Heather's Home Office Mood Board

First of all, this is my first mood board! I know right? I can't believe I haven't done one before.  I don't know why.  I see them all the time on other people's blogs and I like when they do them.  I guess I doubted my technical ability, which is 'turded because I was an advertising major and worked with such crazy software as Quark (do they still use that?). Anyway, I'm a little Charlie Sheen manic at the moment as I have just finished my first mood board and I'm all "Ohmygosh this is so much fun! I'm going to be crazy mood board lady now." <br /><br />Ok, so Heather and her man share an awesome house <i>in </i>Chicago (not an apartment, a house).  They've done a super great job decorating it to be a sort of nautical, beachy retreat in the city.  As I mentioned earlier, he's a sailor and loves blue and white. She's a corporate event coordinator for the University of Chicago about to launch her side business as a wedding planner.  They have an open basement that she plans on making into her home office and has asked for some ideas. <br /><br />These were her <s>demands</s> requests: calming, man friendly, a highboy table with stools and backs,  plasma screen over the fireplace, different shades of blue, silver as the accent color. <br /><br />I've only seen the room once so I'm probably grossly over-estimating the floor space, but I do remember there were terra cotta tile floors.  I'm told the walls are now a grayish blue.  <br /><br />Here's what I came up with!<br /><br /><b>Desk Area</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI7n1hPPu8ILKfARsgtBO9C34M8ezvJKS0kFgbeDXS4sWkpBRcIfW4ZyuC_oKZOjL_S6J2VcL8qtxQigRVRYSGP1f1IVjdIorEkH61kSywSNzEteUhR8tZSXMeDb0rL7PDqeB1Pqr_WVA/s1600/OB-Heather%2527s+Home+Office+Desk+Area+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI7n1hPPu8ILKfARsgtBO9C34M8ezvJKS0kFgbeDXS4sWkpBRcIfW4ZyuC_oKZOjL_S6J2VcL8qtxQigRVRYSGP1f1IVjdIorEkH61kSywSNzEteUhR8tZSXMeDb0rL7PDqeB1Pqr_WVA/s640/OB-Heather%2527s+Home+Office+Desk+Area+.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold screen + black lacquer desk + blue & white chinoiserie lamp + slipcovered chair with awesome spotted pillow + seagrass rug + toile wastebasket {sources <a href="http://www.olioboard.com/boards/24623-heather-s-home-office-desk-area">here</a>}<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>So I sort of ignored Heather's request for silver accents (sorry Tushy), but I felt like it was competing with the terra cotta and I couldn't make it work so I went gold.   <div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Highboy Table Area </b></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-Iism-EVhPTuIBVR3VS-ndsBfrgHBNYwnNEVuX0SPgR8Kz7m6zGYfcTmDqilYX95mL4dYGKvMxHj92HNZZXf7WLBqclbFIszgSeFpokqGR0b-AFKstPJEkzOIk7pWOzPkMswoRQOz95f/s1600/OB-Heather%2527s+Home+Office+Pub+Table+Area+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-Iism-EVhPTuIBVR3VS-ndsBfrgHBNYwnNEVuX0SPgR8Kz7m6zGYfcTmDqilYX95mL4dYGKvMxHj92HNZZXf7WLBqclbFIszgSeFpokqGR0b-AFKstPJEkzOIk7pWOzPkMswoRQOz95f/s640/OB-Heather%2527s+Home+Office+Pub+Table+Area+.jpg" width="594" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dhurrie striped rug + round pub table + rattan chair stools + nautical map + nautical brass pendant + gorgeous bowl centerpiece {sources <a href="http://www.olioboard.com/boards/24628-heather-s-home-office-pub-table-area">here</a>}</td></tr></tbody></table><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Living Area </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfjrksbcvgv4RaeZbPaLJJ-twIj9j-NAAdLi6YMC2zjhByPxaxeFmLIsxd7qOi2fxB9ROfAHtjH-CEaVeC106MVJ4OMwaYsz2kA6ZJHEjvPJLzogOrJxMRxXftIHb3euosFll268wdErv/s1600/OB-Heather%2527s+Home+Office+Living+Area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfjrksbcvgv4RaeZbPaLJJ-twIj9j-NAAdLi6YMC2zjhByPxaxeFmLIsxd7qOi2fxB9ROfAHtjH-CEaVeC106MVJ4OMwaYsz2kA6ZJHEjvPJLzogOrJxMRxXftIHb3euosFll268wdErv/s640/OB-Heather%2527s+Home+Office+Living+Area.jpg" width="566" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dhurrie rug + simple white sofa + black and white kelly wearstler pillows + x side table + oval ring side table + concentric coffee table + mustard side chair {sources <a href="http://www.olioboard.com/boards/24634-heather-s-home-office-living-area">here</a>}</td></tr></tbody></table><div>So that's it! My first mood board(s).  I'm officially obsessed.  Hope y'all enjoyed it as much as I did.  </div><div><br /></div><div>Don't forget to enter my <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/csn-stores-giveaway.html">giveaway</a>.  You have until Friday! </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, if you're in Chicago and need a wedding planner, my friend Heather is excellent.  She hasn't officially launched her business, but she's already doing work on the side.  Send me an email if you're interested and I'll put you in contact with her! </div>

