Time Out…

…we are heading west to Sonoma County, California.  We arrive at Hupomone Ranch and try our hand at sustainable farming and ranching…and, of course,  much enjoyment and camaraderie…

The site has a wonderful balanced quality to it, and the simple grounded form of the barn is situated to compliment this setting and capture the long views to the coastal range beyond…

The light-filled living area opens up to the long view south and gathers the bedrooms and kitchen to either side.  (Make sure you take note of the fab mirrored chest which promotes just the right sparkle)…

The kitchen has slide away windows that open directly to the garden…

I call dibs on this bedroom, oh alright, you can have it…but really, can this room be any more perfect…

The bathroom is “oh so right” with its star-jeweled light and picture-perfect view…

Life is good!  Kudos to Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects…

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Five Fab Finds….

artis cosmetic brushes…designed by ex-MAC executive…

100% egyptian cotton towels from daniella witte’s shop…

alada porcelain cup by estúdio manus

grass mounds…axial symphony, china, by design systems ltd.

cleartones…minimalist ringtones…here

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Love Me and Weave Me…

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How Does Your Garden Grow?…

…on my outdoor dining table, of course!  The Future Feast table is a hybrid between your garden and your patio table.  I love this!  Small back yards can now take on a whole new look.  Designed by Suzanne Biaggi of Sculptural Landscapes in California.  Genuis…

Suzanne’s website is worth a visit…

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Natural Beauty…

may you find natural beauty today…and everyday.

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Must Love Dogs…

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9

A Day in the Garden…

a meandering ramp through aromatic groundcover and the limbs of three Japanese maples…Hilgard Garden is a landscaping project by Mary Barensfeld Architecture.  It is part of a private residence located in Berkeley, California…

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Budding Artist…

…using an ancient grafting technique, Sam Van Aken‘s Tree of 40 Fruit can bear dozens of stone fruit varieties…

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Black: The New Color on the Beach…

…move over sunny colors…there is a new color on the beach…meet the fresh choice of many architects and designers: black.

shingle house/nord

curl curl beach house/cplusc architects

three timber boxes/hma architects

under pohutukawa beach house/herbst architects

storm cottage residence/fearon hay architects

holiday home on omaha beach/leuschke group ltd.

american dream builders beach house/lukas machnik

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All Paths…

…lead home…

Forest Bath/Kyoko Ikuta and Katsuyuki Ozeki

55 Blair Road/ONG

House extension in Base

House in Yagi/Suppose Design Office

Venturini House/Adamo-Faiden

AA House/MVN Architects

Meteorite Unit – Leonidou/Aristide Antonas

all images via dezeen

Whew!…

…that was quite the 4th of July holiday…rest is in order…

halls ridge knoll guest house, california/bohlin cywinski jackson

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Happy 4th of July…

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Just Right…

…a small wooden structure has been created to complement ‘La Cabotte’, a vineyard on a hillside in southern France…designed by h2o architects…so charming, yes?  Santé!

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Nature’s Green…

…does a body good…

…have you played like a child lately and lay face down in the vibrant rich grass…

…have you run your fingers through the delicate and elaborate fern…

…have you had the pleasure of gazing upon a quiet forest water hole…yes?  Good for you!

all images…the talented Michelle Wentworth

This is Mine, Ok I’ll Share…

…wow…Oak Pass Guest house doubles as a concert hall.  The living room boasts comfortable seating for 80 guests…an artful wine bar built into the stairs…and stunning views in a Los Angeles canyon.  A stunner by Walker Workshop Design Build…

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