Historical architecture inspiration.

There are more gorgeous houses, cottages, cabins and fishing shacks in Beaufort than I've ever seen anywhere else in the world. As always, pulling a few ideas from them to take back to camp... (sort of a holiday- interest board for future projects).

 Old ivy on masonry- nothing could be prettier.  Weathered cedar shingles. (Hmmm- possibly reclad an old bldg and make it a new sports equipment shed?)



The inside of a post office that was converted into a marketplace- their bathrooms where so simple + humble + perfect. Love the large del-style wall tile. (Maybe for the kitchen project this winter?)

This restaurant we stopped into was an old pharmacy- the buildings were built nearly on top of each other, staircases (and internal access) added later on.

One of the many historic buildings we visited- this one belonged to an 'indigo  planter' who's crops were located on another island. (Now that I've seen this journal displayed in this house- it's decided, the one we have dating back 60 years is coming out of the attic).

Some vacation inspiration to take back to the cabins....

 There's nothing like a holiday that inspires you to look at things a little differently- the southern coastal islands are dotted with seaside fishing cottages, cedar-shingled boat houses & a rich layered history of generations of oyster factories.

(So don't be surprised if you see a bit more navy gingham, roped handrails, taxidermy fish and white wainscoting at camp next time you're up for a visit)!

 Charlie perched on a dock fish cleaning station. (We want one of these)

A local (and our busboy) at one of the oldest family companies in the area 'Hudsons'.

Hudson's kayak racks were impressive to say the least. (Time for us to get a couple, I think).

Navy + white gingham tablescloths for all. A classic. Time to go shopping.

A wall scene from Hudsons' earlier days of working the sea. & the 'pilot's house' bar. simply. rustic. 

TRNK-NY visits camp

They came from J.Crew & Armani then started their own gig, hit the road, traveling the country seeking out makers & artists, so we were excited that they wanted to add us to the 'visit' list.

about TRNK:

We tell the stories of men we admire – real men who’ve created spaces that they proudly call home. We make these stories interactive, allowing readers to discover product inspired by the person and space.We sell products with integrity, and share the stories of their makers.

Meet  TARIQU & NICK:
"We are design lovers and urban explorers. After beginning our careers in the fashion industry at Gilt Groupe, J.Crew, and Armani, we decided to lend our appreciation for style to the home. TRNK began with a red pickup truck and an empty apartment. When Tariq’s previous roommate moved out, so did most of the furniture. We needed to furnish our Brooklyn home, but quickly realized that most stores were either too feminine or sleek for our tastes. Seeking an eclectic style that mixes old with new, there was no single retail destination that completely suited our needs. Shortly thereafter, TRNK was born. Now, we’re on a search for products in quality and design, along with the stories of those who create and enjoy them."

check out  their teaser post for the full story (coming soon)


AN EXCERPT FROM THEIR POST ABOUT THEIR RECENT VISIT TO CHICAGO:

"we had the pleasure of being welcomed with open arms by the city’s creatives. While few (if any) cities in the world compete with New York’s creative scene, we witnessed a definite camaraderie among Chicago’s smaller, but close knit community. Not only were people willing to share their time, but they were equally enthusiastic about heralding each other’s praises  – which we found incredibly endearing."

Here are a few of their instagram shots from their wisconsin camp visit:

Above is an instagram moment captured from their visit to the house in chicago)
a sharp little instagram video they captured.

...and some outtakes from their Chicago trip post:

Thanks guys- come visit us anytime!

girlcrush.

I just found a new blog (to me) that is so sweet.
'birdie blue'. -- Voted number one in the POPSUGAR creative moms blog.

She shoots, she writes, she has a freakishly adorable house and daughter.
I feel equal parts envy and urgency to go organize my junk drawers (well, lets just say it. every room in my house is a junk drawer.)


Check out her post on (gulp) both my books- she has such a loyal following.
God bless you, ladies!

xo
charlie
frankie
t + d

100 year old Chicago Hardware store

Tucked just under the train tracks 1 block east of Lake street-
in the meat packing district-
is a teensy hardware store that is untouched by time.
Rubber boots to shovels, half of their stock has been on the shelf for (what appears to be)
several decades at least.

It reminds me of my dad's garage when we were kids growing up in Beardstown, Illinois.
It was called "Surratt's Auto Service"... and had a similiar patina.

If you consider a thick coat of dust patina

I hope they never change.

obsession: TINY HOUSES

i love this site
a collection of random, tiny, little cabins shacks and cottages.

it makes me want to go find another cottage and move it.

so teensy + lovely!

Brooklyn Love Affair: part 6. goodbye.

And... Some final snaps from the roaming venture.
Cafes. Bars. Boutiques. And texture.

Can't wait to go back

Brooklyn Love Affair Part 5: TOMMY GUNS

NEXT STOP:

Tommy Guns 

A museum of epic proportions.

My iphone pix will not do this place justice. 

(see their gallery shots at bottom).

First off, the owner- Russell Manly (i mean, how could that name be any more perfect?)

is a complete gentleman. We stumbling in, and found that we could not leave.

He's english, looks like a Harley Gang member, and is an insanely talented artist.

the space is like walking back in time.

a barbershop specifically- circa 1920. 

it's outfitted with everything period.  (down to the cash register)

He sells new old stock toiletries that you cannot find anywhere else in the states.

(oh- and they cut hair, too.)

bonus.

we can't wait to come back, Russell- thanks for the tour!