Traditional Living Room Inspiration Board~

Today I thought I'd share an inspiration board I made recently for some clients of mine who just redid their kitchen and decided that their living room was now in need of an update as well.

The color scheme for this design is inspired by some new pale blue rugs they purchased for the space, as well as their current wall color.

Although they already have a soft gold color on their walls, I suggested that they bump it up a notch to an even warmer gold similar to that in the living room photo pictured.  In this case, I suggested Fresh Butter by Benjamin Moore.

That living room photo is there for another reason as well...my clients currently have a fireplace with a dark wood surround and painted brown brick.  I suggested they lighten it up to match their new white kitchen by painting the woodwork out in white, adding a lovely crown moulding similar to that pictured, and flanking it on either side with white built-in bookcases. (hence, the pictured bookcases.)

They currently have a set of matching loveseats in a rich floral.  I suggested that they slipcover them in a soft cream, and add two ottomans (similar to that pictured) in front of the fireplace for extra seating.

Blue curtains, pretty beach-inspired pillows, and round end tables covered in complimentary cloths (not the white one pictured) complete the coastal feel.

I hope to be able to share the befores and after with you soon!

Have a great day~

Color Inspiration~

It can be difficult to come up with a color palette.  There are a bunch of "designer tricks" to these things, but what it boils down to, in essence, is borrowing a palette from something else, such as fabric, a piece of art etc.

When I decided it was time to give the old blog a redesign I turned to Lara at Announced Greetings.  And I loved her approach to blog design because the very first thing we did was talk colors.  Once she knew the direction I was interested in going (neutrals, grays and blues), she sent me some color palette inspiration.  Even though I looooove neutrals, I am also very inspired by color, and I was mesmerized by the images she sent me.

They all came from a blog called Design Seeds.  I fell in LOOOOOOVE with the concept.  Jessica, the author of design seeds, pulls color palettes from photos.  And although the idea may not be entirely original, her interpretation of it IS.  Check these out...

Here's the photo that inspired my blog palette.  Can you see it?    I asked Lara if she could add in just a touch of the gold color in the gate, and that's where the little bird in my blog header came from.  Isn't that great?

So if you're in need of a little color inspiration, go explore the Design Seeds blog!  It's so much fun.  (And this is NOT a paid post, by the way...I just can't keep a great thing to myself.)

Have a lovely and colorful day!

Luau Inspiration~

I got an email from one of my readers the other day asking if I had any ideas for a Luau.  And the answer is "no, not really".  But wait!  Don't get me wrong, I love me a good luau.  But I haven't exactly thrown a luau-type party  myself.  Since I'm not one to miss out on a little good party inspiration, however, I did a little research, and I found some fun luau ideas.  So Kathy, this one's for you...

This is such a great idea for a simple and lovely centerpiece. And nothing says "Hawaii" like a pineapple!

 via pinterest

I thought these cookie palm trees were so clever!!

 via pinterest

This table setting is just lovely.  The color scheme is tropical without being tacky and the paper lanterns are a pretty touch.

 via pinterest

You'll sense a theme going in these photos...I really love the use of parasols for a luau...be they miniature, or full size like this pretty pink number.  (I'm also lovin' that ukulele.)

 via sara's party perfect

This wreath is so fun and whimsical, you can help but smile!

 via Sara's Party Perfect

Or add a pretty, pastel parasol to a cupcake.  Love.

via TomKat Studios 

This jellyfish is made from grocery bags (yes, really!)  I featured it one week for my Frugal Round-up because I thought it was simply adorable!  Don't you think it would be a fun addition to a luau?  Sure would keep the kids entertained anyway.

via Casa Haus 

Doesn't it make you wanna just go throw yourself a smashin' luau?!  I'll be anxiously waiting by the  mailbox for my invite. ;-)

Have a great day~



Girl's Bedroom Inspiration~

Whenever I have a new space to decorate, I obsess over it.  And when I say obsess, I reallllllly mean it.  So you can just imagine how my thoughts are spinning in circles at the prospect of decorating a new house.  It's exciting and anxiety inducing all at the same time.  My problem really lies in the fact that I like so many different styles of decor that narrowing my options down can be quite a challenge. 

Right now, I am thinking about my daughter's bedroom.  And my biggest challenge is the color scheme.  This is what her current bedroom looked like when I first decorated it. 

And then, because I'm an obsessive tweaker, this is what the bed looks like right now.  I like the addition of the brown because I think it keeps the color scheme grounded, and makes it a bit more sophisticated.

I do really like it. But you see, I had to work around the existing citrus green walls.  They aren't my favorite color.  And since we currently live in a rental house, I wasn't allowed to repaint them.  They gave me a starting point for a color scheme, however, and I'm happy with what I came up with.

