~|~ Cemaya ~|~

~~ Furniture by Oly

2009-10-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

Sienna Chair. There is nothing I don't like about this chair.

Pierre Chair. Love the scale and no frills attitude.

Etta Chair. What a great side chair or even a dining room chair. I could easily see this around a simple dining room table. Love the distressed leather too.

Benjamin chair. Sleek and has a retro or even Art Deco feel. Perhaps it's the cream leather that gives off that vibe. Love this!!!

I have given up on having a true formal dining room. We just do not use our dining room table. It only collects 'stuff'. So I've gone rogue and removed the table and chairs. I put in place of them two comfortable chairs that used to be in our living room. (They have been regulated to our guest quarters.) I love the look and idea of a sitting room connected to the kitchen. The animals are enjoying it as well! Much more casual and I really dislike unused spaces.

I want 2 new chairs... thus the reason for today's post on chairs. Any of these would work however, I'm leaning towards Sienna and Benjamin...

~~ Thibaut Wallpaper

2009-10-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

Look at this adorable bedroom. Very very traditional with lovely plaids in chocolate and blue and furniture. And notice the wallpaper. Traditional damask in that seafoamy blue and white. Perfect. Adds a bit of pizzaz without feeling stuffy. Drapes break at the floor perfectly and I love the hardware in the silvery tone. Thankfully the designer/stager did not try to match the hardware with the wood tones of the furniture.

More contemporary here. Love the butter yellow OMG how comforting and the soft white drapes that gently connect with the floor.

Solar Disk is the pattern name and not only is the pattern dynamic but the color. The color is perfect! Notice the ivory/cream drapes in a soft silk with a beautiful trim on the leading edges. Also notice the nail heads on the table and chair.

~~ Undeniably Beautiful

2009-09-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

So Pretty, So Romantic. How can you not love this? It may not be your 'style' but appreciation of these fabrics and draperies is a must!

Love the lavender/pink and the striking green. Feminine and Versailles like!

All from Designers Guild.

~~ Designers Guild Bedding!

2009-09-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

Leblond - I'm not a 'blue' loving person however, I will admit a weakness for this particular bedding. Love how it's almost traditional and almost contemporary. Hmmm isn't that transitional? :)

Darly - Isn't this just so old fashioned? I remember older homes with wallpaper so very similar to the pattern you see here. Love the colors too. Charcoal, pink and chartreuse.

~~ Just take a Look.

2009-09-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

Lots going on here but notice the window treatment. A lovely drape in what is probably a linen fabric with a nice drape on the floor and the leading edges are in a crisp stripe on an angle, this ties very nicely with the carpet/area rug (can't tell which here). Then notice the fabric next to the window. Looks like a pretty sheer roller shade but could also be sheer fabric pulled straight and not shirred on a rod. Whatever it is I really like this look. Combines structure and a bit of tailored effort with softness.

Isn't this amazingly sweet? Despite the slightly cobbled look it has reason. There is a purpose here. Perhaps a little too many collectible items but that is personal preference in a home. I love the crazy quilt over the sofa and the throw over the chair one is not afraid to sit down and curl up. See the pretty kitty? She/he has the right idea.

~~ Please, please be mine!

2009-09-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love this chair? *sigh*

The lines, size are just two things I adore but look at the upholstery and fabric used. Absolutely stunning! From Desire to Inspire - Jennifer Worts.

~~ Black & White!

2009-09-01T12:32:00.001-07:00

Desire to Inspire posted this and other pictures by photographer Simon Brown. I had to steal this one! Love the serene white and I mean look at all those whites! Then to make it dramatic the black and white wallpaper on that lovely abstract floral. The ceiling light fixture may not be your cuppa tea but it is bold for something so ethereal looking.

~~ Powder Room

2009-08-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

This small powder room needed an elegant treatment for the window. Let me say that I really dislike bathrooms without windows, just doesn't seem right.

Anyway... the window was fairly large for the room and faced the driveway. We put up a grasscloth weave woven shade in a black/dark cocoa color. The trim is stained a reddish color and is the same throughout the home. We mounted two tab brackets for the swag to rest on. The fabric is a shimmery gold with a slight small pattern noticeable in the weave.

We lined the gold fabric with a black knowing that the back would show some. Having an expert installer guarantees beautiful results. It takes time to position the fabric and create the swag effect.

And having an expert workroom is just as important for I often 'overthink' and she brings me back to earth!

~~ Picture in Banner

2009-08-18T17:57:00.001-07:00

You will notice the photo embedded in the banner at the top of my blog. Had a teenager do that, since I'm technology impaired. Yes, it's true but I'm ok with it since I've got teenagers to do that stuff for me!

Back to the photo... I love this treatment style, roman shade. Fabric is a very pretty iridescent pleated pumpkin color but not too orange. We chose it since it worked so well with the fabric on a sofa that was in the room. This is actually an office with two windows. The sofa has a floral pattern and is in front of the windows. The braided trim and tassel are a basic gold but really lend to the fabric and it's shimmer. Putting the simple valance over the trim not only topped it off nicely but made it a bit more important over all. This particular room has no real trim detailing and is relatively small.

