Kathy's Sunnybrae

I love going to my friend Kathy's home. She calls it "Sunnybrae" -- the name of her family's homestead in New Jersey -- that's the Scottish side. When I am there it is about me like a carefully feathered nest or a well wrought sweater of softest yarns. It is many things: comfortable with charming details that beg to be noticed, it's cozy in itself and, along with the lovingly curated objects it hosts, proffers itself for the enjoyment of the visitor with flagrant wisps of sweet sentimentality...

Me and Rosie, Jim and Rory visited for breakfast one day last week...and I brought the camera to capture some of the spots in her home I treasure the chance to visit.

In her front hall she has a wonderful corner cupboard...On each visit I stop there first to take it in all over again. Can you see why? Can you tell she loves letters? Can you spot her lovelies from Dara DiMagno?



Her dining room is just maybe my next favorite spot...we've found some of her prized transferware on our adventures...she displays it beautifully in all its glory of blues and browns





Her den is cozy and inviting...the small vignettes send me...






I adore her sitting room...I want to call it a parlor..and wish I could sit there and knit...but of course I need to learn how to knit first!







These goodies are on display in her kitchen...I love how she curates the textures of these disparate objects and, I love the wee wooden Jennifer Lanne piece!





In her "nest" -- a reading retreat on the second storey -- her collection of birdie homes beg a closer look...(Can you spot the sweet piece I brought home for her from last year's Country Living Fair and Laurie Meseroll? You really just need to come with us this year, Kath!)

When I look about Kathy's home I am reminded why I love her so much...she has a true respect for family mementos and carries them with care toward the next generations, she reveres the past -- yet actively moves towards a future bright with friends and family, she keeps good memories close and...she has an utterly fabulous sense of style that shines through in how she decorates and adorns her home with all the things she loves.

Thanks Kathy for always finding room in your heart and home for me and my family...you are a true friend.

xxoo
Jen O'Connor
Earth Angels