geneva homes tour part one

Happy Monday, and it looks like it’s gonna be another HOT one!! Even with this outrageous heatwave we're having in Southern California, it's still nice to be home. 

I was gone all last week on a family vacation to Geneva, Illinois and I have a whole lot of pretty pictures to share with you all… 

Geneva's a darling historic town about 45 minutes west of Chicago, and my husband has deep roots there. It’s his home town and his mother’s home town, so we still have lots of friends and family there.

Driving into town, this gorgeous brick Georgian colonial home caught my attention! Look at the pretty sun room on the left side.  

Every street in Geneva is filled with the most charming homes. I walked by this little farmhouse with the wicker swing each morning.

This is one of my favorite styles, and it's white with black shutters! Three stories, plus a basement, of fabulous square footage…wow! 

The variety of architectural styles is amazing!

Some of the stone houses are among the oldest in Geneva.

This Victorian house on the hill sits right behind my husband’s childhood home. It was once the home of the Bogash family, and is a prominent fixture in Geneva on Batavia Avenue.

The Fox River runs through Geneva, so every morning I would walk along River Lane and admire all the pretty homes with sprawling backyards that sit on the riverbanks. We stayed at the Herrington Inn & Spa which is only a few houses away from this stone beauty.  

Huge white hydrangeas are everywhere in town… and they're so perfect for summer! 3rd Street features several blocks of shops and restaurants that are converted from beautiful old mansions.

Most of the side yards are just as beautiful as the front!

I love seeing all the American flags flying proudly on these stately old homes.

More hydrangeas!

There’s really a great variety of vintage farmhouses too.

This farmhouse, below, has really charming Victorian gingerbread details, but it’s not over the top. It’s currently being refurbished, yay!

So cute!

Who doesn’t love a great wraparound porch?!

Besides admiring all the architectural beauty of Geneva, I really enjoyed the little sights and sounds of the town.

I never felt alone walking around, because in the early morning the robins, squirrels, bunnies, chipmunks and songbirds were out and about too. The sound of the train in the distance is also very comforting and nostalgic.

ciao! fabiana

red, white and blue decor

Happy Sunday!

My family and I are on the go today, but I wanted to stop in and share some pretty and inspirational red white and blue décor that’s on my radar this week…

enjoy!

ciao! fabiana

photo credit: Country Living and HGTV Magazine

my favorite tablescapes for summer

My top secret news is out! One of my favorite magazines and I are collaborating! I put together a vintage and upscale patriotic tablescape Romantic Homes, and in case you haven’t seen it, you can check out all the details here on their website.

My inspiration and starting point for setting this table were some of my favorite pieces of blue and red transferware plates.

And just for fun, here are some of my other patriotic tables from this year and last…

ciao,  fabiana

For a dazzling table, 
shop a similar look here:

a peek inside Luann's Hampton's home

The Countess Luann could be moving to the Catskills and her Sag Harbor home is currently on the market. You may recognize this quaint 1825 home from the Real Housewives of New York. 

Luann’s hosted quite a few gatherings with the ladies in this weekend getaway of hers, but we’ve only seen the kitchen, for the most part. Here’s a look at the rest of her pretty coastal home.   

ciao! fabiana

photo credit: Architectural Digest and Curbed