A winding road leads past a cluster of olive trees, up a hill to a villa with a vista of the valley.

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It’s that time of the year to slice open the limes, crush some mint, pour yourself a mojito and grill some veggies. And while your at it why not surround yourself with an environment that smacks of a salty sun kissed coastline bordering on the sparkling blue Mediterranean?

Vintage wrought iron table base with a weathered wood top is the perfect backdrop to a colorful table setting. A swath of hand blocked fabric provides a layer of

rich interest.

These citrus colors inspire a fruit infused cocktail and a nap in the dappled shade. I’m infatuated with deep, low sofa seats, the perfect blend of casual opulence.

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An Arts and Crafts home in Sonoma richly decorated.

A kitchen that showcases it’s dishware: copper pots hang from the ceiling while open shelving allows a collection of terracotta dishware to be shown off.

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Phew! I trekked over 20 miles scrutinizing hundreds of showrooms to resource the most beautiful furniture and accessory lines. Here are a few glimpses of what I saw.

Vintage hand painted etchings.

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I have to make this blog short and sweet because I’m busy getting ready to head out to the High Point Furnitire Market in North Carolina next week! I promise to snap some pics of the cool stuff I find there.

A cheery red door marks the entrance to this sweet butter yellow cottage.

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The fast and furious make over on a tight budget continues.  Photos and design by Indra Fortney.

This bathroom was refreshed with a new white finish in the tub. I played off the crackle finished vanity and pulled in greens in a new shower curtain and a sweet little water color I found elsewhere in the house.

BEFORE: Master Bedroom

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This St. Helena villa got a fast and furious make over on a tight budget.  Photos and design by Indra Fortney.

LIVING ROOM. Before. Cramped and boxy.

See the chaise lounge on the left? I found a new location for this piece upstairs in the office.

After. Decorating Tips

#1.) Accent color: I focused on an accent of green to accentuate the landscape outside and give energy to the gray walls.

#2.) Plants.  I used potted plants above the sunken living room pit to soften the drop off ledge while providing a type of screen  from the front door entrance.  A potted plant in the corner replaces the stone column. The smaller potted plant on the fireplace ledge draws your eye down into the pit of the room, directing your focus to the fireplace surround, which makes the space feel cozier and more intimate.

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House by day.

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You can read my full article in Napa Valley Life magazine.

A low rock wall built from field stone marks the entrance to Anna Pope’s cabin. As soon I walk onto the property I feel myself slow down.

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Joy -it’s Friday!

This year my birthday party was hosted by my friend Angela Tirrell at her enchanting Napa villa. Angela whipped together stunning floral arrangements, gathering large groups of cut branches. Luckily for me she was clearing out her garden, preparing space for her new studio. Pussy willows and blossoming fruit tree branches arranged in the corners of her rich stucco painted dining room created an atmosphere fit for a fairy tale.

Next Friday I will feature more photos from my latest  Napa Valley Life article.

I decided to go for a bohemian theme, drawing inspiration from a wonderful accessory store in Berkeley called Tail of the Yak.  When I ran across fabric dye in the art store I had to come up with a project to use it, so I made streamers for the chairs.

DIY: Step 1 cut ragged strips of muslin fabric.

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