Inspiration Archives - Modern Pineapple

March 22, 2015

Home Style Inspiration: Juliska’s Capucine & David Gooding

I’m so taken by the country-French-inspired home and style of Juliska founders Capucine and David Gooding just featured in Traditional Home. {Have you seen their new La Panier line? As if I didn’t love their gorgeous tableware enough — we have Country Estate in Delft Blue as a special nod to our English living.} They have a relaxed, comfortable use of color and beautiful, functional furniture designed to match their lifestyle with three kids.

What I loved most reading through the piece is their source of inspiration. It’s family, and I felt it fitting to share their home and story today, when my husband and I usually make Facetime calls back home to stay connected on the lives of our parents, siblings and friends. The Goodings have family all over the world, especially in Europe and the States. They surround themselves with reminders of their family through their home, which is something we have done in ours too.

I wish Juliska was more widely available here. It can be ordered at Selfridges through the Wedding Shop, and Amara stocks their Berry & Thread line. Till then, I do pick up pieces when we are back in the States and emulate bits of their style from afar. {That kitchen just looks so inviting and perfect for family gathering and that entryway table is something I’m dying to do in our next home.}

March 1, 2015

Interior Inspiration: House of Cards

Like the rest of the world, my man and I basically declared it an international holiday on Friday when the Underwoods returned for the third season on Netflix {thank goodness they released it in the UK at the same time as the States — just, yes.}.

Besides geeking out over the new pieces added to Claire’s elegantly-styled minimalist wardrobe — I want every stitch of clothing in my closet like yesterday — I’ve been loving the updated traditional style in their current residence. The light kitchen with its white subway tiles and pendant lights above the island, gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows in the sitting room between the his and hers bedrooms, and the large chandeliers reflecting the light from all the table lamps lining the halls.

I wish the shots weren’t so dark to show off the beauty of their White House interior, but alas it wouldn’t be House of Cards then would it? The Underwoods are back in all their machiavellian ways, and darker than ever.

Those chandeliers, giant crown molding and the grouping of the chairs to create little nooks, more interest and opportunities to use the room.

Everything about this kitchen, with the chrome fixtures and multiple windows, and the sitting area below.

Double couches and that window. Swoon.

Of course there’s a dry bar on the sideboard. Bonus points with all the fresh flowers {I would like this flower budget.}

Love the tall windows in Claire’s bedroom, and the striped couch at the foot of the bed. And that headboard!

{All photos included in this post are stills from House of Cards, Season 3, with Netflix.}

February 28, 2015

Host an Italian Countryside-Inspired Dinner

These days, the overwhelming sentiment from everyone I talk to is spring can’t come soon enough. I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been pouring over our summer plans and dreaming of the warmer weather that’s slowly approaching. I decided to give us a little preview of the fun to come, and take us to the Italian countryside for a recent date night.

I try to cook mostly in season, using local vegetables and decorating with regional flowers. But there does come a point where I break that, like a Saturday night when we need a dose of springtime. We picked up some cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, along with rocket greens and a giant ball of mozzarella for our dinner.

MP Roses

For the table, I used a bright white tablecloth and a peach-colored runner to add a light, fresh feeling {I got mine on sale at West Elm, but also like this one here}. Then I got to work on the center arrangement. I picked several leafy branches from our trees outside our building and inserted them into a wire frame. I used roses from another arrangement, cut them so there were just a few inches left on the stem to show off just the bloom, and added them in casually.

For the place settings, I paired our bright white plates with our rattan chargers {ours are from Caspari, similar here} to give it a relaxed rustic feel.

I was inspired for the pasta dish by the one Camille Styles shares in her book {she has great taste – I love the way she brings all the senses together with her entertaining}. It was a simple mix of olive oil with minced garlic, cooking down the halved cherry tomatoes, adding in the cooked pasta, creamy torn mozzarella and shredded fresh basil just picked off the plant. The entire kitchen smelled heavenly.

For the salad, I just drizzled from freshly squeezed lemon juice onto the rocket and parmesan, along with a little olive oil. It was light, fresh and a delicious accompaniment to the pasta.

My husband decanted a wonderfully aged bottle of red, and poured them into our crystal glasses {it’s okay to add a little glamour, it was a date after all!}.

We had such a good time laughing and dreaming about returning to Italy {the bottle of wine certainly helped!}. I know we’ll call on this combination again soon. Salute!

Chargers / Plates / Silverware / Napkins / Glassware / Decanter / Wine Coaster / Pitcher

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