Heather's Home Office Mood Board

First of all, this is my first mood board! I know right? I can't believe I haven't done one before.  I don't know why.  I see them all the time on other people's blogs and I like when they do them.  I guess I doubted my technical ability, which is 'turded because I was an advertising major and worke…

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A rich alternative

I'm always on the look out for what's new in colour schemes (knowing full well that there's nothing new , only recycled, slightly adjusted past trends).  I recently read an interesting post on <a href="http://www.porterhousedesigns.com/colorsizzle/tiger-eye">Color Sizzle  </a>titled Tiger's Eye; the name immediately brought a range of colours to mind.  Intrigued, I read on.  Just as I expected, Kelly was referring to those golden amber to honey brown colours suggesting that "if you've been looking for a neutral other than gray or beige, tiger-eye is a great alternative that creates a warm backdrop for many different colors and wood finishes"  Think luscious, elegant and cozy. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWwQ5WLm3tsZtjgrHHJ5tfYnUiSiPYoT9yoxXSp_7p74B7PyRQxMVYK0e-q2RqIzMT4Iw0-p5DtT9mKk4n430GtamuJvb7u2IokN_7f2TL6EIv47IkC63aU00CUOVnVHuvyzZUWcLC9mB/s1600/tiger-eye-gemstone-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWwQ5WLm3tsZtjgrHHJ5tfYnUiSiPYoT9yoxXSp_7p74B7PyRQxMVYK0e-q2RqIzMT4Iw0-p5DtT9mKk4n430GtamuJvb7u2IokN_7f2TL6EIv47IkC63aU00CUOVnVHuvyzZUWcLC9mB/s320/tiger-eye-gemstone-gallery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.internetstones.com/tiger-eye-gemstone-gallery.html">source</a></div><br />Then I found a second post by<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/163263/list/Old-Gold-is-a-New-Neutral"> Erica Ward</a></span> on Houzz who heralded that "old gold" is a new neutral, but gold with a twist - not it's  heavy or brassy predecessor we lived through  in past years.<br /><br />Now I'm having difficulty warming up to these pronouncements because I'm basically a gray lover, but I do love gray and yellow together so I suppose that's a start.  I am willing to give any colour a chance to convince me of its merits.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The "new" gold is not gaudy or flamboyant, dark or drab or used in excess.   Call it what you will,  gold has always been a staple for homeowners who want warmth, but there's an updated take on this hue. For 2011 we're talking about gentler, softer gold tones, often with a matte look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-JhYfnl3H4XIOP8YmtEWkiseNSmkU-742PKHEdJQoJ_C13euUR3Yl9WV4E9-coOIM6UYDL2blR8Jl-Yh3Zbr2WQ9qHpO3UWkx39tcPSP85SaKB_SbYm0O8vod43SCVuLgCgu0a_L-0hq/s1600/modern-warm-living-room-designs-2-300x236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/44779/Habersham-project-traditional-family-room-atlanta"><img alt="Habersham project traditional family room" border="0" height="388" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/44779_0_8-3939-traditional-family-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/family-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/5400/Valerie-DeRoy-Interiors-LLC" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Valerie DeRoy Interiors, LLC</a></small><br /><small><br /></small><br /><small> </small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small> <span style="font-size: small;">This palest of golds, soft and toned, adds warmth without boldness.  The overall look is light and pleasing and one you would not tire of quickly. </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><small> </small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/53668/Summer-Home-contemporary-bathroom-chicago"><img alt="Summer Home contemporary bathroom" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/53668_0_8-6717-contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/bathroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/6678/Nora-Schneider-Interior-Design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Nora Schneider Interior Design</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">This bathroom has the same overall feel as the room above even though  the wall colour is a little darker.   </span></small></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/51752/Decor-by-Jennifer-Inc-contemporary-family-room-"><img alt="Decor by Jennifer Inc contemporary family room" border="0" height="326" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/51752_0_8-2285-contemporary-family-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/family-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/toronto" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">toronto interior designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/6027/Jennifer-Brouwer" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Jennifer Brouwer</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Monochromatic, rich and restful in various values of gold from the softest cream to a buttery gold on the walls.  </span> </small></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/87800/Corbett-Lighting-traditional-dining-room-miami"><img alt="Corbett Lighting traditional dining room" border="0" height="642" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/87800_0_8-5978-traditional-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/showroom/miami" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">miami showroom</a> Capitol Lighting</small></div><br />This is a similar look as the monochromatic living room above that is enhanced by the gold on the tray ceiling which causes the rest of the room to glow. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-JhYfnl3H4XIOP8YmtEWkiseNSmkU-742PKHEdJQoJ_C13euUR3Yl9WV4E9-coOIM6UYDL2blR8Jl-Yh3Zbr2WQ9qHpO3UWkx39tcPSP85SaKB_SbYm0O8vod43SCVuLgCgu0a_L-0hq/s1600/modern-warm-living-room-designs-2-300x236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvDF9hwIMzJUMHDH-GDucw2uXL6i0PhiN8CsI5N87VS_7u7S0dLoQc0q4LagBCCSeWKE6TYtA92MNff2ddmX5XkAEFLabctab2LfxjSRZVhATVi0qqCaU9rNX9NKl3aCEbUaRjvu4CCGL/s1600/lennoxx+Jan+showers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvDF9hwIMzJUMHDH-GDucw2uXL6i0PhiN8CsI5N87VS_7u7S0dLoQc0q4LagBCCSeWKE6TYtA92MNff2ddmX5XkAEFLabctab2LfxjSRZVhATVi0qqCaU9rNX9NKl3aCEbUaRjvu4CCGL/s400/lennoxx+Jan+showers.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.thelennoxx.com/category/browse-by-color/gold/">The Lennoxx  </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This sumptuous bedroom designed by Jan Showers invites relaxation.  It seems I'm particularly attracted to a monochromatic look. </div><h1 id="gallerySubtitle"></h1><h1 id="gallerySubtitle"></h1><h1 id="gallerySubtitle"></h1><a href="http://www.porterhousedesigns.com/colorsizzle/tiger-eye"> </a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/41936/Feminine-Dining-Room-3-traditional-dining-room-dc-metro"><img alt="Feminine Dining Room 3 traditional dining room" border="0" height="746" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/41936_0_8-9388-traditional-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/5057/Paula-Grace-Designs-Inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Paula Grace Designs, Inc.</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This amber colour  is very complementary to darker wood tones and the added hints of gray blue makes the colour sing rich and luxurious. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8ixrS5A5eY6vMYy1DjIYfJxwh-VT5sYGl_EXWaMX2RhvxveAu6uv7hdJq6wtW5Z-gunbSGC908AHb19QMp4GAJ-tqAuQbtEJ6BVoFgE8_4dlUA3vfhC4lcA12Zs5p9dnsImysuIXs6EG/s1600/MATE-VEGA_Executive-III.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8ixrS5A5eY6vMYy1DjIYfJxwh-VT5sYGl_EXWaMX2RhvxveAu6uv7hdJq6wtW5Z-gunbSGC908AHb19QMp4GAJ-tqAuQbtEJ6BVoFgE8_4dlUA3vfhC4lcA12Zs5p9dnsImysuIXs6EG/s400/MATE-VEGA_Executive-III.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_796372302">The Lennoxx  </a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/17878/Gilded-Chair---"><img alt="Gilded Chair " border="0" height="509" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/17878_0_8-1371--.jpg" width="475" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">spaces design</a></small><br /><br /> Then there's gold used as an accent.  I always like the way gold work with black, blue or charcoal.  <small></small><br /><small><br /></small></div>

