When I worked with this client on their kitchen twenty years ago, we used cherry wood. They adored the look so much that when they were designing the kitchen for their new home last year, they insisted on cherry. It is a timeless choice.  The stainless steel farm sink with raised bunch of grapes detail fits perfectly. The tailored window shade in a floral pattern adds a soft counterpoint to the dark wood, as does the wool stripe runner. The fresh yellow/red roses in the photo look especially decorative in this palette, anchored by the rich tones of the cherry wood.

I’ve posted before on an idyllic Adirondack retreat we’ve been working on for several years. This view of the living room in the main house emphasizes the stepped back ceiling, birch bark veneer custom cabinets, stone fireplace and oversized metal chandeliers. I don’t usually look for color in antique books, but in this case the complete set of red–spined Dickens in the cabinets brings out the warm wood tones, as do the bright colors of the antique plates.  The reflection in the TV gives a hint to the views of Lake George that make this property so spectacular.

The lower level suite in this home near the shore is geared for casual entertaining. There’s a card table, billiard room and bar, but this part of the space is for TV watching; the large flat screen is on the wall behind the camera. Whether on the couch potato friendly sectional sofa (custom made to fit the room), the relaxing cane chairs or the child friendly cushions, the goal is comfort and convenience. Hard-wearing and easy to clean sunbrella and sunsuede fabrics take the worry out of maintenance, and the color and texture combinations lift your spirits and warm your heart.

The focal point in this young woman’s bedroom is the green upholstered headboard with sheer wall drapery in back, creating a soft romantic atmosphere. The coverlet is an ecru color matelasse topped by a cotton print duvet, and the rug is wool sisal. The green accent color is repeated on the pillow and the contrasting welt on the chaise at the foot of the bed. Painted off white furniture imparts a clean, calming feel, and the decorative suitcase is taken from an old Louis Vuitton design. The chaise is covered with an Ikat pattern fabric in an amber color. The result is a cool, soothing space in keeping with this comfortable house near the shore.