We repeated this basic style for roman shades in two other rooms in the home. However, the valance detail and trim was modified a bit.

And? I just love the color!

~~ Oh, Oh, Oh!

2009-08-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

Love the boldness. And adore the horizontal stripes in the drapes.

Pretty wallpaper in the nicely frames niche. I love that the designer matched the paint to the wallpaper background. Pretty nightstand too!

Oh and be still my heart look at the gorgeous shades with that outline in red trim!

Lori Graham! Another great find by Desire to Inspire.

~~ Door Latches

2009-08-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

Beautifully Simple!

Love the rustic look, looks so perfect with the door, with BTW I really want!

How cool is this one? Two tone with great lines.

Rocky Mountain Hardware advertises in many shelter magazines and for some time I have removed those ad pages for my files. Love the simplicity and care they put into the design. They offer much more than just door latches by the way.

Diggin' this lighting!

2009-08-03T18:34:00.001-07:00

Eden

Evangeline

Jolie

All from Ironware International. Love the gold finish. It seems fresh. We've been led to look down on gold finishes from the over use of polished brass but this gold is light and softer.

Also am enjoying the style of each of these. I see restraint and whimsy but not garish. And? Enjoy the names too! :)

~~ Little Gem!

2009-07-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

This is a tiny guest bathroom, to the right is the tile for the shower, lovely tile so rustic looking and with a pearlized finish. The walls are newly wallpapered in a commercial grade vinyl with a subtle texture and finish. The window treatment: A small swag held up by tab posts. Fabric used is a woven texture. When you look at it up close you see all the shades and colors, very pretty but not delicate. Love the trim by Stout Trimmings, lovely bead work with the tape showing due to it's beautiful pattern.

The design for this treatment is asymmetrical. Something I don't often get to do when it comes to window treatments. So this was a treat for me. Due to window placement we felt confident of using this style. Notice that one of the tab posts is on the window trim and the other is on the wall.

~~ Roman Shade Window Treatment

2009-07-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

This fabulous fabric almost a batik style print matched the blue tile in this master bedroom perfectly. The treatment is stationery. We added a gros grain ribbon to relieve the print and designate 2 windows.

New wallpaper in a faux grass cloth weave style (which just simply did not photograph well) replaced a very lively ivy and floral pattern. Trim was all painted a soft gray throughout the bathroom, covering the oak which really updated the look in the room.

~~ Michael Smith

2009-07-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

Now there looks to be a comfortable chair. Love the linen slip cover and the casual feel it offers. The throw pillow is beautiful as are the pretty floral drapes. Gives an English cottage appeal. The vase for the forsythia is amazing just like the forsythia! I do love those spindly yellow blossoms.

Now for the 'what I don't care for'. That side table. Not sure I get it. It's got a 3 leaf clover thing happening in a granite look? Anyway, I'd prefer a small wooden chest of drawers that would be a bit time worn. Or? Or a more modern table chrome and glass to give the cottage feel some edge.

~~ Beautiful and Bold

2009-07-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

OMGoodness! Just love the drapes and the bold striped but what really needs your attention is the designers detail for the hemline. Taking the same fabric and turning the stripes horizontal. Stroke of genius with the lovely tall slender windows.

As for the furnishings, eh. Kinda bland for me. Sofa is in a nice style and color I suppose but the room has a very unfinished look and feel. Hate the green carpet. Please put in a hardwood floor, you can choose the type of wood just do it!

~~ JMH's Last Bedroom

2009-07-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is the photo that caught my eye when I first visited his website. I love the room. Plenty of windows in a dark trim and the furniture is dark as well. The rug is beautiful as is the bed. Not too thrilled with the settee, not sure it it's the fabric color choice or the style...

However, what caught my eye is the window treatments. The windows are gently arched on a much wider scale than you typically see, more horizontal. And what I especially love is how the treatments don't overpower the windows/room they truly balance. Drapes are full and I'm pretty sure pull across the windows for privacy. I took a second look at the corner and how the valance treatment was handled - Very Nicely!

Oh! And the night stands don't match, woo hoo! :)

~~ CUTE!

2009-07-10T18:11:00.001-07:00

Isn't this adorable?

~~ I know, I know but... JMH yet again!

2009-07-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

So soft and pretty not to mention incredibly restful. Love the little chair with the intricate back with the small writing desk/nightstand.

Quite Colonial in style. Very homey and comfortable. Not sure about the nightstands... different yes but they feel too small next to the bed and in a room with such high ceilings. Lamps are cool and the rug looks wonderfully well worn. And of course I love the window treatments, perfect for the room in proportion and style. Perfect!

