Coastal Minimalism

As a stylist and Contributing Editor to New England Home magazine, I've traveled along mountainous roads and coastal regions searching for the most beautiful  homes to show you.  During a recent trip, I drove along rural roads through small towns to get to this stunning modern home by Eliot Architects!  The house is situated amidst a forest of tall pines along the coast of Maine.

Photos by Trent Bell

In the current Issue of New England Home magazine you'll read about this fantastic Maine home.  If you appreciate quiet minimalism, this article is a must read. By clicking this link you can get the whole story in a instant!
 http://www.nehomemag.com/article/maine-woods-modern

This was one of those shoots that needed many hands. We were able to get a lot done during this one-day shoot because of the great team working at Eliot Architects.  It takes many hands to hang beautiful art and pull all the pieces for each shot.

It took much planning to decide which exterior shots to photograph. The editing is often the hardest part. Oh, what a view!

This was one of those projects where I could have stayed to work longer than just a day!

Fun uses for vintage shutters

Vintage Shutters- 
An Architectural Table Runner

I'm always searching for fresh ideas and new ways to reuse old things. That's what I do! Last Spring, while driving past one my favorite antique and salvage shops, I saw a pile of old wood shutters outside and thought of a neat and fun project: 
Vintage Shutter Table Runners.

The dimensions and architecture of wooden shutters could be used to create a table centerpiece in addition to my Spring Branches assignment for Country Gardens magazine.

Vintage watering cans, a wood wooden shutter and spring branches; now that's a combination for a pretty Spring table centerpiece for entertaining dinner guests.

My friend, photogprapher Michael Partenio helps my projects shine.

"Inviting friends and family to gather around a pretty table is one a most welcoming pleasure. Going the extra mile will make your guests feel special."

Create the look:
1- Use an old, narrow wooden shutter. Make sure the width of your shutter works with the width of your dining table and will leave room for plates along its sides.

2- Place the shutter on a runner or directly onto the table. Place small watering cans on top.

3- Fill the cans with water and add a few Spring branches. Keep the flowers simple and sparse so guests can talk through and over the centerpiece.

Last spring, I provided 7 projects for Country Gardens magazine focusing on watering cans and Spring blossoms.  Look for more fabulous garden and floral ideas in the Spring 2013 Country Gardens Issue!