'Life Is A Beach'

A salt-covered breeze. The feeling of sand crunching under the weight of my feet. And the rising pitch of seagulls fighting over their next funnel cake lunch.

Each summer, these small delights are reserved for the few weekends that I manage to escape the crushing city life. While I start the countdown to my next getaway, those with summer homes have already started theirs.

For those with summer homes, the boards have come down from the windows. The last strokes of fresh white paint have dried on the deck. Duvets and pillow covers have been washed, pressed and fitted to the beds.

The overall maintenance of the house has been inspected and scheduled for repairs. Yet, many overlook the décor – essential in ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay.

With a selection of natural, organic fixtures and quirky accents, make your home as inviting as the ocean. Charm guests with sea turtle coat hooks, or entertain your friends with salt and pepper shakers shaped like lobster claws.

Get swept away with the following finds:

Made of seashells, starfish and conches, a wreath is the best way to welcome those into your new home. Plus, it sets the tone for the duration of their visit (above left). Crafty? Spend a few minutes combing the beach for seashells and create a wreath together with friends and family.

Shine a little light in your home after hours. Take a decorative night light (bottom left) in the shape of a fish or a crab, for example, and avoid fumbling in the entrance for the light switch after a night out on the boardwalk.

The only way to create dimension and interest in décor is through opting for bold purchases like a lighthouse-styled cabana floor fan. Integrating organic elements like a sea-urchin table lamp is another way to do it.

Born to a family of jewelry designers and seamstresses, I don’t have to look very far for bracelets and necklaces. My favorite pieces of jewelry are those with coral for the summer: a brick red necklace bought in Peru; another in a sea blue made by my mother; and the last bought in an atelier from a Parisian designer in a Le Marais atelier. Coral is just as stunning on a person as it is in the home. Hand painted red coral serving trays are just the beginning.

Go green! Avoid settling on a beach chair in the typical all-white or nautical navy blue. When replacing your outdoor beach furniture, go for a more unexpected color. Go for a lime green rocker made of southern pine. The lumber comes from a renewable supplier and is both insect and rot resistant. Get ready to rock and roll!

This summer is bound to be a hot one.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of laurensaccone.files.wordpress.com; decorinnovation.com; coastaldecorshop.com

'Channeling Chanel'

Amidst the release of films chronicling the illustrious Coco Chanel’s life, steamy love affairs and beginnings of her fashion house, another house of ‘Coco’ finds itself back in the spotlight.

At the Cannes Film Festival this past weekend, film critics debated Chanel’s rumored love affair with composer Igor Stravinsky – the subject of the film “Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky" (bottom right). But few people know that not so far away in Scotland, the mansion where Chanel retreated to with another former lover is set to undergo a facelift.

The second Duke of Westminster, named Hugh ‘ Bendor’ Grosvenor, bought the dilapidated Rosehall mansion (below center) in 1924. The French designer (shown left) decorated the 20-room mansion, which hosted the likes of Winston Churchill and other friends of the duke.

Inspired by the same French designer who still garners attention 30 years after her death, businessman Muhammed Sayeed Cohwdry purchased the property in hopes of restoring Rosehall to its former grandeur.

The plan is to transform Rosehall House into a luxurious country club, catering to the elite in search of holiday accommodation or a new home. Cohwdry plans to divide the mansion into seven apartments and to add an additional 12 houses onto the estate.

Despite the renovations, Cohwdry, 53, promises to save what remains of Chanel and decorate anew according to her aesthetic.

“I want her touch to remain in the house,” the businessman told Herald reporter David Ross.

And there is a bit of the Chanel touch that still lingers within Rosehall’s crumbling walls.

According to the Herald and building reports, Chanel’s signature beige (a radical decor choice at the time) and browns are consistent throughout most of the rooms. There is a splash of green for the downstairs cloakrooms, chimneys made of painted timber and the floral wallpaper adorning one bedroom was reportedly hand-painted in France.

But what of the new decorating to come at a place once visited by fashion’s most prized and sought after couturier?

Would Rosehall channel the spirit of Chanel who created the infamous little black dress and the two-piece tweed suit? Would there be a wallpaper painted with interlocking C’s – as found today on quilted Chanel bags?

Can you imagine walking through the drawing room of Rosehall House where a fire cart, which dates to Chanel’s time, stays there still? Rising above the smell of timber is the scent of Chanel no. 5 perfume.

The designer once said: “There have been several Duchesses of Westminster, but there is only one Chanel.”

Chanel always leaves her mark.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of jenniebinsc.wordpress.com,8333696@fotopic.net and fashioncopius.typepad.com

'Safari, So Good'

Drawn to its wild side, fashion’s leading designers have gone off on safari with the use of African and colonial Indian-inspired styling. The mood is relaxed and comfortable, yet luxurious and sexy – far from the look of the treasure-seeking, whip-snapping Indiana Jones.