OMG can we say turquoise? What a bold statement for one color. And? What makes the room grounded? The pieces on the wall above the headboard. They act as a stabilizer, I have no idea what they are but enjoy them for their role in the room. Also? Love love the bold, bold fabric on the chair and decorative pillows on the bed. Perfect!!!

~~ James Michael Howard - Bedrooms Yet Again!

2009-07-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

~~ James Michael Howard - Bedrooms

2009-07-03T05:13:00.001-07:00

Soft and pretty. Just adore the chair and the fact it's in it's very own special fabric, not gray or the light blue. Notice the use of soft pastel colors with the exception in this room of the pillows on the bed and the throw. Drapes and beautifully graceful and are a bit more traditional in style which differs from the much more modern looking bed.

2009-07-03T05:13:00.000-07:00

~~ James Michael Howard - Bedrooms

2009-07-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

James Michael Howard creates very elegant, restrained and calming bedrooms. I will be featuring more bedrooms by him in the next few days but I wanted to start with these two. JMH uses a very calm and subdued color palate and typically only 2 colors.

Feminine palate and very pretty. Soft and calm nothing jarring or out of place. Love the floors and wall color, the bed is fantastic as well. I question the need for all the chairs and sofa at the end of the bed but I suppose if you are like me any chair or bench fills up with either clothing or pillows.

Now the photo above - I have to ask, why the need for all the seating? Or maybe I don't want to know? Love the styling especially the rows of framed art, it's just... nice. I like nice. I enjoy the colors and fabric choices I am having a hard time though with the sofa. Doesn't it look a bit large for the room? I mean shouldn't the bed be the focal point? Also love the bed against the wall of windows, wish more people would feel the need to do this.

~~ Recent Accomplishment!

2009-06-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

~~ Pretty Lilacs!

2009-06-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

~~ Antique Jewelry

2009-06-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

Garnet Brooch in what is described as a Bohemian setting.

Love dragonflies! Garnets in a gold setting.

Different from both the garnet brooches above but I just thought this was so pretty, delicate and yet makes a nice statement if a quiet one.

All here at the Antique Jewelry Mall.

~~ Architectural Digest July 2009 #2

2009-06-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

This bedroom is wonderful. Draperies and the bestest! Nice pattern that is large and the blue/gray color is soothing. The bench at the foot of the bed is very unique I love every aspect except the fabric. Since it's a somewhat focal point I would have used perhaps the same fabric as the drapes. Love the space though!

~~ Architectural Digest July 2009

2009-06-16T10:12:00.001-07:00

There was so much GOOD in this issue but I thought I'd start with these two. Can you imagine waking up to that view every morning? Bed is of Lucite which I have to admit kinda freaks me out just because. The dining room is MADE with the 3 chandeliers, just love them. Can you imagine though serving a spaghetti dinner here with kids? :)

~~ Cake!

2009-06-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

My son graduated high school and this is the cake from his Open House. Yummy!

~~ Lovely Texture

2009-06-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

No real color but love the textures here. From the decorative window grate to the ruffled pillows to the subtle pattern in the ottoman with the neat and tight row of nail heads.

A larger view. The walls have the color as does the casual roman shade. Photos are by Carolyn Barber from Desire to Inspire.

~~ Such a Pretty Bedroom

2009-06-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

Reminds me of a grandparent's bedroom for their guest and grandchildren!

~~ Canopy Beds

2009-06-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

Red and white toile. Large dramatic print is very bold for this bedroom. What really helps is the white trim and scallop border on the top. The side/end panels have a nice crisp white border as well but you'll notice that the bedskirt does not. Perhaps to draw your eye up?

Regal blue. Appears to be a velvet. Very tailored and with the trim on the canopy I get the feel of a Federal style, crisp but luxurious. I love that the panels are split to show off the bed posts.

Very feminine and tailored almost like sleeping in a garden!

What is your favorite?

~~ Luxurious Drapes and Cornice

2009-05-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

~~ Pretty Gem!

2009-05-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

Another from Tobi Fairley. Isn't this just so pretty? She's tempered neutral camel and gray with vibrant turquoise and a red that borders the coral family. I would wonder if the inspiration came from the darling painting of children playing on the beach.

The fabric chosen for the drapes is so lively and fun it just draws you for a closer look.

~~ Tobi Fairley

2009-05-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

Love the semi-restrained look. Chair, table and lamp are very traditional. Drapes are too however with that intense stripe in the calming colors it really livens things up!

~~ Ava - Suzanne Price

2009-05-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

Very traditional and open and light. Queen Anne china cabinet is very nice and the proportion of it works very well in the room. I like that she mixed the dark wood on the cabinet, stools and end tables with the metal coffee table and the white picture frames. I also like the mix of the different table lamps. Thank you for not matching them! The colors are so soft. Love the cream walls with the cream sheers on the nice hardware which isn't outlandish just perfect!

