Here in Singapore, summer never ends, so we all end up doing a lot of outdoor entertaining! One of my clients has a fantastic terrace and since he has company over all the time, a bar cart was a must. I love the look of sleek, polished bar carts for inside, but I have to admit I love these rustic, industrial inspired outdoors ones almost just as much! The climate is brutal here - so whatever we pick must be able to stand the elements! Here is a bit of our current inspiration. . . . 

{ the bar above in Thom Filicia's Hamptons home is so simple but chic and is just screaming for the party to start! }

If you are looking for one, I like this Abott Zinc one by Pottery Barn or this distressed iron Styler Cart from Jayson Home. But for a bargain, I also love this metal and wood Cortes Cart from Overstock. 

{via}

InstaTravels: East Coast Summer Adventures

For the past 2 weeks I have been traveling in the states having the best, best time seeing family and friends {I am so lucky!} I have adored my time in RI, NJ, NY and MA and now am headed on to MN and WA - it's a bit of a crazy race but I am loving every minute! I just had to share a few of my favorite Instagram memories and inspirations from along my travels so far. . . 

Hope you are having a wonderful and beautiful week too!

Design Obsession: Navy Stripes

I adore anything and everything navy and white striped - and I think I really might be addicted! {Over half my suitcase for this trip is filled with varying blue and white stripes!} Stripes are of course popping up all over in fashion but I think they are equally chic in decor. It is hard to find a design element both timeless and playful but navy stripes are just that. I especially love them paired with natural textures, metallic accents and rich hues like emerald and magenta. Plus, there is just something so quintessentially fresh and summery about this classic!

Are you as stripe-obsessed as I am? 

{Images via and if you want to see more lovely stripes!} 

USA Bound . . . First Stop: Newport, Rhode Island!

Tomorrow I am headed back the US for a trip across the states to see family and friends! I am so excited about all my stops but especially happy to be kicking off my journey with a girls weekend in Newport Rhode Island with one of my very best friends. I have never been to Newport before but am looking forward to some summery New England charm, touring ornate Gilded Era mansions {I am a total history nerd after all!}, walking the beach and having a few cocktails by the water. Have any of you spent time in Newport? I would love to hear your favorite places to visit, eat and shop . . . .

House Tour: NY Americana Chic

Happy 4th of July Everyone! In honor of the holiday, I had to share the casual but oh so chic summer home of designer Thom Filicia in upstate New York. Filicia renovated and decorated the previously dilapidated 1917 lakeside cabin and the result perfectly captures with his signature style of rustic American warmth {I have always had a major style crush!}. I love the combo of campy, rough textures with a few mod pieces and loads of incredible accessories. For me, this would be the perfect place to spend a 4th of July weekend! Any details you are loving?

Surprised at how much I love the black cabinetry! {And how cleaver to use chicken wire instead of glass insets on the uppers}

Notice the rope detailing that pops up thorough the house. . . a perfect nod to life on the lake!

A cozy bedroom with a color scheme inspired by the Hudson Bay blanket!

I love the architectural details of the exposed beams, paneled walls and fieldstone hearth {and those amazing heavy black doors!}

How stunning for a BBQ cookout???

Happy Independence Day! 

{Featured in House Beautiful, photos by James Merrell}