Quintessential New England: The Home of Alex Carleton

Images courtesy of A Continuous Lean
Men's Vogue was wise enough to do a spread on Rogues Gallery (see our first post) creator Alex Carleton's stunning home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. In the article, Carleton discusses his inspiration for the brand. The pictures really speak for themselves--Carleton is a man of authenticity when it comes to creating a company like Rogues Gallery. For years I've admired Rogues as a brand for taking cues from a dusty, mysterious maritime past. Now, after seeing this article, I love them even more. Plus, where do I move in? I could honestly spend hours exploring this man's house. It looks like the beginning to a great adventure! -ian

Botanicals

I am enchanted by these botanicals from Natural Curiosities. They look so authentic and what's not to love. They are the perfect signature piece for a collage of art. -dann

Skeletons in my Closet

The skeleton key. Such an icon of the moment. I have been collecting the metal and plastic wall plaques from the 70's for years because the image is so graphic. Enter the collage pillows from Jonathan Adler. I can vouch for the fact that these pillows go with everything since I have moved mine all over the house. Right now they are on my sofa, next week the guest room. Then there are these other two pieces from West Elm. Has West Elm hired someone new? Their brand new product line is unbelievable! I am going to mix the heirloom quilt with my bedding for fall. Get it while it's hot! -dann

The Glamour of Burlap

When I was in high school, my mom was amazing enough to allow my creativty run wild. That's why she didn't mind when I stapled over 100 vintage burlap feed bags to the ceiling in my bedroom! Now that's an encouraging parent. How exciting to see this simple and rustic texture almost beaten into the ground in the 70's make a comeback. It was only a matter of time before it felt fresh again. What makes it even better is to see it applied to this amazing Louis XV canopy chair from Jayson Home and Garden. I have been captivated by this sillouette ever since pouring over the work of design maven Kelly Wearstler. These burlap pillows from SugarBoo Designs are the perfect jewelry to introduce a little rustic glamour into your own interior. -dann

What Our Children Will Be Buying on Ebay

I found these amazing screen printed art pieces in a little shop and thought I had won the lottery. Made in the charming little beach town of Grand Haven,MI they have loads of style and are so incredibly cheap! Did your parents have the nature themed screen prints on linen by the artist Marooshka? This is the same family 30 years later! Check out these fabulous new classics at The Art Farmer. -dann

Not-So-Risky Business

In case you haven't already noticed, the Wayfarer (and anything like it) has made a huge comeback. A couple years ago these may have been risky, but this season it's hard to go anywhere without seeing someone donning these puppies. Whether you're going for preppy or heroin-chic, this classic style cannot miss this season. Above are some of my favorites, the Ray Ban Wayfarer II, the Cape Town by Alex & Chloe, the Rose '83s by Costalots, and these bright beauties by Super. -ian

This Season's "It" Handbag

If Sex and the City was still filming, I'm sure that SJP would have shed her designer bags this season and replaced them with this season's "It" accessory, the reusable shopping bag. Some bags like the Feed bag are reusable and also raise money for a good cause. Some bags make a statement (literally) like the bags from Greenhome, or inject a little glamour into green like this one from ScoopNYC. Then there is this super cool bag from Hable Construction that could double as a decorative accessory. Lets lose the Prada and try something with a soul! -dann

Chair+Pillow+Floor Lamp

I love putting these vignettes together. I feel alive when there is tension in an interior!!! Maybe I should see a therapist...Maybe you should have some tension in your life. Enter the Lyla chair from Oly. This chair could live in any interior based on the pillow it held. My choice is this fabulous skull pillow from Hable Construction. When you mix two opposing styles like this, add the "little black dress"of floor lamps, the spun floor lamp from Design Within Reach. -dann

No Excuse For A Boring Lamp

OK. So I am on the war path against boring accessories. I am so over all of us taking ourselves so seriously!!! Who needs an imitation brass candlestick with a white pleated shade now? These unforgettable lamps frome Shine Home are the stuff dreams are made of. Take a risk! I feel like a rockstar since I welcomed the Belmont table lamp into my entry hall! -dann

Entry Table + Mirror

It's all about the combination. I can't get over the mix of the Hector console from Oly Studio and the pine root mirror from Roost. I also can't seem to get enough of the texture of wood in its' natural state. You will be seeing more of this. This season, if it's got bark still attached, I'm all over it! -dann

Art for your bed

These pillows are especially near to my heart because they are made by a local artist from my hometown of Grand Rapids, MI. The artist Shelly Klein sews these designs on natural linen and cotton. The people in her art pieces really speak to me and there is no better signature piece for any sofa or bed. They look fabulous with the Matteo bedding we posted the other day. Check out her stuff at KStudio. -dann