Martha's Vineyard Home and Garden Tour

Country Living Magazine features a wonderful, quirky home on Martha's Vineyard. I love this old farm table with the mixed chairs.

Sun Rooms

I would love to have a sun room. I have a gorgeous handmade hammock from Brazil that is perfect for the room in the picture above. I have moved that hammock from house to house, always looking for the perfect place to hang it. It's sort of like having the great shoes with no outfit to go with them. It's on my bucket list...someday I am going to have a place for my hammock so I can take the most perfect naps.

Elle Decor has some great sun room ideas.

Garden Cottages and Sheds

I dream of having a little garden cottage office. Sunset Magazine, as always has a great collection. I love the idea of having a dining table that doubles as a desk for work and outside dining...especially if the front completely opens up to the garden.

However my favorite idea/dream is to have an office/guestroom airstream in the garden.

38 Ideas for Firepits

There's just a hint of Spring in the air and I am dreaming of backyard summer parties. One thing I would like to add to the patio is a firepit. Sunset Magazine has 38 ideas...time to stock up on long sticks and marshmallows.

The Zen of Rock Balancing

A couple of years ago, Richard and I sat on the beach watching a man quietly and patiently balancing rocks on top of each other in the most amazing shapes. Garden Design magazine has a wonderful article on this skill/art. I think they are most amazing near water. 

One of a Kind Kitchens

I think these hammered silver cabinets are gorgeous. I also know mine would have finger prints all over them. Elle Decor has a slide show of one of a kind kitchens featuring great color, art, unusual light fixtures, textures, and tables.

Before and After

Don't you love Before and After pictures of design projections. Design Sponge has a whole series of them. This one is of a cabin renovation.

Decorators' Color Palettes

I love how designers choose their color palettes. I once saw a palette created from ice cream flavors. Better Homes and Gardens shows favorite palettes from a number of decorators. I particularly like the one above from Kristian A. Howell.

32 Garden Fountains

There was snow on the surrounding foothills this morning, but I can't seem to stop myself from thinking about what I want to do to in the garden this Spring and Summer. First project...a fountain in the back yard. Sunset has some good ideas...

14 Shades of Red

I have been thinking of painting my bathroom red, with a white pedestal sink and black and white tiles floors. What do you think? Will I get tired of it too fast. Of course with the black and white floors I could easily repaint. The online Lonny Magazine has 14 great examples of red rooms.

Floral Table Runner

I thought this idea from Real Simple would be so great as a centerpiece for Easter. I would tuck some eggs in among the grass and flowers.

Dog Friendly Gardens

I love these ideas from Sunset Magazine for dog friendly gardens. My dog Lola would love these paths and look-out spots.

Lonny Magazine

Do you know Lonny Magazine? It is absolutely eye candy and full of decorating and fashion inspiration. You can see the latest complete issue here...

San Francisco Fabulous Home with Hidden Garden

One thing I love about San Francisco homes are the small hidden gardens and courtyards. Check out the slide show in the San Francisco Gate of
this fabulous house in the Noe Valley area of San Francisco. I love the dark wood floors with all of the white.

Outdoor Lighting

I just love wonderful outdoor lighting in the summer. There is something so special sitting outside, on the patio with friends...talking, drinking wine, and having the patio come alive as the sun sets and the garden turns sparkly with evening lights. Martha Stewart, of course, has some fabulous lighting ideas including covering voltives with sheets of vellum held together with chopsticks.

20 Ways to Update Your Kitchen

Some great ideas to update your kitchen without spending a fortune. I sure would love to have a new kitchen, but for now a few of these ideas should help update the kitchen's look. I especially like the idea of painting everything white and replacing the hardware. I also like that silver tray where you can add magnets for notes and recipes.

Before and After Yard Ideas

Need some inspiration for your patio/yard? Sunset has a terrific series of before and after photos with small ideas that make a huge difference.

How To Make Lighted Wine Bottles

I love this DIY from Fresh Home. Wouldn't this make a great gift for a wine enthusiast!

19 Favorite Garden Cottages and Sheds

Sunset Magazine has some great examples of backyard cottages and sheds. I especially like this shed that was made into a little bathing retreat with a claw foot tub.

Outdoor Fire Pits and Fireplaces

One thing I love about California is our mild summer evenings. It is perfect for an outdoor fire pit or fireplace. Fresh Home Ideas has some very cool examples that are perfect for hanging out with friends and family; drinking wine, roasting marshmellows. I especially like this modern gas fireplace.