Time has been a precious commodity lately, especially this week which seems to have flown by. I did not mean to skip Wednesday’s post but a last minute hiking trip with my daughter’s class took precedence. We climbed Bare Mountain, a rocky and challenging trail close to Amherst and hanging out with (or keeping safe) a bunch of 2nd graders is so much fun (work, I meant so much work! 🙂 ) it left me without much fuel for blogging, or the ability to write coherent sentences. It also made me realize how terribly out of shape I am, must join a gym asap! 🙂 ) Many things are going on right now at our place and I’m finalizing design plans for our next renovation project which is scheduled to start next week. On that note, I would like to thank everyone who’s left messages after my Monday post. I am blown away by your kindness and support!! Thank you. Your words are much appreciated, more than you’ll ever know.
To make up for my bad blogger behavior, I’d like to share with you an inspiring Instagram account that will have your heart racing for more reasons that one – vibrant colors, fierce pattern and incredible attention to detail to name just a few – that of British decorator Gavin Houghton of Gavin Houghton Design. His interior snippets are everything we’ve ever admired about the English Country House look – colorful, chic, never perfect, always beautiful. Enjoy!!
Aren’t these gorgeous? Looking at these images, so vibrant and full of life, a few things are apparent: Houghton’s love of bold colors, (red and green are always seen!), his eye for mixing high-and-low pieces – the humbler, painted furniture lives happily next to more exquisite elements like the Pierre Frey Espalier wallpaper. Another thing I’ve noticed and that stands out in most of these pictures is the presence of art in its many forms – oil canvases, trompe l’oeil wall treatments, painted and gathered lampshades… I love how rich and original every square is, without trying too hard. To me, that is the essence of good design and something I hope I’ll be able to achieve with our home one day… If you enjoyed these pictures and you’d like to follow Houghton on Instagram, you can do so by clicking here. To explore more of his work, please visit his website. Thanks for stopping by!
Glad you’re enjoying this precious time with your daughter! I remember fondly being so involved in my children’s school and activities–it seems like yesterday, but NOT! There’s not much time for anything else, but worth every minute!
As for the luscious images of Gavin’s decor–I just love the English Country house look. It could have been done last century, last year, or last week. It’s timeless. And so authentic. Full of beautiful patterns, colors, and styles. And not “done” but collected slowly over time, and ever changing. The imperfection is what makes it so real, and so compelling.
And the pups and plants add so much life to a home!
Love your blog, so keep at it. But don’t stress if you miss a week!
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Thank you, Diana! So glad you liked Gavin’s interiors, and you’re absolutely right – plants and pups make rooms sing!!! Enjoy the weekend! xoxo, Eva