A rich alternative

I'm always on the look out for what's new in colour schemes (knowing full well that there's nothing new , only recycled, slightly adjusted past trends).  I recently read an interesting post on Color Sizzle  titled Tiger's Eye; the name immediately brought a range of colours to mind.  Intrigued, I re…

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French Blue Friday

I love me some french blue.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhREC0tAlhC2MJBfovG7ToO_GdoA5XfZzVengTxMB9pzVDjRy305eEdTfRmEMR80OSptVLeF6NebnCrFGB16uL0ljRdEW4OctDr8EYZVsHQ3CK5qJsydKnSOJwzHccUA4oumIgFY7m6mVO/s1600/Dining+Room+via+Oliveaux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhREC0tAlhC2MJBfovG7ToO_GdoA5XfZzVengTxMB9pzVDjRy305eEdTfRmEMR80OSptVLeF6NebnCrFGB16uL0ljRdEW4OctDr8EYZVsHQ3CK5qJsydKnSOJwzHccUA4oumIgFY7m6mVO/s1600/Dining+Room+via+Oliveaux.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://oliveaux.blogspot.com/2009/03/copenhagen-apartment.html">Oliveaux</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Lots to love about this dining room! Happy Friday Y'all! </div>

French Blue Friday

I love me some french blue.via OliveauxLots to love about this dining room! Happy Friday Y'all! …

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A Refreshing, Traditional Southampton Home

