A Dorothy Draper-Inspired Lunch

 Pier 1

Anthropologie

Last weekend, Glen and I hosted our first barbecue of the season, when I enjoyed introducing his family to American-style baked beans, made in my trusty slow cooker (I used a Martha Stewart recipe, which you can find here). I also made some potato salad and a batch of strawberry ice cream, for dessert. Glen grilled a bunch of burgers and sausages for us. We had a lovely evening.

Our get-together was not quite as fancy as this fabulous lunch inspired by the late great designer Dorothy Draper, hosted by Lauren McGrath, as featured in Lonny magazine. What a gorgeous, fun, and feminine soiree it was! Since pink and green is one of my favourite colour combinations, I just love the green leafy fabric used for cushions and the table runner, the pale pink peonies, and that gorgeous black-and-white striped tent, which are Draper classics. You can find these fabrics and more here. By the way, the Lonny spread includes a recipe for Berry Pavlova, which is a dessert I've been meaning to try making, since it is very popular here in Australia.

Maybe one day my hostess-with-the-mostest skills will reach such levels of fabulousness. Until then, I will keep working on a few favourite recipes,  attempt to weed the garden somewhat regularly, and perhaps add a dash of pizazz to the next gathering at our place, a la Ms Draper. There is a black-and-white striped fabric from Ikea, which I've been envisioning becoming a tablecloth in the near future. Hmmm.... Yes. I'll add that to my growing list of home improvement projects.

{Image sources: 1 - 5, 6, 7}

I heart Lonny!

I keep going back to Lonny's most recent issue, and finding loads of interiors inspiration. From homes to hotels to store spaces, this issue is chock-full of fabulous style.

I'm loving the bold patterns, the mix of contemporary pieces with antique and vintage pieces, the unique collections of art and objects from all over the world, and especially--overall, the very personal mood of these spaces.

{all images found here in the August 2012 online edition of Lonny magazine}

A fabulous mix of patterns

I'm just loving the mix of patterns in this bedroom, created by Lonny magazine's Editor-in-Chief Michelle Adams.

Going with a mainly black and white colour scheme keeps the room's palette pleasingly neutral, and allows the wilder elements, like the leopard print stools, to really add some punch. Along with the bedroom's fabulous patterns, sleek mirrors and metallic accents bring some glam touches to the space.

{all images found here in the August 2012 issue of Lonny}

Relax & Contrast

Yesterday I spent a little time looking through Lonny magazine's August 2012 issue (and by a little time I mean a couple of hours!), when I became absolutely smitten by the Brentwood, California home of stylist-to-the-stars Estee Stanley. 

I love the home's relaxed atmosphere, with its elegantly contrasting neutral colour scheme of ivory, dark chocolate, and warm French oak. As always, I'm into the exposed beams, dark wood floors, and black windows. Some decorative touches which I really like in the home are the subtly textured fabrics, found on tables and beds, and the negative exposure artworks, which bring a mysterious mood to the otherwise rather traditional rooms.

My favourite room in this home would have to be the daughter's bedroom. What girl wouldn't adore that fabulous white headboard, with nailhead trim, and the lovely little pink tufted love seat? I know I would.

{all images found here}