Putting the flags UP!

Happy 4th of July! I am taking a few days off to soak up some sun, enjoy a couple BBQs with friends and relax! Enjoy your extra long weekend
jul

(image from Cottage Living)

Upcycle it with reiter8

This is a FABULOUS company! I love creative people who find a unique outlet for their passion. Katherine Rasmussen is the founder of reiter8 a company which takes old sailboat sails and creates one of a kind pillows, totes and accessories. We all know how much I love Etsy designers but I think it is even more special when you can get a visual of how the artist creates. The Handmade Portraits Video on etsy will give you a walk through of Katherine's design process and just like many of us she spreads her goods across the dining room floor! I love what she is doing and in such an affordable way, a perfect "CreateGirl" company.

a pop of sunshine!

love the zig zag details on a sail

perfect indoor or outdoor accent!

I am thinking this would be a great hostess gift for the 4th of July

this is the bag I want!! I love the crisp blue and white with the 6 off centered. This is one of those unique pieces that would have people stopping you asking "ohh I love that where did you get it"!


(images from reiter8 on etsy)

Monday Morning Happy!

Let's see here, the calendar says it is summer but the seasons are a weee bit confused up here in New England. Yesterday was a chilly 60 degrees with that awful precip that is drizzle. Honestly we are all trying to keep upbeat but it is a challenge. 19 days of the month in rain is just a little too much for people who made it through the winter with the hopes of "warm to the bone" days! So with this new week I am putting a little request in to whoever up there is listening, please send down some sun and warm temps, we could all use a few rays right now.



In the meantime I will keep puddle jumping in order to have a little silly fun.
Thanks!

(image from Kodak Alex Mackie, Jump for Joy)

Guest Post at c+k!!

You might remember I blogged about the fantastic Cassandra over at coco+kelley here. Well I was over the moon when she asked me to write a guest post for her Style (E)scaping patio series. It was such an honor to scout for "Top Ten Essentials for Patio Living" for her blog. She is so generous and supportive! Take a look at the sweet introduction she gave to my post.

"Julieann Covino over at CreateGirl is one of my most favorite people... and I've never even met her! It must be our love of Red Sox baseball and interiors that unites us. Either way, I've been wanting to have her over to c+k for a while now"

To be honest, I did a little happy dance when I saw my post at c+k, it's exciting! So jump on over after you are done here at CreateGirl and bookmark her blog, you will be so happy you did! Her passion and flair for all things glamorous is contagious and I promise you will come away feeling inspired!
Thanks so much for sharing in my "happy"!

It's a cupcake kind of day!

It just feels like a cupcake kind of day! Yup, the forecast is calling for 7 more days of rain...at this rate there will be no need to fit into my bikini. Looking on the bright side, I will start baking! How about we start the weekend with the house smelling yummy with sweet treats! Here are a few of my favorite photos!

Every Cupcake deserves their own mini cake stand!
Farmhouse wares via Happy Accidents


BHG
Darling little cakes! I love how the sprinkles are added just to the rim!


Take a peak in the most adorable store on Etsy, Lollipop Workshop


Another great way to display my creative creations!
The Wilton Cupcake stand Sur la table


Maybe I will test some recipes from this new book!? YUM

Jenga Buildings

I know this is not a typical "CreateGirl Affordable" post but I came across these Jenga inspired buildings and thought they were fun to share. It always amazes me how architects can think so far outside the box. Creating buildings which are truly art sculptures! My godson will be going to school in Sept for architecture, I am SO excited to have him follow a creative path! It will be exciting to see what inspires him, maybe it will be another box of blocks.

Living in London the Tate use to be my little slice of Zen. I can't wait to visit this new Tate Modern Building above. It looks magical!!

(images from oobject)

Scouting - Secret Seats!

