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.

Beautiful White Interiors

Hi Everyone!  I just returned from an antiques market and the sun is shining bright but it's very cold.   It's definitely time to bundle up.  :)  Today here are a few beautiful shots of white interiors to brighten your day.  Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

via house and home

via Brabourne Farm blog

via Belgian Pearls blog



via Verdigris Vie blog

sbdigs.com

atelierturner.squarespace.com

via neutral heaven blog

sbdigs.com

design atelier

vt interiors

via inspiration for decoration blog

Here's a fun twist on Fall!

I'm going to be spend the rest of the weekend hangin' with my family...

I'll be back on Monday!

Lovely Living Rooms

A few of my favorite living rooms as of late...they all seemed to lean toward elegant, with muted colors and a bit of a romantic flair.  I have noted what I think makes each room special.  See you what you think and let me know!

Amazing arched french doors!!!

 

Soaring ceilings + stunning chandelier + eclectic furniture = beautiful!

 

This mossy green velvet and the sultry shape of those chairs gives the room some great kick!



The arches make the room feel open without it being a completely open floor plan.



The religious artefacts give this room so much character.

Gentle spice colors, that chandelier and the crest over the mantel make for a great space!

More from my recent infatuation with John Jacob!

The touches of soft blue make this room very easy on the eyes.

A bit more rustic:  what an interesting coffee table.



Lots of unique accents in this room make it woth a second look.

 

 

A very traditional setting, but with unique furniture selections that make it unexpected.

So cozy!  Perfect for a cold Fall day...

I hope you enjoyed this post! 

Sources and more Lovely Living Rooms can be found here.

House Of Windsor

Below are my favorite shots from the House of Windsor.  Some of the rooms were not to my taste, but all of the following spaces had details or an overall feel that I really appreciated in some way.  Let's take a look and see if you agree:

This is my favorite room in the house!  What an intriguing space, with so many details and fresh ideas.  The mix and match chairs are so great, and I'm really loving the eat in kitchens that seem to be popping up more and more often.  More on that in a future post!

The earthy colors in here really make the room cozy and liveable...

The art, balanced by those great columns, really makes the room!

 A luxury bathroom, to the max. 

The elements that caught my eye were that zebra rug, the stools and that antiqued mirror screen.

Although would any of you really like seating for at least three people to sit there while you are in the tub?  Not me...

I was happy to see they didn't go totally over the top outside to keep the effect serene and claming.  It lets the architecture do the talking:  the oval window, courtyard-like area and bench seating are all such nice design elements.  And a table next to the outdoor fireplace?  Fab.

What a playful, casual, FUN space!  It feels very fresh without being too childish...

Another earthy room but the jewel-toned velvets take it up a notch.

And don't miss those amazing floors.  I saved a picture of the rooms empty just so I could remember those floors for my inspiration files.  :)

Head over to House of Windsor for the full tour. 

I'd love to hear which room - from these or otherwise - is your favorite!

BTW, you can now also follow me on Pinterest here. 

I am just getting started but will be adding to my favorites regularly...more coming soon...:)



Barn Decor: Is It For You?

One of my closest friends here in Munich has moved back to her native England and is in the process of buying a beautiful converted barn in a quaint village outside of London.  

This style of house is such a unique blend of rustic and modern that it has piqued my curiosity about the design potential. I grew up around barns, so this is kind of a revival for me.  It's gotten me thinking of barns in a whole new way - they have soaring ceilings, wooden beams and rustic accents - things that many of us strive to re-create in a new home and yet in this case they are the real thing.

Let's take a look at the way the oh-so-humble barn has inspired current design:

via Cozy Bliss Blog

The detailing on these doors is amazing! 

Whoever stumbled upon these at a rusty estate sale somewhere must have been thrilled! 

narratives.co.uk

High ceilings give the renovated spaces some modern edge, and provide lots of possibilities for shelving or lofty hideaways...

Ina Garten's Home

It's a stretch to call this a barn but it has a similar feel and this space is an all-time favorite of mine because of its casual elegance.

via Cote de Texas Blog

A stylish way to hide the pantry and the shelves are a great way to use the wall space that needs to remain flush for the door. 

Perfect for a climate like Arizona that can accomodate indoor/outdoor living on a regular basis.

Attic Magazine

 That's a lot of wood.  It might work in some rustic settings though...

Dallas Doors

lovetoescape.co.uk

Halle Berry's Barn in Canada, via Home Bunch

ffffound_com

 An industrial version...

Northwest Hospitality

Architectural Digest

Design Sponge

My Home Ideas

 A clever office!

Living Etc.

Emmas Design Blog

Elle Decor

Atlanta Homes Magazine

Decorpad

HGTV

Birch and Bird

I have to close by telling you that my uncle converted a barn in Westchester County, Pennsylvania over thirty years ago, and it is really stunning.  The main house has soaring ceilings and beautiful verandas with views over the rolling hills.  The guest house was once the carriage house, so it oozes charm and character all over the place. 

I guess he was a man way ahead of his time!

What do you think of barn inspired design? 

If you like it, where would you use it?