Where I’ve Been and Where I’m Going!!!

It’s been so long since I’ve posted. Thank you to everyone who has emailed me enquiring if I am okay and well. Yes, I am fine, just been busy with my family, my design clients and …….a new beach house!

Summer was outstanding! Africa was beyond amazing! Dave had a fabulous birthday trip and checked one off his Bucket List! Here is a photo of us in Cape Town!

And here is the dining room of the gorgeous Cape Grace Hotel. I hope to do another specific post in the future of all the amazing things we saw and encountered, but suffice to say it really was a trip of lifetime.

Zambia was also incredible – each day was an adventure in every sense of the word.

The Singita Ebony Lodge in Sabi Sands was like a dream. I have never in my life encountered a more spectacular place.

The people, the landscape, the animals, the places we stayed were incredible.

I have been touched by Africa

and we all agreed that we returned home changed by our experiences. Memories to last a lifetime.

When we got back I fulfilled something on my own Bucket List – I was in the Annisquam summer musical –The Wizard of Oz.  I was the Wicked Witch of the West!  Ha, ha – so funny, right?! 

I shared the stage with my son, niece and nephew and my sweet sister, who was backstage supporting me and the rest of the cast.  What fun we all had! More memories to last a lifetime!

At the end of the summer we sold our lovely, beach house and bought another house three doors away; closer to the ocean and the lighthouse.  It’s a 1920’s shingle style and over the next six months we will be renovating it and making it ours.  Meanwhile, I have been busy with my design clients, my family and the children’s school.  I admire the Bloggers who masterfully balance it all (but I just keep falling over)!!

(sunset on the Zambezi River, Zambia)

For the next few months, I will not be posting often. Please forgive the blogging break and my inevitable, erratic future posts, but things have gotten so busy and I can’t commit the hours to the computer that I used to.  If you want to follow my crazy schedule it would be best to subscribe to Willow Décor via email. My posts will go directly to your email, so you won’t miss anything. Also, to all my dear readers, please let me know how YOU are doing! I so enjoy your emails and comments – I read and try to reply to every one!! (Thank you menopause, for keeping me awake from 2 am at 4 am, I get all my emails done!)

 

(Victoria Falls – Zambia)

So until I can keep all the balls in the air at the same time, I will try to keep dodging the ones falling on my head.  Know I will be back, and until then I am wishing you lots of happiness and beautiful spaces.

xox- Gina

 

(all photos and content property of Willow Decor and not to be copied with out permission)

Cape Cod Beauty!

I have been spending some down time with my family at the beach – no TV and limited computer access. Peaceful and relaxing time. Being at the ocean is so inspirational to me that I wanted to share with you this gorgeous home in Cape Cod, designed by the wonderful firm, Hart Architects.

A spectacular ocean front property renovated to support a modern family’s needs. I love the softness of the crushed gravel driveway, so common on the Cape.

The architects were phenomenal, really paying to attention to every beautiful detail. Let’s have a look inside.

The living room is lovely. Notice the deep arched entry ways and beamed ceilings. I love the x detailing on the doors and the soft graceful turn of the staircase. Notice that the room is painted white, but because there is so much architectural interest, the room is warm and inviting. Looking through the doorway on the right you can see the library.

I adore the warmth of an all wood room. You can see a bit of the ocean through the French doors - I could spend hours here!

The family room is lovely of palette of white and soft blue. You can see the kitchen beyond. I like the columns and the half wall division between the two spaces. Its visually gives each room its own defined area, but still feels very open and airy.

Another photo which shows the kitchen more closely. White cabinetry, subway tiles and bin pulls keep it classic but fresh.

A second kitchen area has a wonderful cozy keeping area. Perfect for enjoying that morning cup of coffee. Notice the peaked ceiling – with the ceiling height and the windows and French doors, the space appears much larger.

More French doors invite you out to enjoy the spectacular vistas. I love this little seating nook.

Finally a spectacular sunroom! Notice the gorgeous ceiling and the fireplace – Fabulous!!!

For more photos of this beautiful home and more inspirational designs visit Hart Architects HERE.

Hope you are all enjoying the lazy days of summer as much as I am!! See you in a few weeks!!

(Photo Credit: Cheryle St. Onge and Hart Architects. All content property of Willow Décor and not be copied with out permission)

Stunning Coastal Exterior and Interior Renovation

I am always intrigued by renovation. I especially marvel at exterior transformations and this beautiful home in New York is no exception.


On a breathtaking piece of property on the Long Island Sound it was a perfect home for renovation. Above is the Before - a wonderful, quaint colonial.

And here is the After: Notice the change in the roof lines - the original second story was expanded and a second story was also added to the original one story structure - These external additions changed the ordinary into extraordinary.

The kitchen renovation is stunning boasting state of the art appliances and marble counters. Notice the arched entrances between rooms.

I love the classic details of this kitchen including the subway backsplash tile, lighting, marble counters and the exquisite detailing on the corners of the center islands.

Looking from the other side of the center island we can see the dining and family room area. Notice the arched bookcases which echo the arches through out the first floor.

With the addition of a second story over the original one story structure, the owners were able to add a spectacular wood paneled library with fireplace and vaulted ceilings.



Again if look closely you can great details in the millwork of this room. The arched window provides a spectacular view of the Long Island Sound.

An infinity edge pool gives the illusion that the water's edge begins just steps outside the back door.
Wonderful coastal landscaping seamlessly bridges this outstanding home from land to sea.
I adore oceanfront homes - How about you??

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(All photos by Chuck Choi and property of Oliver Cope Architects & Mayfair Construction)

A Coastal Dream by Catalano Architects

Houses by the ocean always seem to draw me in.

I love the shingle style architecture - and no one does it better than our friends at Catalano Architects. This particular house has incorporated a lighthouse theme.

Notice the "lighthouse" in this closer up photo. As usual, no detail was overlooked inside or out. You enter the home via a gorgeous cobblestone edged driveway.

The back of the home is breathtaking - designed to take in the equally breathtaking views.

Notice the wavy clapboard in the peaks. It would have been easier (and less expensive) to put straight clapboard, but its these small details that add to the character and personality of the home.

This is the main entry hall - You can see the view through those spectacular windows out toward the ocean.

Here is the entry hall with your back to ocean and facing the front door. Notice the tile is set on the diagonal.

The staircase includes beautiful custom detailing - the moulding, wainscoting and railing. Notice all the window shapes. I also like the stair runner.

Here the back staircase has a lattice inspired wall. Much more interesting than a solid wall.

The family room evokes a feeling of being on a luxury yacht. The wood paneled walls are amazing.

A close up of the bar. Just stunning!

The kitchen and breakfast room move us back in the a more traditional coastal decor - white cabinets and beadboard ceilings.

Every coastal home needs a pool house/guest house. Again Catalano Architects continues the lighthouse theme and creates a charming oasis.

Here is a closer shot. Take a moment and study the outside - the attention to detail is really amazing. Notice the curved shape of the roof, wavy clapboard, railings, columns - This guest house is truly a gem.

The inside is also outstanding. I especially love the retractable doors which immediately transform an indoor room into an outdoor room.

The interior detailing again astounds you - the curved staircase above is a work of art.

And when the view and the pool aren't enough - you can enjoy time in the game room, equipped with pool table and two lane bowling alley. Isn't this so much fun??!!

Or find an quiet niche in the house to curl up with a good book. Clearly this home has it all!

A special thanks to Tom Catalano of Catalano Architects for sharing this outstanding dream home with us! For more inspiration visit Catalano Architects here.

(all photos Catalano Architects by Warren Patterson-not to be copied without permission)