ROOMS THAT INSPIRE

Did everyone enjoy the weekend?  I pretty much remained low key for most of the weekend.  Did a little clothes shopping and started getting little gifts for the Christmas holidays (yeah, I'm going to try and start early). 

On the home front, Mr. D was busy cleaning all our windows and screens (isn't he the best).  They are spotless and streak-free.  I was busy washing and steaming some curtains in the guest room.

Switching things up for you this Monday with a new series I'd like to call: Rooms that Inspire.  I'm always inspired by interior design and decorating; or simply admiring.  There are many different styles that inspire me to incorporate a similar look to our home.  And, it doesn't have to be big purchases or big items.  A simple throw pillow, accessory or color palette, inspire me to create my own design. 

Check out this week's room inspiration:

While I'm not a fan of the paint color, the front door and Cambria quartz floor with contrasting inlay is beautiful.

Designer Jane Lockhart

This room has me at a standstill.  I love the way the designer incorporated darker shades to this dining room area, balancing it with the white and taupe.  It's a mix of traditional and contemporary.  While the wall color is dark, the room is fresh and light.

J. Hirsch Interior Design. 
Wall color:  Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain

For those loving the look of black and white, here's an entrance room to admire.  I love the trim paneling on this wall; adding architectural interest.

 

Design by Nest Design Studio

 

 

I'm a huge fan of wallpaper and love the scale and color of this one, perfectly done in this powder room.  Makes a big impact in this small space.

 

 

What a sophisticated and cozy room; love the different textures in this space.  The color palette is elegant, soft and calm.

 Lily Mae Design.
Wall color:  Benjamin Moore, Revere Pewter (which I have in my home and love)

xo,

INSPIRED BY THE BEACH

I'm back! I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed my mini vaca with my sister and brother in Rehoboth Beach, DE.  Even though we (siblings) all live on the east coast, we are about 6 hours away from each other.  It was nice to catch up and spend some quality time with each other.  We laughed so much!

We were blessed with gorgeous weather.  It was sun, sand and beach bumming all the way.  I enjoyed my time on the beach doing nothing!  It felt good to relax.  Rehoboth is such a quaint town; we walked around, visiting local shops and boutiques.  I fell in love with all the beach inspired looks, which had me wishing of owning a beach house to decorate (lol).

Take a look at some snapshots I took during my stay in Rehoboth.

Sunny yellow stucco building of Hotel Rehoboth.

The signature look design on their open-air beach shuttle service.  Complimentary chairs and towels to take to the beach as well.  This was a fun little ride!

Soft yellows and blue décor. 

Local stores

Love the gold tortoise shell from Mark Showell Interiors

 Beach inspired prints, and pillows Mark Showell Interiors.

Onto another store:

How lovely is this room.  Bright yellows, paired with crisp whites beach inspired room with an Asian influence.

I was truly inspired by all the amazing views, inside and outside.

Here's a look I created using accessories from Z Gallerie.

Coastal Gems 4// Coastal Gems 1// Seahorse Bookends// Jellyfish Paperweight// Ortana Bowl


xo,

H&M HOME COLLECTION

I had the opportunity to visit the brand new, H&M Home store in NYC, (corner of 48th St. and 5th Ave.)   How convenient for, yours truly, since it's within walking distance from my job.  The home section is on the top level (4th floor).  As soon as I got off the elevator, I was so excited to check out all the goodies!  And, let me tell you, there were many.

The store features many products like vases, trays, candles, bedding, pillows, linens and more.  The themes seem to be a French provincial look, modern or simplistic style.  The colors are soft and neutral with a feminine touch.  Right up my alley. 

I browsed the online store before visiting the actual store.  There something about seeing it in person; you get a full appreciation and you're able to see the quality of the products.

Take a look at some of the snapshots I took while at the store:

 

Love the color of these salad size plates.

Striped pillows and cases galore, in a range of colors

Love this color combo

Colors are so soft and pretty! 