While browsing the internet yesterday, looking for banquette inspiration, I came across this lovely, traditional Southampton home in <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/decorating-change-it-comfort-1008?click=img_sr">House Beautiful</a>.  This cozy family home was designed by <a href="http://www.markhamroberts.com/bio.html">Markham Roberts</a>, and while the blue and white initially caught my eye, it's the traditional but fresh style that kept my attention.  Lately, I've been so overwhelmed with the contemporary bright colors and bold patterns that I'm finding myself seeking out the opposite.  I think this is a great example of how to take classical elements and make them fresh. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9PJXxh83_SXvAk8Cvtvm3FlC874wqirDr6_DCyioJAa0a3YyK7USC2BNKlamPAhj3KPjeYz3GZiLriQx42kC0rNHJXHOCrvxQwlfshE1F5jAY7h57AMGWAtlri-ZkANeDLrO_PUO6s1N/s1600/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Living+Room+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9PJXxh83_SXvAk8Cvtvm3FlC874wqirDr6_DCyioJAa0a3YyK7USC2BNKlamPAhj3KPjeYz3GZiLriQx42kC0rNHJXHOCrvxQwlfshE1F5jAY7h57AMGWAtlri-ZkANeDLrO_PUO6s1N/s1600/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Living+Room+.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the green tufted chaises next to the fireplace </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8m8li4NaLQqsGwrzj4yoyos3NjhWIKiJp1nTZ6X6NIK_-Ajc3V6_ERcemW_YvxmssKZYxVGwbNhVKMsK9uKX4QyvlSwdIbp7Y0hBTtZUgPkx2R_e5UyGMRJntyAtG5OWo9nK2uNzKXo1/s1600/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Entryway+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8m8li4NaLQqsGwrzj4yoyos3NjhWIKiJp1nTZ6X6NIK_-Ajc3V6_ERcemW_YvxmssKZYxVGwbNhVKMsK9uKX4QyvlSwdIbp7Y0hBTtZUgPkx2R_e5UyGMRJntyAtG5OWo9nK2uNzKXo1/s1600/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Entryway+.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sisal rugs and mirror are hand stenciled.  I also love that built-in bookcase is lifted off the ground, which keeps the hallway from feeling cramped,</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzlXk-6HjY724g__ZiD6J4c-3h95J_pzhgRuGmU0YAFJPcPLVD8qOqYJPkBcvATauqEb4s8HDK20DDWYBFR_zvGbyXvFOyAbZiEeQSK-JRIHfQbQPuVNj4O-ioJXTm0xRYtI9VXl1bM8I/s1600/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Hallway+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzlXk-6HjY724g__ZiD6J4c-3h95J_pzhgRuGmU0YAFJPcPLVD8qOqYJPkBcvATauqEb4s8HDK20DDWYBFR_zvGbyXvFOyAbZiEeQSK-JRIHfQbQPuVNj4O-ioJXTm0xRYtI9VXl1bM8I/s400/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Hallway+.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the fresh look of the fern prints and the wide-planked wood floors.  (Trivia: The Suze had a fern print couch when we were little.  It will be making an appearance here soon) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNbmpoxSDvqiLY4wzCOO8-oQZrnUDRsf3XyRLEzRTO0X78Xlk3pifPTmbkj49hwxrXeIBBxhZX_s0E5Gdt_6jvzi1VQQJf0keTEe4Zo58eATeQRjANO0_hIC6PWi9Mv_B6_YwXGiNtlvH/s1600/House+BEautiful+Markham+Roberts+Kitchen+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNbmpoxSDvqiLY4wzCOO8-oQZrnUDRsf3XyRLEzRTO0X78Xlk3pifPTmbkj49hwxrXeIBBxhZX_s0E5Gdt_6jvzi1VQQJf0keTEe4Zo58eATeQRjANO0_hIC6PWi9Mv_B6_YwXGiNtlvH/s1600/House+BEautiful+Markham+Roberts+Kitchen+.