It’s that time of year, when winter is largely behind us, but here in New England, summer seems a long way away. It’s cold outside and I am longing for a little vitamin d. I am feeling resentful toward all those that are reporting they are in a sunny warm place, out boating, and swimming, or lying poolside wiggling their toes in the shallow end where the kids play. The only light of day my toes are seeing is inside a heated yoga studio. Don’t get me wrong. I am grateful to take them out for a walk, but it’s not the same as sinking them into the sand.
The Beverly Hills Hotel . The Hollywood Reporter . Renovated Pool Area
Alas, as I push to complete this project, and I track down, dozens of different players to assembler the parts – another small carpentry project to create panel doors that will be installed on the built-in (this will be the third builder involved in the completion of this single piece). If you think that’s unusual or even an isolated incident – it’s not.
Beverly Hills Hotel . Cabana . The Hollywood Reporter
I’ve had three different painters on this job – four if you include my builder who went a round in the unit. I need a single brass cabinet pull that didn’t come with the original order – always check the order. They ship by weight rather than by actually counting the pieces that you requested, and paid for when you placed the order. I say this with no incredulity in the voice in my head (which is the one I hear when I write this) I’m numb to those realities. That’s not the part that bothers me, it’s that the lead time is 8 – 12 weeks. Good golly, how is one expected to hedge against that reality?
The Viceroy . Palm Springs . CA – Kelly Wearstler Design . copyright Katherine Belarmino
So, I won’t be going anywhere. I’d settle for a pleasant May, and a number of fantasy worthy destinations to inspire pool, beach, or back yard lounging when the time comes, in my neck of the woods. Though I grew up on Nantucket Sound, which is nothing at all like California, I love
One Kings Lane . Light Yellow Umbrella . $539.
CA hotel pools, because…they’re so pretty. It was just National Stripes Day, a few weeks ago, and I love stripes, and fringe, and pom-pom, and palm trees — even if they are pink and manufactured from metal. They are still cool in their kitschiness.
Santa Barbara Umbrella . Mirasl . Flamenco . Cirque www.sbumbrella.com
Serena and Lily . Left: Pacifica Corner Sectional $4998. Right Sebastopol Stool $198. www.serenaandlily.com
I am a big fan of the Serena & Lily aesthetic, but it’s out of my budget. Perhaps it’s not out of yours and/or you can use it to inspire your design. Just as I will. Whatever will I do to simulate a pool. That is not in my future. I know that. My good friend Lisa is having one put in at her home. Maybe she’ll allow me to help with the design.
Pier One Imports . Casbah Stacking Chair . $139. http://www.pier1.com
A sunny Sunday to you – wherever you may be.
Love!!