~~ Ava - Susan Corry

2009-05-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Talk about a white kitchen! I so want this. Marble countertops and super cool marble back splash that is truly a back splash. I dislike the little 4" up the wall that people consider back splashes. Do it properly and go up to the cabinets! But they went above and beyond and tiled the marble squares all all all the way way way UP! Also notice the hardware! And the lovely cake and flowers...

~~ Window Treatment

2009-05-13T06:04:00.000-07:00

Whether or not you like the color, pattern of fabrics look at what this is - look at the style of the treatment. Cornice, padded with beaded trim. Then notice the pretty sheer fabric slightly gathers in what appears to be an Italian String method. Gives an added fullness to the sheer fabric much more so than if it were shirred under the cornice on a rod. The combination of a flat cornice with the soft skirting of the sheer fabric is very nice.

~~ Meet Frank, Reagan (Big Red Dog) and our Backyard!

2009-05-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

Frank, our shelter pup. Mostly hound with lab and something else.

Reagan (aka The Big Red Dog), also a shelter dog. He's an Irish Setter and neurotic as hell.

Now the Backyard. AKA The Backyard from Hell. Yes, hell. In 4 weeks we are hosting my son's high school graduation open house. For you non northerners it's a party. :) We have embarked on removing the Hell and hoping to establish our version of Heaven. You're thinking - Good Luck - aren't you? Yeah, well we're gonna need it.

Pavers, large rocks and crushed stone are going in to hopefully transform The Backyard from Hell into something not looking like hell.

Wish us luck because we are gonna need lots! Oh, you're wondering why I introduced you to our dogs? Well, we blame them for The Backyard from Hell.

~~ Stroheim and Romann Again!

2009-05-06T05:21:00.000-07:00

I really love this living room. The sofa has me swooning, truly! Design and fabric are perfect. Love, love, love the fireplace wall. I know! I'm so Brady Bunch. The ottoman in the slate blue is a great practical piece. Love the over scale lamp and shade and the simple roman shade on that great large window. My only complaint would be the two chairs. Where they are nice to look at and I do love the style I want chairs that are more comfortable looking as well. Something more like the sofa. And of course we have the hardwood floors with the mini shag rug. I'm in heaven!

~~ Another Gem!

2009-05-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Light and airy but definitely elegant. Love the color and sheen. The creamy flowers winding their way up the walls with the background brick/tile look give on the impression of a conservatory.

~~ Stroheim and Romann Wallpaper & Fabric

2009-05-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

Pretty, soft and very feminine! Wallpaper is a damask pattern with a subtle stripe look. Drapes are also damask pattern with a lovely full leading edge trim.

~~ Dreamy Bedrooms

2009-04-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

Designed by Darrell Schmitt this bedroom is very casually elegant. Casualness comes from the bed curtains not a true tab top but more like a night gown tie connecting them to the bed frame. Fabrics also lean towards a casual feel. However, the other elements in the room we see appear more elegant and formal - bedside table, mirror which most likely is over a dresser that matches the bedside table. Also I like the use of a table instead of a night stand. Typical night stands are too small in my opinion to hold all I that like by my bed. And the walls - could be wallpaper, decorative painting or a Venetian plaster. Whichever one it's very seductive!

Designed by Kathryn Waltzer. Light and airy and just a bit over the top. Look how the bed curtains flow and drape onto the floor. Lots of sheers is the only way to get this right and Ms. Waltzer did it right! Also notice the drapes at the window, great color - love the spring green in a very neutral cream room and love that she also draped the floor with them. If she had made the drapes any other way it just wouldn't have worked.

Which do you like/love?

~~ Soft Warm Breezes!

2009-04-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, I live in northern Michigan. We don't get to experience decent weather until about mid-May so I'm dreaming. Want to dream with me?

Look at those sheer curtains softly billowing in the breeze. And notice the windows with the pattern on them! From what I can gather it probably is an adhesive stuck to the windows to give the ornate grill effect.

Notice Mr. Bogart!

~~ Wallpaper !!

2009-04-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

Going through some computer folders this morning (it's amazing what you find that you've forgotten all about) I ran across this sample of wallpaper. Unfortunately I cannot/did not label a source. Taking a closer look I love the creamy background and the simple lines that appear almost stencil like. Graceful but definitely not over the top!

~~ Alessandra Branca!

2009-04-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

Pretty in cream and red!

Ok people, look at this gorgeous room and when you're done taking it all in take a closer look at the window treatments. Same room same fabrics but done in two different styles. Simple cream fabric with just the right touch of red trim. The window to the left is done in what I would call an 'Italian Stringing' method. Notice how the sides are gathered back but there is not visible hardware holding them back. A string is threaded through the fabric then pulled tight to gather the sides back.

The window on the right is simply fantastic! Look at how casual and almost carefree those swags are. The sides are jabot style versus a cascade and are just as carefree as the swags. Fabric is nice and full and properly lined to not just make a statement (however minor in the room) but to compliment. The scale and proportions are perfect from what I can see. Also love the woven wood shades underneath - so classic.

