“An ideal kitchen is comprised of a variety of elements that are not just pleasing in a decorative sense, but also extremely practical. The very best examples seamlessly blend form and function while also instilling a sense of order; and while the layout, palette, and larger components are obviously key factors, the impact that details like hardware, lighting, and tile can have on a space should not be overlooked.”

When Jeff and Brittany were together in Nantucket last summer, Emily Westlake, The Scout Guide editor found a prime opportunity to catch the designers who work on two different coasts in one place. Casually sitting in Nantucket together, a shared favorite place of relaxation and inspiration, Emily was excited to hear about Brittany's expanding design firm and Jeff's latest projects. Growing up with a father who is an architect, Emily shares a childhood similar to Brittany's and mine. When I chatted with Emily we laughed about both going on architectural home and garden tours with our fathers as children and touring particular college campuses just because of their design and architectural beauty.

I love to travel...for work, for pleasure, for inspiration.  And over the past several years it seemed that whether I was on the west coast or the east coast, in the north or south, The Scout Guide kept appearing.  Each one wearing its own distinctive color-themed cover and each book unique to the place of my visit.  It popped up at my favorite inns, shops, galleries, gardens and restaurants. Patty and I started a collection of them ourselves, a keepsake from our places of travel. So last year when the editor of the first edition of the Northern New Jersey Scout Guide approached me to tell us that we had been scouted I was thrilled to be a part of the book.

Many of you already know Jeff quite well, and some of you are new to Jeff and want to understand how he works with his clients or approaches design projects. Jeff recently had the great opportunity to speak with editor of the Northern New Jersey Scout Guide, Heather Cundey. Her article Butler’s of Far Hills, Jeffrey B. Haines: Up Close and Personal is featured on the NNJ Scout Guide Blog. Every time Jeff or I meet with Heather it is an enjoyable and comfortable conversation and we are so excited to be a part of her blog. Click HERE to read the full post and see more images.

The Scout Guide's Tip No. 99 Feel Blue shares some of their favorite shades of blue paint colors.  Achieving subtlety in any color is often the goal and when it is achieved it makes the space feel so natural and unworked.