I love a quintessential beach house but it is always so inspiring to see a fresh take on a classic! And I especially like the urban, vintage and slightly edgy style of this Montauk home. It's the weekend getaway of fashion photographer Ben Watts and was originally built as a fisherman's cottage. The spaces have such personality due to quirky touches as well as a few rustic and rough finishes . . .  I could move right in! Any details you love?

{via Lonny}

Daily Detail: A Fresh + Cozy Guest Room

In my opinion the best beach houses are the ones with the most bedrooms - after all what is a weekend away without a house full of friends and family! We were at the New Jersey shore this week at my hubby's family home and one of the bedrooms has this very rope headboard by West Elm. Guest rooms are so often at the bottom of the decorating list and end up with the extras from the rest of the home but this lovely guest oasis is just the opposite! I love the layering of patterns and colors, the organic textures and the fresh color palette of greens, blues and accents of deep red. 

Any details you love?

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!} 

House Tour: Bold & Lovely in NYC

Today I am so inspired by this small but power packed NYC apartment by designer Ashley Whittaker {and not only since I just arrived in this amazing city for a visit!} At only 800 square feet it's certainly not large but I love the vibrant and fresh style it exudes and how spacious it feel. A perfectly glamourous and playful girl's pad in the city . . . 

Here a few tips to take away from this bright and happy home:

{1} Don't be afraid to mix of retail and custom sources. I spot quite a few Ikea and Ballard Designs pieces in here along with many luxe accessories and fabric - a great contrast of saves and splurges!

{2} Use bold pattern and color to add visual interest and make every space count - lots of people go too neutral in a small space {I especially adore the wallpapers in this home!}

{3} Don't over clutter - there should be plenty of room to move throughout the space, no matter how petite the apartment! 

Visit here to see more of Ashley's upbeat and stylish interiors! 

{via House Beautiful}

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 . . . .

Singapore Decorating: One Living Room Two Ways!

I am working with a wonderful new client here in Singapore and she and her family are arriving from the states with only personal effects, so the apartment is a clean slate - what a fun project! Below are two directions we are considering for the enormous combined Living Room & Dining Room space. Their new home is beautiful but very spacious so the key will be creating a warm and inviting interior {while still minding the budget!}. I am also keeping an eye out for pieces with patina and texture to add depth and prevent the room from feeling too new. We have already selected the mid century mod dining table, the white molded dining chairs, and classic slipcovered sofas . . . now just to decide on the rest! 

I love the warmth that the burst of coral brings in the first scheme, but the soft aqua,  lime green and navy of the second is just so fresh. 

Which scheme gets your vote? 

Instant Style: Fresh + Persian Rugs

I adore the vintage patina, intricate designs and rich colors of persian rugs! But using them in a space can be a bit tricky - they pack a whole lot of pattern and can easily make a space look busy, old fashioned or just dark and heavy. The key is to contrast them with loads of white and dark neutrals. Balancing them with a few mod pieces also helps keep the look eclectic and fresh as opposed to cluttered. And lastly, I especially love persian carpets with unexpected hues - like faded coral, bright pink, slate blue, or lime {and try to avoid those in the traditional deep red and navy color combo}.

Here are some of my favorite inspiration images . . . 

Love the contrast with the oversized black pendants and abstract painting!

This might just be my ultimate dream kitchen! 

We have a large natural sisal in our living room and would love to layer one of these small colorful persian rugs on top! Add it to the wish list . . . 

If you in the market, Erugs.com is actually a wonderful source and Etsy and Ebay are also often full of great finds!

Happy Friday Everyone!

{images via}