Last Look: Elsa Peretti. Helmut Newton. New York.

Killer shot...

Victoria Pearson's refreshingly simple Ojai home

As summer officially comes to a close, I'm more in the mood for simple, light-filled interiors then ever. I think designer Victoria Pearson's Ojai home perfectly fits the bill. Carefully edited, uncluttered and filled with earthy woods and layers of white, it seems like the perfect place to watch the sun set as days grow shorter.

Love the retro vibe in the kitchen. Its also a great example of how an older kitchen can be updated without a complete overhaul.




I think my favorite part of this house is without a doubt the bathroom. Love how the chaise and chandelier luxe it up a bit, without overpowering the earnest country vibe.

Via House Beautiful

United States in Pillows

You might remember I posted about Garnet Hill's embroidered map pillows a while back. Well now the Sundance Catalog is selling a similar Washington, DC embroidered pillow, along with all 50 states. I think every decor should have a sense of place, and I'm not sure there's much of an easier way to tell that story than with one of these. How great would they be in a guest room to serve as a very comfy sightseeing guide? So cute!

Artist Spotlight: Nathalie Lete

I'm sure many of you have already fallen in love with Nathalie Lete's ceramics currently commissioned by Anthropologie. I own an adorable octopus plate that I use to corral stuff in the bathroom, and I've been following her designs since that purchase. The especially gorgeous nautical platter above inspired me to learn a bit more about her.

Lete is a French artist who makes just about everything you can imagine. Prints, postcards, children's books, toys, sculptures and rugs, but here ceramics are definitely where she shines the brightest. Check out more of her charming designs below:

(Ceramics from Lete's studio)

(Ceramic mugs from Lete's studio)

(l'hirondelle, serigraph)

(Photo from Lete's workshop/store in Paris. Definitely plan to check it out on my next trip.)


(This plate and items in photo above it currently on sale at Anthropologie.)

(Ceramic plate from Lete's workshop)

Brilliant Prints from Beauchamping

I just discovered these brilliant prints from Beauchamping on Etsy. (Courtesy of the fabulous Black*Eiffel, of course). These little black and white prints have so much heart and soul, don't you think?

Favorites are States United above (Formerly called Heartland, which I actually prefer), and the Homestead series, which features silhouettes of traditional Native American dwellings. There may be a few other cultures represented in the third image...perhaps one of you can pinpoint them. My 4th grade social studies teacher would be so disappointed in me right now...

I love the message of that piece -- no matter what or where you call home, there's usually one reason why you head back there everyday...family. Homestead and a couple of other prints below.

Martha <3 Cacti?

I loved this simple, but elegant idea featured in the September Martha Stewart Living. I think most of us relegate cacti to kitschy, unoriginal southwestern homes, but leave it to Martha Stewart to turn that perception on its head. Here, a table covered with several different varieties lends itself well to her traditional style, but I could easily see this work with any kind of decor. The ornate table and uniform pots are what I think make this work well in this room. Such a brilliant idea for people (like moi) who kill every plant they come in contact with, yet want something green in their homes.

P.S. I've been on the road for most of August due to work commitments, and there is no other magazine I find more calming then MSL. It made a plane ride to Alaska bearable. Most of the articles don't apply to my 20-something lifestyle, but I firmly believe it is comfort food on paper. Love it (and her!). What magazines do you read to unwind? Country Living is probably a close second.

Last Look: Monaco 1963

Via This isn't Happiness