Then again, a whip could be useful.

In the early 20th century, adventurers, travelers, mercenaries and soldiers needed clothing that provide relief from the scorching heat and the sun’s punishing rays. Contrasting earth tones like browns, olive greens and khaki in light fabrics accommodated best. Back then, safari jackets crowded with pockets were ideal for carrying and keeping accessible a number of maps, compasses and other equipment.

Its survival now rests on the classic trend’s ease, versatility and simplicity. Most of us already use these natural hues to set the foundation in our wardrobes. Here’s the test: Do you own a white blouse/shirt? Or a khaki short?

I bet you own at least one.

This season, designers like Diane Von Furstenberg and Ralph Lauren varied in their interpretations of safari survival wear, selecting loose trousers, airy skirts or linen blouses with tribal embellishments and animal prints. Venturing to the lush Indian continent, they found an ample selection of paisley prints and silk embroidered scarves.

For the look: Take intricately beaded or chunky wooden jewelry and animal block prints to bring your safari look to life. Incorporate snakeskin gladiator sandals, a leopard Rebecca Taylor top, or a gold Fiona Paxton to show off your knowledge of current fashion news makers.

When I have a bit of jungle fever, I never stop with my wardrobe. African art and wild fur rugs eventually turn up in my décor.

Zebra, giraffe (right) and leopard prints are a guilty pleasure. As pillows, the print adds just a touch of animal instinct. But as a bedspread or grizzly floor rug, the room becomes a wild wonderland. Would you like to make a bold fashion statement? There is nothing more perfect than a cheetah duvet cover for the bed.

A lacquered serving tray with gold foil monkeys fares well with guests who appreciate playful, yet glamorous décor.

Then there’s the African lapa skirt from my West African dancing days – which on off-days alternates as a lovely slipcover for the office chair.

But perhaps my favorite accessory is an elephant set of salt and pepper shakers in gold and silver. Made of pewter, the figurines are ornate and without season. The set is a pleasant surprise for any dinner guest.

Still got that whip handy? You’re going to need it.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesey of nymag.com, decorinnovation.com and vivre.com

'Dining Alfresco'

Ahhhh. The sound of the words ‘Memorial Day Weekend’ calls to mind mojitos, barbecue and lounging with friends on the deck. Being the unofficial start of summer, it would not be complete without an outdoor celebration. While dining tables and ornate ceramic plates now seem are out of place, festive silverware and canopies are essential. And let’s be honest, no one wants to scramble for the last folding chair or the best spot around the only citronella candle.



We’ve all been there.

For this Memorial Day weekend, I compiled a list of must-have items for the ideal alfresco dining party. Gemstone-colored glassware, decorative serving trays and funky glass stirrers take the blandest of garden parties to the grandest.


Set the Mood

The romantic sweep of light, but bustling mosquito netting has been at the top of my list since I first saw one on my uncle’s newly renovated patio deck a few summers back. His was a more modern concoction – a canopied tent with netting running along the entire perimeter. For mosquito-ridden nights, the tent could be sealed thanks to zippers running along one of the sides.

The canopy might be too big an option for those inner-city dwellers lucky enough to have the outdoor space. No matter. A 40’x 10’cotton mosquito net (available for $165) hangs perfectly from an outpost or tree branch.



Stir-Crazy

Are you a master at making mixed drinks? I know that I’m not. But I do know that my boyfriend loves his gin and tonics. Added to my list is a set of candy-colored glass stirrers. Even the most classic drink could use a playful makeover.

The kids will love the swirling straws in all the blue, pink, yellow, green color options. Hey, whatever keeps them entertained, occupied and less envious of the stir-crazy adults.

You Got Served

Part of the allure of outdoor get-togethers is that hefty dishwashing at the end is over (what I like to call post-partum cleanup). Paper plates and Tupperware are low maintenance and recyclable/reusable. But you can’t serve the best mojitos on paper plates or Tupperware.

A one-of-a-kind serving tray with a splash of color invites guests to drink and be merry. Then set it on the table for the duration of the party, using it at the end to clear trays away.


The List Goes On

The rest of my list includes some finishing touches to not only make my guests feel the most comfortable, but to also set the mood as the party heads into the wee hours:

- Candle holder set on a wooden tray as the centerpiece for $22.99 (above left)
- Bar table with stools for $200
- Comfy pillows for $19.99
- Tiki torches at $14.99

This Memorial Day, I'm kicking off the summer in style. How about you?

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of Mosquitocurtains.com, All Products.com and f Decor Innovation.com