I just finished reading “An Object of Beauty“, which not only happens to have a gorgeous cover, but is filled with 20 something color reproductions of varied artworks that are woven into and definitely enhance the story. It took me right back to my art history classes in college… just much more entertaining and relevant. The book written by Steve Martin, follows the climbing career of an ambitious young woman (who seems to be missing a moral compass) in the New York City art world. It’s an interesting read for art lovers, New York lovers, and Steve Martin lovers. Bonus if you’re all three like me! Have any of you read it? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

… and how about this artful room, a match made in heaven I’d say.

Read: An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin // Room: Showroom of The Apartment

I finally found a solution to my great rug debate. Remember when I had the floral one here and was trying to find a replacement? I received a lot of helpful tips on this one (thank you!) and even though some of you thought I was a little nuts to have a rug in the kitchen at all, I went with this simple blue option from West Elm.

I chose the rug for multiple reasons. One, the smaller size was perfect (the floral one I think took up too much of the space), two, the pretty pop of blue brought a bit of color and pattern into the room right where I wanted it, three, it’s reversible so when it gets dirty I can flip it over for double the use, and four, it was on sale so it was only $5.99! At that price, I don’t mind if doesn’t stay pristine for long.

You may also notice that I painted the plate rail white, which is working better for me then how it was before. The space between the countertop and the ceiling is no longer broken up visually by the darker line of the wooden plate rail, so the ceiling looks a little higher and the room lighter.

I also put together a quick & cheap piece of art for the room by framing a feather that I collected from outside. Buy the frame, stick a feather in it… done! Oh nature’s simple beauty.

The shelves on the back wall are another new addition that we made, but I will get into all of that on the next post. :)

So what do you think? Hit or miss on that rug?

To see how the kitchen looked before, check here.
To see all of the cabin progress so far, check here.

Images by Sarah Sherman Samuel

Product Guide: Rug by West Elm // RTA cabinets by Customer Service Hardware // Countertops, sink, and faucet by Ikea // Photo frame from Target // Arthur Umanoff Dining Set – vintage

Rupert had to go into the hospital for surgery last thursday. It was a scheduled surgery that has been looming over his head for some time so at least that part is over. He is now on the road to recovery and is looking good but at this point is still in the hospital so, I spent my weekend taking care of him while he is on strict bed rest, hunting down healthy non-hospital food, and trying to act as a nurse the best I can. (even though I am as squeamish as you get with these kinds of things!) If all goes well we are hoping to get busted out of here today!

Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers.

Images by me via Instagram (I’m @sarahshermansamuel)

Happy to have been listed as a contributor in Emma Magazine’s April issue. Check out the interview, get a look into my home studio, and see Cracker steal the show online here. Or, you can also order it as a printed version.

Image by Sarah Sherman Samuel

Here’s a look at what I’ve been up to lately via instagram. We left New Zealand, celebrated Rupe’s birthday, hosted the Fancy Paws charity event, had house guests two of the four weekends, flew to Chicago, worked on the cabin, made some goods in the workshop, and had Easter with my parents. I’d say it was a pretty eventful month. Any of you figure out how to slow down time yet?

Images by me via Instagram (I’m @sarahshermansamuel)

I’m back in LA today where spring is definitely in the air, so I think it’s a good time to mix a little floral print into my wardrobe and soften up all the leather.

Shop the look:
Floral Printed Trousers by Anthropologie // Fringe Clutch by Milly // White Blouse by Joie // Leather Jacket by Zara (old) find similar by Diane von Furstenberg // Shoes by Seychelles // Stacking rings by L. Frank Jewelry 

This weekend I spent some time working from the cabin, working on the cabin, and just breathing in the fresh cold air. It’s amazing how productive you can be after a little time spent outside. I crave these escapes.

Images by me via Instagram (I’m @sarahshermansamuel)

Have you guys seen the Glitter Guide feature on Amanda Dawbarn of 100 Layer Cake that went up this week? I had the pleasure of contributing with some of the styling which was easy peasy because Amanda has so many amazing pieces in her home. I had also been wanting to work with the photographer Jessie Webster for sometime, so it was a great surprise to find out she was going to be shooting it.

Amanda and I met last year and became fast friends. When answering “how do you sparkle?” in the interview she replies “by encouraging and inspiring others to find what they are meant to do”, and Lord knows that in just the last year, while swapping stories, doing some heavy crafting, and getting lost in parking garages together, she has done exactly that for me. So, go check out the entire Glitter Guide feature and get to know 1 of the 3 ladies behind 100 Layer Cake a little better.

Happy Friday!

Photography: Jessie Webster
Styling: Amanda with assistance from Sarah Sherman Samuel and Jillian Clark
Hair and makeup: Fiore Beauty
Florals: Julianne de Silva

Our first two nights in New Zealand were spent at this lovely boutique hotel in the heart of Auckland. Upon arrival to Hotel Debrett we were greeted with such friendly and helpful staff that we felt right at home. They gave us great recommendations on what to do around the city (i.e. walk up Franklin to Ponsonby street for shops and take the ferry to Waiheke island) and Michelle, the owner, even helped us plan a few stops on our campervan route.

After 13 hours on a plane we were happy to be welcomed to New Zealand with a room drenched in sunlight with loads the windows, a big comfy bed, and many unique design touches (no two rooms are the same!). I wanted to take that green chair from our room (2nd photo) home with me so bad. We also enjoyed a complimentary welcome cocktail in the drawing room which is for the exclusive use of guests of the hotel and is also home to a 24 hour honor bar.

Room and Bathroom Images by Sarah Sherman Samuel
Courtyard Image by Alistair Guthrie

Get our tips for staying at Hotel Debrett and a few of our favorite restaurants in the area after the jump…

To see more of our trip to New Zealand look here and here and more of Smitten Travels here.

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