Urban Doll House

Today I am guest posting on a really fun series for Naomi at Design Manifest.  I love her creative and savvy style, her humorous writing, and down to earth approach to design...her blog is a keeper for sure! 

Noami loves a variety of design styles, so she decided to start a series creating "doll houses", comprised of a mix of whatever styles, colors and eras strike her fancy. You can check out her first awesome doll house here.

Sounds like every design-obsessed little girl's dream, right?  It is definitely mine...so much so that I asked Noami if I could play along, making my own doll house - in the city. Luckily for me, she agreed! 

Here is the entry to my doll house - head over to Naomi's blog to see the rest, and to discover her wonderful blog (if you aren't already reading it daily).

By the way, I guess this is my time for guest blogging.  Suddenly lots of things that have been in the works are coming together!  More guest posts are coming up!

My Idea Of Perfection: Master Bath

I was perusing my "dream house" folder today and came across some images of my favorite master bathrooms.  For the most part, you'll see a common thread here - it's painfully obvious that I like a very neutral, European-spa type of bath.  I'm not sure if that makes me preferences boring or beautiful.  :)  I can't deny it though - sometimes collecting photos you are drawn to makes it so *crystal clear* what the right choices are! 

Here are a few that top my list:

Wow, those windows...but the bench and orchids also

add to this incredibly soothing ambience.

John Saladino

I love the neutral, clean, European feel of this bath. 

And what a luxury to not only have a vanity but another chair in the room! 

Restoration Hardware

The sketches in between the mirrors add an interesting touch, along with that gorgeous tone of wood and the metal accents in the bench and lighting.  Love it.

 

I thought this was a clever layout - water closet to the right, shower to the left, and the bath takes center stage.  Again, the luxury of a vanity and chair too! 

The black and white photos are a cool idea too.

 

Notice the detailing in the tile above the sink. 

I love the shape of the tiles and the design as a great accent.

Elle Decor - Courtney Cox's home

I came across this recently and loved the idea of two pendants over the sink

and a large mirror going all the way across. 

Waterworks

I think this combination of mosaics is just beautiful...it reminds me of a Roman Bath.  I could get used to that.  Plus it has greys and browns to acommodate

a lot of directions in wood colors, etc.

I'd just add a few accessories:

 

Two of my favorite things together:  apothecary jars and beautiful soaps!

Williams-Sonoma Home

Luxurious bath towels - preferably monogrammed or

embroidered with a beautiful design. 

This is where a hint of delicate color starts to creep into the decor.



Williams-Sonoma Home

Something inspired by the sea...

 

Wisteria

And, of course, candlelight!

What do you think?  Boring or Beautiful?

My Favorite Interior

Today I'm excited to be guest blogging for Staci at her blog, Inspired By Life.  She has a great series where bloggers talk about their favorite interiors.  I was having so much fun following along that I decided to jump on into the game!

 
It was hard to find my absolute favorite though, I must admit! That was partly because I often love one room in an interior, and then not the next (does this happen to you too?), so to zero in on one was a toughie.  However, I also kept second-guessing my choices because I kept thinking the interiors I wanted would be ones that many of her readers had seen thousands of times before!  So, I decided to go the unconventional route and pick one from a wonderful Spanish design magazine that is a bit unique, and hopefully fresh, to her readers...as well as all of you!

Please hop over to Staci's blog and check out all of the inspiring posts that she has there. It's definitely a favorite of mine!  And thanks so much Staci, for including me!

It's Tea Time

I pulled a page out of a magazine a while back because I loved these beautiful tea tins.   I am not a tea drinker but I am tempted to buy these just so I can use the tins for decorating.  They are from a company in France called Terre D'Oc and I just love their packaging.  Their products are worth buying for their environmental conciousness too:  they are sourced from organic, fair trade and sustainable producers. 

I love the vibrancy of the packaging - they would look great for a casual floral display or to organize all kinds of things in a kitchen or office.  Take a look:

These would be fun for a gift for someone else or even for yourself. ;)

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall...

I keep seeing pictures of mirrored walls that catch my eye. I am especially drawn to antiqued mirrors - what a great effect they provide in a room, day and night!   Some of the following images are a big commitment with a full wall or mirrors, but others just make a grouping of what could easily be a DIY of store-bought mirrors, hung symmetrically.  Take a look for some examples:

Nuevo Estilo

via Colour Me Happy blog

via Eclectic Revisited Blog

I particularly like this idea for an entry or a dining room. 

What do you think?

Botanicals and More

I love a beautiful vintage print, especially botanicals, for an earthy, aged feel.  It looks so sophisticated, and yet can be re-created using vintage posters for a great DIY for a similar, budget-friendly effect.  Here are a few inpiring high end examples:

Celerie Kemble

I love the dark background to ground these beautiful forms.

This is my favorite combo of the bunch...the black mouned botanicals against the grass cloth - WOW! 

Of course these aren't botanicals but along the same lines... 

These subtle prints add to the plantation feel of the room.

Here are a few of my favorite vintage botanicals, all found on eBay:

 

 I thought this was such a great idea (so bummed I don't have the source!). She cut out some vintage prints - in this case sea life - and then mounted them on dictionary paper for a great looking, unique background. 

You could also mount these on a chalky black background to get more of the look in the first couple of pictures...think I'm going to have to try that out!  When I do, I'll post pics...:)

What do you think of vintage prints like these?

Random Inspiring Spaces

There is no rhyme or reason to my post today - just some beautiful spaces that have been top of mind this week!  Enjoy...

McAlpine, Ferrier and Booth

Those windows set a beautiful stage for the room, but I love the rustic table and slipcovered chairs.  It's so pretty without it being too casual or too formal - perfection.

Veranda

 I love champagne velvet!! This room is almost exactly the layout and furniture assortment I want for my future living room in the US.  It's in the inspiration files for sure!

Horchow

I would love to have this coffee table...wondering if I could get it made...

Martha Stewart

The finish on this desk is so cool and unusual. 

Apparently it's a wax finish that can be a DIY. 

Has anyone tried this or know where I can ge more info?

Horchow

I am always drawn to beautiful glass!

 

Country Living via Haus and Home Blog

Such a cute idea for a summer outdoor dinner party. 

The pendants and beams in this kitchen really wowed me when I saw this.

pinterest

What an interesting dining room!  That mirror and the lighting are such statement pieces.  I love that type of lighting - look here for more.

What's on your design-inspired mind this week?

Colorways: Turquoise - Round II

I have fallen back in love with turquoise after a very bad break up (it happened about the time I fell out of love with Jon Bon Jovi, if that gives you the approximate timeframe).  Now, I love it again and I already blogged about it earlier here. 

For Summer, I think nothing is better than a beautifully designed, crisp white blouse (I have many versions) paired with a chunky turquoise necklace.  It is timeless, yet stylish and gorgeous.  I love the same in a room!  Look further for some summer-inspired turquoise... 

Suzanne Kasler

And George

maison & demeure

impressionen.de

via Color Gypsy

Ron Marvin

alan campbell:  cintra multi turquoise

via Delight by Design

TradHome

Do turquoise and white equal Summer for you too?