This week I have been scouting for patio accents. I have to admit I have always loved these ceramic garden stools. They can be tucked in the most unexpected places. If you want to take a seat just on the edge of the veggie garden or along the flowered path to the pool these are perfect. They blend seamless with the outdoor elements! Who doesn't love a multi-purpose piece and with a secret seat even better! The below options are all under $200, exactly what a CreateGirl likes!







You can find these stools in every possible color, shape and size. Take a peak at the collection over at Home decor-direct, it is amazing.

(images from Home Decor Direct)

Welcoming Summer!!!

I sit here picturing summer! Lounging on beach chairs, reading summer books, sipping fruity cocktails, BBQing and just being warm to the bone. For a girl who is always cold this is quite literally heaven!! Hope you all have many memorable days this summer.






(image from HomeInfatuation)

Quick, Share some tea!

Here's another "Quick Share"

I am a tea loving girl, seriously I am not awake until I have that incredibly hot flavored water hit my stomach! It's a bit of a joke but in my world it is serious business!! So take a look at this adorable tea set which includes; sugar cup, creamer, tea cup, teapot and saucer. Just lovely and even better it is available in a precious red, blue or green! Anthropologie, you have made me fall in love once again!

(image from Anthropologie)

Monday Morning Happy!

Happy New Week! Did you have a fun weekend?


The picture above is a little nod to my dad, our family has an affection for orangutan which started with my Grandfather. My dad is one of those quiet supportive dads, one who always leads you in the right direction by letting you find your own way. My grandfather started the family business than my dad started his own company which in turn helped me have the confidence to take the leap and start Jace Interiors. I feel as if I am carrying on the family tradition. Yesterday I had a great dinner (thanks Mom) and spent some time talking politics, business and having silly moments with my dad, he is very funny. It was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Thanks so much Dad, you're the best!
Enjoy the week
Jul

(image from a fantastically talented photographer over at Etsy, check out her site CameraShyPhotography)

Escaping to Nantucket!

Can you feel and smell the fresh air?! Take a look at this glorious Nantucket Summer "Escape" Home I found over at Traditional Home. Isn't it just lovely? This summer I seem to be drawn to summer homes with very neutral palettes. This one is so very serene and feels welcoming just looking at the photos. I see myself swinging on the hammock on the front porch enjoying the Nantucket summer breeze. With most posts I try to only show a few pictures, only my very favorites but I could not dwindle it down so here are 8 to feast your eyes on. Once again I find myself daydreaming of a beach house!

Heavenly!

This room is 50ft long! A warm mix of living rooms and dining areas. What a place for a party or a cozy night down by the fire!

Notice the blue paneled folding door towards the back, just fantastic!

This is a keeper photo! Someday I would love to have beds just like these, tucked into a nook with the sound of the ocean waves just outside the window. Perfection!!

(images from Traditional Home, Interior Designer Elizabeth Corker)

A night at Lekker

Last week I received a fun invitation to attend "A Night of Contemporary Entertaining". It was held over at the gorgeous Lekker Home store downtown. It was a nice night to reconnect with friends, try out some yummy treats and sip (ok, drink!) some new wines. My friend Andrew over at Ilex Flowers designed all the floral arrangements which perfectly fit the contemporary nights theme! Take a look at this simple but elegant table arrangement below. Each stark white place setting had an overflowing peony popping with bright pink color. It was stunning! Of course there was a wee bit of shopping involved, a good excuse since the deck parties are about to begin. Here are a few photos of my favorite pieces around the store!

Above is the Oromono Seabloom Pillow created by textile designer Kirsty Anne Powell.
I was completely smitten by this creation and was "that" girl who kept looping around to admire it over and over again. Finally hearing, just buy it! Sadly, I left without it!

I love the description of this dinnerware "with each piece, the traditional and the unexpected join in harmony." Perfectly said and created by Royal Copenhagen, Elements Collection. I was intrigued by the unique combination of color and the idea each piece is individually created with just a slight imperfection.

This photo was taken for future inspiration. Imagine a beach party table setting, each place would have its own small tumbler filled with sand to be used as individual place setting for utensils! I love it.

