Green Day 2!

Funny, I wasn't even feeling green until I saw this photo! I may also be feeling a little green with envy.

Blog Crush

You've heard of girls having a "girl crush" and guys having a "guy crush", well bloggers often have blog crushes. My new infatuation is with Maize written by Virginie Sannier. It consists of an amazing collection of textures, colors and the capturing of small moments. Ohhh, my heart flutters!

I love these delicate cut paper creations. They remind me of little butterflies fluttering through the air. Some of Virginie's creations can be found here, but I hope you speak French.

I knew love was meant to be when I saw this photo because I have this bedding too!

On The Quirky Side

Hello everyone! For those of you who may wonder where I've been, I apologize for the long silence. Life's been kind of crazy lately and my blogging has been paying the price. Well, I did want to post this unique and quirky loft in New York. Designed by Bohl Architects, it uses plenty of fun and off-beat details.

Ha, ha! This detail really cracks me up. I mean, if you want a random blue eye staring at you; why not have one, right?
(I have a feeling this photo may cause some controversy amongst readers)

As a designer, I've always found it frustrating that so many people will only live with things that others approve of! I can't say how many times I've heard the words, "I need to know if my sister likes it" or "My mother", "My neighbors"...etc. Why?! If its your home and your place to live and rest, why can't it just mean something to you? I look as a home as a sanctuary and as a place that feeds your inner self. So shouldn't it be a true representation of yourself? Ahhh, this has been my soapbox for many years. I hope at least a few people will stop and consider my words and take true ownership of their environment.
Don't know why I seem so bossy today.

Here's To An Organic New Year!

Hello, I'm back!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Mine was a bit tumultuous, but more on that later. For now, lets talk about what we want more of in the new year! For me, organic and beautiful design sits high on the list:)

Baby, Its Cold Outside

I'm still adjusting to the cold weather! I prefer to be warm, but I'm dealing. Reading Veranda, I found a Wyoming home that makes winter a lot more palatable:) I just want to curl up by the fireplace in a beautiful wool blanket. If you're wondering, the design is by Barbara Barry. Her amazing eye definitely shows.

Friday Favorite: The Stagers

Have you watched The Stagers on HGTV? I really love this show! Unfortunately, since I like it, it must mean that its not a very popular show. I'm not sure why any time I like an HGTV show, it always seems to bomb. Perhaps I need to move to Canada. My favorite shows are Canadian and they do well there. Oh well!
I'm addicted to this show, because I think their designs are great and its just fun to watch. Home staging is different than interior design, because of its unique approach. In order to stage a home must be attractive w/out being too personal. I think it can be a challenge for homeowners to separate themselves from their own homes, so I agree w/ bringing in professionals to help. Also, with the current market being what it is, making your home as attractive as possible has to be a good thing!

(From the Dekora website)

The stagers are part of a Canadian company called Dekora. It looks like an amazing place that stores a massive amount of furniture, art and accessories available for staging. Personally, I have never run across a place quite like this, but would kill to do so!

Yikes!!!
If I were walking through this house, I would be tempted to runaway as fast as I could.

Ahhh! When can I move in?
P.S.
I would love to get opinions of any designers reading this article about your feelings on staging.
Worthy cause, or passing fad?

Happy Halloween!

Hope you and all the little ones have a fun Halloween!
Before I sign off, I wanted to share this great idea from a client's house. She purchased a cool, vintage "Skeletal System" poster from Etsy. We then installed it in her entry as a spooky welcome for all those trick-or-treaters. I also couldn't resist posting this little cutie in such an adorable dress:)

War Of The Worlds

Did you ever see that movie? The original one I mean, (don't get me started on my negative feelings about Tom Cruise!) These incredible light fixtures remind me of the alien spaceships, attacking the Earth. Remember that creepy sound they made? That movie was a family favorite at my house :)

See more of this Parisian restaurant on Dezeen.
P.S. I'm on my way to Round Top! More info later:)

Are You Reading...

