Home Tour: Sophisticated Island Living on Ibiza

Decor

If you thought the terms island and sophisticated couldn’t be in the same sentence together, then you must check out today’s home tour – a stunning retreat on the Spanish island of Ibiza. This beautiful second home mixes touches of 70’s glam with warm natural elements ranging from rattan to leather, for a beautiful effect. While this is supposed to be a summer house, if I got to stay here I highly doubt I’d ever go home again. Scroll and own the envy.

The house, designed by Caroline LeGrand features a local marble, Blanco Ibiza, throughout giving the space a light and airy, but elevated feel. Metallic accents like that gorgeous xxx desk play to the glam side while organic elements like the wood paneling, shaggy Moroccan rugs and wool crocheted curtains add texture and dimension. Classic vintage designs that include a rare Milo Baughman-sideboard in the living room, BB Italia chairs and Tom Dixon mirror ball lamps dot nearly every room. There’s also a lot of play with scale, from oversized bedside lamps to low modern seating.

The house’s cabana was modeled after Mollusk Surf Shop for the designer’s 10 and 12-year-old sons. I love the retro vibes.

I’m obsessed with the mix of natural elements in this marble-clad bathroom. A rattan & wood framed mirror, wooden wastebasket, and accessories in rich tobacco tones tie to the color scheme used throughout the whole house.

When you step into the house’s outdoor lounge areas you know you’re on vacation. From a stunning dining table to a built-in breakfast nook, to the pool, you never really need to be inside if you didn’t want to be.

This house is the epitome of laid-back elegance. While you can obviously relax here, this space still feels like a fully formed home, rather than an afterthought.

For more of my favorite home tours, CLICK HERE.

design by caroline legrand, photography by michael paul for bo bedere

Bright and Brilliant on St. Barts

Decor

I know, I know. This vacation rental has been blogged, pinned and blogged again, but I just can’t help myself. This stunning bungalow, tucked on the island of St. Barts, is truly a vacation destination dream come true. And since I’m still hunting for my ultimate vacation rental on Kauai (the amount of AirBnB tabs I currently have open is terrifying), I’m hoping that putting my vision of perfection out into the universe will somehow bring forth that hidden Hawaiian gem. And even if you’ve seen this house 20 times already (I unknowingly featured the deck in this post!), you’re going to love it on the 21st, I promise because ALL WHITE errything.

This house, called Villa Palmier, is pure perfection. Bright white, beachy but elevated. Minimalist but a bit rustic. Every detail, from the pale wood cabinetry, custom sofas, dots of vintage accessories and collected decor make this space welcoming but also open, airy – it’s like an exhale personified.

As the designer (and highly talented photographer) Katie Holstein explains “Both my husband and I believe in curated spaces where every part of the house has a story, a purpose, and aesthetic appeal. This ideology was a driving force for both our home in Aspen and St Barts.”

While the details throughout this vacation home look simple, they are in fact highly considered, but also range from hight to low. I spy baskets from The Citizenry and the CB2 Shroom coffee table. They’re juxtaposed with stunning Ay Illuminate light fixtures and a Lacanche range. All island vacation homes should officially have jute poufs – just sayin’.

I’ve officially become so obsessed with vacation home design. Maybe that’s what my next business should be – how to transform idyllic island homes into magazine-worthy perfection. This house was featured in Elle Decoration France! And it’s easy to see why. It’s the ultimate fantasy. Indoor / out door living. Light colored everything – as if toddlers or stains don’t exist. The clutter of daily life is no where to be found. And that is what vacation is all about. While I’m still committed to going to Kauai at the moment, this home is very tempting.

If you’re planning a trip to St. Barts, this travel guide is extremely detailed!

For more travel destination inspiration, CLICK HERE.

images by Kate Holstein and Romain Ricard fro Elle Decoration, quote via here

How to Set a Welcoming Summer Table

Decor

Have you had your first outdoor dinner party yet? Enjoying a meal outside is the best way to make the most of the summer months. When it comes to setting a summer table al fresco, you can really let your creative side shine. Inspiration can be taken from almost anything, be it the natural surroundings, a favorite color, or the flower currently in bloom.

For my summer tabletop, I was inspired by terra cotta. The warm hue is making a comeback (you a can see more terra cotta inspo here). To create my tabletop, I paired terra cotta rimmed dishware that I found on Overstock.com with golden-hued linens, birch flatware and cut glassware with soft lines. The mixture of warm tones, pops of white and a variety of textures kept the table feeling both warm and welcoming, but also light and airy. To up the fancy factor of an outdoor place-setting a bit, all you have to do is layer your dishes. A salad plate, atop a dinner plate, atop a charger elevates an outdoor table from humdrum to holy cow. A mound of fresh flowers will also make everyone at your table feel special. Keep scrolling for all the details on how my summer table came together!