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another  cozy banquette </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0f-LWl4z6ke9ip2BelLq06gJKUG-1e__JpkTeLi9SbEvyHlxKq6FQAH1YfW_UvJPk1_vj7c8f_Tn3bg8L8bsp59pg29QA_eEFdz4nt5j3e-u64g5zaAZsAIlDE68NJNKiNzx7XfyNGlme/s1600/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Girl%2527s+Bedroom+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0f-LWl4z6ke9ip2BelLq06gJKUG-1e__JpkTeLi9SbEvyHlxKq6FQAH1YfW_UvJPk1_vj7c8f_Tn3bg8L8bsp59pg29QA_eEFdz4nt5j3e-u64g5zaAZsAIlDE68NJNKiNzx7XfyNGlme/s1600/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Girl%2527s+Bedroom+.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little girl's room is very traditional with an adorable 19th century child's slipper chair </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQiYs3ymlTsGim2WxyJOtpUNz_t7jcrlT4XY8SoGjCSAPOgggUR1eNTNA2bPS1-J6d7Ay2Uf0Gtxg8XVuQO8u3s8oEnQ4G3DQxi8vOuJ0l7w6W-p4cJ7fmWs6EHDKNjQ7U5j4XBetJUm4/s1600/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Master+Bedroom+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQiYs3ymlTsGim2WxyJOtpUNz_t7jcrlT4XY8SoGjCSAPOgggUR1eNTNA2bPS1-J6d7Ay2Uf0Gtxg8XVuQO8u3s8oEnQ4G3DQxi8vOuJ0l7w6W-p4cJ7fmWs6EHDKNjQ7U5j4XBetJUm4/s1600/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Master+Bedroom+.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kind of master bedroom in blue and white. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62pLluitvhwPyMW_vuIUNX8uD-hrZwvUWtzmwwyMXLSC9LZmR1JIt1rxzAVppwje3fkuIzklT3Cdv_c61C_-t0GElXNeyR5oNphJkS61iP4BWDuEAKygOwDgTOw1AAfENDoHz3B3R_7-t/s1600/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Guest+Bedroom+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62pLluitvhwPyMW_vuIUNX8uD-hrZwvUWtzmwwyMXLSC9LZmR1JIt1rxzAVppwje3fkuIzklT3Cdv_c61C_-t0GElXNeyR5oNphJkS61iP4BWDuEAKygOwDgTOw1AAfENDoHz3B3R_7-t/s1600/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Guest+Bedroom+.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest bedroom - I love the upholstered chair with the contrasting dark buttons and piping and ruffled skirt</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c-ju30BFfHVSyhRDdwnNjYU9nOgVyMx1fkBcmuoKuTaWoxjZEf-qjv976KKqFR8ZqoNovglA0lU82PhZ-GXhzMEnD0iAYerByIHyiF5f8xptEY4wpU29sANwfItKDOCRi-3_1l0-n0ya/s1600/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Sun+Porch+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c-ju30BFfHVSyhRDdwnNjYU9nOgVyMx1fkBcmuoKuTaWoxjZEf-qjv976KKqFR8ZqoNovglA0lU82PhZ-GXhzMEnD0iAYerByIHyiF5f8xptEY4wpU29sANwfItKDOCRi-3_1l0-n0ya/s1600/House+Beautiful+Markham+Roberts+Sun+Porch+.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another cozy banquette on the sunporch, the perfect place for me to take a nap.  I love the shades , too.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>For more of this lovely home and the accompanying article in House Beautiful, click <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/decorating-change-it-comfort-1008?click=img_sr">here</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>

