GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

The magazine serial is a lost art form these days. With websites, Twitter, moment-by-moment news updates, and yes, blogs, who can be expected to remember what happened yesterday, much less in last month's magazine? But serials used to be the lifeblood of magazines and newspapers; Charles Dickens published many of his stories in serial fashion, and crowds would throng the docks in America for the delivery of the latest installment of his stories from London. So kudos to - of all publications - a home decor magazine for experimenting again with the serial. House Beautiful's monthly installments of Frances Schultz's East Hampton's cottage makeover are as charming as the house itself. Here are a few snaps from this month's update (more here for last month's living room makeover).

Ms. Schultz's challenge was to combine two small bedrooms into a pint-sized master suite:

The new study includes work space and a cozy spot for guests. The lacquered blue walls add light and dimension to a small space.

All images, housebeautiful.com.

TWEEN'SPERATION

Apropos of nothing, I was wandering around the Pottery Barn Teen website the other day, and marveling at all the great designs they have - an adult would envy this bedroom:

Coraline Canopy Bed, $999 +

The furniture leans toward country chic, but I loved this little Minnie Stool, also available in blue and green, at $299.

Mother nature should be so lucky - how cute is this rug? Also in blue, black, and pink, starting at $299.

Acrylic spruces up a classic fixture; De-Lit Chandelier with ribbon trim shades, $159.

Calling Mary Mcdonald... Upholstered Headboard, $299 +, in a variety of patterns.

A hint of chinoiserie in white or Tiffany blue, the Pop Up Storage Bedside Table, $199.

Zig zag goes to Palm Beach. Zig Zag pillow covers, $12.99.

All images, Pottery Barn Teen.

The Aquatic Life

I know that PINK is supposedly the color of the year, but pardon me if I disagree... what this winter season needs is blue:  blue skies, blue seas...

Something old, something new, something Joe Nye, and something blue...

House Beautiful has some lovely examples of polished azure.... Room by Ashley Whittaker.

And turquoise + black and white makes everything right in an eclectic mix by Kim Coleman and Michele Green.

Z Gallerie, one of my favorite decor shops, has gone all out to sea for spring - from foam blue frames to deep sky ikats, they have a beautifully, reasonably price selection of accessories and furniture. These are winter blues we can all love!

All images, Z Gallerie and House Beautiful online (www.housebeautiful.com).

WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

Every week, my email inbox fills to the brim (somewhere out there on the internets, my emails are spilling out onto the proverbial floor). But sometimes, as I'm desperately trying to restore order to the mailbox mayhem, I find something truly clickable, like H & H Home (that's founding friends Heather & Helen, y'all). This Atlanta-based store refurbishes worthy pieces, burnishing vintage favorites into modern marvels. The results are truly home-worthy, from Vuitton trunks to charming chinoiserie furniture. I'm so glad I organized my inbox!

H & H Home

And a few of my top picks... so much chinoiserie! You can shop H & H HERE.

/Images/ All from H & H/

ASPEN

Willows whiten, aspens quiver,

Little breezes dusk and shiver

Through the wave that runs for ever

By the island in the river

Flowing down to Camelot.

- The Lady of Shalott, Sir Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Aspens, burnished in the autumn sun over the Rocky Mountains, offer the last flash of light before a long winter. The room above, from a spread in Elle Decor, reminded me of the beauty of early winter in the West:  the gold of Aspen trees, a soft blanket of white, and a cozy fireside, ready for you to sit down with a cup of hot coco. 

I'm ready to try this at home - with extra whipped cream! Below are a few of my favorite finds from West Elm, which has some of the best Western inspiration of the season. Shop online, and you won't have even have to use your snowshoes.

P.S. If you want the best Western inspiration in ANY season, pop over to one of my favorite blogs, Vogue on the Range, where the very stylish Lacey is "putting a little glam in your giddyup."

/Images/ Aspen Room, Elle Decor/ Yellowstone Aspens/ Grand Teton Aspens/ Home Goods, West Elm/