~~ Trikeenan Tile

2009-04-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

Not for your ordinary bathroom! So earthy and modern. As much as I love subway tile I can really appreciate the slender horizontal tiles in this room. Completely unexpected. Love the variations in tone and even have no problem with the grout being a bit light. Notice the lovely sink out of what appears to be concrete!

~~ Contemporary Bathroom

2009-04-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

Wow! 1st is the fabulous tile background on the wall, so unique! 2nd the silver sink bowl. 3rd the counter top (looks like concrete) and the cabinet itself! Love the hardware and all the storage. The wood is fantastic too!

~~ Hunter Douglas Provenance Woven Wood Shades

2009-04-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

Don't cha just love the texture these shades bring? They filter sunlight during the day and look pretty doing it.

Nice organic look to a very contemporary space. Brings in warmth and a comfortable feel.

Very neutral with the look of bamboo to give a natural feel as well. Love the lined drapes (very important to line your drapes, they flow and look 100% better than unlined) touching or slouching on the floor.

~~ After The Sunset

2009-04-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this movie for many reasons. 1st being Pierce Brosnan but 2nd would be the interior shots of the way too cool abode he and Salma lived in on the Bahamas. Not too islandy or cheesy islandy but very relaxed and sophisticated. Unfortunately this is the only still photo I found of the interior but it does give you an idea of the rest of the house.

~~ Brimar Trim

2009-04-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

Some pretty Brimar Trimmings. Love the colors and the idea of using these on draperies and window treatments. Trimmings add that custom look to make window treatments just that CUSTOM!

~~ Prom Dresses 2 (Faviana)

2009-03-29T10:01:00.001-07:00

Lovely and fresh. I'm feeling the 60s vibe. How about you? I feel so inspired by looking at these prom dresses. I can envision window treatments from each of these. Don't go running scared because I'm not necessarily envisioning the patterned fabric but the style and flow and detailing translate for me.

Definitely 60s vibe! So colorful and fun.

More of a deep turquoise and with the shimmery vertical lines I see water.

Love the color combination. Bronze and this shimmery medium blue.

Again psychedelic colors and motif. Thank You! Evening wear brightened up.

~~ Prom Dresses (Flirt)

2009-03-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

My son's girlfriend has been wanting the above dress for prom so we went looking for it today. No luck, apparently it is quite popular and no one has it. Except for one store in Michigan.

This one is very sparkly! I actually like it and I'm not into that much sparkle!

She tried on this dress and it was very lovely. The full skirt with the fitted bodice and all the intricate stones (you can't really see them but they are there) were in an almost lavender color. Next to the black and green it was very very pretty!

I have to say the prom dresses are much more sophisticated these days then when I was a teenager! I love the full skirts with all the tulle so romantic!

~~ Designer Tobi Fairley

2009-03-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

Lovely designer with a fresh but restrained hand. Tobi Fairley Interior Design Look at these beautiful drapes. Horizontal stripe in a chocolate, cream and misty blue with a lovely tassel trim on the leading edge. Perfect!

I also love the white tulips!

~~ New Jute Area Rug!

2009-03-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

My living room with the new jute area rug! It's kinda messy, sorry. But I am so excited about the wonderful area rug and the great deal I got on it at Overstock.com. It's perfect!

This is Frank. He's a hound/mix we adopted from the shelter as a puppy. We have an Irish Setter (who is a bit neurotic) we also adopted him from a shelter. He is absent due to being parked under the desk.

~~ Hooked on Marble!

2009-03-20T06:01:00.001-07:00

Sarah Richardson Kitchen. Marble black splash and countertops all in a white kitchen.

Metropolitan Museum of Art - Love the arches and detailing the photo makes marble look so graceful. Especially when I and many others associate marble as a rigid material.

Kitchen by Ghislain Vinas. Look at the bold veining and it's used so creatively!

Iran Shiraz - Masied-e Vakil. So majestic and pretty.

And of course the 'original' marble. Every kid loves marbles!

~~ Beautiful Bathroom

2009-03-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

This bathroom I lifted from the wonderful blog Desire to Inspire (which they do quite often, thank you very much). It is by the interior designer Alessandra Branca. Marble flooring with a simple pattern that only adds to the attraction of the room. Lovely vanity (at first I didn't notice the the mirrored doors) but once I figured that out - well let's just say I decided that it was more than just merely spectacular). It appears that the small squares in the floor are the same color as the vanity top.

Lovely and I mean ever so lovely roman shades in the windows. They are based on a balloon or Austrian shade. A job very well done if you ask me.

Also enjoy the lighting and finally noticed the small television to the right. Very hip and to many quite practical.

~~ Black and White

2009-03-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

From Desire to Inspire. Black and white rooms. Some slick some relaxing some with a mixture of glossy new and vintage old.

~~ Turquoise on 1st Dibs

2009-03-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

Yves St. Laurent necklace (faux turquoise btw) from 1st Dibs. I likey very very much!