A Refreshing, Traditional Southampton Home

While browsing the internet yesterday, looking for banquette inspiration, I came across this lovely, traditional Southampton home in House Beautiful.  This cozy family home was designed by Markham Roberts, and while the blue and white initially caught my eye, it's the traditional but fresh style tha…

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Banquette Love

I love banquette seating especially in a kitchen nook. (It's no secret I love <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/search/label/nooks">nooks</a>)  I love the idea of being able to squeeze next my honey over Sunday breakfast. Here's some inspirational breakfast nookie for you today.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2W-5_aoeUehLtl-NdV5uxkTJ0VYESQjD63Y3vG3k0EOg7wOwhJ-9ekLN7yWdFGtd9xticYhPzOmHq9bkUSIIQ1_w-OQvkjJfIMwtvPWkd-DSLdrx0ocMXM3xlqgWqFaaeKgLgcrwnAE/s1600/Picture+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2W-5_aoeUehLtl-NdV5uxkTJ0VYESQjD63Y3vG3k0EOg7wOwhJ-9ekLN7yWdFGtd9xticYhPzOmHq9bkUSIIQ1_w-OQvkjJfIMwtvPWkd-DSLdrx0ocMXM3xlqgWqFaaeKgLgcrwnAE/s640/Picture+2.jpg" width="444" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jackyelanham.com/bio.html">Jackye Lanham</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcnhnXQo3qtjKd4cfwWqrq3wxSqBFcgZnu3NkOa-21pAjUDLeSozBnBiqX13B8T1KQu5rlkoQlUYWrPZchTE3q3hWZwvRUdywQipO2dq-Wt1RJ3x-Qr8w3wiASF04-FhmAGwwZZOHTlU/s1600/Picture+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcnhnXQo3qtjKd4cfwWqrq3wxSqBFcgZnu3NkOa-21pAjUDLeSozBnBiqX13B8T1KQu5rlkoQlUYWrPZchTE3q3hWZwvRUdywQipO2dq-Wt1RJ3x-Qr8w3wiASF04-FhmAGwwZZOHTlU/s640/Picture+1.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://saragilbaneinteriors.com/index.php">Sara Gilbane</a> </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUHU31MM0Rxcu2i1osVHyIBSjCCv6gU4aqjSQOcxoaQ7PUFkgPFjciNuNPk2blCtkli5K34bH0vhbAVPBxST7y1vhjhJuTBA4tE69PtyaDVPE0QpMmDp04fy2mLsNviBqo_rP5cxmFxQ/s1600/Picture+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUHU31MM0Rxcu2i1osVHyIBSjCCv6gU4aqjSQOcxoaQ7PUFkgPFjciNuNPk2blCtkli5K34bH0vhbAVPBxST7y1vhjhJuTBA4tE69PtyaDVPE0QpMmDp04fy2mLsNviBqo_rP5cxmFxQ/s640/Picture+6.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myhomeideas.com/room-galleries/gingham-breakfast-00415000067856/index.html">My Home Ideas</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSu47Hv-g-_COduQ2GEcCWxTYsrx29ZJ3-DyAc8Ecl8j96SVXrloSjaMklpfnxJVsDcNom2luLsM2EgHC35NIUg0ZFrvccHUAFJrFXXeWKKOzESlr2CyeJSXmWce9z7Ch4-j5HNOwLtc/s1600/Breakfast+Banquette+Steven+Gambrel+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSu47Hv-g-_COduQ2GEcCWxTYsrx29ZJ3-DyAc8Ecl8j96SVXrloSjaMklpfnxJVsDcNom2luLsM2EgHC35NIUg0ZFrvccHUAFJrFXXeWKKOzESlr2CyeJSXmWce9z7Ch4-j5HNOwLtc/s640/Breakfast+Banquette+Steven+Gambrel+.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.srgambrel.com/">Steven Gambrel</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXz-4TI5Rh-dkVnm3UtzVXf1b7aEdFXxl6VSnhUT-QqaqG-DI-shiDwsAxo86fUeXEMbSH2q7lgchOv1htAKM83b1egBsxBzLLQW3zVihSszWJgW6NXpXZ8Qk9y09vQ8LmaZGjeNo2yY/s1600/banquette+Melissa+Warner+via+la+dolce+vita+blog+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXz-4TI5Rh-dkVnm3UtzVXf1b7aEdFXxl6VSnhUT-QqaqG-DI-shiDwsAxo86fUeXEMbSH2q7lgchOv1htAKM83b1egBsxBzLLQW3zVihSszWJgW6NXpXZ8Qk9y09vQ8LmaZGjeNo2yY/s640/banquette+Melissa+Warner+via+la+dolce+vita+blog+.