All The Best's "Best Bedroom" contest? Ooh, its so inspiring and the cast of judges is INSANE!! In fact they are a little intimidating, I think. Anyway, check it out here!

I can't decide which I love more...a more traditional approach or a funkier one? They are all gorgeous!

A Little Confession

From Domino and Sarahleeab

Those of you who read regularly know how I love to go on and on about simplicity and minimalism. Well, all that is true; but I do have a confession to make. I love, LOVE paisley patterns! Yeah! I mean paisley is about as opposite from minimalism as one can get, right? Just the word brings up images of stuffy British libraries or something. I know, but I still love it. The intricate patterns and color combinations have always intrigued me. They are sort of an optical illusion. Some of you are probably skeptical, so I found a few examples of modern ways to use such a traditional pattern. With large scale and modern colors, these paisleys are anything but stuffy:)

From Becky Barreto

Don't you just love this chair? I mean no one can object to paisley, when its coming from Anthropologie! This is just so yummy!

Friday Favorite

Hello all! Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Still struggling to be inspired.
I did want to share these beautiful photos I found today. So much beauty in such simplicity. I can't tell you where they came from, but I can tell you that I found them on a blog I am really loving right now. Its called Either the Drapes Go Or I Do. I couldn't resist that name and I'm so glad I found it. Perhaps for now I will enjoy other people's inspiration.
Have A Great Weekend!!

What To Do With That Vintage Dresser

It seems that most people have vintage furniture pass through their lives at one time or another. For some of us, its by choice, some by inheritance, and some because its all they can afford. Given my profound love of this kind of furniture, I sometimes get questions about how to use it in a more modern way.
Apartment Therapy has a very cool home tour today. The owners used vintage furniture throughout the house, but my favorite example is the dresser used in the living room. Its used as a one of a kind entertainment center. Given the small scale of the home, the dresser is a perfect fit. This idea can also be used for bedrooms or dorm rooms that don't have square footage to spare.

The bottom compartments are used for varying media units and remotes. What more could you ask for? I'm guessing some of you are still not feeling the love for vintage, so here is another great detail. Most vintage furniture is sturdier and better built than 90% of furniture made today. I have a dresser similar to this one and know what I'm talking about. My husband cringes a little every time I ask him to help me move it again, because its built like a tank! Its difficult to find new furniture of the same quality unless you are prepared to pay for very high end pieces.
So, when asked how to best use vintage furniture, its best to have an open mind. (Perhaps, a piece can be used for other than its original purpose) Also, mix it up. Don't be afraid to throw in one or two vintage pieces with your modern furniture. Be adventurous!!!

Feeling Blue

The color blue is on my mind lately. As many of you know, I've been obsessed with orange and green for a while now, but I find my eye jumping to all things blue. The top picture is from the portfolio of Eric Cohler. I LOVE this guy! The painted molding to coordinate with the wallpaper is such a great detail.

Strong color doesn't have to be used on a large scale like an entire room. It can be used in small doses.
Frank Roop has a great eye for adding just the right amount of blue. (Found here)

(Sarah Richardson)

My dream would be to live in a bright blue house like this. I guess I want to be just like Frida Kahlo:)
I'm curious to know. What color are all of you smitten with, lately?

In The Details

Sorry to leave all you on such a sad note for so many days. I will be away from home for several days, and spent the last two on the road. Until I get back with more inspiration, here is a tiny detail that I love. I don't know if this is a decal or paint, but doesn't make the room? God is in the details they say.

This Just In....

At this precise moment, I am obsessing over this dining room.
More news later.

(Found via Deco-Inspiracion and Houzz)

Bold and Glam

To truly be glamorous one must be bold, but the home of designer James McInroe takes it to the next level!
I can't get over every amazing detail.

Orange! My favorite color as of late. This bedroom doesn't look very large,
but the floor to ceiling draperies make it look very grand. Love it:)