 

Vintage inspired look in a range of pastel colors

Copper candlestick holders and cake stands; black and white china;
gray lace tablecloth (grabbed one for my sister)

 

Candle teacup, colorful glass jars and decorative boxes

 

Here's what I picked up for myself and scored 25% off my entire purchase:

 

 

Glass jug (with gold rim)
Round porcelain tray dish (available in store)
Ceramic jar (small, in pink)
Metal wire basket in white
Lace tablecloth in natural white

To see more, click here to see their complete line.

xo,

INSPIRATION COLOR OF THE WEEK: MINT

How did it get to be Monday already?  The weekends always go by so quickly.  Hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoyed the pleasant weather. 

Onto another Monday series of "Inspiration Color of the Week".  I'm going to mix it up and not talk about classic colors (I pretty much covered all of them with the exception of one).  Today, I'm talking about the color mint.  This soft pastel tint of spring green brings to mind, images of spring, beautiful ocean beaches and plantings. 

I love this color because of its simplicity and innocence.  It goes well with colors like: beige, gold, yellow, silver, cream, white, pink, navy, black, brown and gray.

Take a look at some inspirational pictures I created, as well as images from designers.

Apothecary Guild Domed Candle - Mint Green via Carlyle Avenue

Flower arrangement via Real Simple

Botanical photograph from Dullbluelight via Etsy

Image via Dear Dresses

Kitchen design by Jessica Brende (Brendehome.com)

Mint colored cabinets (Sherwin Williams White Mint) Laundry Room
 (via Oakley Home Builders Inc.)

Mint and beige bedroom with silver accents (image via WhimsicalHomes.tumblr.com)

image via the Enchanted House

And, let's not forget about some fashion looks inspired by mint.

 

Pretty Mint Top - LuLus

Bauble Box Bib necklace - Shamelessly Sparkly

Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody bag in Mint/Silver - Bloomingdales

xo,

FAUX BOIS ARTISAN: MICHAEL FOGG

While reading through the latest issue of Traditional Home magazine, I came across an article written about Connecticut Artisan, Michael Fogg.  A former cabinet maker, he taught himself the craft of faux bois (French word for false wood) by reading at watching videos.  How incredible is that?!  There are very few artists that have a talent such as Michael Fogg.  Working with concrete and steel; creating art through furniture pieces is indeed a craft.

So, I jumped on over to Michael Fogg's website to see more of his work.  On his main page is a stunning faux bois table.  I can see a piece like this in a grand foyer or on a patio (preferably mine).

From tables, to light fixtures and planters, each piece is unique and skillfully created.  If a table looks weathered, aged or knotted, he has created such a look.  The best part of his designs are the benefits of having them indoors or out. 

To learn more about Michael Fogg, check out his website here.  In the meantime, here are some of my favorites:

Medium size bistro table (40 inch diameter table) (sold)
 

Burl pedestal table

Slab Bench (60" seat)

Armrest Bench

Chandelier.  This is something I can see Restoration Hardware carrying

Arbor Bench.  I would love this for our side yard with vine roses growing up and surrounding the arbor

 

xo,

INSPIRATION COLOR OF THE WEEK: PINK

This week I'm talking pink!  Pink is such a feminine, flirty and innocent color.   But it doesn't end there . . . men are wearing pink as well.  It's a soft color and becoming a neutral tone for both genders.

 

The soft shades of pink are showing up everywhere in the fashion world and for the home.  Take a look at some of my favorite shades of pink:

  

Dress with Flared Skirt - Zara USA; YSL Gloss Volupte;
Lucky Charm Sandal - Chinese Laundry; Miss Dior perfume

Pink tie and shirt via Charles Tyrwhitt

Sarah Richardson bathroom design

Beautiful Nursery design by Kristy Kay

Pink peonies from our garden

Lovely shades of pink ranunculus purchased

Emily Table Lamp, Rose Gloss lamp via One Kings Lane

 

Add some pink to your next BBQ gather (image via Catch My Party)

 

And, lastly, I had to include my lovely Goddaughter who dressed in pink for her prom this past Friday. She inspired me with this weeks color choice. 

 

xo,