southern charm: chelsea's new home

If you watch Southern Charm on Bravo, then you’ve probably had a peek at Chelsea Meissner’s new home on James Island near Charleston, South Carolina. Bought as a fixer-upper, Chelsea contributed much of the elbow grease that was necessary to update this split-level home.

Southern Living magazine is sharing an inside look of Chelsea’s new home this month in their “timeless style” issue. I think she did an amazing job infusing just the right amount of coastal charm to this home. Isn’t the tile in the kitchen fabulous? 

Here’s a mini home tour of Chelsea’s adorable and hip beach house…

Chelsea with Southern Charm friends Austin and Craig

Southern Charm is on Wednesday nights on Bravo. I have to say, I suggested to my mom that she watch it, and now it’s her favorite show! 

Patricia's Charleston mansion, aka the historic Isaac Jenkins Mikell house 

And you’ve gotta just love Patricia, her butler Michael and her fabulous Charleston mansion! This home is on the other end of the home décor spectrum. More on that tomorrow...

  

ciao! fabiana

Photos: Southern Living & Chelsea Meissner on instagram

laguna beach: a week in photos

Work and personal reasons brought me down to Laguna Beach for another week of fun and exploring. I've discovered lots of amazing little coves and beaches throughout the Northern, Southern and the downtown coastline of Laguna.  The ocean and waves were perfect this week for surfers and beachcombers, and the weather was just perfect! I also got to visit some of may favorite shopping spots and found some new ones as well. Here are a few of my favorite shots of the week.    

Madison Square Garden and Café is a favorite little spot for coffee, breakfast and lunch. It’s located right in the heart of Laguna on Coast Highway. The restaurant and garden shop are intermingled so it’s fun to eat surrounded by lots of pretty home and garden treasures.  

You can always find a cozy spot to sit and have coffee. 

Pretty coastline views are found at every beach and cove.

Laguna is all about secluded beaches & great places to snorkel.

Here’s a pretty little Spanish style house with great curb appeal.

This shot from the historic Hotel Laguna at their outdoor restaurant. It’s a great place to stop and eat with some of the best views in Laguna, and right next to main beach. Those little people down there are some of the Laguna Beach junior lifeguards.  

The café at the Hotel Laguna is a must-stop destination for first time visitors to Laguna Beach. The hotel has been in service for over 100 years and it's a landmark in the city.

I love the homes right down on the sand!

Gorgeous stretches of rugged coastline are found everywhere! 

I stumbled upon the beach house of Bette Davis!  This was her second home for many, many years.  She bought the 1929 Tudor style home in the 1930’s when her fame was sky-high and she was seeking some refuge from Hollywood. It’s still a gorgeous home, high above the beach at Woods Cove, one of the most secluded and gorgeous beaches.  

Here is the entrance at the street level with the historic plaque. 

Charming Tudor style!

This is the view of Bette's home coming up the steps from the beach.

One little final shot from Madison Square...

my cute little frog prince!

ciao! fabiana

surf board decor

Surf boards add an instant

cool coastal vibe to any space,

indoors or out.

Prop one up in the corner,

or lean one up at your next party.

Any way you display it,

it'll say “Beach”!

  

   

  

  

ciao! fabiana

photo credit: pinterest