Parlour

Snuggle In

2012-02-29T07:00:00.003-05:00

If I had a bedroom like this one...I would never want to leave. Ever.

Happy Leap Day!

New From Angie

2012-02-28T07:00:00.008-05:00

Angie Hranowsky has some new work posted on her site that is pretty stellar and needs a little attention brought to it. The elements in this home are for lack of a better word, just plain pretty. So, so pretty. Let's break it down...

Massive, white lantern. You know I like. Unexpected shot of pink, and the gallery wall, perfection.

A close up of the wall. Very well done. They just aren't getting old or going away anytime soon.

Loving the scale of the lighting, and those black wishbone chairs, are so classic. In a good way.

Stunning wall color. Been thinking about something similar, for our Master. Hmmmm.

Looooove that blue lamp. And, all the Asian elements.

Overall, two thumbs up. It's always good to come across new, fantastic work. Especially when you feel like you see the same spaces a million times, over and over. A change of scenery, and something new is refreshing. Well done, Angie!

So Many Lamps, So Little Space

2012-02-27T07:00:00.005-05:00

So this is what things look like right now. I have two of the exact same lamps/shades on either side of the fuchsia sofa. I like the lamps and the shades, however, I 'm feeling the need to go a little more classic in the main living room. Think somewhere along the lines of a bit more colorful version of ...

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Especially since my sofa choice is a little "out there," I might need to reel it in a bit with some more conservative pieces. We don't want it looking like a circus! Here are a few shade options I've tracked down.

Goodness knows I love black and gold, and together, mmmm, heaven. But, I also have these little jewels in my sites (for $20 total)...

With black shades...very nice indeed. I don't know what I'll end up with. It's getting to where I'm starting to become the Queen of lamps. I've got more lamps than I have places to put them right now. But, it's always good to have options right? That advice can be applied to more than just a lamp dilemma by the way, but, I digress. I'll probably get them, try out alllllll the options, and report back when the decision has been put in the books.

Have a great Monday all!

From Me to You

2012-02-24T07:00:00.005-05:00

I'm going to get a little serious today (not typical, I know.) Nothing crazy, just a wee bit of what-not from me to you. So, if you aren't into words...you may be excused. Now, to the three of you left, let's chat, shall we?

This has not been an easy transition...the move from the NYC area to KC. I'm glad to be home, that's not it, and in all honesty I would do it again, no question. But, being what I am and doing what I do. Well, it's not in quite as much demand here in the Midwest as it was out East. I have to start over completely here. With less cards in the deck so to speak. I'm struggling, royally. I love the quote above because it rings so true regarding my current circumstances. Things will never be like they were in NYC where everyone has their place decorated. I need to adjust my expectations and let go. That was then, this is now. Forward movement is the only option.

I just thought maybe if I shared my struggles they might possibly mirror your own in some way, and help you know your not alone and to keep plugging. Whatever the issue. I have to remind myself of that on a daily basis. Stop looking back. Stop obsessing about how it was. Remember what you have now, and make the best of it. Easier said than done sometimes, but, still a worthy sentiment and goal.

Thanks for listening, hope everyone has a lovely weekend to recharge and put those fists back up. Here's to a new chapter.

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Metamorphosing

2012-02-23T07:00:00.002-05:00

I'm really taken by the work from this shop...Metamorphosing. Watercolor is probably my favorite medium when it comes to painting. It feels so much like life to me, lines are blurred, colors run into one another and mix. It's not perfect. I like that.

The piece above is the one I would love to bring into my home. Isn't it lovely. There's just something so magical about swans, isn't there? The butterflies are so vibrant and saturated too though. So hard to choose. What about you? Favorites?

Sista Got Game!

2012-02-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

Oh dear me. I'm sure some of you have seen this fantastic home that is circulating about the blogosphere owned by Judy Aldridge the blogger behind Atlantis Home. All I can say is, wowza, sista got game. The living room is perfection. Those chairs make me drool. She just moved and already it looks like this...can't wait to see how the rest of it evolves. Two thumbs up!

Start the Week Right

2012-02-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

Thought I might start the week with some really fantastic spaces. Ready?

The colors here are really wonderful. Modern, yet still welcoming and comfortable. Definitely not expected. Which, of course, I like.

Those lamps and that art make me very happy. What great statements.

Graphic artwork and bold punches make this space hard to ignore. Plus the fur, mmmm cozy.

