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Book Review :: Patina Farm

When I started blogging back in 2009, there were a few hundred decor bloggers out there. Now there are thousands and it’s been really hard to keep up with all my favorites because the list just gets longer and longer. One blog that I’ve followed from the very beginning is Velvet & Linen by interior decorator, Brooke Giannetti.  We quickly bonded on interior design, being moms and raising backyard chickens. At the time, Brooke and her world-renown architect husband, Steve were living in a lovely home in suburban Santa Monica, California. I’ll never forget her decision (which she shared on her blog) to leave the bustling, star-studded Los Angeles community for the quite, serene oasis of Ojai Valley – situated just south of Santa Barbara. I was inspired by her bravery to move her school aged children, build her dream home and follow her heart to spend her free time in nature.

Patina Farm // Book Review // via @simplifiedbee

Over the course of the last few years, I’ve watched Brooke and Steve’s dream unfold and was thrilled to hear that they were going to give us a tour in their just released book, Patina Farm . Through 150 stunning images and beautiful sketches by Steve, the book delivers a detailed account of inspirations, architectural elements, and various influences the designing couple encountered throughout the process. I found it interesting that the number one influence in their home’s footprint was sunlight. To achieve their goal of maximizing sunlight in and outside the home, they situated the house so that the back faces south. They also balanced the light in rooms by adding windows to two or three sides allowing for natural light for greater lengths of time. The connection of the indoor and outdoor spaces just flows in this house – allowing the family to reach their goal of of being surrounded by nature.

front gate // Patina Farm

The mix of materials used throughout Patina Farm was heavily influenced by French, Spanish and Belgium design and included galvanized steel, terra-cotta roof tiles, limestone, glass steel doors, and reclaimed barn doors to name a few. The Giannettis wanted their home to feel as it was built over time this mix helps them achieve that look. The result is a home that’s stunning from every angle. It’s superbly elegant, yet inviting and unpretentious. Brooke and Steve make it look effortless.

farm sink kitchen // steve and brooke giannetti // patina farmkitchen // steve and brooke giannetti // patina farm

One of the main reasons we built Patina Farm was to show our children the power of a dream. – Steve & Brooke Giannetti, Patina Farm

breakfast area // steve and brooke giannetti // patina farmliving room // steve and brooke giannetti // patina farmmaster bedroom // Patina Farm // Book Reviewmaster bedroom chaise // steve and brooke giannetti // patina farm

This one of the loveliest decor books I’ve read and I’m amazed at how intimate it is. From the first page, Brooke and Steve welcome you into their home in the most down-to-earth, personal way. I highly recommend taking a tour of Patina Farm for yourself!

*photographs by Lisa Romerein from Patina Farm by Brooke Giannetti and Steve Giannetti, reprinted by permission of Gibbs Smith

**this post contains affiliate links

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Read full story By on March 8, 2016 in Bathroom, Bedroom, book, book review, Features, Garden, interior design, Interiors, Kitchen, Living Room, outdoor living, Uncategorized

Book Review :: Carrier & Company Positively Chic Interiors

Their interiors reflect a spectrum of styles from bohemian glamour to country charm. from modern luxe to elegantly traditional. Husband and wife design duo, Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller of Carrier & Company make it all look effortless too. It’s therefore no surprise that the couple’s work has caught industry and media attention as they were named to the Architectural Digest Top 100 in 2013 & 2014 and Elle Decor’s A-list for 2015. When asked if I’d like to review Carrier & Company’s new book, Positively Chic Interiors (The Vendome Press), I jumped at the chance. Released today and filled with over 200 inspiring images, readers are given an inside look into their process for creating charmingly personal, beautifully balanced and positively chic interiors. In the book’s introduction, Carrier & Company explains that they “are dedicated to creating the firm foundations of functional beauty that are necessary in order to live with ease, style, and comfort.” Their design approach resonates with me and I know this is a book I will reference and treasure for a long time. Here’s a look at a small sampling of the gorgeous images that fill the pages of this delightful book.

Book Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #designBook Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #design

We love to edit back the belongings, to pare down the possessions to find the right balance – Carrier & Co

Book Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #designBook Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #design

We prize decoration that feels effortless, essential, and light of spirit. – Carrier & Co

Book Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #designBook Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #designBook Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #design

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Read full story By on September 22, 2015 in Bedroom, book, book review, dining rooms, Features, foyers, interior design, Interiors, Living Room

Book Review :: Windsor Smith HOMEFRONT

Her interiors are glamorous, yet practical; sophisticated, yet relaxed. She strikes the perfect balance. I’m talking about A-list interior designer, Windsor Smith. She is simply one of the best in the business and so it’s no surprise that her first book, HOMEFRONT (Rizzoli) is absolutely fantastic. Filled with over 200 inspiring images, Smith walks through her process for creating beautiful, functional spaces from design intuition to the home in balance. In the book’s introduction, she explains her goal is to “design beautiful rooms for the way people today actually use them, regardless of their intended purpose, breaking the rules as to how a room ‘should’ function.” Her approach of creating livable spaces in every corner of the home resonates with me. Take a look at just some of the gorgeous images that grace the pages of this book and I think you’ll agree too.

Book Review :: Windsor Smith HOMEFRONT #decor #book #homeentry staircase // windsor smith HOMEFRONTmarble farmhouse sink // kitchen // windsor smith HOMEFRONTbrass chairs // windsor smith HOMEFRONT

A home in balance is masculine and feminine, antique and modern, light and dark, austere and glam, rustic and sophisticated – all these things in perfect harmony. – Windsor Smith

home office // windsor smith HOMEFRONTliving room // windsor smith HOMEFRONTdining space // windsor smith HOMEFRONT

I’m like an unruly child when it comes to design. There’s always a point where I say: “What if this weren’t the dining room?” – Windsor Smith

ottoman // living room // windsor smith

*photo credit: Windsor Smith HOMEFRONT

 

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Read full story By on June 9, 2015 in book, book review, Features, interior design, Interiors, Kitchen, kitchens, Living Room, living rooms

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 :: For the Hostess

disclosure: This post contains an affiliate links, which means Simplified Bee receives commission if you make a purchase using these links.

elegant gold & white thanksgiving table // camille styles

(holiday table by camille styles)

In just a couple weeks holiday parties will be in full swing (can you believe it?!) Whether it’s a family dinner, cocktails with friends or a large holiday party you mustn’t forget to bring a little something for the hostess. Struggling with what to give? Consider items that will resonate with your hostess. In the past I’ve given gifts I know the hostess will love including my favorite tea, cooking spices and dish towels with the hostess’ monogram. It’s always best to give a gift that you would like to receive yourself. If you love it, they should love it too! Here are a variety of hostess gift ideas for the 2014 holidays – you are bound to find one your hostess will love!holiday gift guide 2014 // hostess gift ideas // simplified bee #holiday #gifts

product links:

1. pink himalyan salt // 2. diptyque candle // 3. kate spade ornament // 4. heathered knit throw

5. granite hexagon trivat  // 6. cookbook: honey // 7. ammonite drink coasters

8. mixed succulent wreath // 9. monogrammed dish towels // 10. tom dixon brass tea pot

11. harney & sons english breakfast tea

happy holidays,

cristin

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Read full story By on November 18, 2014 in book, Christmas, Features, food, gift guide, Holiday, holiday decor, monograms, tabletop, Thanksgiving