Escape

As I sit in front of my laptop eyeing the wad of trace paper calling my name to a day of homework, I can't help but dream of a faraway land, where my biggest challenge is which choice of drink to pick from, and should I lay under the sun or shade.

You see, I desperately love what I do, but I am also in dire need of a respite from it all. But for now, I must bury my head and get this school thing done, so I can move on to designing real spaces. But, before I get back to that, how about you take this little daydream journey with me…

Anini Beach, Kauai by me or hubby

Cuba via NG

Loisaba, Kenya via Knstrct

Leopard Hills, via Knstrc

Ladera Resort, via Knstrc

This always reminds me of how extensive my travel list is and how far behind I am on getting started. So many amazing places to see. 

PS: Sad thing I started this blog a week ago and not even sure what interrupted me but something did and I wasn't able to get back to it. 

How have your weeks been? Any fun summer travels? I would LOVE to hear about them. We are planning on some short weekend trips around the area. Lucky for us the Pacific Northwest has some amazing places to escape to. 

Okay, gotta run now and make breakfast for the kiddies.  Have a great week everyone! 

(Images: cited above)

Out of Africa Art Shop!

How's everyone doing? I hope you all have been well. Today I am so excited to share with you some gorgeous things out of Africa. I'm excited for the obvious reason that we all love some pretty things, but too, it is my very own mother's shop. This is something she's wanted to do for a while, and I am so proud of her, for putting together such a wonderful collection of arts, highlighting the great talents of African artists. The shop aptly named Out of Africa Art Shop is decor heaven. The shop is located in West Palm, FL, so for you Floridians - lucky, lucky.

These beautiful handcrafted jewelry from South Africa are a few of the gorgeous pieces in store or online. I love the intricate metal work combined with the soft beautiful gemstones.  

This tablecloth with napkin set is one of my very favorite things in the store. It is so fresh and perfect for summer entertainments.

 Doesn't this little gathering of the cutest animals put a smile on your face?!

I picked some favorites, narrowed it down, then narrowed down from that to share with you all :-). They are truly gorgeous pieces, and just knowing how hard she worked and the time she spent making sure that she got the best of the best to showcase makes me even more thrilled for her. Please check out the site for plenty more gorgeous pieces here. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts. I hope you are all having a lovely weekend.

Images: via Out of Africa Art Shop

Inspire

At times, inspiration comes from big things, small things, the unusual, the mundane, the extraordinary, or the ordinary. Sometimes you seek it, and at times it seeks you. Either way, when it hits you know it!

(Images: Emma's Blog, Anna Gillar, and Anna Gillar)

Happy 4th of July

I hope you all have a great barbecuing and family time!!!

(Image: Fatou Bah)

House Tour: Industrial, Meet Rustic

Hello, hello! Happy Friday to you all out there. Did you have a good week? I hope so. I've been plugging along, school keeping me busy, but nobody said love was easy. :-)
I have a beautiful, rustic, industrial, home to share with you, love at first sight it was people. You'll see what I mean soon.

You all know that I'm a sucker for a good mix, and this mix of soft and hard, rustic and clean lines, got me smitten. I love how the black furniture and lighting pops against the white and natural background. Those lights above the dining table are gorgeous. I have my eye on this one at World Market for my own home, and of course I instantly zoned in on these here. That window over the kitchen sink is beautiful, and I can only imagine all the beautiful light it will let in. They used reclaimed oak wood for their cabinets.

I didn't realize at first that the bathtub is in the bedroom, not sure I would like that, however that industrial light over the bathtub I'm all for. The use of that awkward space behind the bed as storage is brilliant. Gorgeous home, no?!

Wishing you all a gorgeous Friday, and weekend ahead. 

(Images: Living Etc.)

Mismatched Tiles: Thoughts?

It's Fridayyyy!!!! Are you as excited as me?! How was your week? I hope it was nice. I actually had a pretty good week, the weather was amazing and the family and I got to get outside and play, go for walks, and started working on a flower bed. 

Okay, so I wanted to share and hear your thoughts about what you think about mismatched tiles? Not sure I can even call it a trend, but I for some reason have just zoned into it the past few months. I've seen a room here and there with the mixed tiles on small or large scales and it really had me intrigued. It's definitely fun, and gives a room a very lively feel. 

         

What do you think? I think it's not for the faint of heart, but I find it very beautiful! In a space like the  second kitchen, because everything is so paired down and simple, it looks like a piece of artwork - which I guess it is.

Okay everyone, I hope you are having a lovely Friday!

Images: (Decor8, Boligmagasinet, Casa)

Food: Dietlind Wolf

Believe me when I say, I really try not to post everything of Dietlind Wolf's work that I see on here. Her work never ceases to inspire and amaze me. The woman is a genius! We have to make a deal though, no blaming me if after seeing all these delicious photos, you find yourself looking for some treats to satisfy this food craving out of nowhere. :-)

Even that white paper with the grid pattern looks amazing. Like how does she do that?!

I love this violet series, it feels so old worl,d and romantic. I'm always amazed by her story telling abilities. Each series has a distinct story, and emotion conveyed yet her style is very apparent in each.

(Images via Dietlind Wolf, Concepts: Dietlind Wolf, Photos: Torsten Suedfels)

Light & Airy

Happy Monday! I hope it's an easy Monday and a lovely week for all of you. I thought to get us started, we shall look at a beautiful home, designed with natural wood, a light color palette, with pops of color and high contrast. I am so behind on homeworks, but I figure maybe getting this out there, I'll have no choice but to get back to it. I'll keep you posted on that. :-)

I am seriously crushing on that mint cabinet. Check out those chunky legs too!

 

 

I wish you all a beautiful week!

(Images: Bolig Pluss)

Home Tour: Tailored Industrial

There are some pleasures in life that can sometimes look frivoulous and unless you can relate it doesnt make any sense. However, knowing that I'm among friends, I know you will completely get the joy getting a stack of design magazines can illicit. Yesterday was one of those days...it was like opening presents, each magazine prettier than the other filled with inspiration. Elle Decor really got me reeling though, with Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi's home. I was giddy with excitement flipping through the pages, they were dripping with amazing shots.

I love the mix of rustic, industrial all balanced with a tailored approach. You can see that everything was carefully selected. I had no clue that Ellen is a huge design buff, and moves a lot because of this just so she can have an opportunity to decorate a new space.

The landscape which they fell in love with, understandably so...is intoxicating.

I am completely smitten by their home, though absolutely gorgeous, it also has heart and soul.
What do you think? You can see the full article here, or pick up the latest issue of Elle Decor if you already haven't. I hope you are all having a lovely Sunday.

(Images: Elle Decor)

Long Silence

If you could see me typing this, you would see a girl hunched over with guilt as if the whole world is pointing at her with accusing stares. Dramatic…well you all know that I can be that, but I seriously feel so terrible about the deafening silence on this blog.
Life had gotten so hectic that I could no longer juggle all the responsibilities on my plate, and unfortunately, the blog was one of the casualties. Something had to give, and with work, school, family, there just wasn't any room in my brain for creativity or available time to curate anything worth sharing.

I hope to be back to full time blogging, and I hope you will all forgive me and pretend this break never happened.

Have an awesome day!

Image: (Fatou Bah)