  The woman in the beautiful portrait is Kitty Keller, a dear friend of Karen’s who also helped her dog-sit her beloved Jack Russell terriers.  

The pair of red leather ottomans was found at our church rummage sale. St. Andrew’s has the best rummage sale in May, right around the time of the home tour.

Blue and white pottery dominates the dining room.

 

One of Karen’s favorite vignettes is in the kitchen.  All her favorite dog collectables are displayed here. 

I couldn’t help but peek into her family room and spy a few more dear dog references, and of course the beautiful turquoise accessories caught my eye! 

As Karen’s visitors come and go, they pass this by a pretty iron bench in her front entry...

with a humorous warning!

{chien lunatique = crazy dog}

Thanks for coming along with me on a tour of Karen’s home.  And, if you are in the area, please join us on May 14, 2015 for the Newport Harbor Home and Garden Tour.  We are featuring 8 homes this year! 

Karen and friends

ciao! fabiana