Sunday, February 21, 2010

Two posts I am loving right now...

#1 Pretty in Pink by Habitually Chick
I have come across many of these images on House Beautiful or postings about designer Amanda Nisbet in the past, but how delightful to find so many great pink interiors in one post! Find my favorites below.
Saw the above image months ago and still in love with the Manuel Canovas Wallpaper and the stylish fixtures.

Where can I find this glimmering crystal Chandelier? I'm in love.

#2 Elizabeth Kimberly Designs on Elements of Style
What an amazing home. I love the bright yellow paintings against the soft grayish-blue walls. And the staircase...

Two of the many fabulous images below:

After viewing this post I am seriously considering adding wood panelling to every room in our home. Brooks would probably have something to say about that!

Thank you to Elements of Style and Habitually Chic for these great posts!

Master Bedroom Before and After

The Master Bedroom has already undergone a huge transformation since we purchased the house. It is the only room in which we added carpet. We painted the walls "cement gray" which sounded horrendous to most of the people I told this to, but has proven to be an acceptable choice for the time being.

BEFORE:
AFTER:
I think I have finally found curtains to complement this strange paint shade and our ivory duvet. Rachel Ashwell as seen on Brabourne Farm. The Silk Trading Co. seems to have this same soft lilac shade. Now I just have to decide if each single width window requires one panel or two.

Valentine's Day Wreath

I never fully finished my Valentine's Day Wreath, despite starting it on MLK Day. Nonetheless, it has made me happy while hanging in our entryway in it's unfinished state. (Hanging was a necessity to keep Kitty from tearing to bits.) Maybe I will finish it in time for next February 14th.

Notice the pearl ornaments on the door handles. One was a gift for being in Karin's wedding and the other was tied to a Housewarming/Christmas package this year. Now we have one for each of us!

From Snowy to Sunny


Sitting inside on a gorgeous 60 degree and sunny day I can't help but feel a little guilty for having walked only 1 lap around the neighborhood this morning before heading inside to do some cleaning and blog reading. (Can you call it reading when all you really do is look at pictures?)
After all, just last weekend 6 inches of fluffy white snow frosted Greenville.

Today the sun is shining and neighbor after neighbor walk, jog, and bike past our home. Many with excited puppies in tow. Pepper is enjoying an afternoon nap after an exhausting morning of running from window to window chasing birdies. The birds have been enjoying the beautiful weather and flitting from bush to lawn to tree at a rate that was making Pepper dizzy.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Entry Inspiration

Our spacious front entry foyer is one of our home's highlights. A modest coat closet, plenty of room to welcome guests and wonderful natural light during the day are just a few of the reasons I love the front entry. (photos here taken at night) However, lately I have been spotting some wonderful accessories that could really add the glam this room deserves. Imagine with me the front entry foyer with...

An elegant gilded french mirror from Wisteria





A stylish light fixture from Circa





A soft platinum scroll rug by Dash & Albert...


Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Lampshade


I finally purchased my dream lamp from Anthropologie on a post-holiday shopping trip to Southpoint. I have been drooling over this lamp since well before our wedding (going on three years now) and was devastated when it disappeared from the website last spring. The new Southpoint Anthropologie happened to have 1 left and with years worth of saved birthday gift cards and a birthday discount coupon sent to Mom for her January 10th birthday, I finally purchased the lamp. The picture doesn't do it justice.

Now the only problem... what kind of shade is special enough for a lamp as fabulous as this?

Our living room hasn't really found it's direction in life yet, so this is a big decision. The shade could set the tone for the entire room. And with the ones I adore costing close to $150, I won't be buying a shade for every season.

Here are the front runners so far...
The graphic "Around the World" shade from Anthropologie
A linen drum shade from Pottery Barn
The ruffled and pleated cirrus shade from Anthropologie
An embellished crewel shade from Pottery Barn







I have searched elsewhere than my two favorite shops, but the only inspiration so far has been this photo with a pale pink pleated version from the Brabourne Farm Blog.
Where to buy shades like this?


Monday, February 1, 2010

Orangeries and Conservatories


Those crazy Victorians. They thought of everything, including these beautiful structures. On a cold winter day, nothing looks more romantic than a glass room, warmed by the sun, and full of lush tropical plants and fruit trees. The architecture is perfectly delicate too!

Pictured here an Amdega Conservatory.

Velvet Curtains




Pottery Barn, how I love you so... These velvet curtains are perfect for almost any room. My only hesitation - which color to choose! In the fall I was leaning towards "Maple Leaf" and with winter I find that "Ivory" and the two cool colors here are catching my eye. With the exception of custom-made curtains in bold designer prints, these are my favorite drapes ever.