a grey day

Courteney (I never realized she spelled her name that way) Cox (note the Arquette has been dropped) must have been in a grey mood when she began remodeling her Malibu home. I love the minimalism and mix of materials, but I think the home could use a little more color. Especially in Malibu! Maybe daughter Coco has a pink bedroom that's not pictured, but I could use a little more sunshine. Images from Elle Decor.

this one goes out to the one i love

I don't know what it is about her, but I've had a girl crush on Keri Russell for the better half of 10 years now. Maybe it's because I identified with her character on Felicity or because I once saw her crossing the street in front of me in New York wearing a camel-colored trench coat and jeans with her hair pulled back effortlessly, and she just looked so down-to-earth and someone who would be your friend. Maybe I like her because she moved away from Hollywood and married a carpenter or maybe because we were pregnant with our sons at the same time, and she named hers River (River Phoenix was my first true crush, following Kirk Cameron, of course). Whatever the source of my infatuation--did I mention we're the same age, and I once saw her photographed in a magazine wearing a pair of jeans that I own...and she had them cuffed like I used to do?--I was excited to see her Brooklyn home featured in this month's Elle Decor. Oh yeah, we once thought about moving to Brooklyn, too...

Clearly you can judge by my slight insanity that there's no way I wouldn't like Keri Russell's abode. Unless it was Real Housewives of New Jersey tacky, but come on. Take a look at it yourself, and if you see a similar look evolving in my future home, then maybe I have taken this "crush" thing a little too far.

Images from Elle Decor.

the measure of cool

On my wish list: The Selby is in Your Place

Photographer and blogger Todd Selby knows what cool is. If he ever comes knocking on your door requesting a photo shoot, you'll know that you've made it into the realm of the eternally hip. This past Sunday the New York Times profiled Selby, and I became even more fascinated with his work. I applaud his attitude toward choosing the interiors he photographs, which Selby sums up succinctly in this quote: "I'm not interested in someone who's just rich and boring or paid some interior designer to make this crazy house."

I've always been a fan of the photojournalistic approach to photography, and Selby's ability to capture raw or unstaged, if you will, interiors is inspiring to those of us who don't live inside a West Elm catalog. Here's a closer look at some of his work (all photos from The Selby).

celebrity splash

It's still hot in Charlotte (heat index of 100+ degrees today), and it's only June 15th! While playing around on the Internet during my son's "Dora time" this evening, I came across a feature on Elle Decor's website that told me I'm not the only one who's been thinking about pools lately. Check out these celebrity splash pads that are definitely worth a look (photos from elledecor.com):

Urban Oasis: You won't believe it, but this pool is located in the backyard of fashion designer Cynthia Rowley's Manhattan townhouse. Talk about city escape...

Photographer: Roger Davies

Tropical Retreat: Ben Stiller and wife Christine Taylor enjoy a blooming tropical garden surrounding the pool of their Hollywood Hills home.

Photographer: Grey Crawford

Infinite View: There's no better way to enjoy an oceanfront view--like that of Cindy Crawford and husband Rande Gerber at their Malibu home--than while relaxing in an infinity pool (preferably with drink in hand).

Photographer: Simon Upton

Infinite Beauty: Of course, an infinity pool with a mountain view isn't too bad either. Fashion designer Elie Saab's weekend home near Beirut has incredible views of Lebanon's Sannine Mountain.

Photographer: Fernando Bengoechea

Simply Modern: Coach president and creative director Reed Krakoff and his wife lend a modern vibe to their Southampton pool and poolhouse, which reflects the 1970s style of the main house.

Photographer: Reed Krakoff