Also from 1st Dibs a garden seat. Chinese. Love the variation of the turquoise color so imperfect. And I'm all about the imperfect, you would be too if you lived in my household!

~~ Country Home Living Room - COZY!

2009-03-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

Love all the patterns! I especially love the rug. So much going on but it is comfortable and cozy.

~~ Antique Door Stops

2009-03-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

I need two of these. Master bedroom and master bath are in serious need of door stops. For whatever reason these doors like to close partway on their own. Right now? I'm using shoes. Not all that attractive.

Country Home's last issue has an article about these lovely vintage door stops.

~~ Two very special kids!

2009-03-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

~~ Hickory White China Cabinets

2009-02-28T14:49:00.001-08:00

Just had to add these two. So pretty. I enjoy the unusual stand that this cabinet perches on.

This china cabinet is graceful but so so so simple.

~~ Hickory White Furniture

2009-02-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

This is wonderful! I love the detail with the glass. Proportions are very pleasing to me and I noticed the William and Mary influence.

A striking and solid piece. Not only do I admire it for the size and proportions but the beautifully distressed finish. I prefer distressed finishes especially for my busy household. No worries! I also like the staging of objects inside. Someone did a fantastic job!

~~ Bright and Lovely Entry

2009-02-19T08:58:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes I could easily see myself in that home. The perfect wood floors - wide plank and perfect color variations. The bold but bright and classic wallpaper and not to mention the overall size of the area. Don't cha just love big entryways - ok not too big but this seems perfect to me. Then you have the french doors... ah.

~~ More York Wallcoverings!

2009-02-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

~~ York Wallpaper

2009-02-14T08:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a visual feast of wallpaper! Enjoy.

~~ So Pretty :)

2009-02-12T13:18:00.000-08:00

From Architectural Digest - March 2009

There isn't much that I dislike about this interior shot. Drapes are basic and fabulous look like linen nicely lined. Wallpaper on far wall is perfect in scale and design. Furniture is right up there in my like list with the possible exception of the coffee table - not too crazy about it. Anyone else?

~~ Can you say powder blue?

2009-02-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Architectural Digest March 2009. Very very pretty and reserved. I like the crown molding that hides the drapery hardware. Travels around the room nicely. Fabric for the drapes is a powder blue and white in a paisley pattern. Very nice and acts like another texture in this 2 tone room.

Photo above and below same home, living room. Very nicely appointed and what stood out to me were the drapes and hardware. I love that the hardware travels around the room.

Not sure if this is a dining room or not. I'm guessing it is. I enjoy the unusual seating and love the area rug. Light fixture is very complementary to the furnishings and I do like it.

2009-02-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

Architectural Digest March 2009 Issue. Moorish Oasis in Key West! Love this. The intricacies, detail and liberal use of color and pattern is so refreshing. Drapes are basic design, full and lush but it's the hardware that stands out. (Even though I have clients that have a difficult time paying more for the hardware than the drapes...)

Same issue, same home. I love the window treatment. I wanted to call this unusual but the style isn't it's the use of the style on this type of window. Fabric is shiny with a small dot pattern (more of a rectangle - spaced) trim at the bottom is lavish and perfect for the room.

Need to add that I would love to live in Key West!

~~ Williams Sonoma 4

2009-01-31T08:29:00.000-08:00

Love this wing back chair. Perfect on every level, size, proportion, even fabric! And the prints on the wall? YES!

Ok, not sure about this. Director's chairs around a glass topped table with industrial looking base. It will take a bit of convincing to make me like it.

This piece is amazing! I can't seem to stop looking at it.

Pretty, perfect lamps.

~~ 4 Living Rooms

2009-01-28T08:05:00.000-08:00

From Traditional Home July 2007. Chocolate mohair chairs, can it get any better? Beautiful patterned area rug also in chocolate and vanilla, that tiny foot stool and nesting tables, *sigh* all wonderful. Then people, we have the window treatments! Bamboo/grass roman shades with full luxurious drapes in a red plaid. Talk about cozy and warm. You may not be able to see but the walls are wallpapered with a soft slightly botanical print trellis style.

From Robb Report Luxury Home another print filled room. I wanted to show you the window treatments. Roman shades done boldly. There is nothing shy about them, from the scale of the windows in the room to the perfect scale of the fabrics chosen and design used. The walls at first look to be wallpapered but I don't think so. I believe they are stenciled.

I believe this came from Western Interiors. The scale of the room is very pleasant. I love the hugely arched windows and they simplicity. The fact that sheers were used only helps. My only complaint is that the rod and rings used are too tiny for the scale of the room. A heftier diameter of the rod and appropriate sized rings would make me more comfortable.

From House Beautiful March 2005. I love the fireplace mantel. Painted black and distressed it really is refreshing from the typical white mantels you always see. The pretty nicely scaled wing chairs and ottoman make this spot appealing. Notice to the right is a room with some pretty silk looking drapes and valance!