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Also, here's a cool little something I came across on the web. Check out this ingenious idea for DIY fabric...

What's the DIY part you ask? Well, it's regular cotton twill with splatters of bleach. Kind of brilliant right? So simple and yet so unique. Check out all the details here!

Hope your weekend was good, and the week to come even better.

Here's Looking At You

2012-02-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

Isn't this hilarious? It's title is "fowl with pearls." I love artwork with a sense of humor. She's kinda cute, right?

Hope you have a lovely weekend. I'm planning on it.

My Design Hero

2012-02-16T07:00:00.003-05:00

Kishani Perera is pretty much the shit, as far as I'm concerned. She is one of my absolute favorite designers. There is so much to learn from her. She manages to mix every style/era effortlessly. Keeping it upscale and classy, while still maintaining personality, and a unique flair. There is a global undertone to almost all of her designs that I adore, and am starting to use a little more in my own designs.

Hello Beni rug, Ram's head table, and interesting artwork. Really, REALLY lovely.

Take a look at those blue velvet dining chairs. Meee-yoooow!!!!

This bedroom is pure swank. The black wedding blanket paired with that kelly green. Oh my.

This is just one project of hers. The girl is other worldly. Are you a fan?

Adriane Duckworth

2012-02-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

Stumbled across Adriane Duckworth on Etsy and was impressed enough to want to share. Graphic statement pieces are what she specializes in, and I like it! This type of artwork gets me every time. Simple and yet, so complex. More of her interesting work is shown below. There is more still to be seen on her site, I recommend taking a gander! Enjoy.

Lovely Weekend Wishes

2012-02-10T07:35:00.001-05:00

Here's a board to kick off your weekend. I always seem to sneak a bit of pink in there somewhere, don't I? I am really smitten with the artwork by Michael Carson. He's a "real" artist, so it's not cheap. But really, really lovely. Here are a couple/few more of my favorite pieces by him...

It's supposed to be colder than a well-digger's gulu here. But, it is February after all. So, I guess that's par for the course. Hope it's a good one even so.

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Killer Bath Reno

2012-02-09T07:00:00.002-05:00

Oh Lawd, have I got a bathroom for you to enjoy today. Check it out. This reno is actually two closets that were combined to add an extra bath for Anna over on AB Chao. That's what a little vision, and ingenuity will get you in design. Another bathroom! And, you know I love some black penny tile. It's calling to me I tell you. Every where I turn, it's there, beckoning. Hmmmmm. Doesn't say much for my social life does it? But, that's another post...that will never be written. Ha!

Notice how tiny the sink is? Love it! They have sinks to fit into ANY space. Which is wonderful when it comes to older homes, where sometimes all you have is a closet to convert. Plus they're just so darn cute.

Black penny tile. Great rug. Monogrammed shower curtain. Well loved stool. All these things make for an interesting, personal, and unique space. It seems like a lot is crammed in there for such a small bath, but it still feels open. People think that by filling a space it will feel cluttered. When in truth, it feels much more finished. It helps the room to hug you when you walk in. Now you minimalists out there may not agree, but for me, I like a room to be well rounded. Not crammed, but full.

Isn't this a fab space? Well done! For more info/pics head on over there and check it out. Everyone have a wonderful rest of your day. I know I don't have to tell you what tomorrow is.

Colors and Whites DO Mix

2012-02-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

So anyone else see this fantastic tour on AT? I am completely enamored with this space. Tropical color at it's best. Talk about an eclectic mix of styles. It's all in here.

Great bergere chairs, and that massive piece of art. Nice.

I love that you can see how everything works with one another in this shot. We have Moroccan, French, traditional, glam, color, and lots of white to temper it all.

Love the kilim rugs, and notice how they used the floor to display art as well.

What a clean, serene bedroom. Feels to me like your could step out that door and right out onto the beach. Wouldn't that be a dream.

It's a lot of white, which I think is one of the reasons why all the strong color works so well. But, can you imagine having to keep it all clean. Yikes. Still, lovely indeed.

The week is clicking along nicely. Hope it's going well where you're at.

Build A Lamp

2012-02-06T07:00:00.002-05:00

So there is this fantastic shop called Mod Pieces where you can virtually build your own lamp. They have several vintage lamp bases to choose from. You specify a color, and if your would like, a lamp shade as well.

EQUALS =

I think the concept is pretty neat. Don't you?