But since we will be allowed to paint in our new rental home, my options are endless.  Too. Many. Choices.  Recently though, I have been drawn to these rooms by Restoration Hardware Baby & Child.  At the heart of it, I just really love neutrals..and these rooms do neutrals so beautifully (with just a hint of soft color) that I am absolute smitten.

What do you think?  Do you like lots of color for a child's room...or could you go with neutrals?  Oh, the possiblities!

EDITED TO ADD:  My dear readers, I think I gave the wrong impression with this post.  I realize that decorating my children's rooms is not about my favorite things.  That's why once my children are old enough to truly give me their input, I involve them wholeheartedly in the design process.   The princess and I have been having numerous discussions about her ideal room and her favorite colors, and ultimately, her choices will be my starting point.  But I do obsess over the rooms in my house, and the kids rooms are no exception.  That's why we work together.  It's more fun that way too!   THANKS!

More Boys' Room Inspiration~

I have to be honest, decorating children's rooms is my favorite part of designing.  I like the freedom that comes with not having to take things so seriously.  With being able to add a good dose of whimsy to a space.  Children's rooms are just plain fun. 

So when I know that I get to redo the kids rooms, like I will in our upcoming move, I spend inordinate amounts of time planning and daydreaming about the spaces.

Of course, this time around I have some practical issues to contend with as well...like fitting three boys in one room.  I shared my dreams of a bunkroom in this post, but I also have to realize that the room the boys are moving into won't allow a huge built-in bunk space.  So I have been searching online for bunkbeds with trundles, and other bunk inspiration.  And that's when I found the new line from Restoration Hardware. (Okay, just so you all know...Restoration Hardware is not paying me for this post...this is just me...having some serious infatuation with their new products...)

Holy darling stuff, Batman!  I admit that I got excited when I found out a couple of years ago, that RH was starting a line for babies.  And I liked it.  But I wasn't wild about it - everything was pink, green or blue with polkadots or stripes- that's it.  So even though I received their emails, I didn't often take the time to read them.  Until this week when I saw the one with the picture of the bunkbeds.  I didn't know RH made bunkbeds, so I clicked on it.  And fell in love.

I am big into a soft-industrial look, especially for the boys' room...so these spaces are all right up my alley.

I love the zinc-finished wall pockets and the storage behind the bed.

Here I am in love with the bedding....and the vintage lockers. 

I would live at the beach if I could, so nautical rooms are always a favorite.

I love the stencil letters on the wall...and check out those cute floor pillows.

So much inspiration in one room.  I love the vintage school chairs and the table with the metal top (I'm seriously considering getting a metal-topped table for our dining room- virtually kid proof.)

I love the metal storage baskets, and the amusement park art.

I adore this menswear-inspired bedding.  When we moved into our last house, I was determined to find menswear-look bedding for the boys room...not as easy as it might sound.  And now, here it is.... hmmm.

Lovin' the locker-style desk and the ticking stripe bedding.  And those cute vintage clipboards used as frames!

This room is just plain soothing. 

A leather headboard....don't know if I dare with my crazy kiddos...but I love it.

And here's the bunkbed that caught my eye.  Lovin' the dark stain...and the heaviness of the piece.  It even has a trundle.  Alas, I think the pricetag might be a bit rich for my blood.  But a girl can dream, can't she?

So I'm off to plot and plan for the boys' room some more...I'm having too much fun!

Bunk Rooms: Shared Space Inspiration~

As I mentioned in this post, we are moving.  And in the move, we are going to be downsizing.  So all of my boys are going to be sharing a room.  I have been wanting to build a bunkroom for ages...and this gives me the perfect excuse opportunity.

So today I want to share a few bunk room ideas from my inspiration files...

I love the nautical theme in this bedroom and the  "porthole" window near the lower bunk.

traditional kids design by chicago general contractor Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers

I love the built-in beds, the drawers underneath for added storage...the "wainscotting" molding on the sides of the beds.  Perfection.

traditional bedroom design by boston architect Smith & Vansant Architects PC

In this room, I'm in love with the sconce above the top bunk and the planked walls. mmmmm.

contemporary kids design by atlanta interior designer Brian Watford ID

Although not technically "bunks", I love the built-in cubbies for each bed...and the curtains for privacy.

eclectic kids design by birmingham interior designer Tracery Interiors

This room has amazing use of space...love the built-in bookcases and workstations on each side of the bed ( although that top bunk needs a higher safety railing, if you ask me.)

traditional kids design

This room had me at "hello". I love the putty colored built-ins. The stairs/ladder is pure perfection. And I simply adore the addition of the built-in bookcases at the head of each bed.

spaces design

I have been enamoured of this bunk space for a long time. I love the juxtaposition of industrial elements with feminine elements (and that oversized photo is amazing!) Of course, remove the butterflies and the twinkle light "chandelier" and this space could work just as well for a group of crazy boys like mine.

spaces design

All rooms above via Houzz.com

This is perhaps my favorite bunk room image of all time. It's from BHG, and I've had it in my inspiration photos since, well, I've lost track of how long it's been there. I love EVERYTHING about this room. The bunks are amazing, the built-in workstations are inspired, the colors are perfect.  Now to figure out how something like this can translate to a smaller space. Ohhhhh the possibilities.

via BHG



Sure does give me a lot to think about.  Whether you have kiddos or not, I hope that you've been able to gather a little inspiration from this set of shared spaces too!

