Summer Inspiration

Mallorca Cala Murta

It was a rather rude awakening to return home from the cool crisp Maine air to the sweltering heat and humidity of Connecticut. I would rather be sitting on the lawn at Migis  seeing the water skiers come in

summer inspiration - water skiing at Migis Lodge

lazing near the docks

docks at Migis

or watching my husband and daughter duel it out on the courts from the shade of our cabin’s porch.

tennis court at Migis Lodge

But since I am ensconced in my air conditioned office, our summer inspiration today comes via virtual visits. You can take a trip to Mallorca with novelist Emma Straub, photographer Alexi Silvagni and NYC boutique owner Liana Pai and family in this month’s CN Traveler.

Mallorca Cala MurtaDramatic mountainous views like Cala Murta, above, have drawn visitors like artist Joan Miro and writers George Sand and Robert Graves for years. The town of Pollença, with its 365-step stone stairway leading to its chapel was settled by Romans.

Pollença in Mallorca via CN Traveler

Rent a house or stay at the luxurious Belmond La Residencia Hotel, below. No matter, you’ll surely be taken with the impressive vistas.

Belmond La Residencia Hotel

For a serious trip down the rabbit hole, you can stop by Australian friend (well actually South African living in Australia) Jenny Rose-Innes’ blog to tag along on her summer sojourn. First enjoy an extensive garden tour in England, from the Chelsea flower show

Jenny Rose-Innes photo of the Chelsea flower showto Hidcote Manor Garden, below, as well as other gardens, lovely country hotels and more.

Jenny Rose-Innes photo of Hidcote Manor Garden

But the highlight for me was her stay in Provence at a lovely house she and her family rented outside of Gordes. It is everything I envision when I fantasize about such an adventure. A beautiful ivy covered house on five acres, it has an enchanting entry

The Limewalk blog photo of house rental in Provencestunning gardens, terraces and property

The Limewalk blog photo of house rental in Provence

and even a tennis court and pool. The interiors are simple yet sophisticated, with just the right combination of old and new. But you’ll have to visit Jenny to read all about her visit, with trips to local markets, a local producer of Aptware and more.

The Limewalk blog photo of house rental in Provence five photos above via thelimewalk.blogspot.com

If you’re venturing to Paris, be sure to visit the Dior home boutique where the chic Doris Brynner has outfitted the shop in cooling shades of summer blue, no doubt to offset the oppressive heat wave!

Summer inspiration from Dior home boutique via Doris Brynner instagram

dior home boutique via Doris Brynner instagramtwo photos above via Doris Brynner Instagram

I have written before about Carolina Irving and Penny Morrison’s eponymous outpost, Irving and Morrison. Every time I turn around, they are adding more covetable items to the shop, making it a must-see if you are traveling to London and for the rest of us, an obligatory online destination. How divine are these turquoise teardrop urn lamps with Pink Bud shades,

Irving and Morrison Turquoise teardrop urn lampssummer-ready Fern Cotton Tablecloth & Napkins,

Irving and Morrison Fern Cotton Tablecloth & Napkinscharming tableware

irving and morrison tableware

or brand new artichoke topped ceramic pieces I spied on Carolina’s instagram! Hide my wallet please!!

Irving and Morrison ceramics

If you’re staying stateside, Mass MOCA always has a variety of interesting exhibits, now including Francesco Clemente’s Encampment, a 30,000 square foot installation, featuring as its centerpiece a collection of six painted tents which the artists created over the course of three years with artisans in India. In this small encompassing artistic village of sorts, Clemente “draws on Indian and Western European traditions to create a hybrid visual language with which to relate intimate tales of sensual and spiritual encounter.” New York jewelry designer Mish Tworkowski posted some wonderful images of the exhibit on  Instagram, below.

Mish New York instagram of Francesco Clemente Mass MOCA installation

Mish New York instagram of Francesco Clemente Mass MOCA exhibit

And while you’re in the Berkshires, be sure to also stop by one of my favorite small museums, the Clark in Williamstown, where there is a wonderful exhibit on Van Gogh and Nature. From Holland to Paris to Provence, Van Gogh’s obsession with and unconventional approach to the depiction of nature became his signature. With over 40 paintings and drawings from around the world, it is an insightful and beautiful show.

Van Gogh Butterflies and Poppies at the Clark Museum
Vincent van Gogh Butterflies and Poppies, 1890 Oil on canvas, 35 x 25.5 cm Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

And lastly, while weddings are not usually a subject in these parts, a new publication is worth a mention. Geraldine is an artfully designed and beautifully produced magazine serving “as inspiration for couples who want to create a refined and intimate event.”

Geraldine MagazineWith elegant editorial spreads, articles that celebrate artisans, carefully selected real nuptials and beauty and styling tips, it is not your typical wedding magazine.

Geraldine magazine, photo MK SadlerGeraldine Magazine

Geraldine Magazine, photo Tec Petaja

6 thoughts on “Summer Inspiration

  1. Stacey, thank you so much for the mention in this beautiful blog post. I am so looking forward to visiting Dior this afternoon and meeting Dorris, and it is thanks to Quintessence that I was able to find out more about this store! Quintessence is a continual joy and source of inspiration!

  2. Oh I am thrilled you have mentioned Doris Brynner in you post, she is my absolute idol and I have been an ardent fan, since I first visited her own shops La Verandah in Geneva & Gstaad . She really does have the best eyeb!!

  3. So much summer inspiration from all over the world Stacey, thank you for making my Monday!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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