Aqua Designs

This time of year the creative side of my mind definitely turns toward soft aquas, inspired by the sea.  Here are a few designs that I think are just lovely...

More inspiration and more inspiration can be found here.

Aqua Inspirations

Hi Guys!

If all goes according to plan, when you read this we will be in Bali, hopefully looking at something rustic and beautiful like this...



Which, of course, inspired me to share some of these beautiful designs...

Sources

Decor Inspired By Turquoise Waters

I know it's the dead of winter (or maybe BECAUSE it's the dead of winter!), but today I am dreaming of a lovely tropical vacation near turquoise waters such as these:

...which inspired me to think of a few spaces that blend soothing hues of turquoise, aqua and teal into the decor:

Sources

A Beautiful Home In Santa Barbara

I stumbled upon this lovely home in Santa Barbara today and wanted to share it with all of you.  It was designed by Steve Thompson of Cabana Home.  Apparently they also have retail stores in Santa Barbara, CA and Mill Valley, CA - two of the classiest towns in America, I think - so I expected to like their style!

I love the story of how the design for this home was conceived:

"It is not unusual for potential clients to arrive at a meeting with Cabana Home’s Steve Thompson armed with clippings from glossy shelter magazines. But until recently, he never had a client proffer an object as the pivotal inspiration for a residential interior design project. But this client was unique. “She brought in her dishes,” recalls Steve with a smile, “three dishes. One was aqua blue, one was bright yellow, and the other was parrot green.” Rising to the challenge, Steve and the project’s lead designer Zach Hollis, worked with the client to create an interior design program for her 12,000 square-foot Montecito residence based entirely on the color scheme of three glass dishes."

Kinda cool, huh?  Take a look and let me know what you think of this home...

Such a unique coffee table that still blends with the traditional decor and of course you can't miss the windows!!!

Nice flooring and an interesting mix of modern and traditional furnishings. 

I like how the dining room hints at the Spanish influence of the region, without screaming spanish design.

Great arches!

I like the fireplace design and the alternating fabrics on the chair.  The space looks a bit cramped for what I presume to be a large house but I guess it could be meant as a cozy corner spot.  What do you think?

Love the headboard and those amazing windows!

I am fascintated with that table...

The quintessential Santa Barbara view...breathtaking...

I hope you enjoyed this little trip to Santa Barbara!  :)

Source

Santa Fe Style

Today I started looking at homes from the incredibly beautiful artist enclave of Santa Fe, New Mexico.   Admittedly all of these images aren't from homes in Santa Fe, but they all fall under the same spell of this gorgeous asthetic:

The rug, the lanterns, the simple adornments and of course THAT CUPBOARD. 

Love the steps and the rounded corners on all of the walls, and the alcoves...

The colors are so vibrant!

Although this room is pretty empty and appears to be staged for a sale,

I liked this modern, cleaner take on the design...

This room and the next one are from a beautiful boutique hotel, The Inn of the Five Graces.

I like all of the turquoise elements in the room above, which Santa Fe is known for.

Pretty amazing ceiling, right?

Another "clean" version of Santa Fe style.  Notice all of the great art...I would think my design preferences couldn't help but be heavily influenced by all the incredible talent!

A collection of rakes?  They get credit for being original!

That chest at the foot of the bed is lovely.

I don't think I'll ever live in New Mexico - although you never know what the future holds!

If I do, I'll hang some chilies just like this...

Santa Fe in the Fall...gorgeous!

 

Have you ever been to Santa Fe?

I'm ready to hop on a plane - it would be the ideal girls' weekend destination. 
I've got it:  We can have a blogger conference there!
Who's free next week???  :)

 

 

Click here for sources and more Santa Fe Style inspiration