Sometimes decorator show houses can be overwhelming, leaving your head spinning at the glimpse of any shiny object. And since lacquer and lots of color are still in vogue, my head did a lot of swivelling at this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach. Still, I managed to find some peaceful places to rest my eyes. And it was fun to see how designers struck a nice balance between classical and contemporary.

We all have something about ourselves that REALLY bugs us - whether you’re like Nora Ephron who famously did not love her neck, or perhaps you’re like her character Sally (Meg Ryan) who thought of herself as “difficult.” The object of my self-loathing is seemingly much more solvable - & yet it persists. This bugaboo is my unending battle with little piles and half-done projects in every room…of every house…I’ve ever lived in. It follows me like a plague but THIS year I’m determined to crush it!

I’m counting down until the auction preview of Lee Radziwill’s estate at Christie’s/NYC! Lee (& her sister, Jackie O) are so well known for their fashion sense, it’s easy to forget their knack for creating iconic living spaces too. While a lot of the drama & beauty in Lee Radziwill’s homes was helped by her sky-high budget & the direction of Renzo Mongiardino, there are lessons in there that anyone can use - whether you are American royalty or not!!

It’s been almost 2 months since my trip to London & just as my memories of the interiors & architecture I saw there were beginning to fade, my new subscription to UK House & Garden arrived! It reignited all my interest in what I admired in British design — from a mishmash of patterns, to a curated blend of antiques + modern pieces, a jumble of color, and fresh flowers or greenery ALWAYS. I’ve picked two of my favorite Brits who don’t get much press in the U.S. - hope you’ll find their work inspiring…

It’s Showhouse season everywhere it seems, particularly in my neighborhood in DC and in NYC at Kips Bay. I haven’t gotten up to NYC yet but have already picked my favorite room at Kips Bay….and the Georgetown House Tour was tremendous this year. So sit back & enjoy these lovely spaces!!