Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Beautiful House Beautiful!

The magazine I look forward to the most, hands down is House Beautiful! Every month there is a
heart-skip-a-beat moment, from the moment I see the cover. They just seem to be getting better, and better. They always have a diverse line up of gorgeous rooms and this issue - December/January is no different. I took pictures of my favorite space designed by Maine Design. My pictures aren't great but I definitely encourage you to check out this issue if you can.




I am in all kinds of love with this room. From the metallic wallpaper, to all the oranges blues and bold prints. This is a teenage girl's room. What a lucky girl huh!


Global/Eclectic, I don't care what you call it, I call it FABULOUS!
How gorgeous are these!

So, I'm supposed to be studying, but I am so so unmotivated...but clearly not when it comes to blogging. I am here trolling design blogs instead. There are so many gorgeous ones out there, and it's like a rabbit hole you fall into, and it's close to impossible to get out. I am off to study so I can hold on to that A :-).

(All images from House Beautiful by Fatou Bah)

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Rou Designs

I went through a phase where I was completly obssesed with ceramics anything, especially vases. It is now under control - thankfully. Rou Designs has been one of my favorites ever since I found out about them. They have a shop on Etsy, where all the good stuff are of course :-). I thought I'd stop by and visit them today, and I noticed a few new things. I literally want one of each item in their store. I love how simple and minimal their designs are, yet they stand out in any space.






I have the first set of three, and they are just as adorable in real life. My older daughter thought they were for her, and she kept playing with them so right now I can't find one of them . I'm hoping its under a bed somewhere or something.

They have more of these beauties, and then some at their Etsy shop Rou Designs.
They are all so adorable. Don't you think?

Have a lovely day!

(All images Rou Designs)

Monday, November 28, 2011

Colour Lovers

Have you all heard of the web site Colour Lovers? Oh what a lovely web site it is! Users can create patterns, colors, and they can be printed and used for any project you need. There are currently almost 2 million prints of all kinds. It is a community site were users can chat with others, ask questions, and connect with other color lovers.

    





They also have a trend watch section for home, fashion, magazines, web sites etc. I would love to play around there and see what patterns I can come up with, how fun would that be!
I think it is a wonderful site for anybody to play around with color, and see what works for you, and what doesn't. It is also a great tool to sharpen one's eye for color, because it is so hands on, and allows it's users to actually create patterns and prints rather than just showing you.
I heard that they will be having an option where you can actually create your own patterns for fabrics. Now that is really cool!

Have a great week everyone! I hope you are able to take time to play a little even if it is virtually. :-)

(All images Colour Lovers)




Saturday, November 26, 2011

Nostalgia

How strange to feel nostalgic for a time you weren't even in existence. We stumbled on a beautiful antique store today after taking the girls to the library, then lunch.  It was weird how nostalgic I felt being in that antique shop. My husband said maybe I'm just an old soul, hopefully my soul wasn't making a connection with other old ones...:-). Everything just looked so beautiful, and special. They all seemed to have a wonderful story behind them. Sadly we got there an hour before closing, I could spend a day at that place and not have enough of it.






I managed to pick up a gorgeous plate and jewelry bag. I don't know what I'll do with the plate yet, but I also knew I couldn't leave it behind. For now it will sit on my dresser, figure that is the safest place in the house away from the kiddos.

How was your day? Having a good weekend I hope!

(All images by Fatou Bah)

Friday, November 25, 2011

Decadent Jewel Tones

I love it when something is considered the "in" thing or the trend that I already love.  I realize you run the risk of having the same thing as everyone else, but the beauty of individuality is that we are all unique, and make anything so. On the plus side, it makes it easier to find things that you like, because I know that liking unusual things is not always convenient - makes shopping tricky sometimes. What I'm blabbing about good people, is the use of decadent jewel tones in interiors! There is nothing sexier than a beautifully decorated room in bold saturated colors.
via Porter House Designs
No one does jewel tones like the Moroccan. I hear jewel tones, I'm thinking of colors I associate with Morocco.
via House Beautiful
Porter House Designs
via Digs Digs
via First Sense
You can go dark or light with the jewel tones too, there is room for flexibility. It always used to seem to me that in order to use the jewel tones everything had to be dark and moody. If you are experimenting with this decorating style you can start slow by introducing the colors with accessories like pillows, rugs etc. A couch is also a great way to bring it in and make a huge impact - I am visualizing a gorgeous tufted gold, velvet couch against a white wall. :-)
Funny how I always go gaga for rooms decorated in this fashion, but my space is pretty much on the other spectrum. I think I dress that way more than I decorate. I seem to go for bold colors in my cloths and shoes, and when it comes to decorating I use a lot of earth tones, and some pops of color. Why, I really don't know. :-)

(Images sources above)

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Everyday is the perfect opportunity to look at all the great things we have in our lives, be thankful, grateful, and appreciative. But it is great that we have a day dedicated to giving thanks. There is a lot I'm thankful for, and I hope on this day you all are sharing the day with your loved ones over a great meal. I'm off to cook my portion of the Thanksgiving feast, but I wanted to say a quick hello first, and wish you a lovely day.



Happy Thanksgiving!

(Image via Oh She Glows)

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Rustic Comfort

I am a creature of comfort at heart, and the home truly is where the heart is for me. A typical Cancer through and through - I thrive on all aspects of the home. When it's cold, rainy, and grey all day outside, I yearn for nothing more than: a very cozy space, wrapped under the blankets watching TV, drinking tea from a beautiful mug, flipping through magazines, reading a book, listening to soft music with candlelights, baking cookies and filling the house up with that yummy homey smell, cooking a yummy comfort your soul food for my family.

via Apartment Therapy
via Lushlee 
via Remodelista
Simple definitely doesn't mean boring! 
via Sunset Marine Resort
via Sunset Marine Resort
via HomeKlondike
Nothing like a nice cozy, no fuss space to allow you to rejuvenate, reconnect, and get centered. I love the simplicity of these spaces, where you can't help, but concentrate on the important things.
Don't get me wrong I'm a girl who loves bold colors and prints, and the more the better. But sometimes it is nice (even necessary) to strip things down, and enjoy the quiet simplicity.

What things, places or activities do you find most comforting?

(Image sources linked)

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Sunday Book Inspiration - Romantic Style

How is every one's Sunday going? Mine has been the perfect lazy Sunday - all I've done so far is make an insanely big breakfast, that I am sill full from at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon. :-)
I was just going through one of my favorite design books Romantic Style by Selina Lake & Sara Norrman with photography by Debi Treloar (who's photos I am gaga for by the way).



          





I've wanted a mannequin on my dresser to hold my jewels ever since I saw this picture!

      

"Choosing colours that appeal can be daunting. Our eyes are trained to search for matching shades and shapes, rather than alighting upon hues that speak to us for emotional reasons. Try to shed your inhibitions and follow your gut instinct when it comes to colour - like taste and scent, the right shade will evoke memories that you thought were long forgotten. And don't ever worry about what 'goes'. If you like it, it works - it's as simple as that." - Romantic Style







I thought I'd share some of these inspiring images with you. If you don't already have this book, it is so worth your time and money to buy it. It is full of lots of creative ideas and beautiful images.

Enjoy the rest of your day!

(Photos by Fatou Bah from Romantic Style)