The Perfect Saturday Morning

It's Saturday morning!  Isn't it your favorite day?!  Some people like to sleep, some exercise (ugh!), some like to cook, etc.  Me,  I wake up early and make a big pot of Earl Grey and some breakfast on a silver tray and crawl back into bed and read.  If it's raining,  bonus.  If my kiddos are sleeping late, even better.  This is my rare moment of stopping the everyday madness and finding inspiration in a beautiful breakfast, solitude, and a great book.  


This perfect morning has just occurred:  rain, sleeping children, a great breakfast (on a silver tray of course), and a book about Mr. Albert Hadley.  If you are not familiar with Mr. Hadley,  he was one of the great designers of the 20th century and passed away recently.  The quote that I think best describes his design mantra is, "While he fully understands luxury, the rooms he creates are not about money and expense, they are the essence of understated style and simplicity." (Albert Hadley: The Story of America's Preeminent Interior Designer. Adam Lewis)   The other thing that Mr. Hadley talks about in this book is his need for solitude.  His need for a quiet evening with his books or a sketch pad.  Solitude recharges your batteries.  In running, reading, prayer, gardening, etc.  Make time for solitude.  Take care of yourself so that you can take care of others.  Inspiration is a result of inspired activity.

Saturday Morning

It's time to get up and deal with kiddos, work, and finding a Mother's Day present for my sweet mom.  But maybe just a little prayer first and one more bite of that yummy breakfast...........


Happy Saturday to all!

Family Dinners

Life is hectic.

I don't know about you, but family dinner time is a monumental feat.  Providing a meal that everyone enjoys and getting it on the table around everyone's schedule is somewhat grueling.  However overwhelming it may seem,  dinner time together is important.  Even if it's sandwiches or takeout,  we need to all sit down and connect.

The New Formal:  Casual and Elegant

Because life is becoming evermore hectic and casual,  the formal dining room is becoming extinct in homes today.  The bare feet casual part of me says, "Yea!"  The traditional part of me cries a little and says "bring back Sunday suppers on Wedgewood plates and Waterford crystal!".  The happy medium is having a place where family and guests can gather for a meal and feel comfortable.  This dining room speaks volumes on casual elegance.  So,  if you are still holding on to only using your dining room for special occasions,  tone down the formality and give it a casual vibe so that you can enjoy it for more than twice a year.  Families:  Come together and eat!!

"Front Door Proud" contest!

If you never thought much about your front door, maybe now is the time.  It is the first impression guests have to your home life.  This NYC front door does its owners proud!  This single door is the reason I say:  "Detail is everything."  If you are "front door proud",  post a pic on the J. Lawrence Design facebook page.  We will vote on the best front door and the winner will receive (1) hour of design consultation FREE!  Contest ends May 15th, 2012.