Charming Character

May 11, 2015

People often dream of one day owning a big house. Sadly, I have seen too many big houses that, while spacious, lack character. Given the option, I choose character over size any day of the week. I am such a big proponent of homes that evoke emotions, not two wine cellars and a movie theater. I think the biggest challenge for people with big square-footage is how they bring it down to scale. My friend’s family in Atlanta has a beautiful big home, yet it has superb dimensions. When you see a large house that accomplishes that, there is a large chance there is someone with a very skillful eye as an occupant.

I love large homes, but I love character above all else. A home that has a personality, a whit, and a charm tends to have soft lighting, sweet shutters, and well-appointed landscaping. Curb appeal is real, and these sweet homes prove it. I think it is a great reminder as we start the week…

“ability may get you to the top, but character keeps you there.”- john wooden

A perfectly happy home that I took a picture of yesterday in my best friend’s neighborhood. Landscaping makes all the difference! Via The Potted Boxwood.

A beautiful Greenway Parks home in Dallas. Just look at that garden gate. Via The Potted Boxwood

An inviting yellow home with lovely shutters and ivy covers. Via The Potted Boxwood

A black garden gate leads you to the type of home you would want to grow up in.

Large potted boxwood and a pup that looks perfectly content sitting on the porch all day.

A plethora of flowers in window boxes, along the pathway, and on the home. A definite case of the more, the merrier. Wonderful! Photo by L.A. Brown Photgraphy

White house. four column entry, black shutters and lovely landscaping. My absolute favorite of them all.

Any type of espalier, climbing ivy, jasmine., etc….ALWAYS works. How enchanting is Cotswold Cottage!

A southern charmer.

A charming entry way. Just looking at this, you know that the occupants live well and happily. Via Country Living

Green is the best paint there is! Just fabulous! Via BHG

An old school house turned real house. What a great history and design. Via Country Living

I love the railings, long black shutter, and potted palms. Such a coastal southern ambience. Via Southern Living

Simple, classic, and always in style. Via Veranda

A white picket fence and very splendid landscaping. Potted Boxwood included. Via Southern Living

Hydrangeas cover this cottage that is fit for a New England coastal island. Via Homebunch

A steep eave and classical approach to this stone covered home. Via Traditional Home

An idyllic sweetness that makes you want to have a book, cup of tea, and an afternoon in the front garden.

A wisteria covered entrance that oozes casual chic curb appeal.

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I Left My Heart…

May 8, 2015

…In San Fransisco. Well, I didn’t leave my heart anywhere, but someone who holds a big place in mine is moving there this weekend. Finding friends is hard enough, but finding best friends is a whole other category. I am lucky to have a few very close friends, the kinds that just aren’t available when it is convenient or their significant other is out of town. While I just recently lost one to Nashville, loosing another so soon feels almost unbearable. On the bright side, I will have much more time to make for all of my boxwood friends 😉

Fortunately for me, my friend Katlin decided to move to a pretty cool city that is close to lots of wine (which suits her perfectly). She also is choosing to live in a very posh neighborhood (which also suits her perfectly). So while I write this with tears streaming down my face, I also write with a tremendous amount of gratitude that I was able to find such a great friend and have great anticipation for all of the fun we will have in our visits together in a lively, winding, and close to wine country town.

Best wishes Kat and Nawder…engaged and in a new place to stay! I hope this post will inspire your current house hunting ambitions.

This spectacular Pacific Heights home is by Susan Greenleaf via Lonny.

A 1967 Pacific Heights residence. Look at the door, the boxwood, the beautiful black- in love!

Contemporary art, classic furniture, and very sophisticated juxtaposition.

Blue and white on display. Notice the block moldings of the wall.

Herringbone floors and an eclectic combination of accessories in this hallway.

A kitchen of gray and chic subway tile. Definitely an image you have seen before on the blog.

I love how Greenleaf doesn’t let any one type of style dominate a room. Everything counteracts each other to create balance.

I love the mirrors flanking the bed and the pop of blue.

Pacific Heights home by Susan Greenleaf via Lonny 11

I love this!

