This months Coastal Living celebrates summertime!

July/August 2010 Issue - CoastalLiving.com

Designer Tricks for Small Spaces

Function with Flair

Stylish Seating Solution

Boho Chic

Fake It

I've had a love affair with small spaces my whole life.  Whether it was family meals at our kitchen table in the tiny farmhouse I lived in as a child or snuggling up with cousins around the fireplace at the cozy cabin my grandparents owned, I have such fond memories of small spaces.  Looking back I marvel at how the women in my family actually managed to create harmony and sweet memories with so many children underfoot!  As a designer I can now see the ingenuity of my mother and grandmother's wisely selected furnishings that fit the spaces but expanded as needed for special occasions and extra guests.  To this day I love casual entertaining where all are welcome...no such thing as too many guests...there's always room for more!  I hope you enjoy the Designer Tricks for Small Spaces in this summer issue of Coastal Living magazine.  I think I've used every single trick at one time or another.  Happy July 4th Everyone!

15 Rustic Beach Rooms

The May issue of Coastal Living magazine was chocked full of great ideas for summer travel, cooking and decorating.  I personally enjoyed the great ideas for incorporating little bits of nature and found things into beach house decor in 15 Rustic Beach Rooms  There is something for everyone....easy breezy styles using mid-century modern furniture, rustic rooms with beautifully aged salvaged pieces or cozy corners with charming cottage colors.  What could be more fun than to start your summer with beachcombing and junk shopping!

Flea Market Style

Today I thought I'd share one of favorite blogs Flea Market Style  It's brimming with decorating ideas, where to find the best antiques, flea markets, and unique shops.  Their approach of incorporating vintage and repurposed things into every style of decor and our everyday lives is what I love most and what Urban Island is all about.  So my friends, have a look and be inspired!  Also look for their new magazine on stands now.

10 Terrific Seafood Soups

In this month's issue of Coastal Living magazine, in addition to all the great decorating, travel and lifestyle ideas, you'll find yummy soup recipes like Low-fat Shellfish Gumbo, Nantucket Lobster Chowder, Duck and Oyster Gumbo, and Scallop Chowder with Pernod and Thyme. I know half my friends are currently snowed in (and freezing!), so I thought I'd share these lovely "warm" recipes.  I'm sure that even my Southern California friends could enjoy a cozy cup of soup on a chilly evening.  Happy cooking!  Stay warm out there!

Creating Your Own Personal Style

I think I'm overdue for a book recommendation!
New Spaces From Architectural Salvage is another one of those books where you can gather inspiration before heading out to an antique show or salvage warehouse. Not only is the photography great, it walks you through a typical warehouse, suggesting what to look for and how to get an idea of what your own personal style might be. Whether it's old shutters from a French chateau, stonework reclaimed from a European cathedral, or a neon sign from a 50's American diner, the selection of design elements are endless and there's something for everyone.

Tomorrow I'm headed up to Santa Barbara to the C.A.L.M Antique Show & Sale .  One of the finest antique shows in California and even better, it's a charity benefit dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse.  It's going to be a lovely day driving up the coast and I can't wait to see my friend, Kymberley Fraser's, 3 Fine Grains booth!!

Insider Sale for Urban Island clients!

Russell & McKenna has extended a 40% off offer to any of my clients who order online using the sale code unique to orders from Urban Island customers only!  All of you know that I vouch for the craftsmanship and fun designs of this coastal cottage furniture company.   Have fun shopping!