Dining room inspiration

Did I ever mention the wallpaper at 325? Lot of floral borders here when we moved in. I have torn all of it down with the exception of the dining room, mostly because it is a pretty huge project. Our dining room is adorned with three levels of wallpaper. Below the chair rail, there is a sort of faux stone wall thing going on. Above the chair rail is the same deal with the introduction of a metallic vine pattern. This is topped off with what else but a floral border of metallic roses elegantly arranged in wheelbarrows. Yes, wheelbarrows.

The previous owners seemed to really like the design concept of flowers arranged in unexpected places. The bathroom was a culmination of all their favorites: wallpaper borders, a repeated pattern of flowers unexpectedly arranged in bathtubs, and the use of said wallpaper border of arranged flowers to identify a theme in a room, in this case: bathroom. You know, just in case a traumatic brain injury prevented you from taking your cue from the presence of a toilet. At 325, you need only look to the floral border to know where you are in the house.

But I digress. This is the exact color I had in mind for the living room:

Photo: Karen Tam for The New York Times

Spring at 325

Outdoor living room

Even though I am very busy working this week, I can't stop myself from obsessing about the house. Since buying the house, I constantly daydream about creating a fantastic outdoor living room. I heart entertaining. I live for having friends and family here. I love the "pop in." Jho and I just purchased the PERFECT outdoor sectionals for the porch and the deck. After obsessing for months, I finally found the answer to my design desires. Here's a preview:
Jho and I honeymooned in Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Taha'a, which was my inspiration for laid-back outdoor glamour. We'll have one sectional on the porch and one on the deck. We bought matching sets so that when we have big parties we can move the porch furniture to the back to create lounge areas. And because the individual pieces come apart, we can always rearrange them to meet our entertaining needs. I'm in love.

My favorite things

Herend Queen Victoria bon bon with fish

From my mother-in-law, who is half-Hungarian. She and Aunt P. recently took a trip to Hungary to trace their family history. They came back with amazing stories and this beautiful little gift for us. Herend is special to us not only for its beauty but also because it represents my husband's Hungarian heritage.

My favorite things

I Like You by Amy Sedaris (hospitality under the influence).

MM and I share a love of the Family Sedaris. Being the thoughtful gift-giver she is, MM touched on all my favorites with this book, Amy Sedaris, entertaining, and cocktail consumption. It is absolutely hilarious and highly recommended.