Amazing Spaces: The Witchery, Edinburgh

One of the many amazing views from Edinburgh Castle

It's shaping up to be one of those weeks that makes me wish I were back on vacation. If my Fairy Godmother were to appear before me right this minute, there's no question what my wish would be: two more hours in each day. And I want those hours first thing in the morning, before anyone else in the house is awake. That really isn't too much to ask, is it?

French Luxury

How adorable is this water coloring rendering of the Hermes La Maison home line?

I discovered the new Hermes La Maison home line when our wonderful Dedar rep came to our showroom and offices at the end of last year, sharing with us the most amazing textiles and wall coverings from this iconic brand. Now, it is not enough to swoon over their fashionable bags, scarves, throws, clothing, boots, sandals, watches (of which I am a huge fan) and baubles-more delightful goodies to ponder!

It wasn’t long after that I decided to recover an antique French chair in the Fil de Argents print (yes, I have a slight thing for chains) in the orange color way (I also have a slight orange thing, too).  This chair made its way to a recently completed Arizona design project, but my obsession with the Hermes home line had only just begun.

Midnight Garden

There’s a new collection at Beacon Hill that absolutely stopped me in my tracks the other day while shopping at the D&D building.  It’s got a little bit of everything and the name speaks for itself.  Below are the fabrics that caught my eye so I swooped up some samples and will be sure to incorporate them in one of my upcoming projects.  Take a look at a few of the fabulous samples below and let me know where you’d use them if you were given the opportunity!

Enchanted Vine Emerald

Tracy Anderson Studio by Windsor Smith

My friend, Paloma’s post today reminded me that I have been meaning to blog about fitness guru Tracy Anderson’s new studio designed by one of my all time favorite designers, Windsor Smith.  Actually, Windsor Smith might just be my #1 favorite.  This gym is perfection.  I am a big fan of Tracy’s workout videos and have seen great results from them in the past – need to get back on them!  How motivated would you be to go to the gym if it looked like this???  Lots of white marble and gold?? YES, please!  Sign me up!

You can read all about the studio here, on Windsor’s blog!  Enjoy the eye candy!

Pretty Pool Pavilion

Loving this pool pavilion featured in Elle Decor, of a home in the Hamptons. The bright blue cabinets are custom made with a smoked mirror-paneled bar, counters are of cast glass, and floors are honed Thassos and Atlantic Blue marbles.

Summer Settin’

It’s summer time and we all know what that means.  It’s time to doll up the back yard and throw as many outdoor parties as you possibly can!  This is in between all those hours at the beach, the pool,  summer camps, visits to grandma and grandpa — but wherever you are and however busy you are this summer you should always find the time to sit back and enjoy the weather, some good food and a few drinks with friends.  Setting a table and planning for the party is one of my favorite things to do because it’s all about the details.  Let your creative mind go and get funky with your settings, lights and other decorative touches.  You’ll feel cheeky and your guests will love the effort you put into making their party experience a fun one!

Spend time on your arrangements and flowers.  They’ll make everyone around you happy

A Mid-Century Masterpiece

The other day I came across this mid-century masterpiece of a home on California Home & Design. The house is located in Pasadena, CA and currently listed for sale at $1.695 million. It was designed by architect Arthur Swab for his own use in 1959.

The concrete block house features four bedrooms and four baths, an outdoor kitchen / pool area, with lush landscaping nestled into a hillside.

The living room and dining area with views to the backyard.

Get the Look: A Casual California Entry + Living Room

Thought I would share some finds from a recent concept board I put together for an entry + living room in a California coastal home. Light furniture, warm woods, a play on patterns…perfect for a small sitting room.

The Orb Chandelier from Ballard Designs.

Lauren Haskett Fine Design

I can’t believe Emily and I started Material Girls over 5 years ago! Time flies! In the beginning of the blog I was working for an amazing Kitchen & Bath firm here in Houston learning all the ins and outs of Kitchen & Bath Design. I loved having the blog to keep up with the world of Design since I was pretty focused and specialized in one area. Since that time I have had a baby (who is now 2-1/2! crazy!) and have ventured out on my own to form Lauren Haskett Fine Design. I do all types of Residential Design, but still love taking on Kitchen & Bath projects! I launched my website a few months ago and wanted to share a peak into my portfolio (more pictures on my website). You can also follow me on instagram and twitter:  where I share lots of sneak peaks into my world! I’m doing my dream job and was so proud to have checked a big life time goal off of my list – to own my own business by the time I was 30!