Finding Great Design on Vacation

I've been on vacation since the 4th, with reality making a strong comeback Monday morning.  I'm actually excited about getting back to work, because I have so.much.going.on.  But before that happens, I want to share some pictures I've taken, first in Rockport, Mass, and then in Newport, RI.  I love seeing design everywhere I go, and I thought you might like to see it, too...

Whether design is grand or humble, in a home, restaurant or garden pot, there is always something to learn from the way a caring hand or thoughtful mind has put together color, texture and materials.

Is it a stretch to find design in the asymmetrical balance of a raspberry floating in champagne?  I think not ;-)

Now, on to Newport.

 
These copper pots in a fudge shop speak to my inner cook/designer every time I see them, from their beautiful form to their fantastic arrangement on the wall.

These two front doors just begged to be included in this post, because really, are there prettier colors for two antique colonials in a very summer town?

There were two restaurants that had me snapping my camera.  The next few are of 41North.  The design is spectacular...

These two images are in the same space, an outdoor function/lounge area...

All the white was so crisp and high-end nautical.

The next several shots are from Midtown, a new place in a totally refurbished building.  LOVE.IT.

There are three bar areas, and this my favorite, because the mood the high gloss red walls added to the entire place was just fantastic and unexpected...

Here's more of the first floor dining room...

Great texture and tones, yes?

I even though the ladies room was well done...

Great lighting, too.  Kudos to the design team on this restaurant.  They paid attention to every detail.

And, just because I love garden design, whether in a landscape or pot, I'm ending with this one of a pair of hanging pots on a beautiful store front...

I love when attention to detail is so obvious on the outside, you just have to see what's on the inside!

I hope you all are enjoying your July.  I will be back soon with project updates and other fun happenings.

Till then,
Carol


PS  To my blog friends who don't see yourself listed in my reading list, I promise it's coming!

Happy New Year From Newport

Happy New Year, my readers!  Thank you for taking the time, all year long, to read my words and chat with me.  I truly appreciate your support, both as friends and clients.

 As has become tradition, we were in Newport, RI for New Years eve.  It was cold.  And windy.  And cold.  With snow. But we were warm in our hearts with the company of good friends to walk the streets with, and to share a lobster lunch and a hot Irish coffee.  Here's a bit of a tour of the sights...

New Year's eve afternoon was so gray, my images almost look like black and whites, save for a bit of a blue cast.  If they make you shiver, I assure you, that was the feeling in the air.  The harbour was quiet and still, as if without movement, and against the cutting wind the boats and docks steadied themselves. 

Even in the gray and cold, there is nothing like being near the water.

My favorite shop to buy a purse or wallet is Brahmin (a Massachusetts based company), and my love affair with their bags started here...

Next to Brahmin is the Cooke House, and I always love to see it lit at night, like all the shops, as if to beckon sailors home...

Their front door is always done with New England charm...

Newport soothes the souls of foodies and shoppers and decorators...

I've never tried the Gas Lamp Grille below, but I love the way it looked, as if pulled from a Dickens' street.

So, my best wishes to all of you for 2013.  I hope you have warmth in your hearts and lights to guide your way.

Carol