For some reason I can not find either of these on the website but still wanted to post the pictures. The oversized urn greeted you at the door and was such a statement piece, it is enormous!!

The porcelain light above is just too sweet! I would love to use it in a bedroom or in the entry way of a home! Look at the reflection it has on the bookcase, lovely.

(images from Jace Interiors)

Monday Morning Happy

Hi All, welcome to a new week. I hope you all had a fun weekend and have a few creative events scheduled for this week. Are you working on any creative projects right now? Please share, I would love to hear about them and see pictures! It's fun to be inspired as well as inspire!
Enjoy the week
jul

(image from Bombay Duck)

Changes are good but exhausting!

What a week!


I am so sorry I have been such an awful blogging friend this week! I am in the midst of revamping the blog and the website so I am saving some of my favorite posts for the unveiling. Will you stick with me until that time even if I only give you a few posts a week? I promise what I have in store is fantastic and I think you will just love all the changes! More guest posts and so many more "How To Thursdays". I would love any feedback with what you have liked, what you would like to see more and what you could just do without!! Feedback is always great especially at this time of fun changes!! You can find my email over at the about me section, shot one over. My goal is to make this a place you look fwd to visiting when you take a break from a hectic day!
OK sweets, go, enjoy your weekend!!!! Leave work behind for a few days!
jul


(image from crewcuts....check them out they have the cutest clothes!)

Vintage Conde

While flipping through my Vogue I came across an ad for the Conde Nast Store. It was fun to explore all the vintage covers and gorgeous photos like the ones below! Its interesting to see how things come back around. The orange dress and hat could easily pass for a "vintage outfit" in today's fashion. I would LOVE to own the necklace worn with the Dior Dress., what a statement piece. Enjoy!

Taking A Stroll 1958

Castello San Nicola L'Arena 1967

Orange Christian Dior Dress 1966


The City As Seen From The Hilltop 1949

(images from Conde Nast Store)

Monday Morning Happy

Happy New Week! There are many things I love about living in New England but one of my favorites is being able to drive 1 1/2hrs and be completely transported to a different place and way of living.


This weekend I had the great opportunity to stay at a friend beach house. The "cottage" as it's know has been in their family since the early 1900's, how cool is that? The walls just ooze with stories and memories of the family's summer outtings. Not to mention the gorgeous furniture which has been collected over the years. They are only a few short steps from the beach where everyone has that laid back attitude. So completely refreshing and a nice way to take a time out from the city hustle. Of course no cottage would be complete without a front porch for people watching and viewing sunsets! My only advice is when a friend extends a beach cottage offer, jump on it, you never know when you might just learn to skip rocks!
Enjoy this new week
jul

(image from watch hill real estate)

Quick Share - Floating Flowers

Just a little "quick share" as I came across this image over at Dooce. I immediately, thought, ohhh how sweet! The Chiasso magnetic flowers are just adorable and look super easy to mount either on a magnetic surface or tacked up on a wall! Lovely!


(image from Dooce)

Beautiful Stones!

A few weeks ago I was invited to an amazing tour of Gerrity Stone. They offer an impressive selection of granites, marbles and limestones. Below is just a small sampling of what they can create!

Above is the warehouse. Look at those slabs of gorgeous stone, when you are standing next to them they feel gigantic! Below are a few photos of the end result after their craftsman work with the slabs. They take great pride in making very precise cuts to keep the integrity of the natural design of each unique piece. It is incredible!

Natural Brazilian Quartzite, Mayan Sunset - Before

After - notice the pattern which curves just along the perimeter of the bar?
Beautiful!




Do you recognize this fireplace? Remember the Frank Roop post I did here? It is from one of his projects! The above picture is made from 32 individual pieces created to look like one continuous unit! Amazing craftsmanship!