All of the bathrooms in this home are so perfectly appointed. Playful wallpaper, contrasting floors, and chic combinations of color.

The art keep the bathroom bright.

Fantastic detail from the door to the tassel.

Notice how the walls play on the colors in the bed,

I love the dynamic nature of this home. An addition of contemporary to a very currently classic interior.

Soft pink and a subtle mix of pattern.

Notice the potted boxwood on the roof. The more of them the merrier.

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One Hand In My Pocket

May 7, 2015

I grew up in a home full of pocket doors, and honestly I used to despise them. I never really understood the draw of having to work in order to slide open and close a door. They are often hard to lock and not always visually appealing. I understand they save space from a bulky door and are very necessary in tight spaces. I guess you could say, I never understood the appeal until I discovered an entirely different breed of pocket doors.

This new breed of pocket doors is larger, lacquered, mirrored, molded and full of interesting hardware. They bring the fabulous to functionality. These are the type of doors you want to take out of your back pocket and into your home!

A Chinoiserie Hallway with Pocket Doors by Ashley Whitaker

An entry by designer Ashley Whittaker and architect Tom Felton with some beautiful wooden pocket doors on display. Obsessed with the Gracie wallpaper. Via New York Spaces

A splash of black pocket doors in this living area. Via Veranda

A fantastic full service pantry with glass pocket doors.

I love the elegance and modern glamour of this space, those french pocket doors are remarkable.

Carolina Herrera Baez uses pocket doors to transition into her dining area. How about those pink walls? Would you ever pull it off? Via Elle Decor

David Kleinberg and Peter Pennoyer create sophisticated black pocket doors in this dining area. I love the creamy white highlights in the door. Via Veranda

Michael S. Smith felt the need to use pocket doors in this master bedroom. Pocket doors allow large spaces to be scaled down and gives a sense of completion.

Now, those are some intricate pocket doors. Detail matters.

A fabulous use of pocket doors off of this entry. I appreciate how you can make the space open if you like, and you can make the room more intimate by a simple close of the doors.

Pocket doors off of this kitchen. Look at the cutouts and the antique mirrors. Fantastic!

Perfectly appointed pocket doors. I love the glass and the molding details. Phenomenal. Those floors are pretty spectacular too.

Sleek pocket doors with blocks of wood and glass. Via AD

I love the warmth of this space which can easily be made more personal with the close of the pocket doors. Via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Shaun Jackson creates a modern, chic, and cool dining space with pocket doors that are uniquely framed. Via Elle Decor

Large pocket doors transition the spaces in this home with a very open floor plan.

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Queen Charlotte

May 6, 2015

No, I am not here to talk about the royal baby, as cute as she may be. In my opinion, there has only been one queen that reigns with the name of Charlotte, and that is Charlotte Moss. I have mentioned before how I have always admired her work since middle school. Yes, when most children were concerned about Britney Spears being overprotected, I was concerned about how to grow up and emulate the good taste of Charlotte Moss.

My freshman year of college I visited her townhouse (store) with my mom and closest family friends. It was a wonderland of chic, with the most tasteful finds lurking in every well appointed corner. I have purchased her books and poured over each word carefully over the years, knowing that Charlotte’s word always reigns.

Imagine my delight when I found out she was coming to Dallas for a signing of her new book, Garden Inspirations. I was giddy with anticipation all day, and felt as if I was meeting someone worthy of a royal curtsey. While I didn’t curtsey, I was beyond flattered to know that Charlotte follows The Potted Boxwood, and was nice enough to tell me I had “a great eye.” The event at the Nieman Marcus downtown (that is the first ever Neiman Marcus for the non-Dallasites), was a picture perfect soiree filled with lush greenery and store windows inspired by the gardens in her book.

I hope you enjoy this glimpse into a superb event hosted by Neiman Marcus and Architectural Digest, with locally featured hosts Jan Showers, Cathy Kincaid, and Ken Downing.

Charlotte Moss at Neiman Marcus Dallas_ The Potted Boxwood 13

Garden inspired dresses and green turf covers the store. There is something about green that makes everything else display so beautifully.

