Growing in our Garden

Entertaining
August 18, 2014

I am thinking about redecorating our garden. I love how it looks, however, after a few years using it as such it isn’t working for me the way I had hoped. I really love to entertain, and right now I can only seat six at our outdoor table. I would love to be able to host a garden dinner for eight or even ten. Also, although the loveseat and wicker armchairs are great for cocktails and a chat, there is no place for us to lounge and hang on the weekends in the sun. I really only use the garden when I am having people over, and I would like Mr. B and I to get a little more use out of it! So here are a few of my inspiration photos from Pinterest. I am still feeling a mediterranean vibe, but would love to incorporate a low slung sectional seating area and a large table. I love thoughts and recommendations from my readers …

Lacquered Life Charleston Guide is LIVE!

Life
August 16, 2014

This week I finally put the Charleston Guide on Lacquered Life. I am constantly getting emails from readers and friends asking for my Charleston recommendations, so I thought, why not put them on the blog? So here they are on the left sidebar under Charleston Guide. I have included recommendations on Where to Stay, Where to Eat/Drink, and What to Do while in the holy city. Conde Nast rated us the friendliest city in the U.S. this year, and we have been picked by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler three years running as the number 1 city in the U.S. … so if you’re planning a visit, check out the guide! And if you can’t make it to Charleston anytime soon, be sure to follow Lacquered Life on Instagram for photos of this special place.

A Modern Vacation in Greece

Architecture
August 14, 2014

I think people assume that because I’m a preservationist, I am not a big fan of modern architecture … but that is just not true. Sometimes I find that well executed modern architecture can be just as fascinating as the layers of paint in an 18th century house. Case in point The Plane House on the Greek island of Skiathos. While I love the typical Greek island homes of Santorini, with their whitewashed walls and blue shutters, to me this modern home is as much a part of the landscape as those whitewashed cottages. Slate, from an adjacent island, adorns the walls.
The ceiling over the alfresco dining area is made of makuti, or dried palm fronds.The wood for the deck is also a local iroko wood.
Photos via Dwell. For more pictures of The Plane House click here.