Gerrity Stone also has an impressive line of green products. I fell in love with one which was made from crushed seashells, perfect for those summer homes by the sea! You can view a great green collection from IceStone here.

During the tour we were part of a select few who got a sneak peak into their new Platinum Collection. I am not really allowed to share too many details but let me just say these gorgeous exotic pieces made each and every one of us wish we had a million dollar house to redo! Breath taking, amazing, indescribable beauty are just a few words I would use to express these Platinum pieces!!

(images from Gerrity Stone)

Carry some summer!

These Kate Spade bags just feel like summer! Maybe it was my people watching this weekend and admiring all the fun bags people were carrying, but I am in the mood to switch out my leather bag from one light and airy!



(images from Kate Spade)

Monday Morning Happy!

Here we are, another new week! How was your weekend? My weekend was very relaxing. I spent some time down by the water with great friends, lounging, reading magazines and of course people watching! Which can be so fun and amusing on a warm spring day. Sunday was full of cooking for an early supper and lazily reading the paper. I have been thinking of the type of flowers I want to plant for this year. Dahlia's are my favorite so when I came across this picture I thought it would be the perfect way to start a new week and to keep me somewhat focused on planting!

(image from CondeNast/Alexandre Bailhache)

Glass and Steel = a warm house!

Take a look at this 60's inspired space I just saw over at Veranda! Isn't it nice to see a single level house? The floor to ceiling windows are just gorgeous, effortlessly begging the outside to come in. The homeowner was down sizing and "longed for uncomplicated, practical interiors but with high notes of elegance." I would say the architect, Richard Zingale and designer Sandra Chancey succeed. Each room blends seamlessly into the next with its subtle but rich fabrics of silk, linen and suede. This is a great example how clean lines and neutral fabrics can still provide a warm and inviting atmosphere.

These Holly Hunt Chairs are striking with the contrast of warm wood and bright white leather

Every bath should have a Caboche Chandelier hanging over it, just a little mood lighting!

The home design was inspired by Pierre Koenig's 1960's "Modernist glass-and-steel-frame houses"

(images and quotes from Veranda)

How To Thursday - Painted Wallpaper & Wall Flats

It's Thursday which means another "How to Thursday" post!! This is a "How To" personal dilemma. How to create interest in a room without using just a flat paint or the usual wall decor, decals, shelf etc. For months now I have been going back and forth on painting my bedroom, for some reason I just can't commit. Then I came across this idea of painted wallpaper. There is something about painted wallpaper which intrigues me. It could be the embossed quality, texture or the idea I can use any color in the paint deck. I am almost sold on the idea of taking the large solid wall in my bedroom and just wallpapering the center of it. A thick 3' flat painted border around the paper would act like a frame. In my mind I can see it and like the affect. It would add texture and dimension to this one wall drawing you into the room. This type of paper would also be a great solution to the question, "How do I add texture to a front hall or small pantry nook". An area which might not be large enough for wall decor. Let's look at a few options shall we?




The photo above is a fantastic way to get that tin ceiling look, like those found in older New England homes. Any of these patterns would help even out the surface of a horse hair wall also found in older homes. If only I had this as an option in my first apt...horse hair walls can make for bare walls especially when a picture hook falls right to the floor!

Another option are these wall flats above from Inhabit. They are available in 18" x 18" flats. I would alternate them vertical and horizontal as I hang them. It's nice to have options!


What are your thoughts on painted wallpaper and wall flats? Where would you use it in your own home?

(images from Graham & Brown and inhabit)

A Fashionable Fire Hose

Browsing the magazine aisle yesterday I came across this Vogue cover and it stopped me straight in my tracks! To be honest most covers blend right into the next but not this one. It is stunning. Perfectly clean, crisp and elegant. I will even say, fresh!! The tone of green they have chosen quietly yells spring!