If you’re also looking for a similarly simple, yet stunning summer appetizer, I’ve got your back. The Prosciutto & Melon Toast recipe below is the perfect solution. It’s bright, vibrant, delicious and crazy easy to make! Plus I’m always partial to food that goes with my entertaining color scheme.

RECIPE: PROSCIUTTO & MELON TOAST

1 tablespoon ricotta cheese, softened
1 (1-oz.) slice whole-grain artisan bread, toasted
1 1/2 very thin prosciutto slices (about 1/2 oz.)
2 thin cantaloupe slices
Dash of black pepper

Directions: Toast your bread, spread on your ricotta, layer and enjoy!

SHOP: dinnerware / linens / glassware / flatware / tablecloth / outdoor table set

If you missed my backyard makeover with Overstock.com click here. Starting on June 6 shoppers can save up to 70% off site-wide through June 15 as part of Overstock’s Summer Clearance Sale.

photography for apartment 34 by michelle drewes, florals by natasha kolenko , recipe via cooking light

This post is in partnership with Overstock.com. Thank you for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that have kept apartment 34’s doors open.

7 Eye-Catching Outdoor Spaces

Decor

It’s here. The time to start living life outside is upon us! Lounging, dining, entertaining – it’s time for it all to happen outdoors and I couldn’t be happier about it. I’m currently working on a little outdoor entertaining update (that I’m going to share with you very soon), so I’ve been banking inspiration images of outdoor spaces like crazy. If, like me, you have dream outdoor spaces on the brain, get ready to start pinning.

A built-in banquette is my longterm yard goal. It might be very long term, but it’s always good to have a stretch goal, right?

A sweet bench seat offers a nice little respite, extra seating for party guests or a place to hide with a book when you can steal 30 mins for yourself!

Someday a complete outdoor living room will be mine – rattan ottoman included.

Bohemian vibes mean you’ll be hard pressed to ever head back inside.

If minimalism is more your style then a stunning woodblock dining table and matching benches would be a beautiful solution for you.

Someday, I will tile everything my eye can see I swear. I also spy more rattan.

A mosquito net creates a relaxed, luxurious feel while serving very practical purposes as well – no one likes to get bit! A total win-win.

What are in your outdoor space dreams? With a week until Memorial Day, don’t you think it’s time to make them come true?

Here’s the most popular outdoor table I ever set

This cocktail is Memorial Day perfection

More creative outdoor design ideas

These modern outdoor spaces make my heart happy

Breakfast al fresco anyone?

Idea to Steal: The Swing Chair

Decor

I’m working on designing the living room in our new/old house right now – because I’m getting really tired of sitting on boxes! I want to create a warm welcoming space that uses a restrained hand but still offers an unexpected element or two. I’m been keeping my eye out for a fun twist to throw in the mix. Lately, the hanging swing chair has been catching my eye!

More commonly found in children’s rooms, perhaps bedrooms, or outdoor areas, I’ve been seeing the hanging chair pop up in communal living spaces recently and I’m kind of loving it. They add a playful twist to any room, don’t you think? The mountain house below by design fave Studio McGee is a perfect example. Two hanging chairs tucked into the corner of an otherwise very sophisticated cool space, up the fun factor in a room that’s filled with luxe materials like leather, brass and velvet. While the space still feels very grown up and sophisticated you immediately know this is a room designed for fun.

I’m particularly fond of the rattan versions of these chairs that have a larger, looser weave, but I’d love to see one in a high gloss black. With a sexy icelandic sheepskin added to the seat, it would be a very luscious look, giving the chair a little edge and possibly a little more style longevity. Because you certainly want to be happy about your selection when you have to screw it into your ceiling! That’s a bit more commitment than your average seat.

What do you think? Would you put a hanging chair in your house? Here a few pretty good lookin’ ones -across every price point – to consider while I continue to debate…Would love for you to weigh in in the comment section below.

Serena & Lily Chair / CB2 Pod Chair / Burke Decor / Ikea

For our entire Idea To Steal archive CLICK HERE!

image 1 / image 2 / image 3 / image 4 / image 5 / image 6 / image 7/ image 8

5 Modern Outdoor Spaces That’ll Make You Say “SUMMER!!!”

Decor

Outdoor living is our favorite thing this time of year. With these lovely long days, it’s all about drinks on the patio, dinners on the lawn and morning coffees on the deck. The following beautiful backyards are what our summer dreams are made of!

