Simple & Natural Decor

Today I bring you a few spaces that have nature and simplicty as their core elements.  My life is particularly crazy right now, so I think I find these spaces to be so calming as a counter-balance to all of that stress!  I hope you find them soothing too...

More posts about simple decorating ideas can be found here and here.

Sources and more simple decorating ideas can also be found on my pinterest board here.

This And That

First of all I wanted to say thanks for all of the great feedback I got on the kick off of my new series, Design in Five from yesterday.  I'm glad you all liked it and I look forward to the guests posts!  Now moving on to today...

It seems more and more often I have a random collection of beautiful images to share with all of you, rather than a set "theme".  I hope you don't mind, but I think I'll be doing quite a few "This and That" posts in the future!  Here's what I have for you today.  Enjoy!

How gorgeous is that sink?  I might even get into gardening if I had one like that.  :)

A Dutch Door on a nursery - what a clever idea!

There is such a pretty, happy mix of patterns and color in this space...

And last but not least, most of you know I am from Oregon...this saying is definitely popular in Portland on bumper stickers and the like, but I have never seen this sign and I'm wondering where it is...

I warned you this was going to be a random post.  :)  I hope you found it refreshing!

Thoughts?

Sources

A New Series: Design in Five!

I am starting a new series as of today that I'm very excited about, called "Design in Five".  

First let me set the stage...  You have a neutral room to work with with good bones, but nothing outstanding. The challenge is this:  "What five items would you add?  In other words, what are the five elements in design that you can't live without to make an amazing room?"  The items could be furniture, architectural details, accessories, anything you think really makes a room.

To get it started, today I have written about the five things I can't live without for great design (it was sooooo hard to limit it to five).  Other bloggers will follow with their favorites so we can all benefit from their great ideas!

Here's where I'd start.  By adding the following items, the room can be completely personalized - inexpensively - for a whole lot of impact.  In case you're interested, I added links to past posts about these items where I have them....

1.  Elements of Nature.  Think in terms of twigs, stones, fir boughs, pinecones, shells.  Take a walk in your yard or a nearby forest and highlight the seasons.  Or, use things gathered on past trips to serve as a wonderful daily reminder of a fantastic adventure.  My daughter and I gathered slate rocks on a beach in Portugal a few years ago and I use them in tablescapes from time to time...it always makes both of us happy.  :)

2.  Great Pillows. I know this one is obvious, but it's so true I couldn't pass it up!  They add texture, color and pattern...and the possibilities are endless!

bdg style

3.  Glass. I like beautiful bottles or apothecary jars to add some sparkle (and sometimes they provide storage, too...).

Linen Haus Online Boutique

4.  A one-off statement chair.  This can be a DIY re-make or very high end - price isn't relevant here.  It just needs to be something with character, and I'd argue that an old worn leather chair like the one below has a lot more going for it than a brand new one.

5.  Something unique.  Make the most of items that are unique to YOU, such as art, your own photography and/or a special momento from a relative, your sweetheart or your kids.  In the case below, I took a picture that I snapped in a park in Toulouse, France.  I then played around with it using online (free) editing tools to make it into art!  You can see more examples here.

HausDesign

I'm curious:  Are any of these items on your "Top 5"?

I hope you like this idea for a new series!  I have a few wonderful fellow bloggers already lined up and others are welcome to contribute.  
Please let me know in the comments section or via email if you're interested!