Showing posts with label stylish travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stylish travel. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

MORE STYLISH SHOPPING IN HOUSTON: THOMPSON AND HANSON

Manager and buyer Kathy Frietsch 
Bringing the best of the French countryside to River Oaks, Houston, Thompson and Hanson have created something special, an escapist enclave like no other. Their creative vision combines the best of four worlds.  A beautiful complex incorporates a landscape architecture firm, garden center, retail shop and chic cafe, Tiny Boxwoods. You see this sort of set up in England and France, but the concept is not as widespread here. They have created a true destination that is worth seeking out when you are next in Houston. The owners take world-wide shopping jaunts and bring back the best Belgian and French antiques, unique terra cotta planters, Provencal urns, garden ornaments, linens and more. The ever changing assortment, housed in their long space with grey wood rafters, includes hard to find scented candles, Italian leather trays, tole, Italian printed paper goods, and decorative accessories to make you swoon.  The mix of materials, shapes and surfaces paired with greenery makes the array a feast for the eyes. If you visit, go hungry, and head across the pebbled path to Tiny Boxwoods for yummy elevated comfort food in a beautiful setting.

 Rough hewn wooden dining tables mingle with woven wicker chairs and metal side tables. As you can see, the space includes many chic discoveries.

 The dramatic ceiling height adds to the sun dappled space's magic.


 This whole set-up is ready for a sunroom.


Italian paper accessories, notecards, and porcelain vases have gift giving covered.

Painted tole flowers and potted agave in a pretty moment.

These French photophores illuminated by led candles had me at hello. I am obsessed with them. I have never seen anything like them and probably never will. The trefoil cut out, leaf detail on the lid and simple base make them ideal around a pool.

This antique mirror has loads of character with it's chipped paint finish. Next to a stark wooden plank planter, each piece really comes alive.

Entertaining-ready linen napkins, beautiful cutting boards and storage baskets.

This pair of antique Louis chairs of a medium-hued wood were so simple and so good.

Their global shopping trips mean they score wonderful finds like these Italian leather trays and candles encased in bright leathers.

The oval leather tray in the brightest orange and taupe colored leather accessories were beyond.

The nursery, where you can have arrangements and container gardens made up on the spot.

A container garden mixing hearty green plants and flowering plants. Behind is the landscape architecture office.

A heavenly arrangement of a reddish cabbage. So elegant and spare.

The assortment.

A stroll across the courtyard takes you to best brunch at Tiny Boxwoods. They also happen to have the best chocolate chip cookie in town.

Monday, January 7, 2013

STYLISH TRAVEL: ON MY WAY TO LYFORD CAY

In a few days I am headed to the Bahamas and the trip is sure to be a beautiful escape.  With the palest hue of pink as it's signature shade, Lyford Cay, located in Nassau, is a pristine spot frequented by New Yorkers and Brits seeking all-things leisure: sun, sand, sailing and play.  The enclave, founded in 1963 by E.P Taylor, recently received a design overhaul by New York-based interior designer and architect, Tom Scheerer. A long-time Bahamian resident, Scheerer understands the Bahamian lifestyle, sense of tradition and tropical temperament of island life. The result is something I have been eager to see, so having the opportunity to visit is a terrific way to start the new year. 
Looking forward to sharing some island style with you upon my return!

Photos Peter Estersohn for Town and Country
The pink and white new tented area houses The Little Club, surrounded by Palms.

The Living Room at The Lyford Cay Club is surrounded with brown and cream painted palms on grass cloth. Seating areas include cozy sofas upholstered in Quadrille fabrics and wicker chairs. Every spot seems intimate in this large room.

The view of the other side of the room, that leads out into the entry. Touches of pale green dot the room to play off the palest pink in the print.

 The dining area in The Yacht Club has a rich royal blue painted floor, and a sailfish as a focal point. Clean and crisp, like a freshly pressed dress shirt, the room is simple and comfortable.

A covered seating area is curtained to let the breezes pass through. A plantation table in the center of the room creates a gathering spot.

An seating area of the  bar with cane-covered walls and coral colored touches.


THE DETAILS: 

Tole Agave potted in an antique urn by artist Tommy Mitchell reads dry heat. 

