Hydrangea Hill Cottage

Thursday, June 16, 2016

A Room of Her Own - A Lady's Bath

Here's a nice little getaway from a hectic day - no work, no socializing - simply pure relaxation in a hot bath with a fragrant oil, a fireplace with a tv above it, lit candles, a glass of wine and hors d'ouevres. Perhaps music playing on the tv.

This scene covers all five senses - smell, taste, hearing, touch and sight - a perfect atmosphere!

Have a very relaxing weekend!

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

A Sophisticated Child's Bath

Designer Leigha Heydt was asked to renovate an existing bathroom for a California family with 4 children between the ages of four and thirteen. The one request was that she use the Kohler Brockway trough cast iron sink so two children at a time could use it.

The vintage vibe of the trough sink led to the feel of the rest of the bathroom which included the claw foot tub and pull-chain water closet. Benjamin Dhong designed the shower curtains that also act as a window treatment. And note the brass accents......an altogether beautiful bath that will be as suitable for the children for years to come as it is for them now.

Love it!

Leigha Heydt

Architectural Digest

Trough sinks are definitely popular right now as you can see from the examples below. They're suitable anywhere, but especially nice in children's baths to double and triple the availability of tooth brushing and face washing.

BHG

Little Green Notebook

Remodelista

BHG

Houzz

Canadian Family

Decorpad

House Beautiful

Home Bunch

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Picnic Pleasures

Well, I learned something new again this week.........I learned that this is International Picnic Week. Yes! Who knew?

Apparently, it began about 10 years ago in Britain and is now a national holiday in some countries. So, this happens to be the week to begin summer picnicking, if you haven't already begun..........June 11 - June 19th and Saturday, June 18, is International Picnic Day.......and it is celebrated on the same day every year.

So, when did picnicking actually begin? It's believed to have begun after the French Revolution and according to http://www.wincalendar.com/International-Picnic-Day, it was most likely started when the Royal Gardens were opened to the public for the first time for the French to visit and bring along their own food. It was popularized during the Victorian era as a way for the very wealthy to dine and socialize informally without the restrictions of formality and etiquette.

What picnicking was like then......usually in a park or open space.

Picnicking today is a whole new production. The British even recommend places to picnic such as the moors, or the beach, or national parks. But, the best bet is to keep it simple and picnic wherever you are.......it could be your own backyard!

Veranda

Indulgy

How about a tailgate picnic?

Indulgy

Or a boat!

And don't forget that Father's Day is this weekend!

Another excuse to picnic!!

Cath Kidston Picnic Basket

(My favorite!)

Cath Kidston Picnic Blanket

Emma Bridgewaater Picnic Blanket

Laura Ashley Picnic Blanket

As usual with any subject, the picnic ideas were endless! Where to stop? There were food ideas, beverages, places to go, games to play and endless shopping for such beautiful picnic baskets, blankets and supplies. I ran out of time on this one! But, in Canada and the U.S., check out Wayfair, Victorian Trading Co., Amazon, etc. for picnic supplies.

I can assure you that putting this post together was a 'picnic'!

Happy picnicking and happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

Monday, June 13, 2016

A Palm Beach Maisonette

I love the way this small apartment interior blends perfectly with the outside colors.........which is exactly what the homeowner requested of interior designer, Mimi McMakin and her former partner Brooke Huttig.

So feminine and pretty!