summer hydrangeas

It’s everyone’s favorite summer garden flower.

Hydrangeas are the summer snowball in

the most spectacular color palette!

What's your favorite shade of hydrangea?  

photos  1  |  2  |  3  | 4  | 5  | 6  |  7  | 8  |  9  |  10 

ciao! fabiana

watch the clouds

“If you want to relax, watch the clouds pass by if you're laying on the grass, or sit in front of the creek; just doing nothing and having those still moments is what really rejuvenates the body.” --Miranda Kerr

ciao! fabiana

photo via primrose garden

lowcountry love

We are headed to the South Carolina

“lowcountry” soon for a little vacay. 

Here’s a little inspiration for you and me!

via veranda & architectural digest

ciao! fabiana

inside ellen pompeo's los angeles home

In the September issue of Good Housekeeping magazine, Grey’s Anatomy star and admitted homebody Ellen Pompeo invites GH into her Los Angeles abode for a sneak peek at how she relaxes at home. 

For Ellen, this home is truly where her heart is. With the help of her friend and interior decorating partner, Martyn Lawrence Bullard. 

They worked together on every inch of this renovation and design, often drawing inspiration from fashion, a favorite hotel in Morocco and popular hangouts like Soho House in New York (which gave her the idea to put big velvet sofas in the rooms).

“Every room was sort of inspired by something different. A lot of fashion design inspired a lot of the rooms.” --EP

“The house represents [my family] because it’s hip but also comfortable. The furniture tells a story once it’s been lived in. 

That’s what makes a house a home. I’m a straight-up homebody. It’s hard to get me out of the house once the sun goes down.” --EP

“The house was like an old relic. It hadn’t been updated since it was built in the 20s. Everything about the house needed to be refreshed; the gardens, especially. 

There were no gardens. It was just a yard full of dirt. So to build the gardens was so fun, something that I had never done before. I’m still not finished, I’ll keep adding to it. 

To be able to have all the fruit trees and the chickens and everything, I think it’s so nice for the kids. I think everything I did outside was with the girls in mind.”  --EP

Ellen shares more about the inspiration for her home design, how her happy home and family life is the complete opposite of her childhood, how she’s most like Meredith Grey and her dream guest stars for Grey’s Anatomy! 

Check out the September issue of Good Housekeeping, on newsstands August 16 for all the rest!

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”.

For more home tour inspiration,
check out this brand new book:

alfresco, italian style

There’s nothing quite like it in the world! Summer Italian style means alfresco living. Set up a table in a shady spot, preferably under a pergola.

Set out a blue and white tablecloth, simple tableware and then arrange a few garden flowers and summer fruit at the center of the table in an informal way. 

Another classic option for your table is a bold striped table cloth. This black and white one creates a dramatic effect against all the lush green plants and surroundings. 

ciao! fabiana


from the pages of veranda 

favorite things: striped ribbon

I love the look of a classic and bold striped ribbon. It has many uses besides wrapping around a gift box. Use it to hang a wreath, in a table setting and to keep collections together! I just ordered my supply of gorgeous ribbon from The Ribbon Resource. 

They have hundreds of styles to choose from at great prices! My favorite is the 2 inch solid/stripes black and white.  I've used it for so many things around the house and garden, that I think I need to order some more! 
   

ciao! fabiana

inside miranda kerr's malibu home

The recently engaged model and entrepreneur Miranda Kerr opens up the doors to her new, eco-conscious Malibu home for Harper’s BAZAAR’s September issue. 

The devoted mother of five-year-old son Flynn selected a charming ranch style home near the beach with ocean views and eco-friendly touches that she now happily calls home. Here’s a sneak peek of her gorgeous home and backyard.

 

“I knew that this house was it at first sight. It needed a lot of work, but it had a great view. It wasn’t right on the water, so it was protected from the wind and very private. 

I could just see the potential. It felt so right. In some ways it felt like a tree house. That was another thing that I loved. It’s all open, and the view of the ocean makes it feel more spacious.”  --MK

 Swimsuit: Hermès,  Bracelet: Bulgari

 Gown: Carolina Herrera, Earrings: Chloe, Sandals: Jimmy Choo,

Rings: Spinelli Kilcollin and Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry

Swimsuit: La Perla, Bracelet: David Yurman

“When I was a child, I spent a lot of time at my grandma’s house. People were coming in and out. She was always in the kitchen making something. There was always food and snacks. She would play the piano, and we would sing and dance. So those were my two priorities. I wanted to have a piano and a great kitchen, which is always the heart of the home.”  --MK

from the pages of Harper's BAZAAR, on newsstands August 16th

ciao! fabiana