Charlotte Moss at Neiman Marcus Dallas_ The Potted Boxwood 12

Love that pink dress!

Charlotte Moss at Neiman Marcus Dallas_ The Potted Boxwood 8

I wanted to take these chairs home. I love how the white pops so beautifully against the green. The detail is remarkable.

A table display of flowers. The flowers were truly stunning everywhere you turned.

Of course, blue and white vases steal the show. I love the mix of flowers and the incorporation of potted boxwood topiary!

Another angle.

A more aerial view of the display. It was so enchanting in person.

Charlotte Moss at Neiman Marcus Dallas_ The Potted Boxwood 15

Another arrangement of flowers. A mix of pottery, mirrored, and glass vases works well with the variety of flowers.

Charlotte Moss at Neiman Marcus Dallas_ The Potted Boxwood 16

Another table with lush floral arrangements.

Charlotte Moss at Neiman Marcus Dallas_ The Potted Boxwood

My introduction to Charlotte Moss. She is just as chic and inviting as her interiors she creates.

Diligently signing my copies of her latest book, Garden Inspirations.

A gorgeous green backdrop for a picture with Charlotte Moss.

While inside the department store things were blooming, the windows on the outside were also growing a life of their own.

Such a creative display of housewares available at Neiman Marcus, all inspired by Charlotte’s book.

Another tremendous arrangement of her book and beautiful fine dinnerware.

A large backdrop of a page in her book is striking with the green and white dress. Of course, I am partial to this window due to the appearance of a lovely potted boxwood.

She speaks words of inspiration for any occasion of entertaining.

A swanky bar cart in this display. I also love the white rock floor of the windows. So fresh for spring and summer.

A splendid view of a garden room, full of the organic beauty of nature. From fruits, to flowers, to countertop displays, it looks so naturally chic.

Wise words.

Of course, no display is complete without a glimpse of blue and white.

Sophisticated garden attire.

I love Charlotte’s book since she not only gives us an in-depth glimpse into her own garden, but also into the beautiful gardens of people all over the world.

It truly was a great evening surrounded by style, elegance, and charisma, from the party and windows to the author, designer, and talent herself.

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Cinco de Mayo

May 5, 2015

Buenos Dias! In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, I thought I would share the serene Mexico retreat of Andrew Fisher and Jeffrey Weisman. Their San Miguel vacation home is exactly the type of place where I would want to spend my Cinco de Mayo and my summers. It is full of pretty Spanish tile, handmade textiles, chic courtyards, and lush landscape. Also, the amount of blue and white in the home is enough to leave your head in a dream.

It has the laid back ambiance you would expect from a vacation home in Mexico, yet it also has an inviting sophistication that takes it a step above. I hope you enjoy these photos which originally appeared in Architectural Digest. Do yourself a favor and have a Margarita, or two, today!

Andrew Fisher and Jeffrey Weisman AD

Several split levels in this home and so much space to work with!

Andrew Fisher and Jeffrey Weismann 2

Hues of blue and phenomenal texture. A true display of light and fabulous wood beams.

Andrew Fisher and Jeffrey Weisman 3

Look at that fixture! A great dining space. That fireplace is perfectly placed.

The fireplaces in the entire home are just exquisite. Again, deep tones of blue and white act as nuetrals.

A sweet a rustically refined kitchen.

The brick ceiling is a great touch.

Not often do you see an oval shaped bathroom. The blue and white tile is so superb in this space. Forget wallpaper!

An elegant and inviting bedroom retreat.

I love all the mix and match of blue and white fabric combined with smart wood finishes.

Very interesting windows. Elements like this add a more modern twist.

Bringing the indoors outside, Fisher and Weisman can use this space to entertain and enjoy the cool San Miguel nights.

I love the use of sconces. This is really just like another room in the house.

A poolside view of the home.

A patio overlooking the town of San Miguel.

A perfect property for summer entertaining and to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

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Mother May I

May 4, 2015

It is May and, believe it or not, it is Mother’s Day this Sunday! I thought I would round up some fabulous gifts worthy of a discerning kind of mom (well, aren’t all moms discerning in their own way). Even if your mom says she is content with just your love, be wary. I mean, no one is ever disappointed with a pretty wrapped packaged. I’ve learned to be safe over sorry. If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy (one instance where improper grammar is acceptable).

Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to give something thoughtful and totally unnecessary. I often find the things I derive the most pleasure from are the little unnecesary things. A nice candle, fresh flowers, and plush towels. If you ask my mom what she wants for Mother’s Day, it is for Watson Lighting on her trees. Something my dad doesn’t quite understand….Hey! If you have nice landscaping, why should it only be visible by day?!

Mother’s Day is a time to be thoughtful, not commercial. I hope you enjoy my roundup today. Most importantly, I hope you can have a wonderful Mother’s day as a mom, with your mom, or with the person who fills that role in your life.

Click Pictures to Purchase!

The Book Mom

If she doesn’t have it, she needs it. Trust me. By the way, guess what I am doing tonight??

Unless you are already spending the weekend at Round Hill, this is the next best thing.

The Traditional Mom

I love needlepoint pillows and you really can’t beat the design and prestige of Elizabeth Bradley Home.

Elizabeth Bradley also has these classic tassels. I think my grandmother (Gegan) is the perfect recipient.

Mrs. John L. Strong created this Entertaining Journal to keep track of your parties, your menus, and your preferences. A well thought gift for the serial entertainer.

The Flower Mom

Bouqs is my new favorite thing y’all. Fresh cut flowers delivered straight to your door. If you are calling pro-flowers or you don’t know of an Avant Garden in your mom’s neighborhood, this is how you step-up your flower power.

The Foodie Mom

Food 52. My friend’s foodie mom informed me of this website. It is full of yummy recipes, chic cookware and kitchen finds.

My mom will not stop raving about this ice tea maker. As far as she is concerned, it is magic. If my picky mom approves, there is clearly something to talk about.

If you plan to spend a summer by the pool or outdoors, these are the wine glasses for you! My friend’s mom adores them and she is the epitome of good taste and advice.

The Dog Mom

If you saw my post on Chinoiserie eggs and ornaments, then you know all about the wonderful works of Dana Mahnke. Her new line of chinoiserie hand-painted dog bowls are something any dog mom will covet. Yes, dog mom’s count too!

I always love to feature my Dallas people, especially these beautiful dog beds by Amy Berry Design. What a fresh color combination, perfect for any pooch!

For the feminine Mom

If you can’t buy your mom a plethora of peonies, this Jo Malone perfume is the next best thing.

Can Aerin do no wrong? From the packaging to the product itself, her items are to be treasured.

If you haven’t ordered from Olive & Cocoa, you are missing out on the best way to gift. Delightful items come in beautiful wooden boxes. This would be my top mom pick, especially because I adore and use Spongelle products every day. Seriously, Amazing.

the Stylish Mom

Mark D. Sikes is by far one of the chicest people ever, so it is no wonder that his new line MDS Stripes embodies his signature style. Stripes with blue and white on this high quality garden tote.

Turkish T makes this great fold-over clutch in different colors. Perfect for a casual summer night on the town.

Roberta Roller Rabbit is one of my very favorites, just ask my citi card… Every time I fall in love with their gorgeous textiles and palettes of color.

I love Natori robes. I can’t even confess how many I own. I love this pretty soft blue for summer.

The Every Mom

Nest candles burn so beautifully, and smell even better. Honestly, I just want to move into this box. Potted topiaries and ivy on the walls…yes please.

Well this speaks for itself. A lettuce ware (Dodie Thayer) candle. This would be the ideal addition to any summer luncheon tablescape.

If you owe your mom for those countless hours of tutoring, this would be an exceptional pay back. They are always timeless and beautiful.

Such a sweet set of heart Thank You Notes by Mrs. John L. Strong. The colors are so vibrant and the quality is unparalleled.

A happy arrangement of color used in towels by Turkish T. I can never tire of turkish towels as gifts, there are just so many uses for them!

I bought these for my mom, and she absolutely adores them. These napkin rings add a vibrant touch of color to any tablescape.

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