More From John Jacob Interiors

Wow, I really love this guy's work!  If I ever get to South Africa again, I'm definitely figuring out a way to see more of his designs! 

Succulents!

Very unique work, don't you think?  

I can't say that I love every design element, but I do love a lot of it. I truly admire his originality and the feel and eclectic mix of his designs.  Not to mention his pulling in so many travel elements for a mysterious, ethnic, colonial mix.  

(Can those be done together?  Apparently he can pull it off!)

You can see a previous post about his work here .

You can find his entire portfolio here.

Al Fresco

Let's take a little detour from the winter, Christmas feelings flying around blogland right now and escape for a soothing al fresco meal in a beautiful setting. 

Take your pick - will it be...

An unforgettable pasta dinner at a villa on Lake Como...

(sorry, George Clooney is not available)

Breakfast in Greece, watching the yachts come and go...

A hip rooftop meal in NYC, catered by Dean & Deluca...

A rustic picnic surrounded by lavendar fields in Provence...

California cuisine in Napa's wine country...

An elegant brunch in Venice, with transport via gondola... 

A BBQ on a Texas ranch...



A super-casual, laughter-filled backyard get together...

A tapas feast overlooking a gorgeous crumbling European city...

Sweets and cafe au lait for two in Paris...

Passion fruit smoothies and more in tropical paradise...

Overlooking African deltas on safari with the sounds of the animals for music...

A farm-to-table meal in Oregon...

(I've done this and LOVED it)

In your own backyard, shaded by leafy trees and a gentle breeze...

A seafood meal overlooking the coastline in La Jolla...

A healthy lunch at a luxurious spa in Arizona, surrounded by succulents...

In the garden of your friend's beautiful home in the English countryside...

OR - last choice - a four course meal in an enchanting tree house like setting...

I'd love to hear which one you're dreaming about.  For me it doesn't get any better than al fresco dining.  I think I'd just start at the top of this post and work my way down!

PS - thanks so much for the support for my "Giving with Purpose" post from yesterday. 

I loved hearing more ideas to do good in the world also!

Sources and even more al fresco inspiration can be found here.

Gold & Brass Accents

Perhaps you've already noticed that gilded meatallics - including brass - are coming back (or have they arrived?) in a huge way.  I wrote a post a while back about gold with white and gray that you can read about here, but here are a few favorites that focus on a bolder look.  I'm not sure where my infatuation began...

Maybe this trend was inspired by the uber-popular sunburst mirrors?

Or this insanely popular office that was all over blogland a while back?

 For me personally, it could have begun with my finding this gilded antiqued mirror for Linen Haus... 

Regardless, I'm loving it!

The classic:  black and brass. 

I really like it in a white kitchen with touches of green...earthy but a little upscale, too.

I love it with coral!  It makes my coral, which is mounted on lucite, look a little tame.

How about just a touch on the inside of lampshades for some glam?

It highlights geometrics so beautifully. 

A few years ago I would have still chosen zebra, but with a silver base.

Now, I'm not so sure...I'm thinking gold ups the ante a bit!

Another great example of a white/brass/green kitchen.

This would work beautifully in a 50's remodel.

I'm loving the gilded nesting tables for a touch of romance.

It is really growing on me. How about you?

Sources and more images can be found here.