Here are a couple more of their creations.

Kind of ingenious! Well done!!! Looks like they can create just about anything. What combo would you choose?

Suzanne Dimma's Home(s)

2012-02-03T07:00:00.002-05:00

Today to send you into your weekend (geez, time flies,) I have some pics of Suzanna Dimma's (Editor-In-Chief of Canada's House & Home magazine) many houses. I found the link to the tour (and great a interview) over on Hodge:Podge. You might want to take a peek. It's pretty good.

Great gallery wall with the low table (maybe even a bench) running underneath. It looks like it would feel so homey in there.

I'm such a sucker for black penny tiles. I really think my guest bath needs some. Oh yes, and black door. Always good!

This kitchen is amazing. Loooove the clean, modern, marble island that contrasts with that colorful, antique kilim rug, and more traditional, ornate chandelier. It all meshes beautifully.

This powder room is darling. And small, just like a powder room should be. Our powder room is massive and takes up most of the size-challenged kitchen. Looking to downsize majorly and this is excellent inspiration!

Love that settee! The yellow wall is refreshing. Although, I would get tired of it after a while. Which is why, I think, she painted it F & B's Hague Blue.

Hope you enjoyed all the prettiness. And I hope you enjoy the weekend even more!

Signing off, over and out!

This, That and Then Some

2012-02-01T06:55:00.001-05:00

So this is going to be a slightly scattered and random post. Just a bit of what I've been finding/enjoying lately. Hope you enjoy too! To start off... how fun is this pre-assembled art wall from Little Brown Pen? Just pop them in frames, hang and done. Easy peasy.

Like West Elms floor poufs but don't necessarily want to fork over that amount of $$$? You might want to visit this shop for similar pieces without the price tag. Have a look below...

Nice eh?

Want a fabulous place to find a little Bohemian goodness. Organic Shine Society has the goods...

Oh, and on the home front here is something I just picked up and am going to stretch and frame for "custom" artwork...

Yup, it's a vintage Vera scarf in an abstract black and white pattern. Right up my alley. I'm excited to see what it will look like when finished. I love the feel that textiles used in unique ways can bring to a space.

That's all you get from me today. I will have you know that I actually picked up a paint brush yesterday. Just a little trim-work, but it's getting there. I can't look at the whole picture (the ENTIRE HOUSE needs painting.) It gets too overwhelming. I just need to take it a bit at a time, and try not to get discouraged. Send paint motivation my way if you think of it!

Hope your week is going swimmingly. Keep on truckin'.

Showhouse...Indeed!

2012-01-31T07:31:00.002-05:00

We have a good one today all. I found this space over on Simply Smitten, and I am so glad I did. It's quite the looker, right? Anyone else see this too? Carrier and Company teamed with Town & Country magazine for the Hearst Designer Visions Showhouse in New York, and this is the result.

Wow. This angle of the room is show-stopping. You can truly see the scale of everything and how all the pieces relate to one another. An overview, if you will. The artwork by Leah Durner (throughout the house) just makes such a spectacular statement.

Layered art. LOVE this trick.

Another thing I love...the heavy usage of all the crystals in the space. If you look closely they are tucked in everywhere. A nice little bit of natural sparkle is never a bad thing. Oh, and check out that fabulous aged mirror. New and perfect is over-rated.

Comfy layered bed with fur throw. Totally want to get a fur throw for my bedroom, in cream please.

The chairs and (again) the Leah Durner artwork do it for me at this angle. Notice how the pottery on top of the armoire reflects the color palate in the artwork. Really nice.

Told you it was good stuff.

Oh, and just so you know. We are finally fully functional over here. The drainage has commenced and our "facilities" are operational once again. Halle-freaking-lujah! I NEVER want to go without indoor plumbing again. Nature ain't all it's cracked up to be. No joke!

Have a good one!

A Point of View

2012-01-30T07:00:00.003-05:00

A point of view is something every good designer needs to truly set themselves apart from the flock. It may not appeal to everyone, but to some, it makes the angels sing. Being different is something to be proud of and aspire to. Having the guts to stick to your vision ain't always easy. But, it's worth it.