Too often outdoor spaces are left to the weeds, literally, and it’s probably because home owners, myself included, forget that they can look like this. But if you put your back into it, even just a little bit, your outdoor space just might become one of the best seats in the house!

We’re loving these modern backyards and patios so much. The monochrome color palettes are serene and the perfect way to seamlessly extend your floor plan into the great outdoors.

Looking to update your backyard space? As you can see, a few modern touches are all you need to create a minimally inspired monochrome oasis! Let the summer spent outdoors begin!

GET YOUR SHOP ON:

> 1. Linear Stem Watering Can
> 2. Glass Ceramic Lantern
> 3. Ferns
> 4. Iris Planter + Chevron Stand
> 5. Haven White Bird House
> 6. Garden Gnome
> 7. Outdoor Grid Stripe Pillow
> 8. Gray Garden Hose
> 9. Charcoal Grill
> 10. Walter Lamb Lounge Chair

What do you think of these modern outdoor designs? Don’t you just love the way these minimal pieces don’t take away from the beautiful greenery and surrounding landscape?

Who’s ready for sunshine, warm evenings and dining al fresco?!

image 1 via Est Magazine // 2 via Arch Daily // 3 via Garden Drum // 4 via Est Magazine // 5 via Hecker Guthrie, photography Eve Wilson

Tasty Tuesday: {Chill Out with This Tangy Summer Treat}

Recipes

“Summer” in San Francisco is a tricky thing. We’ve been dying for Karl the Fog to disappear so we can enjoy the season’s finest – warm weather, tropical flavors and treats on treats on treats. But this recipe stopped us in our summer-seeking tracks! The coconut chia pudding topped with passion fruit granita sounds like the ultimate mid-afternoon indulgence or after dinner dessert. Refreshing, tangy and healthy as far as sweets go, we’re guaranteed to be chilling out with this bowl of goodness in hand all summer long – just as soon as the sun decides to show up!

Coconut Chia Pudding + Orange Passion Fruit Granita

Ingredients:

For the pudding :
– 1 medium young coconut
– 1 cup coconut cream (from a can)
– 1/3 cup white chia seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 tablespoon elderflower syrup
– 1/2 vanilla pod
– Juice of 1 lime

For the granita:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 passion fruit, pulp removed
– 1 teaspoon agave syrup or honey

Pomegranate and mint to garnish.

Sounds amazing, right? Well, we won’t mention you can can substitute the almond extract for amaretto. Wait, we just did! You’d be silly not to head over to Artful Desperado for the full recipe!

image via Artful Desperado

3 Star-Studded Memorial Day Recipes

Entertaining

If you’re planning to throw any type of backyard party this summer – which you should be! – you’ll want to have the following three recipes safely in your back pocket. They will quickly become your secret BBQ weapons of choice, guaranteed to wow anybody walking by the potluck spread. We love that these recipes will come in handy all season long – Memorial Day, birthdays, 4th of July, no problem! They’re so simple, yet sophisticated you’ll never sign up for potato salad again!

Pulled Pork & Brie Sliders (serving size 6)

Ingredients:

– 3 cups pulled pork
– cut of your favorite brie
– 6 sesame seed slider buns
– radish slices for garnish
– arugula for garnish

Method:

Prepare pulled pork and heat in crock pot {we love this marinade!} or buy it from your local grocery store. Toast slider buns and dollop spoonful of pork onto bottom bun. Slice a thin piece of room temperature brie and add to top of pork. Garnish with arugula and radish slices. Enjoy!

Pea Shoot & Radish Salad (serving size 6)

Ingredients:

– 1-3 radish bunches
– 1/2 cup watermelon radish
– 3 cups pea shoots
– 1 avocado
– 1/2 c – 1 c of whole English peas
– Manchego cheese for garnish
– lemon vinaigrette
– salt to taste

Method:

Lay pea shoots on serving platter. Use mandoline slicer to achieve thin radish slices. Add radishes to pea shoots as well as whole peas. Slice avocado over top with shaved Manchego cheese. Drizzle with your favorite lemon vinaigrette and sprinkle sea salt to taste!

Sparkling Star Spangled Sangria (serving size 4-6)

Ingredients:

– 1 bottle white wine
– 1 bottle champagne
– 1 cup blueberries
– 1 cup sliced peaches
– 1 cup cherries
– 1/4 cup Triple sec
– sugar to taste
– rosemary to garnish

Method:

Mix chilled wine, champagne and Triple sec into pitcher. Add sugar to taste {about 1/4-1/2 cup} and stir until dissolved. Top off with chopped fruit. Let chill in fridge for at least 4 hours. Serve over ice.

