design inspiration: a gardener's balcony

Isn't this balcony - full of potted plants and flowers - a delight?



Kinda makes me want to grow eggplants because they're just so pretty to look at.

(Image via here.)

design inspiration - white bath

Probably my favorite thing about a room is when there's a mix of old and new. Pieces that have been well-loved and with a story to tell that are living side-by-side with new pieces that have been thoughtfully selected.

Kind of like this bathroom with its old, chipped bench and sleek glass-walled shower.

I'm going just a little bit gaga over it...




Just a titch.

I wish I could see the rest of the room!

(Image via here.)

design inspiration - pink room

Really loving this bedroom decorated for a little girl...



(Image via Tiny White Daisies.)

loving sea green

I didn't realize it until I looked at them all together... but it seems that almost every thing that is inspiring me lately or that is on my wish list is a lovely shade of green.


Like this statement necklace...

This swirly pillow...

This scalloped dinnerware...

And this seaside bathroom...

It must be that spring is here.

design inspiration: alexandra angle interior design

I have had so much fun ogling all the photos in Alexandra Angle's interior design portfolio.

This one here, though, of a sunny office overlooking a scenic, tree-filled vista on Cape Breton Island made me catch my breath...


Could you imagine working at your desk and getting to gaze at that view every day? I could sit there for hours (given a more comfy chair, that is!)

PS - I also love the recycled tin cans as pencil holders.

(I first saw Ms. Angle featured on Thoughtful Day.)

design inspiration: gallery wall

Yet another gallery art wall that's caught my eye...

And so loving the little vignette at the end of the hall. The simple, modern console table is in perfect balance with the old, dusty chalkboard, and the metal industrial lamp contrasts wonderfully with the sleek black and white pottery collection. I wish I could see the rest of the room!

(Image via Suzie Beezie Tumblr.)

design inspiration: spacious entry

I sometimes think that the coming and the going at my house would be so much easier if only I had a decent space* in which to do so. A large, storage-galore space. I imagine myself gliding in and out with ease. Marveling at how organized everything is. (Basically, it's the EXACT opposite of my current sad, little crowded routine - trip over the dog, while putting on shoes, without dropping purse, while digging for keys, and convincing kiddos to sit still.)

A place a little like this...

(Image via That Kind of Woman)

*My current entry? in case you're wondering, is a teeny little 5x5 square with zero wall or floor space for any kind of storage whatsoever. My current mudroom? Ha! not a mudroom in sight.

design inspiration: natural light kitchen

I've gone gaga over this kitchen...



A terracotta tiled floor, under-counter baskets, loads of natural light pouring in, a bright white beadboard ceiling, and a big table center-stage. love love love.

This is definitely getting tucked into the "dream kitchen" file.

What do you think? See anything here that's a must for your dream kitchen?

(Photo by Victoria Pearson via darling Mary.)

design inspiration: tyler's kitchen

Did anyone else happen to see the November '10 issue of Better Homes and Gardens that featured Tyler Florence's Thanksgiving?

I just fell in love with his kitchen...



(For more photos and recipes from the article click here.)

design inspiration: holiday decorating

Only four days 'til Christmas, and I've uttered nary a word about decorating for the holidays. Well wait no longer, Dears.

Behold the merry loveliness...
















(All images via Canadian House & Home)

design inspiration: rustic setting

A lovely table setting...


All that's missing is a big, juicy turkey!


(From photographer Lucas Allen.)

design inspiration: welcoming entry

The entry in my house is pretty much non-existent. A little 5x5 box, with the main door on one wall, the garage door on another, a huge glass block window on the third, and a stairway leading up to the main floor on the last wall, there's not much in the way of space to move around, much less to decorate it in a way that says, "welcome, friends! kick off your shoes and stay a while."

This entry, however? Well, I'm already unlacing my sneakers...



All that light pouring in from the door, sidelights and transom is breath-taking. And I've always wanted an entry big enough to fit a center table.


(Image from Canadian House & Home.)

hello + a week of kid stuff

Hi Friends!

Have a nice weekend? Mine was about as perfect as can be with bright sunny days that felt a little bit like fall. I bought delicious plums and a colorful bunch of zinnias at the farmers market. We enjoyed a tasty lunch out with a pair of our dearest friends on Sunday. And we took a little trip to the suburbs to visit friends who just moved. Don't you just love long weekends? I wish every one could be 3 days.

Henry and Amelia are going to turn one (one!!) this Saturday and to honor their big day, I'll be doing a week of kiddie stuff posts leading up to the weekend.

Today I have a peek into a super cool whale room photographed by Mark Lund...




Great colors, no? I wonder where to find that wallpaper...

(Image source.)

design inspiration: feminine blue room

This makes me rethink my stance on all white entirely...



I wish wish wish to someday have an old house with glass knobs just like these.

(Image from Lonny Mag)


PS - Wade got me this for our anniversary. I am sneaking away every chance I get to ogle all the pretty pictures and file away the handy design tips. I recommend it to anyone who likes to decorate and who misses Domino Mag!

design inspiration: library workspace

This certainly beats a laptop on the dining table (aka, my workspace)...


(from the album Work Spaces at Lonny)

design inspiration: pure + simple

Here's a room photographed by Ditte Isager that is oh so swoon-worthy.

Soaring ceilings + beautiful architecture.
Whitewashed floors + bright white walls.
Fanciful mirrors + cool furnishings.
All together breathtaking.



(Pure from the portfolio of Ditte Isager)



Speaking of swoon-worthy, anybody else watch this? I'm not sure who has a bigger crush on Neal... me or wade!

design inspiration: flea market bath

Just one word.
Perfection...


(Image via Vintage Rose Garden)

design inspiration: the family table

The calm before the storm...

The chairs have been polished. The table is ready to be set. The room is still.

Family and friends are on their way, bringing with them stories and laughter and compliments to the cook. Dishes will be passed, each bite savored. Anyone for seconds? Growling tummies are long forgotten. With glad smiles on their faces and maybe a few top buttons undone, all sit contentedly around the table.


But for now, all is quiet.

(Image via Tiny White Daisies, originally spied by Margot Austin)

design inspiration: style swoon

Let's take a little stroll...

Through a bright white mudroom




a huge kitchen




a delightful kid's room




a chic country bath




and a cozy nook



Want to swoon a little more? Take a peek here. I adore every thing.


(All images from KML Design. Via Mary)

design inspiration: outdoor living

With a few good friends and some tasty nibbles, I could sit out here all day...

(Image via Lonny, Outdoor Spaces photo gallery)


Anyone up for an afternoon cocktail?