Take Debra Cronin, whose work you are enjoying now. She has a very specific aesthetic. A true original does not need to be a total slave to trends and what's "in." Although there are a ton of "trends" that I enjoy right now. There are many more that I don't. And, I choose to make sure that anything I apply my name to rings true with my design point of view, with or without trends. The important thing, is to have your home reflect who you are as much as your personality does. Most are not able to do that completely on their own. Hence designers. Where am I going with this? I'm not sure, I'm wandering here. Alright, let's bring this home...

I think the bottom line is...stick to what your gut tells you. In regards to your home, or to the designer you hire to make it feel more like home. Greatness does not come by following others' paths, but by cutting your own. That's my two cents anyway. Sorry for the wordy post this early in the week. Just felt inspired and thought I might touch on why.

Have a lovely rest of the day all. 'Til tomorrow.

Wishing You...

2012-01-27T07:00:00.003-05:00

... a gloriously playful weekend.

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Eat - in with a Side of Hope

2012-01-26T07:00:00.002-05:00

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Liking this eat-in area board. Fun and interesting, but still grounded. I wanted to keep the palate simple aside from the art. That light fixture cracks me up. It totally reminds me of a sea urchin. You like? The table is actually one I am considering for my own eat-in. We'll see.

Wanted to give you an update on the stinky home-front since several of you have been asking and wishing well. We are still completely native over here. However, on the upside, there are several massive pieces of machinery digging up massive amounts of earth in front of our house as I type this. Which helps to remind me that...

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This is a sentiment I need very much right now. Very much. On many, many fronts. We all have our struggles and demons. It's nice/necessary to be reminded there is also light.

ALSO...wanted to share a spectacular artist that I was introduced to by Tina over at English Muse by the name of Birdy. I highly recommend you go and have a listen. Sista has some pipes. Be inspired, enjoy and your welcome.

Anca Gray

2012-01-25T07:00:00.003-05:00

Anca Gray. That's the name of the artist whose work you are enjoying. Lovely work is it not? I have always been a fan of mixed media artwork. There is such a textured, organic feeling to it which imparts such authenticity. It was pieced together a bit at a time. I would guess it's very similar to interiors. Composition, texture, color, scale, and of course, knowing when to stop.

Hope everyone is having a nice week thus far. Keep on plugging.

Personal and Pretty

2012-01-24T07:00:00.023-05:00

Oh kids, a little update on the home front.

We are still without sewer (including toilets) and probably will be for a while. Although I have tried to limit the dish usage, they have piled high in the sink. And without the loving family members who loan us their showers, laundry facilities and ahem, other facilities, I'm afraid we would be nothing but stinky and more than a little medieval over here. It's been a long haul already and unfortunately we aren't even close to finished. I'm trying keep a chin up attitude, but I feel a conniption coming on and the words....

... seem to apply very well right now, considering my ever fraying proverbial rope. I know you all don't come here to hear me gripe but, I suppose sharing a thing or two going on in my life right now couldn't hurt. Especially when I need someone to vent to, seeing as no one at Kansas City Sewer seems to be listening. I am not a happy girl.

On a less pissed off note...

Check out the apartment Nate Berkus (again) did for his sis as seen in Glamour.

I'll take it. All of it.

Tomorrow I will try to keep the crankiness to a minimum. Promise.

Have a good one all. Enjoy your toilets.

To Die For Townhouse

2012-01-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Found this fabulous tour of Katie Lee Joel's former Manhattan townhouse over on Knight Moves. It was designed by Mr. Nate Berkus himself. That man is amazing. He never ceases to amaze me with his style, eye, and talent. Just take a look at the rest of the tour. Seamless perfection.

Have a lovely Monday all!

Domino Back !?!

2012-01-20T15:20:00.000-05:00

Dear God say it's so!

Just found this via Curbed. It won't be the exact same...but, it will be close enough to make my head twirl in joy! I just cannot imagine what took them so long! When every time Domino's name is mentioned there is a tear shed by every design lover in America.

If there is to be anything right in 2012, this would be it. Come on big money!

Classic Beauty

2012-01-19T08:21:00.002-05:00

Felt like a bit of classic architecture today. Something grand, stately, and altogether lovely. Marble fireplaces, ornate plasterwork, and tall ceilings, all make the most impressive statements in these room from a bygone era.

Old? Yes. Fabulous? Absolutely! I would give a kidney to be able to have an old grand brownstone, the parlour floor specifically, and to be able to hear the echos from the past in those spectacular rooms. They have an elegance all their own. No need to add architectural interest or drama here. It's built in. Have a look and enjoy.

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