designer feature: albert hadley

I have seen the images and heard the name but I am pretty embarrassed to admit that I didn't put it together. The 'it' being the creative and timeless work of designer Albert Hadley. Hadley, who died in 2012 at the age of 91, is basically a decorating design legend. Born in Nashville and coming from humble roots, he became one of the most celebrated designer with clients like the Rockfellers and the Astors. His work and life are far too significant for me to condense into a blog post and besides, I really don't know enough about him. So I will let a few of my favorite images of his work do the talking.

If you are curious to know more about Hadley check out this Architectural Digest article or pick up this one of these books written by and about him.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone! 

foyer design via House Beautiful

dining room via House Beautiful

study via Mark D. Sikes

colonial bedroom via House Beautiful

bedroom via House Beautiful

Hadley's apartment via Mark D. Sikes and Lonny

outdoor curtains

We have been negligent in taking care of our porch furniture and its really starting to show. Our main concern is our RH Outlet sofa. Its covered but when it rains one armrest gets wet and since it has a natural teak frame, there now is a pretty good water mark. We have talked about getting a cover but knowing us we would not be diligent in putting it on. So our solution is to get curtains for that side of the porch. Obviously, they will need to be made of outdoor fabric and something with a heavier weight so they don't blow too much in the wind. The color is a bit challenging in that I would love to do off white but with all the pollen in St.Louis I feel like they would quickly turn green. Right now, I am liking the idea of linen colored or a lighter beige. Not a huge difference from white but I think any other color would be too much for the space as I see it as super light and airy. Have a good weekend everyone!

from top left - home of John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross via Lonny - via My House Ideas - via House Beautiful - via White + Gold - source unknown - source unknown - via Top Inspired - Napa Valley home via LUXE

McGrath II

McGrath II is my newest design resource find. Voted as one of the best design blogs of 2015 by Domino Magazine, McGrath II is run by mother daughter duo Suzanne and Lauren. The two, which also operate their own interiors business and have written a book, blog about all things design related and seem to have a format that is somewhat similar to THE PLACE HOME.

*from the design portfolio of McGrath II

All the posts are archived into easily navigable sections such as Artist Spotlight, Decorating, and Styling and include such posts as The Best Light Blue Paint Colors, Arne Jacobsen , Back to Back Sofas, 6 Tips to Enhance An Entryway and so much more. 

Another cool feature of their blog is their resource section where they present a curated list of their favorite stores. There is honestly so much to check out with this blog that I feel like I could spend an inordinate amount of time on their site. And perhaps the best thing about McGrath II, is how easy and pleasant it is to use - well designed, interesting content and good taste. So check it out!