~~ 4 Bedrooms

2009-01-25T07:53:00.000-08:00

Rustic meets boudoir! The pair of tufted, roll back slipper chairs are over the top but stay subdued with the neutral fabric. The headboard is an antique door (that's some door!). Very simple overall.

Just so pretty! Light touches of pink with a dash or blue and plenty of white and what looks to be gray walls.

Light, bright and airy! Very little color but plenty of texture with the carpet, beamed ceiling, walls with the vertical boards and the fabric on the bed headboard and foot board. A touch of elegance is in the framed pieces over the bed. Looks to be mirror.

Simple and almost structured! Overall white with a very light pink and chocolate. I love the combination of the pink and white paisley with the chocolate banding on the bedding very clean and up-to-date.

Which is your favorite?

~~ 4 Dining Rooms

2009-01-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

This one is from Architectural Digest. I like the herringbone wood floors, nice and rustic. I love the striped drapes. I also especially liked and noticed the small sheer roman shade. Casual but with the detail at the bottom.

Love the use of all the differing fabrics and patterns. Also enjoy the non-matching table and chairs. Look at the bold patterned wallpaper. Perfect room to introduce this in!

So casual but with a hint of formality. Very nice!

Another dining room with the table and chairs not matching, Yea! The table is smaller but I am sure it is scaled to fit the room. Chairs are similar to the second photo with the open backs. I like this because it allows you to introduce another fabric/color/pattern.

~~ Country Home - Kitchen Cabinets

2009-01-20T16:39:00.000-08:00

What a lovely piece. I'll take it!

And these! You don't see cabinets quite like this anymore.

I am saddened by the soon to be loss of Country Home. Like many other shelter magazines that have called it quits this one will also. Whereas I'm not a 'true blue' country folk fan I did enjoy this magazine because of the clean and simple interiors it presented.

~~ Pottery Barn - New

2009-01-10T08:31:00.000-08:00

Holy Moly! Look at this bright and bold bedding! So darned pretty. I particularly love it because I enjoy all the colors used. Soft (non green) yellow, muted green and coral. What also is really nice is the white bedskirt, brings out the flowers.

This is what my office looks like. NOT! I can wish, can't I?

Love the setting. Brick wall, beamed ceilings, area rug and chandelier however I'm so tired of seeing matchy-matchy dining table and chair and buffets/china cabinets etc. Use a little more imagination will ya?

~~ DreamDraper Contest Winner!

2009-01-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

Flipping though a magazine called Draperies & Window Coverings - November 2008 issue... yes I'm behind the times, I came across an ad for DreamDraper software. I use this software so took a second closer look at the ad... Lo and behold! My design which was a winner in one of their contests was/is featured!

Made me smile and my dogs look at me weird when I squealed!

~~ Field Stone!

2009-01-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

Natural field stone is so, well so natural! The colors and shades of each stone compliment one another and never look awkward. When looking at a field stone fireplace you can easily see the colors and use them throughout the room in the rug, furniture, drapes, lamps etc.

Now, the room above is obviously western in style with the leather chairs and the design in the round coffee table but field stone isn't just for the wild west. Keep in mind that it's natural so it goes with pretty much anything or any style.

~~ Snuggle with Wool!

2008-12-31T12:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

January seems to me to be the middle of winter. Winter where (we at least) are buried in snow. Where being northern Michigan. So snuggle up with some plaid wool blankets and a hot toddy!

~~ Purple Firework in a Flower!

2008-12-28T13:28:00.000-08:00

I believe this to be a flower... what type I've no clue but it reminded me of fireworks and since the new year is coming soon I thought my version of a purple firework would be appropriate!

~~ Merry Christmas & 'The Holiday'

2008-12-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

To actually watch this movie I procrastinated. I really didn't think that I would enjoy it however, I was wrong. I enjoyed the movie for 2 reasons. 1. I loved Kate Winslet's character Iris and Eli Wallach's character Arthur. So fun and touching. 2. I loved the movie set.

The interiors were so well thought out. Iris' cottage is sweet, homey and welcoming. Amanda's place was, well it was nice, yet not homey or welcoming. Don't get me wrong I loved the sleek, spacious interior but it lacked warmth.

Iris' cottage - so warm and welcoming. So tiny but you felt you could throw a party for 20 people and everyone would be comfortable.

Cote de Texas' blog featured these and a whole host of other interior shots from this movie a while ago. I had lifted them from her wonderful blog and saved them to my computer. So when thinking about a holiday post. The Holiday seemed the perfect choice.

Mari Eriksson - WHITE!

2008-12-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

I mean this is WHITE! The photos are by Mari Eriksson a Swedish photographer. I saw these on Desire to Inspire. Love the chandliers and all the white.

The Arrangement - Western Interiors

2008-12-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

The leather chair is fabulous and I would do harm to have it however the glass cabinet behind it is so so so fabulous!! Rustic. Look at the bubbled glass and the paint pealing. It's striking but not ornate.

