Home Improvement Ideas: June 2010

I am working on getting my workspace a bit more inspirational. I have a great big space and lots of ideas - I just need to get on with it! Here are some great examples that I could happily spend my working days in...

Gastronomic weekend in Brighton...

So we spent my boyfriends birthday with friends in Brighton. We stayed in one of Brightons first boutique hotels called Blanch House and spent the whole time drinking coffee, eating waffles and icecream, yummy seafood and being inspired by the beautiful seaside architecture. Mmmmm...perfect weekend...

Have a great weekend

Composite Decking: Stone Deck

If you are building a new home or adding outdoor living space to your home, here’s an alternative in composite decking you may not have considered: a low maintenance natural stone deck.

With no mortar or grout, StoneDeck combines premium-quality natural slates, granites and quartzite with a high strength composite backing. A fastening matrix connects to the deck frame while interlocking all structural panels in place. The panels and matrix form a structure that is flexible, yet strong enough to support 4,000 pounds per square foot.

StoneDeck can be installed by carpenters, deck or dock builders, and landscape contractors. An homeowner can also install the system with instructions and guidance.

Cracking is not an issue - the surface of the StoneDeck system will not crack. And unlike traditional wood decks, StoneDeck is a permanent surface that does not have the maintenance and deterioration issues associated with wood surfaces. The long-lasting components can handle the harshest climate conditions.

Our builder friend, Everett Pollard of Northcape Design in Sunapee, NH, installed it at his house and absolutely loves it! Want more information? Check out their website at http://www.stonedeckwest.com/index.htm.

Carmel River Beach Love (The End)

Now that I'm back in 98 degree Austin humidity, I'm longing to be back on the cool Carmel coast.

Missing this little Carmel Valley Coffee shop. Here comes hubby with our lattes.

Quaint Carmel Shops (Part 2)

Life is better at the beach. I agree!

Through their gates was the garden area.

Oh, how I loved the French inspired shop, Mimosa:

And my favorite window shopping of all, this paper shop, Spencer's Stationery and Gifts. Rows and rows of colorful wrapping paper!

Wordless Wednesday (Carmel)

In the lobby of our Carmel hotel, the Hyatt Highlands Inn.

My favourite lights...

Wow I can't believe its Wednesday already, the weeks are flashing by! Only three weeks until I'm relaxing in the beautiful wilderness with my family in Iceland and I can't wait. I have been busy finishing off my latest project and am hoping that it will be finished by next week. Here is a selection of some my favourite lights - in-fact I just installed the Romeo Moons (below - glass shade) into my latest project and they look absolutely perfect. So enjoy and bye for now...

Quiet and Charming Carmel (Part 1)

We just returned from an incredible getaway to Carmel and Pebble Beach. Each morning while waiting for my coffee at the nearby Carmel Valley coffee shop, I peeked inside this darling little flower shop.

Flowers by the stem for sale and beautiful yellow orchids plants. I wanted to take them all home!

Look at the way they wrapped this hand tied flower bouquet in burlap. Oh, and isn't the chocolate brown settee in limed wood finish so chic and current?

An orchid plant in a tomato can. What a nice summertime touch.

Simple and sweet.

Too bad it wasn't open!

Morning 5. Still too early for opening. Completely new fresh flowers by the stem and rearranged tablescape. Rose Hip knows how to make window shoppers drool!