Happy Halloween!

Love,

Samantha,

Madison,

Tilghman,

and Kaylee (who is still available for adoption!)

A New "Old Town" Community

At my dinner the other night, I discovered the "new" old-town style of Mt. Laurel. The website describes Mt. Lauren as a "Traditional Neighborhood Development" or one that encompases Smart Growth and New Urbanism. Paraphrasing here a bit, the goal is to "get people out of their cars," provide destinations within walking distances of homes, and create a new town center to hold these amentities.

The 600-acre development is focused on sustainability and reportedly worked to save as many trees as possible; for those unable to save, the development reuses whenever possible. Lights are also designed to "protect the night skies" and provide sufficient light. Given that the skies don't really need protecting (ok, ignoring greenhouse gases, etc.), I assume the design is to allow for stargazing!

Amenities include a Fire Station...

(not a bad-looking fire station!)

Swimable/canoeable (yes, I made those words up) Spoonwood Lake and other outdoor park spaces

Schools and churches

Very cute shops (I totally want to check out the little Grocery store and Hardware store, but alas all were closed at 8PM). I also spied a bridal shop (fabulous looking windows), florist, and salon, with fantastic storefronts.


Homes are available in various styles, but most of the development (houses included) is very reminiscent of Craftsman style to me.

I enjoyed dinner at the Standard Bistro, a restaurant serving contemporary Southern cuisine focused on using fresh natural foods like local organic produce and free-frange and organic meats.

The restaurant and surroundings reminded me of Serenbe in Palmetto, Georgia, a similarly designed community focused on sustainability. (Note: Serenbe has received tons of press, well deserved IMHO, and rather than toss a few photos in, I'll probably do a full posting in the future. Suffice it to say, if we could afford to give up our jobs entirely and start afresh, I would try to convince Mr. Southern that we needed to move there.)

Interestingly, the Mt. Laurel development is a Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company project, led by Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, co-founders of the Congress for the New Urbanism. The company has many international projects and has received quite a bit of press for their New Urban community designs.

One project you'd likely recognize is the oft-blogged Alys Beach Resort in Florida's Panhandle. I was fascinated to learn that many of the urban developments I've witnessed over the years in various cities were all DPZ projects: Kentlands and Diamond/Summit in Gaithersburg, MD, Legacy in Dallas, TX, Riverside in Atlanta, GA, Providence in Huntsville, AL, downtown Naples, FL, and West Palm Beach, FL. Jean, of Fine Art Daily, might be interested to learn that DPZ helped downtown Stuart plan for its future growth and preserve the historic courthouse.

As a city-girl now living in the 'burbs, I'm in love with the idea of being able to walk to places. Mr. Southern, I'm sure, would not like the small yards. And, despite all the great press of sustainability, I'd guess not all of these projects are welcomed with open arms.

For those interested in learning more about urban planning and development, their website has an interesting reading list here and here. Fellow Atlantan Architecture Tourist has also blogged about New Urbanism here and here.

What do you think about it?

-Emmie

Note: all photos from DPZ Projects; the lighting was much too dark for my poor photography skills at Mt. Laurel!

Sea Life

Back to Alabama today to finish the business I didn't get to on my last visit (due to a cold, I cut the trip short). I'll leave you with some sea-inspired home decor options.

Do you know Karen Robertson? I admittedly stumbled upon her site after searching for framed sea fans (inspired by Odi et Amo).

I adored the designed spaces that greet you as you load her webpage....

Vibrant orange, soothing blues...

And a pop of purple that I actually really like!

Products are offered both Wholesale and Retail. Here are a few that struck my fancy.

Natural and tinted Sea Fans

Map of Paris

Blue Starfish Prints

and Red Coral prints

Black and White Roots (perfect for my dining room- a little farm-to-table reminder)

Fun throw pillows

gorgeous shell mirrors (wonder if I could DIY?)

Framed Shells/Starfish/Sand Dollars

One of the things I love about these pieces is that I don't think you have to have a coastal home to enjoy the look. Which is helpful, considering I live in landlocked Atlanta. :-) My only concern- does it disturb the natural sea life/coral capturing the sea fans? Must investigate.

Have a wonderful day!

-Emmie

Wahoowah Weekend at the Buckhead Barn

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via Flikr beardenb

Happy Monday! We had a fun-filled yet productive weekend- hope y'all enjoyed yours! Saturday night, we attended the infamous Bull Roast, held annually on the weekend of the

UVA/GA Tech football game (which we won't discuss). After a few years at an indoor location, the party returned to Buckhead and was held at a great property, though one filled with lots controversy (just google Buckhead Barn).

I fell in love with the "barn" on the property (shown above) and kicked myself for not brining my camera. Very rustic on the inside- but certainly more home-like than barn-like with great candelabras, statues, etc.

This photo is a bit more French Country than the barn, but creates a similar feel.

On a purely superficial level, one of the things I love about UVA get-togethers is the attire. Preppy guys with button-downs and blazers, or sweater vests and blazers... I think of Southern Gent or Tucker Redux. Here's a Brooks Brothers version (is it just me or is this a totally cheesy smile?

The gals are usually decked out as well- though most traded in the dresses for Fall sweaters. Several girls wore riding boots and I instantly decided I needed a pair. I was having trouble publishing my Polyvore, so enjoy Hot chocolate day by Nadi.

It was freezing outside so we very much enjoyed the couple of bonfires (only wish I had brought the right stuff for smores!)

Great bonfire photo by Jack Bauer

And had fun seeing Yacht Rock, which apparently has quite a following in Atlanta.

I'll leave you with a few barn-inspired and barn remodeled interiors... I'm hooked!

Wharton Barn- The Lakeland Cottage Co

Holiday Rentals (property 80350)

Ina Garten's new Barn via La Dolce Vita

Classic French Homes

John Saladino via Katie Did

Gerald Incandela via Katie Did

Note: the Cavaliers are the official UVA mascot, but the Wahoo has become the widely-used mascot. Several of the UVA cheers include "wahoowah."

-Emmie