Take a close look at her red belt. Fashionable? YES. Unique? YES. Green? YES!! It is a recycled fire hose, scrubbed down of all soot and made into a slim, beautiful belt. I love this idea! Natural Collection, a UK company collected hoses from London firehouses and 50% of the profits from the belts go back to the LFB Benevolent Fund. Even better. There is one special firefighter in my family....not sure if he will like the picture of Cameron Diaz or the idea of a fire hose belt better. Though I think I might know the answer!





(images from justjared and natural collection)

Just a little Oldies

Forgive my bad photography but I wanted to show you a few pictures of a little scouting trip we took. Oldies sometimes referred to as the "Big Red Barn" is a gem of a place in downtown Newburyport, MA. It is open year round and has amazing pieces from furniture, to glassware to fun vintage signs and trinkets. Years ago I purchased a fantastic slipper chair from Oldies for only $90! I absolutely love it! There were 2 and at the time I only had room for one but now I wish I had purchased both. Has that ever happened to you? Years later you are still thinking of what you should have purchased when you had the opportunity? Below are a few of my other fun finds from the Red Barn.

I wish I had a better picture to show you of this chair. It has great lines and is actually very comfy!


My "Oldies" chair before reupholstering. $90, what a bargain!

Monday Morning Happy...

This really needs to be a Tuesday Morning Happy! How was your long weekend? Did you have some creative fun? Fill me in!!
We had a great time scouting for my sister's September wedding. The space she chose for the reception is absolutely gorgeous, the perfect intimate space for a family wedding. It is an old church which has been converted to a restaurant and reception room. I don't want to share pictures just yet as I know a few of her guests read this blog and want them to have that "WOW" moment when they walk in.


One picture I will share is this one above. The cathedral ceilings and original stain glass windows are dramatic (as you would expect in an old church). The walls are painted a warm coral color and the space is filled with incredible light! Instead of a traditional chair rail they have applied a gold pattern painted around the perimeter of the room. It brings the eye down and creates a warmth you would normally not have in such a big space. I also love that they have combined 2 patterns to create this interesting border! I thought this to be a great idea especially for loft spaces or older Victorian Homes.
I hope you all have a great new week!
jul

Enjoy the Sunshine Weekend!

Hi All, I am going to sign off a weee bit early this week and actually take the entire weekend off from ALL work! My little sister is coming back into town to plan her September wedding. I am calling it the "Wedding Planapalooza Weekend" since we are going to pin down every little detail in 3 days. I love when someone asks me to help plan any event and a wedding, well that is even more fun!



I hope you all have a great long weekend (if you are in the States that is) and I will see you back here on Tuesday. Thanks so much for reading, I appreciate each and every one of you and have loved getting to know you through your comments/blogs!
jul

(image from PartyPerfect)

My new beach house....sort of...

If you have been reading CreateGirl for a while you know my style has a very wide range. You never know what I will be into day to day and I am sure that has to do with my Jace Interiors clients all being very different. So when I came across this GORGEOUS beach house in Malibu I just about fell over. This is the epitome of my beach style. Clean, crisp and without much fuss. The real color comes from the sand and water outside the windows. Yes I am daydreaming and can see myself lounging on one of those amazing chaise lounges just outside the living room. The iPod is playing fun beach music and there are many pitchers of fruity drinks. Oh and of course there is a STACK of magazines for me to peruse. Notice the absence of any laptops, Love it!





Look at this kitchen! Big enough to have a great gathering, see the people jumping from beach chair to kitchen stool to living room sofa! Ahhh take me there now! Hope you also have some beach time this long weekend.

To see larger pictures click on over to Room Service Home. Many of their products are featured in this Celebrity Beach House!

(images from RSH)

Any weather wall decor

Take a look at this, outdoor, yes outdoor wall decor from Ballard Designs! Artist, B.J. Shonberg has created these fantastic vintage signs on weather resistant aluminum. I really like the idea of outdoor wall decor, after all it is an extension of the house and deserves the same attention.







Available in 3 sizes 12", 24" or 32". Perfectly fun!

(images from Ballard Designs)