Another insane week packed with school commencement ceremonies, soccer tournaments and dance recitals personally, and building permit filings, structural engineer meetings and asbestos remediation professionally. This season is BUSY!
For new subscribers, in this weekly newsletter I share my top picks for the week - trends or particularly noteworthy design. Each week I share an interior, a real estate listing and a style item that I think are special. I hope you'll let me know what you think!
1] Handpicked: INTERIOR
I have followed Sarah Sherman Samuel for a long time. She is from Michigan, but started her design career in Los Angeles (then returned to Michigan!). I particularly loved her aesthetic when she was insanely creative in combining easily available pieces (think Urban Outfitters and West Elm) with DIY Ikea hacks, but I also love her unique mid-century and post-modern style mash up.
One of my favorite projects is a home she designed for Garance Doré that was featured in Domino Magazine.
She designed Mandy Moore's home in Los Angeles (photos 3 and 4), and then did a big reno of her home in Michigan as shown in the kitchen above. Does her style speak to you? Would love to know what you think.
2) Handpicked: REAL ESTATE
This house at 50 Concord Avenue in Cambridge came on the market this week. While the bones of this Dutch Colonial are lovely and gracious, the house has a very tired stucco facade and even sadder front landscaping. But it has special bones and is priced well for Cambridge, so it's one that demands a look! Also, while it's on a busy street it's set back so it boasts an A+ location with the potential for privacy screening.
I do love a beamy Dutch Colonial; Dutch colonial architecture is noted for its signature gambrel roof that is reminiscent of a barn (and don't forget the always-charming Dutch door from this architectural style!).
Did you see the sweet cut-out arches in the dining room that peek-a-boo the stairs? Or the gorgeous original ultramarine blue tile on the fireplace? It could be... incredible.
3) Handpicked: STYLE
I love framing unconventional art pieces - dish towels, vintage clothing, tapestries. This week I learned about a new artist, Joan Swanson, of the Salt Air Farmhouse. She creates tapestry art on drop cloths with graphic, hand-cut letters. You can customize the letter color and fabric which makes each piece individual and perfect for its intended space.
And a bonus for large scale artwork... you don't have to frame them if you don't want to as they come with grommets (saves money)!
Designer Leanne Ford showed off one of her pieces in her latest design for her brother Steve Ford's new baby!
That's all from our team this week - can't wait until next week!