A Visit From a Bostonian!

A street on Beacon Hill in Boston

This coming weekend one of my very best friends from college is coming to visit me in NYC alllll the way from Boston! In honor of her visit, I've chosen some of my very fave designers in the Boston area.

Mally Skok always uses the most beautiful colors and fabrics (possibly because she has her own fabric line). This living room has neutrals, ikats, and a generally soothing color palette.

Pinks, oranges, and yellows make up this preppy fun basement sitting area. Also by Mally Skok.

Another gorgeous interior by Mally Skok, in Cape Cod. How gorgeous are the french doors and windows and that coffered ceiling?! FYI Mally also is on Twitter an has her own blog!

Gary McBournie has always been a favorite of mine for his classic and nautically inspired interiors. I love this blue wall in the dining room. They texture gives it such amazing depth.

William Hodgins designs the most incredible houses. This foyer looks all the way through to the window in the sun room. I love the green little plants glowing in the sun!

What a gorgeous antique wing chair in the front hall of this Boston home by William Hodgins. Also, I wish we could see more of the front door because that glass work looks amazing.

Lastly, Frank Roop adds a little edge to the classic look that I love so much. This room is romantic and uses neutrals and jewel tones in the upholstery. I ADORE that glass globe ceiling light in the middle.

I am very partial to designers from New England because of the classic traditional style. Often times, the houses are old Colonial houses with amazing thick mouldings and beautiful front doors, graceful and unassuming stairways. You get the gist...I'm obsessed. Anyway, I'm excited for my weekend and all the fun times we have planned. Two stodgy New England girls let loose in the big bad city...uh oh.


Alicia B.

House Guest 101...Dun Dun DUNNNN

Having a house guest forces you to look at yourself and your living space a little bit more objectively. You have to judge yourself with a sharper eye than usual. One of my beloved sisters is coming to stay with me over the weekend and though I am busy, I'd love to make her feel comfortable in my mini room and mini apartment. Through reading some great tips on having house guests, I'm going to take some steps towards making my room a bit more welcoming.

What a sweet bedroom by Annsley McAleer.

The first step I've started to take is cleaning up the clutter. Putting things where they belong whether its in a box, back in a drawer, up on the bookshelf, or I've decided to just plain throw it out. THEN I'll allow myself to clean/dust/windex. I love windex. The next thing to do is to literally make the room more comfortable (I don't have a guest room) so I've sent away for some extra pillows! I love big comfortable pillows on my bed.



After various preparations: keeping things neat, making sure I have certain snacks in my cupboard, and planning things to do to keep her entertained (shes SO high maintenance), I'd like to buy a little bouquet of flowers for the room. I think it makes it more intimate and adds actual life to the space! It doesn't have to be anything big (the smaller and sweeter the better).

As for the bathroom, obviously make sure it is nice and clean but make sure you have extra toiletries: toothbrush, soaps, and extra towels. Real Simple has some other great tips.

You can read more tips on, you guessed it, Martha's website. They're very helpful too if you actually HAVE a guest room. HA.


Alicia B.