If you’re looking for more summer entertaining ideas, be sure to check out all our favorite outdoor entertaining ideas.

Summer fun, here we come!

produced by bianca sotelo // original photography for apartment 34 by to wander & seek // food styling by natasha kolenko // illustrated recipes by bright room studio

Tasty Tuesday: Make Your Treats Matter!

Entertaining

I won’t lie. I’m kind of a freak when it comes to desserts – in that I’m very picky about them. I cut out most processed sugars after college and truthfully haven’t really looked back. A good bowl of berries with a little shredded coconut is my definition of a wonderful dessert. But there is a GIANT exception to this rule. It’s not that I eschew all indulgences – it’s just that I firmly believe that you should make every bite worth it! A candy bar made by the millions isn’t remarkable. That’s not something you’ll linger over savoring each bite or are likely to think about the next day. I say if you’re going to go for it in the treats department, find something that heightens every sense. Indulge in what makes you dream about it for days before and days after. GO BIG.

Like homemade ice cream sandwiches big! Why not enjoy a trip back to your childhood with deliciously thick chewy cookies and luscious, oozing, dripping ice cream to create the ultimate indulgent dessert. You see, I grew up taking summer trips driving down the Oregon Coast – staying at Cannon Beach and walking the boardwalks, but the vacation was never complete without a trip to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. We got to see how Tillamook cheese was made – and we always stood in line for a precious scoop {well, let’s be honest, I always begged for a double cone} of fresh Oregon Strawberry Ice Cream. To me, the flavor just epitomizes summer, freedom and joy. So when I think of the ultimate way to enjoy a treat now – that’s the first place I go. But of course as an adult I like to kick the gourmet factor up a notch.

To start, I now branch out to other ice cream flavors besides my good ole’ strawberry. We put Tillamook’s newest flavors, Cinnamon Horchata and Oregon Hazelnut & Salted Caramel to a serious taste test. The Cinnamon Horchata is so light and refreshing. I kinda wanted to eat it by the gallon full. The Oregon Hazelnut & Salted Caramel definitely satisfied my craving for something a bit crunchy, creamy and sweet. But really you can’t go wrong with any flavor you choose.

To kick our sandwiches up another notch, I wanted a similarly sophisticated cookie. And I won’t lie – in this case I headed to my trusty San Francisco bakery, Batter Bakery, for the best cookies in town. No one said it has to be made in your own kitchen to be exceptional! Think flavors like Salted Chocolate Chunk, Sand Angel {the best reinvention of the snickerdoodle you’ve ever had} and Triple Chocolate Espresso. Of course we threw in some Sprinkle and M&M cookies to satisfy our inner child! Then we rolled our sophisticated sandwiches in mini-chocolate chips, pistachios and coconut to make sure each one was unique.

But now Tillamook has their own fix for your ice cream sandwich craving – a Tillamookie – made with waffle cone cookies. Kinda genius, no??

So when it comes to finding your perfect sweet treat – my best advice is to select something made with amazing ingredients – you know, where you actually know come from. What I love about Tillamook now, as an adult, is their commitment to creating wholesome dairy products. They’ve actually been around as a farmer-owned co-op for over 100 years and seek to make their dairy products the good old fashioned way – without hormones, antibiotics and the like. And while you can find their famous cheddar or ice cream across the country, they still have that small, local hometown feel. I love that Tillamook uses amazing ingredients like those strawberries, hazelnuts, and honey all sourced from their own Oregonian backyard.

And Tillamook is now taking their commitment to “Dairy Done Right” one step further. They’re inviting all of us to join their Tillamook Co-op on Tillamook.com! As a Co-op Member you’ll enjoy:

> An invitation to the Tillamook Co-Op Annual Member Meeting in Tillamook, OR
> Access to exclusive Co-Op member chef dinners and events
> Access to new products and special offers
> The opportunity to vote and share suggestions on new products and flavor
> The opportunity to support artisans & entrepreneurs who are contributing to the real food movement through a partnership with KivaZip
> The chance to name a Tillamook County cow!!

There’s even going to be an in-person event in LA in May – so you’ll want to sign up on Tillamook.com. for details!

In the meantime, go ahead and treat yourself – it’s worth it!

original photography for apartment 34 by aubrie pick // art direction & styling by team apartment 34

This post is in collaboration with Tillamook. To learn more about Dairy Done Right click here. Thoughts and opinions are 100% our own. Thanks for supporting partnerships we’re excited about and that keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

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