Have a great day~

Fly~

For the past few years I have chosen one word to serve as my "word of the year". My sort of mantra or inspiration for that year. This year I was inspired by the quote I shared you with you in this post.

And that quote is...

"She went out a on a limb, had it break off behind her, and realized she could fly."

Kobi Yamada

2010 was a very trying year. It just kind of seemed to be a fight right from the start. And then after John's accident, it became that much more difficult.



But 2011 holds promise for me. I think it might be the year when things come together. When my dreams start coming to fruition! But that's not going to happen unless I work hard and put myself out on a limb.


It's not an easy thing to do...to chase your dreams....to climb out on that limb. And sometimes, just as it says in the quote, once you get the nerve to climb on the limb, you hear a snap, and the limb breaks. But this year, instead of falling with that broken limb, I'm going to strap on my wings and....

FLY!

Have a great day~


Frugal Friday goes live tonight at 10:00 EST

Holiday Inspiration~

I decorate for Christmas on the day after Thanksgiving. I just like to give Thanksgiving its due. A lot of times I feel like it is the forgotten holiday. Wedged in there between Halloween and Christmas...the prelude to Black Friday. And, honestly, Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays. So I wait until the next day to pull out my Christmas decor. (No offense to anyone that likes to decorate pre-Thanksgiving...I KNOW it's hard to wait.)

But, all of that said, I start thinking about and preparing my Christmas decor long before that. (Like right after Halloween.) And this year I've decided to go with mostly whites and silvers. I have a lovely neutral palette running through my head.

....And then my copy of Country Living arrived. And I saw these photos....

And I swooned. I just love them. all. Interesting how this pale-on-pale Christmas color scheme seems to be popping up all over the place this year. I guess great minds think alike, huh?

And today I am especially thankful for a warm house to live in as a blizzard rages outside and the temperatures plummet to the low teens. I know how blessed we are. How very blessed.

Have a great day~

A Little Autumn Inspiration~

I had planned on sharing another tutorial with you all today, but alas! The stomach bug that hit Mr. Three last week caught up with me yesterday and I was in bed all day. The hubby was trying to take care of the two little ones while the big kids were at school (they are invaluable helpers when they're home), which was quite a feat considering the fact that he is still hobbling around with a boot and crutches since his accident. Yesterday was not a pretty sight at our house.

But stomach bugs aside, I did have a few little bits of autumn inspiration left to share with you, and I figure this is a good time to do it. ;-)

First up, my fall mantle...


I aimed to go simple with the mantle, keeping my pale on pale scheme. I already had the white pumpkins up for Halloween, so I just added a little bit of pop with the "Keep Calm and Cranberry On" printable that I shared with you all for last week's Frugal Roundup...it's much more red in real life. I also added a paper leaf garland. Too simple to make with my Silhouette Digital Cutter. I just cut various leaf shapes in a few shades of brown and hung them on some twine. That's it. Couldn't be any easier. And since the Hubby is no longer in his lift chair, my living room doesn't look like a hospital room anymore, and that makes the mantle look all that much better. (Just a note for those new to my blog....we are living in a rental house...or I already would have done something with the stone on this mantle...instead I just work around it.)


Here is my autumn centerpiece.




I love flowers. I love to have live flowers in the house. So for autumn, I just made sure that whatever batch of flowers I purchased was orange. Then I just placed them in huge vintage canning jar with a couple of jack-be-littles, an autumn scented candle, and a bit of bling-y autumn garland. It sits on a burlap table runner. And the tablecloth? A painters' dropcloth. Excessively easy. But pretty.



Finally, what is more quintessentially autumn than a bowl full of crisp apples...gifted to us by our neighbors, straight off their tree. A pretty centerpiece for our kitchen island, even better to snack on. (When I don't have the stomach flu, that is.)

I hope to be back with my tutorial tomorrow.

Have a great day~

An Eye for Pretty~

One of my readers once told me that I have an eye for pretty. Because I'm in the middle of a few projects with none of them blog-worthy at the moment, today I'm sharing some of the inspiration images I've saved in my files. I hope you think they're as pretty as I do.

Tweeted by Layla of The Lettered Cottage

Via Houzz.com

Decorating for Small Spaces


Decorating for Small Spaces

Simply Seleta

Lonny Magazine

Decorating for Small Spaces


Sixty-Fifth Avenue

Just a reminder that the Frugal Round-up is now part of Frugal Fridays...And speaking of Frugal Friday...it goes live tonight at 8:00 pm Mountain Time.

Have a great day~