I always love Thanksgiving but this year it feels extra special. It is the first Thanksgiving in 4 years I have come back to celebrate in the US with my family, and I am feeling so happy and blessed to be with loved ones. Also, for the first time since 1888, Thanksgiving overlaps with Hanukkah! Here is a little inspiration - I especially adore the colorful, eclectic tabletop above . . . perfect for both holidays! 

 Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! 

{images via}

House Tour: Keri Russell's Brooklyn Brownstone

Today I am so inspired by the light filled New York townhouse of actress Keri Russell, recently featured in Elle Decor. Loaded with reclaimed materials and rough, natural finishes, I think this home is a beautiful balance of rustic and elegant. I especially love the blend of modernized updates and organic textures in the dining room and kitchen. The simple color palette of sand, creams and whites is so peaceful and really lets the architecture and unique vintage pieces shine. Honestly I could move right in! 

Do you have any favorite details?

{via Elle Decor, photographer William Waldron}

Singpaore Decorating: Sophisticated Red & Blue

Sometimes the biggest design challenges are blending the old and the new. One of my clients just moved from the US with a number of lovely, but very traditional red and blue Persian rugs {like below!} - the problem was, their new apartment was sleek, modern and open. My solution? Bridge the gap with classic but clean pieces and unite everything with a rich palette of reds and blues. We kept one existing sofa and ordered a second with a more contemporary shape in a warm tobacco hue. We then added some sophisticated yet fresh pattern with a host of new throw pillows and another area rug in a subtle geometric. Finally, an abstract painting and oversized Chinese red sideboard brought in so much texture and a pop of lively color at the same time! 

Have you ever attempted to blend the old and the new? 

InstaTravels: London & Dublin

I am addicted to Instagram - it just makes life more beautiful {or helps us amateur photographers capture it!} So I just have to share my favorite Instagram moments from my lovely week in London and Dublin. I soaked up every bit of the cool fall weather and got plenty of time to explore both cities a bit on my own, iphone camera in hand! 

{above: fiery fall foliage in Dublin}

{from the window of our friends spare room - we are very lucky guests!}

{morning run in Hyde Park}

{a beautiful afternoon at the Victoria & Albert}

{welcomed by the vibrant Georgian doors in Ireland!}

{a classic and cozy Irish pub}

{Trinity Collage}

Thanks for coming along on my Instagram travels! 

Mid Century Mod: Monochrome Inspiration

I just began a new design project and the client is a huge fan of mid century mod design. She has a wonderful pair of vintage 1950's walnut armchairs and we are using those as a jumping off point! The plan is to create a peaceful, monochromatic space but to add lots of layered artwork and plenty of metallic details to bring the space to life. I am so excited to get started see where this project takes us . . . 

Rustic & Fresh: Refurbished Cottages in Connemara

I am back in steamy Singapore, but in honor of my time in lovely Ireland I had to share this beautifully modern seaside home in Connemara. It was designed by architects Peter Legge Associates and what an incredible contrast to the charming, romantic style of the traditional Irish homes {see here}! The pair of dilapidated stone cottages were rebuilt and joined with an innovative glass structure to create one unique guest house. I love how the cabin embraces the fantastic natural setting and I think the balance of rugged and sleek is just perfect. I can just imaging spending a cozy fall weekend here!