What Would You Do?

Hypothetical situation...Lets say one day someone walked up to you and said, "Hello, I'm going to give you your dream home. Just tell me what you want." Would you know what to say? I mean we often think we know what we want, but do we really know? (Yes, I do believe this might happen to me someday; so I think about it a lot). Well, I think I found a very good blueprint for what I would like to have. Check out this gorgeous Dallas home!

They say a kitchen is the most important room in a house, but I find its usually my least favorite. For one, I'm not much of a cook but also because kitchens are usually too fussy or too frumpy. This kitchen on the other hand...nice! Its so chic and clean.

Perhaps, I would not want my house to be this White! I like more color. So, do you know what you want. Another question, can we really get what we want if we're not even clear what that is?! Hmmm, sorry to be so philosophical the day after the Super Bowl:)
P.S. Some of you long time readers may remember my "Dream Home" series, but newer readers may not. Click here for some more inspiration.

Happy "Dream Home" Year!!

OK, HGTV...you finally got me. You actually went and built my dream home!!! Wow! Oh what a way to start the New Year, dreaming about a modern adobe house set in New Mexico...ahhhh! I have to admit that although HGTV's "Dream Homes" are always nice, I never really gave them any thought. It never occurred to me to think about entering or anything... but This One? I'm going to do it! I know it sounds ridiculous to think I might win, but this really is the home Mark and I have imagined over and over for years! Having grown up as West Texas kids, who often traveled to New Mexico, we can't get the landscape out of our systems and y'all know how I feel about Santa Fe!

Waking up to a wall of windows overlooking the grounds, is definitely part of the dream:)

Well, I've already set my DVR for this! On the first day of a new year, it always feels like all dreams are possible, right?

Happy New Year, Everyone!

The Color Of Portugal

Oh how I love finding something new! Although I have often read Interiors Magazine, I had never seen their website. Its amazing! You can scroll through the periodical online and see their amazing photos. See it here. The current issue features this Technicolor house in Portugal.

I think I will literally dream about this kitchen and these cabinets for weeks! Wow!!

I love that the interior of the home, although with very bright accents; is grounded with subdued neutral tones. (Unlike the exterior that is) I wish in America we could be much more bold with our color, like so many other parts of the world.

Outdoor Living, Down Under

Bringing the outdoors, in. I love that phrase, because it conjures up wonderful images in my mind. Images like this Australian home. Having easier access to the nature seems like the only way to live!

This kitchen is KILLER! The lines and those stairs...ahhh!!

Now, I do have to admit that I'm not really sold on the red bath. In concept, its cool but I don't know. That color is kind of throwing me off. How do you guys feel about it?

Despite the bath, I still want this home! Check out more pictures here.

A Modern Cottage.

As is often the case, I'm very late in writing this post. Remember the whole "no internet" thing? Last week I had the pleasure of photographing one of my favorite Houston homes. Located in the my usual stomping grounds, I have been admiring for a few years now. So a few weeks ago, I drove by and was surprised to see it for sale! Click here to see the listing. Being the house stalker that I am (Yeah, I admit it), I called to see if I could see the interior.
The house was shown in a local magazine a few years ago, but the owners graciously indulged my desire to take some pics myself:) What I always admired from afar was the beautiful color scheme of the exterior. Its very bold but has a Zen feel, especially with the bamboo.

This house is like a wonderful gift in a beautiful wrapper. You know sometimes, you wonder if what's inside is as great as the exterior? I'm glad to say that I was not disappointed when I walked in the door. The decor is restrained elegance with a modern twist. I can say that I haven't seen many homes with such a wonderful attention to detail. Something I really loved were the creative vignettes placed around the house.

Check out the ebony stained floors throughout the house! I know lots of you love them as much as I do.

The kitchen is simple and clean. I think this is one those rare kitchens that actually inspire me to cook. That is saying a lot, trust me!

The large open doorways are a remnant of when the house was a beauty salon. Instead of replacing the doors the owners either left them open or installed heavy draperies from tracks. The bedroom also has a fabulous dressing room that once was a porch.
P.S. The cool framed numbers are from Ebay!

So was I right? Beautiful, huh? One last amazing detail. The backyard is a small garden. Inorder to expand the space, a mirror was installed along the back fence. With the large plants in front, the yard seems to go on forever...without all the trimming that is;)

If I Could

Live out my dreams, I would definitely own these beautiful pieces.
Thanks to Me Melodia, for reminding me of this site. Do any of you remember this house?

A Shot Of Color.

For all those who are color-phobic, a great design trick is to use color in small quantities. Of course, for more of an impact; its better to use a strong color that really stands out. This French home is a WONDERFUL example. It has amazing punches of color in every room. Another trick is to repeat the same accent color through out the room. How about painting the inside of cabinets?!

My Dream House This Week: Santa Fe Glass House.

Happy Monday! Back to work.
When summer comes around, I have trouble keeping my mind on anything other than our annual Santa Fe trip. We only started this tradition two years ago, but its already a "must do" for our family. This amazing house takes full advantage of the beautiful landscape, that makes Santa Fe such a special place. New Mexico really has the most amazing sky and light. Its difficult to describe, you just have to see it for yourself.

Traditional Southwestern architecture and decor is still very prominent in Santa Fe, but this house gives it a modern twist. Despite being very contemporary in style, the earthy and muted colors fit right in with the amazing surroundings.
Oh, I can't wait to get there!!

Found via : Western Interiors.

My Dream House This Week (Part II): Cowboy Cool

Maybe its my upbringing, but I LOVE this California ranch! I have to admit that when I think "ranch", "cowboy", California doesn't just pop into my head; but hey its working! Architect Lloyd Russell combined contemporary architecture with desert living. The large metal canopy that sits above the main structure, serves to control the temperature inside the house. During the day, the canopy keeps out the extreme sun; and at night it preserves some of the warm air around the house, during the chilly desert night.

Looking at the interior, I imagine Georgia O'Keeffe; living here.

Any house that has space for dancing and sitting outside with friends, is just right for me! If only I could get Mark to actually dance. Found via Los Angeles Times and Materialicious.