Navy. Nautical or Not?

I'm totally digging navy blue bathroom walls lately and since I'm seeing versions of it ALL over the place, I'm thinking it's a sign...

 It would be the perfect lil' project for our powder room that currently SLAPS you in the face with tacky coastal decor and cheap brass fixtures.  I love that the navy does not have to be "nautical."  It can be elegant and serene.

I just need to tackle removing wallpaper first... (OH, and follow-up on the 37 or so other things I have yet to finish!)

Chalkboard wall update coming soon (only 3 months later...)

{Photos courtesy of Pinterest}

Homes I Love...

Fair Haven, New Jersey

Riverfront 

Bowling Green 

 Across the river from the town of Red Bank...a noted social & commercial destination on the Central NJ Coast (Jon Bon Jovi dwells here...nuff said!)

Preppy Heaven ~ Love these 2 rooms! 

Incredible views & sunsets 

I'd be inspired to create in this room... 

TIMELESS ELEGANCE ON THE NAVESINK RIVER! Private curved drive leads to this grand estate. Graceful presence, elegant design & outstanding craftsmanship. Soaring ceilings, banquet sized DR, abundance of French doors & custom millwork throughout. Newer designer gourmet kitchen w/ state of the art appliances & granite countertops, 4 baths renovated to perfection. All this on 1.98 acres of park-like property w/ panoramic views of the Navesink River, bulkhead, dock, concrete pool w/ bluestone patio.

My blogging has been light lately, not that I haven't been inspired or busy, I'm just blah :(

I'm hoping to return to creativity...stay tuned!!

Homes I Love...

 Toms River, NJ Circa 2008. Our town.  Why wasn't this lovely place available when we were house hunting?

Love the pop of orange in this living room and the rug is fun too.  I would change the window treatments and add some crown, but not much else...

 I love the combo of the cabinet and the folding chair.  Obviously the cabinet is put to very good use, containing games and probably often-used books and such.  Perfect for an open foyer...

 Again, another fun rug and displays.  I think I am jealous of the simplicity of it.  I try too hard at my home and often second guess myself or fail.

 All I need is granite in a kitchen to make me happy.

 Toms River is a coastal community and some tend to overdo "beachy.  I like the simple coastal compliments in this home...

 Seen here as well.  Whomever owns this house currently gets a A+ for picking her rugs.

I've been dying to do a navy-painted bath.  This is a great theme for a boys bath.

From the Realtor:

Beautiful Custom Built Cape in an excellent section of the Village of Toms River,only 4 Year Young!Features include:granite counters,stainless appliances,wood burning fireplace,laundry, pantry,hdwd flrs,attached 1 car garage,master BR X-Large walk-in w/built-in shelved,dresser(A MUST SEE!)Master bath w/custom tile work & X-Large Shower w/built-in seat,full basement w/high ceilings built w/Superior wall foundation(very easy to finish for even more living space)10' ceilings on 1st flr.A MUST SEE!!

Dreaming of Summer...Reasons No. 37 through 43

 Farmers Market by the river...

 ...and feeding ducks.

 Huge bunches of basil

 Stroller storage

 Lunch at Stewart's Drive-in

 Root Beer!

Fresh summer veggies (and olive bread)

It's coming, sooner than later....we've survived the worst of winter :)

70 Willow

I live in Brooklyn. By Choice. ~ Truman Capote

{photos courtesy of Streeteasy.com}

The outdoor space is amazing, considering that it's located in Brooklyn.  The Charleston porches along the rear of this home...sigh.  This town home once inhabited by Truman Capote, just sold for 12 million dollars.

From the Realtor:

Five-story, double-width, high Greek-Revival four-bay townhouse built in 1839 on a four-square country villa plan. Three-story elliptical mahogany staircase with rosette oculus window at the top. Double parlor with 12'+/- ceilings. Interior period detail designed by Minard Lafever. 40'+/- columned Charleston porch along rear of house leading to garden. 9,000+/- sf plus 2,000+/- sf basement on a 50 x 100'+/- lot. 38 windows have east, south, and west exposures, including parlor floor Jeffersonian floor-to-ceiling pocket windows and French doors leading to the Federal style columned veranda. 11 fireplaces, 11 bedrooms, 7.5 baths, and a private gated driveway. Two chef's eat-in kitchens, master suite with bath, boudoir, and walk-in closet, artist's studio, and library. A historic home located in Brooklyn Heights; a quiet refuge just minutes from Manhattan.

just saying...

My parents had a similar fixture in my house growing up.  I didn't appreciate it then and I certainly don't appreciate Horchow charging $340 for this one.  Because I love it.

just saying...