5 Books for your Coffee Table

In a world that is turning more digital by the second, there’s something so wonderful about holding a book in your hands and tuning into a slower frequency.

I love keeping a small collection of books around to add a little fun to a bookshelf or my tiny coffee table bench. Or, on the rare occasion that I get a few quiet hours to myself, I love bringing one out along with a journal to spend time with my creativity and get some ideas flowing.

Here are five of my favorites!

Upstate by Lisa Przystup | This is the dreamiest collection of Upstate New York homes that range from clutter core to completely minimal. I love seeing the old spaces with the imperfect woodwork, the lack of 90 degree angles, and the prolific greenery. It’s a go-to on quiet days when I’m dreaming of escape.

In Paris by Jeanne Damas | A beautiful collection of photography and interviews of unique women in Paris and their lives. Jeanne Damas has a brilliant eye for fashion and style, and I love seeing how the women she interviews express their style in their clothing and surroundings.

In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney | This book entered my life at a time I was making some big changes in my career and it inspired me so much to see so many successful women and hear their stories. It really helped cement for me that you can be successful at whatever you want to do, and everyone has challenges and deals with mundanity, but the bigger vision is more important than the barriers.

Surf Shack by Nina Freudenberger | A fun, casual, eclectic escape into the sandy world of surf culture all over the world. Feels like necessary reading during the gloomy winter months.

At Work by Annie Leibovitz | I spotted a signed copy of this book in a tiny bookstore on San Juan Island during my birthday weekend, and my husband surprised me and bought it while I wasn’t looking. It’s an incredible view into Annie Leibovitz’s career and also her approach and process. I love her work and the way she approaches each shoot like telling a story. She has a unique perspective and has taken so many of the most influential photographs over the last half century.

What’s something you reach for when you need a boost of inspiration? Happy reading!

A Brand New Seattle Beachfront Rental + 5 Tips for a Great Weekend Trip

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A weekend getaway to a beach house in Seattle is the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. With our famous rugged coastline, abundant water, and access to a thriving city scene, a weekend trip has so much to offer. Before you go, here is a home tour of a stunning new Des Moines rental and some tips to get the most out of your trip!

  1. Plan Ahead and Book Early: Securing a beach house in Seattle can be competitive, especially during peak seasons. To avoid disappointment, start planning your weekend getaway well in advance. Research and book your beach house rental early to secure the best options. Consider factors such as location, amenities, and proximity to the beach to find the perfect spot that suits your preferences. There are many waterfront areas, some in more urban settings (including houseboats in Seattle!) and some are more remote (Whidbey Island, Vashon Island). This beach house in Des Moines offers a little bit of the best of both worlds. It’s pretty secluded but is a short drive to lots of restaurants and activities.

  2. Pack Accordingly: Seattle's weather can be unpredictable, so it's essential to pack clothing suitable for various conditions. Even during the summer, coastal areas can experience cooler temperatures, fog, and occasional rain showers. Layered clothing, including a light jacket or sweater, will ensure you're prepared for any changes in weather. Don't forget to bring comfortable footwear for beach walks and outdoor activities. And if you forget something, enjoy a visit to the downtown Nordstrom flagship!

  3. Explore Local Beaches and Parks: Seattle is packed with beautiful beaches and parks waiting to be explored. Take the time to discover some of the area's hidden gems. Alki Beach has a boardwalk that feels very west coast and has a strip of tons of restaurants, Golden Gardens Park is one of the only sand beaches in the area (and allows bonfires!), and Discovery Park is a sprawling park with beach access if you’re up for a little hike (or you can vie for the few parking spots available at the beachfront). This house is situated a little ways south of Seattle just next to the Des Moines Marina and beach, which is a beautiful place for walks and tossing rocks.

  4. Embrace Outdoor Activities: Seattle's beach towns offer a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy. Engage in water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or even take a scenic boat tour. This rental comes equipped with kayaks so you can launch straight from shore! If you're an adventure seeker, consider hiking along nearby trails or try your hand at beachcombing. Visit local marinas to rent equipment or join guided tours for a unique experience: Seattle by Pontoon is a great way to take in Seattle views and jump into the refreshing water! If you happen to catch a rainy weekend, the Seattle CityPass is a great way to get into some indoor-friendly activities!

  5. Indulge in Local Cuisine: Seattle is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, and a beach house weekend presents an excellent opportunity to savor local flavors. Treat yourself to fresh seafood and all kinds of snacks at Pike Place Market. Visit the Des Moines Farmers Market for a taste of the region's finest produce. Enjoy a sunset dinner with a view at Anthony’s or have a beachfront picnic on a budget.

Enjoy the home tour of this beautiful new Des Moines rental on Airbnb, and book a weekend trip!

Airy Bellingham Airbnb | Vacation Rental Photography

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Nestled in the picturesque city of Bellingham, where nature's beauty takes you away from the bustle of Seattle, lies a hidden gem—a short-term rental home exuding bright and airy vibes and adorned with whimsical decor. With lush greenery as its backdrop (it’s surrounded by nature preserve), this charming home invites guests to check out of the grind and into the imaginative state of being that an inspiring and restorative getaway is so good for. This was such a fun home to photograph and brings me to a few key points of a successful short term rental listing photos shoot:

  • Embracing Natural Light:

Photographing a bright and airy home starts with harnessing the power of natural light. In Bellingham, sunlight filters through the dense foliage, lending a soft, ethereal glow to the surroundings. Maximize this vibe by opening curtains and blinds to allow ample light to flood the space. Notice the way that light naturally interacts with the space. Turn off the overhead lights and allow for nature’s light source to take the lead.

  • Composing the Perfect Shot:

To showcase the whimsical decor and the seamless integration with the surrounding greenery, pay attention to composition. Frame the shot to capture the home's unique elements both in tight composition and in a pulled back shot that gives an idea of the full space. Preserve window views by bracketing exposures, especially when they help tell the story of the space.

  • Colors and Textures:

The color palette and textures play a crucial role in the ambiance of this vacation home. Pay attention to the details that the designer painstakingly selected. This house has an amazing juxtaposition of glam and nature, and it’s done really well. I loved the combination of the mirror backsplash with the black marble countertops. In the dining area, an antler chandelier perfectly plays off of floral dining chairs next to yet another pattern in the subtle wallpaper. Incorporating a few of these relationships into a shot brings together the design vision.

  • Accessorizing the Scene:

In order to fully immerse the viewer in the home, a few key accessories help to bring the vision together. Adding in a few small lifestyle elements really makes the difference between photos that feel real estate vs. luxury travel and hospitality. A glass next to a book signifies a relaxing place to read. A blanket over an adirondack near the firepit suggests a cozy bonfire.

  • Outdoor Oasis:

The beauty of this rental home lies not only indoors but also in the enchanting outdoor spaces. Bellingham's greenery provides an idyllic backdrop, so venture outside to capture the magic of the surrounding nature. Photograph a hammock nestled among the trees, the large lawn perfect for active kids and great privacy from neighbors. Incorporating these outdoor shots into your collection will complete the story of this serene retreat.

This is really just the tip of the iceberg of what goes through my head during a shoot, but it gives a solid starting point to plan a successful shoot! Get in touch if you’d like to bring your property to life through engaging, vivid, bright photography.

This house is offered by Gather Vacations.

Contractor: Bellingham Bay Builders

Design: Andrea Zakharoff

You can book this beauty on Airbnb here.