Front Porch

Creeeeek. We’ve all heard it, the perfectly imperfect house sound that cannot be fixed despite our best efforts. We hear it most loudly our first nights in a new home, but over time, the noise becomes an audible welcome home.

For me, the culprit of this misdemeanor is our lovely front porch, the third step to be precise.

*An afternoon sip what could be better than a fresh Iced Tea*

*Navy and White always a classic. Indoor Outdoor Rug design*

Upon a glance, the white-washed porch might almost seem idyllic. After all, the front porch is the face of a happy American household where once can imagine growing old on. (To reference the overused, and valid cliché of the elderly couples drinking sweet tea in rocking chairs.)

However, these steps like any face well studied, has a few imperfections. For one, the paint is slowly beginning to peel off the edges, creating some wrinkles here and there, which, if according to plan, will be remedied in the autumn. But for now, these steps remain untouched until the last summer firefly can be spotted.

*Smitten Kitchen : Always cooking up something terrific*

At first, like any house sound, this creek on the third step haunted me. It didn't matter how I was walking, treading heavily or lightly, the sound would mock me. The porch didn’t care if I had a bad day and had groceries in hand, the same bothersome noise would consistently emit rain or shine

Yes, if you’re wondering I did call whoever you call to remedy these problems and each time it became “fixed” the exact noise would remain—after attempting to solve the problem myself, naturally.

So, like it or not, I had to deal with the “creeeeeek” each time I came to and from the house.

*Bunny Williams designs with Century Furniture*

Over the seasons, I became used to the noise. The porch no longer irked me with its obnoxious sound. You might even say I was immune to it.

*Mason Jars & Jute, a great DIY project*

Yet, the fact remains that several school plays, honor roll ceremonies, and graduations later, I began to enjoy its welcome home.

Today, you can find me with a smile on my face on the front porch any given day of the week. I hope you find yourself just as lucky as I when coming across a house sound—

You’ll never know how blessed you are to uncover your house’s “welcome home.”

New York City

“There is no question that there is an unseen world. The problem is, how far is it from midtown and how late is it open?” ~Woody Allen

As I begin to mentally pack my luggage and daydream of returning to New York, my mind wanders...

New York City, so many designers, artists, and craftsman—spectacular architecture and not to mention the introduction to new products that cannot only fill our lives with conveniences, but with beauty.

In August of 2009, Saturdays opened its flagship store in SoHo as New York's premier downtown surf shop.

Before I decide on what to bring along, I imagine myself walking down the sidewalks from Broadway to Alphabet City, eating and drinking my way down to Saturday’s. As I finally approach the quaint surf shop the light reflecting off of the glass hits my eye; it’s obviously a sunny afternoon in my mind and I’m taken back to summer, to a time where the flip-flops and board shorts were once tucked away in the messenger bag for the quick getaway to the beach.

It all started here, in SoHo, September, 1977. This team creates a feast for the senses in an environment where expert customer service and culinary excellence reign.

However, in this daydream after gazing at surf gear, I make a dash to Dean and Deluca. I walk in and the smell of freshly baked bread that fills the grocery. I hear the crackle of crust and mindlessly grab everything I can reach for. I’m sure this isn’t the first time someone impulse bought almost half of the store…

Bunny Williams co-owns Treillage Ltd., a garden furniture and ornament shop in New York, with antiques dealer John Rosselli.

With bags in hand now, I travel to Treillage—Bunny William’s shop. Beautifully balanced and having an undisciplined look in both garden and interior. A definite must see for interior designers.

A 16-foot Buddha, which floats above a reflecting pool filled with Japanese carp, presides over the scene at Tao.

Finally, my feet begin to drag on the walk back to the hotel. On my way to my room, I plan my venture for the next day. Tonight, I’m sure to dream of Tao’s amazing cuisine as I drift off to sleep—the image of steaming pot-stickers ensure a quick visit for tomorrow’s lunch.

Many thanks to Modunus.com for including me in this year’s blog tour of New York City. I am ever so excited about the annual Mary’s and Mimosas event at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, design tours and swank cocktail parties. Not to mention catching up with friends at Dining by Design.

Meet the Team, see the sites

The product line up is incredible. I am humbled an honored to be apart of it. Keep an eye out for updates on my Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Make sure you’re connected with the links below.