~~ Western Interiors Texas Kitchen

2008-12-05T08:39:00.001-08:00

Look at this kitchen! Talk about functional. It has it all. I enjoy the unmatched look too!

Close up of the kitchen cabinet. Basic and functional. And don't get me started on brick wall. I am so envious of that particular color of aged brick.

The main view as presented in Western Interiors magazine. I love the weathered/used look. You aren't afraid to make yourself at home.

~~ Pretty Fabrics

2008-12-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

Love the color and pattern, fresh and a bit romantic.

Not really sure what struck me on this fabric. I typically don't care for something like this and perhaps I like the use of it on the chair.

People! Look at that gorgeous window treatment! Roman shade in a luxurious fabric. Simple but very elegant!

~~ Black & White

2008-11-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

Not only black & white but grey too! A lovely grey flannel and charcoal color mixed. Talk about cozy. This photo doesn't show much of the bed and you will notice that the remainder of the bedroom is like a sitting room. Very contemporary yet with the traditional touches of the drapes and fabrics.

Light and airy. Love the arched windows with the trim painted black. This room is so nicely balanced. Please notice the white drapes and hardware - they go all around the walls!

~~ Ado Booth

2008-11-23T06:08:00.000-08:00

Talk about turquoise! I took this photo during a Window Fashions Expo. The booth belonged to a company called Ado. They specialize in drapery/sheer fabrics. I apologize for the photo and it's non-clarity but what I really wanted to show was the color. The pairing of a pure white with a pure turquoise. The roman shade behind the drapes has a lovely long fringe of turquoise as well!

~~ Ralph Lauren!

2008-11-17T11:37:00.001-08:00

Honestly, can the man do wrong? NOT!

I just love this, everything about it screams class.

~~ Pretty Bedroom II

2008-11-13T19:12:00.000-08:00

Now, I could do without the hat but the rest is very very lovely. We don't see the 'rest' of the room but I imagine it follows the same suit and may be on the small side. Which is a good thing. One would hope that we will all learn to down-size our lives and homes to a much more manageable level.

~~ OOooooo Pretty Fabric!

2008-11-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

I just love the bold pattern (Ikat style) and colors!

~~ Domino Bedroom

2008-11-06T16:20:00.000-08:00

Gray, calm and very luxurious. Eh?

~~ Chrysthanemum Chair

2008-11-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, that isn't what it's really called but it's what I'd call it if I could name it. Crate & Barrel's Jardin chair is very very lovely.

I'll take 2! :)

~~ Luxury from Williams Sonoma

2008-11-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

Luxury indeed! Don't look at the price!

Luxurious mohair covered bed frame and headboard in a pretty dove gray. Giant wingchair? How could you resist? Bedding is done in crewelwork with soft and easy shades of gray, gold, blue and sage.

Will Santa deliver if I say 'pretty please' and bat my eyes?

~~ Not a Pumpkin but....

2008-10-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

Some pretty flowers in a great setting with a pumpkin pie in the background.

~~ BHG Kitchen

2008-10-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

I really really love this kitchen. The floors are unique and the cabinets are perfect. The windows go to the countertop which is a favorite of mine. I don't care for the yellow walls but it's just paint, right? :)

~~ HB Kitchen of the Month

2008-10-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

House Beautifuls Kitchen of the Month! I love this! It's along the line of country French but does not go overboard. It's pretty, has plenty of great detail but isn't overwhelming French.

The kitchen stools covered in the Ikat style fabric are great!

Stunning!

The toile fabric for the drapes is beautiful and I enjoy the red very much. The dining area chairs are lovely as is the sideboard and built ins.

The toile fabric for the drapes.

The Ikat style fabric on the chairs.

~~ Pathways

2008-10-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Pathways to somewhere pleasant! Enjoy.

~~ 10 Red Doors with a Yellow one thrown in!

2008-10-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

I went searching for front doors then decided to look for just red front doors. Then I happened upon the beautiful yellow door and couldn't resist. ENJOY!

~~ Contest!

2008-10-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

The wonderful people from dreamDraper (the software I use to render drawings) held a contest centered around the use of their product. The drawing below won 1st place!

My clients and I went through several drawings before settling on the one below. Everything is custom from the cornices which are vinyl covered with nail heads to mimic their sofa to the grills which mimic the design on their front door.

~~ Images from Target

2008-10-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

I confess to loving Target. I know where stuff is in the store and well.... the store just smells good - as in clean. Anyway a small catalog came unearthed in my household (we have small children and they tend to find all sorts of stuff that may have been 'lost'!

I first noticed the wall in this photo. A bright color behind wooden planks with an inch or so between the to show off the color. What a great idea. I also like that the cool blue was paired with warm wood.

This photo is using the same idea only instead of being linear it's more organic with circles. Here the pairing is warm-warm. Looks like a very dark brown behind the log ends making the photo very warm and cozy.