Photo courtesy of Serena and Lilly
Durable teak and delicate bone inlay in Serena and Lilly's Starburst Tray makes a nice addition on an ottoman or can serve as a makeshift bar in a pinch.

Photo courtesy of Made Goods
The Bruni Chandelier from Made Goods resembles spiny coral, and it's round shape is perfect for illuminating center halls.

Photo courtesy of Soane
Nothing says tropics like pineapples. Soane's stunning Pineapple Lamp in antique nickel is on my short list.

Noir's canopied Gigi Chair in woven rattan has island appeal.

In a cerused light finish, Century's curvy backed dining chair adds a light presence.

Diminutive little Jenna slipper chairs from E.J. Victor are a favorite of mine.

With a lattice back and cushion seat, Global Views light wood armchair has an elegant air. 

Photo courtesy of C. Bell
Fretwork sides and round nickel pulls on the new C. Bell Collection Sarge Desk makes it a winner for it's Chippendale interest and substantial size.

Photo courtesy of Bungalow 5
A simple silhouette with classical lines, the white lacquered Porto Dining Table from Bungalow 5 is sleek and chic.

 X-based bunching tables from the newest Bernhardt collection are simple and functional.

 Always have a place to set a drink with Emissary's ceramic octagonal garden seat with lattice detailing.

Global Views does it again, with a laser-cut fretwork detailed marble coffee table with plenty of surface area for stacks of books and hurricanes.

Photo courtesy of Oomph
Backgammon is a frequent past time that is best paired with rum drinks. I hear the Rum Dum is the thing to swill. Oomph's table has room for each player's glass.

Photo courtesy of Circa Who
A foyer could benefit from the addition of breezy natural bamboo, like this vintage console and mirror from Circa Who.

A nightstand that actually has space to put things is key. This two-tiered version, the Rennie, from Mr. and Mrs. Howard for Sherrill does the job well.

A great pediment and column detail on Mr. Brown's vast bookcase brings a touch of English to the islands.

Cut-out doors and a light limed finish on Studio A's cabinet provides storage and surface area for  a dining room or living room.

 Photo courtesy of Haymarket Designs
Monogrammed beach towels from Haymarket Designs come in a zillion bright and cheery patterns and colors. They make great thank you gifts. I was going to get them for my mom in Florida, but she beat me to it.
Photo courtesy of Helen Kaminski
When you would rather go incognito, Helen Kaminski's wide-brimmed raffia hat does the trick.

Photo courtesy of Quadrille/Taigan
For the beach and lunch under an umbrella, Quadrille Shorts in their Aquarius print.  I will be taking along my Quadrille tote bag as my carry on, a job it has performed well for years.

Photo courtesy of Jack Rogers
I'm not advocating wearing these with the coordinating shorts above (!), try pairing these Quadrille for Jack Rogers with all white for a polished look.

Photo courtesy of Della Terasi
Light up the night in a Della Terasi silk Mandarin Tunic made of Fortuny fabric.

Photo courtesy of Shellkare
Keep cool in a versatile Kate linen Kaftan by Shellkare with beautiful embroidery and beading.

Photo courtesy of Sail to Sable
Sail to Sable's linen Flirty Dress is in the perfect shade of shell pink Bahamas homes are often painted in.
Photo courtesy of Chance
Updated classics, like Chance's striped sailor shirt in aqua and white stripes broadens the Breton 's match-ability.

Photo courtesy of Trina Turk
With a singular shining sun charm, Trina Turk's chain link bracelet is simple and elegant on the wrist. It would work well with the striped boatneck shirt above.


Photo courtesy of J. Crew
A nautical Knot bracelet from J. Crew adds a glimmer of gold with classic knots.

Photo courtesy of Julie Vos
A clear aqua Chalcedony hangs from a chunky gold chain on Julie Vos's long Robi necklace that adds a bit of color to a tunic for evening. It is the same necklace pictured above with Della Terasi's silk top.

Photo courtesy of Kotur
Ombred silk on Kotur's blue stried straw bag with silk tassel has charm, with just enough space for the basics.

 Photo courtesy of Annabell Ingalls
Mixing raffia and leather, Annabell Ingall's Sunny Bag is a good carryall tote bag for lugging beach stuff.



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