So Cool!

A few random things today due to my new best friend Pinterest!  Is it possible to be more addicted to Pinterest than blogs??  That has been on my mind lately but more about that later.  Anyway, these are things that are fresh ideas, unique or just plain beautiful.  I hope they inspire you as they have me.  Enjoy!

Genius!

Sources

Neutrals: What Makes Them Pop?

Neutrals are growing on me more and more these days...  I have taken a look at some of my favorite examples and highlighted what I think makes them amazing (and not a bit boring!). 

See what you think:

Elle Decor

That couch. Those chairs. That coffee table.

The sculpture for dimension and black to anchor the look.

I'll take the whole room, please.  And maybe the whole apartment, from the looks of it...

Of course the sketches caught my eye! 

Pierce

Something that really helps pull off a neutral room:  amazing floors and windows. 

New England Home Magazine via Home Bunch

The textures in this room are so impressive.
I'm loving the nail head trim, grasscloth wallpaper and, surprisingly, that peacock! 
Or is it a turkey?  Oh, my. 

via Effortless Style Blog

 More sketches and overall great art. 
Oh and sweet, lazy Labs always pull on my heart strings!  I guess that has nothing to do with the design but I do think there is something so homey about having a sweet dog curled up by the fire... 

(I'm ignoring the dog hair factor for now)

Santa Barbara Luxury Homes Magazine

Another great element for a neutral room:  a luxurious fireplace. 

El Mueble

The grays thrown in here are great...it brings a velvety texture to the room.

I like the mix of furniture in here - without that it might be blah, but with it:  stunning!

Slettvoll

 Greenery helps too...these images are from my new favorite store!

Frank Pontero

The lighting gives this room real flair!

Glenn Gissler Design

Very down to earth but still lovely, and a bit Belgian which I love for its quiet elegance.

Thibaut

Introducing elements of nature are always good. 

For more ideas about twigs and branches you can look here.

Canadian House and Home Princess Margaret Showhouse

This living room from the 2011 Canadian House and Home
showhouse has so many neutral, natural elements inspired by Ralph Lauren. 
I love the triple doors, the fire place, the mirrors, the floors...lots of beautiful ideas.
(Sorry for the big play button in the middle - pictures aren't yet available on their website.)
Click here to view the tour and if you do, don't miss the tour of the study too!

What do you think of these rooms? 

If you like them, what elements do you think makes them beautiful instead of boring?

La Baracca

Recently my husband took us to a new Italian restaurant that just opened up in Munich:  La Baracca.  The food and service were great...but what I really found fascinating was the design.  Big surprise, right?  I loved the juxtaposition of modern and rustic and all of the cozy little spots throughout the rather large space.  Take a look and see what you think:

Notice the beautiful floors, reclaimed wood ceilings, the chandelier and mix of chairs...

The Bar - very comfy yet urban chic.

 

I loved this.  You can choose which wine, ranging from reasonably-priced to

astronomically-priced, as well as if you want a taste, half glass or full glass. 

It was a fun way to experiment and I found some awesome wines along the way.

 

The waiting area with a very cool, casual pile of firewood.

A bit of worldly/ethnic design - always a good thing in my book.

Inside this little area, decorated with typical Italian foods,  

they prepare all of the small plates.

The seating areas are broken down into sections and all decorated differently - this one with old doors as a divider and bookshelves for a cozy feel.

{qype.com}

  

And lastly, the food itself!  They use beautiful, yet casual, presentation.

Ciao!

Designer Envy: David Jimenez

A few photos from one of my favorite designers:  David Jimenez.  I love how he combines traditional with a bit of modern and some high and low design solutions. 

See what you think...

Gorgeous Gallery Walls

Gallery walls always catch my eye when I am flipping through design magazines.  I think sketches and/or black and white photography look the best.  Here are a few of my favorite shots of gallery walls done beautifully!

{Bright Bazaar}

{JK Place Hotel via Lonny Magazine}

I love this one combined with zebra ottomans that I blogged about

a while back - one of my favorite looks!

 Coco Pearl recently posted a beautiful spread of designer Angie Hrankowky's work, including this great gallery wall.  I love how the pictures surround that great looking the console table.  Check it out! 

What do you think?  Do you love gallery walls when they are done right?