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mwmalacarte.com/interior-design/">Melissa Warner </a>via <a href="http://paloma81.blogspot.com/2010/03/dream-home-in-city-by-bay.html">La Dolce Vita</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5TXPShzKHU0Sio16jS_mqyS1iOjqg_IRD7eGA9676-I6vkqqUTHw9DvGEjGS5zG5K3mzqKf-gCopu1OK0kSanrI_0088yN5O77BhKJ-INzCLtcVx3gH9rihyphenhyphenlt1wRpMVTwj1wo_deAc/s1600/bench-seating-lifeandstyleatoz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5TXPShzKHU0Sio16jS_mqyS1iOjqg_IRD7eGA9676-I6vkqqUTHw9DvGEjGS5zG5K3mzqKf-gCopu1OK0kSanrI_0088yN5O77BhKJ-INzCLtcVx3gH9rihyphenhyphenlt1wRpMVTwj1wo_deAc/s640/bench-seating-lifeandstyleatoz.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://lifeandstyleatoz.blogspot.com/2010/04/n-is-for-nook-breakfast-nook.html">Life and Style: A to Z</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAS1CGE1z_apxm8hm40jEU-QI1L3SJKMbJc6zo1X-aZh3F7ZtEkh2dThyd7TYol_5uo3r3k6UlHD9pUHzC_ELq6YtMfoOXM6CQaC7XjDNrxz-eRtIBNSwyKuvTHVGKrcspoEHpo0FKmY/s1600/banquette+Traditional+Home+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAS1CGE1z_apxm8hm40jEU-QI1L3SJKMbJc6zo1X-aZh3F7ZtEkh2dThyd7TYol_5uo3r3k6UlHD9pUHzC_ELq6YtMfoOXM6CQaC7XjDNrxz-eRtIBNSwyKuvTHVGKrcspoEHpo0FKmY/s640/banquette+Traditional+Home+.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/howwelive/new-home-atlanta_ss5.html">Traditional Home </a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAS0AkHtsnoABiVjduzy6hihJwHWcItP7nx3Gs3GxnE1lIug-GabQ7oUPKfkOdBSrEKn0h2rT2Ozc-2rlhyphenhyphen04Mh4J5lZeTPqCVdrceZvlFlWZXSc2AxINONQ-nFV9P9zIHinT8pnRE28/s1600/Banquette+Katie+Stassi+via+Cote+de+Texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAS0AkHtsnoABiVjduzy6hihJwHWcItP7nx3Gs3GxnE1lIug-GabQ7oUPKfkOdBSrEKn0h2rT2Ozc-2rlhyphenhyphen04Mh4J5lZeTPqCVdrceZvlFlWZXSc2AxINONQ-nFV9P9zIHinT8pnRE28/s640/Banquette+Katie+Stassi+via+Cote+de+Texas.jpg" width="540" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie Stassi via <a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/10/katie-stassi-does-it-again.html">Cote de Texas</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuNN5-kdw1sbs4bvZD_8IRED6gEIrVYqm7DVe-IPxpHCC7Zw8vdF6aJrpP5z7QWLB1a8MsPh_f8Mk1obRNwPgjA1TLCnK14_ML-7Smb4Yo2W-jecf7h4V0Y3AG5mrA_RfiKfi7nCg-Ss/s1600/banquette+via+decorpad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuNN5-kdw1sbs4bvZD_8IRED6gEIrVYqm7DVe-IPxpHCC7Zw8vdF6aJrpP5z7QWLB1a8MsPh_f8Mk1obRNwPgjA1TLCnK14_ML-7Smb4Yo2W-jecf7h4V0Y3AG5mrA_RfiKfi7nCg-Ss/s640/banquette+via+decorpad.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=901&index=2&currentPage=0&searchQuery=banquette&searchType=photos">DecorPad</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzhbbERswmsnJ8UmO4Cl5GkAjjQtcWEMlWhLJN1vY6ZtPAIglAMnmUsFsNd7ujJyvF1SFyH-MAPzycM72L3fZRN31mcljYFmQ4u03pycWJHaFtUO3rNvqbEP37DQPy24fiD8GnHrCpnw/s1600/Banquette+Lonny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzhbbERswmsnJ8UmO4Cl5GkAjjQtcWEMlWhLJN1vY6ZtPAIglAMnmUsFsNd7ujJyvF1SFyH-MAPzycM72L3fZRN31mcljYFmQ4u03pycWJHaFtUO3rNvqbEP37DQPy24fiD8GnHrCpnw/s640/Banquette+Lonny.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lonnymag.com/issues/13-jan-feb-2011/pages/1">Lonny Magazine </a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtnmCzFMmsrPRlsNsefrZUvuSb9sgF-a_8Zy9wu0z9BSm7MhFBwVeaNPxVg4VetWroHmyWDrd2Qf_IZ9ZVzeQnpB6BMaAgs7wA8yU6RPtqOWDBRG_4GhX4aTu5R-Y7pz2SgQPuwAtuCg/s1600/Banquette+House+Beautiful+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtnmCzFMmsrPRlsNsefrZUvuSb9sgF-a_8Zy9wu0z9BSm7MhFBwVeaNPxVg4VetWroHmyWDrd2Qf_IZ9ZVzeQnpB6BMaAgs7wA8yU6RPtqOWDBRG_4GhX4aTu5R-Y7pz2SgQPuwAtuCg/s640/Banquette+House+Beautiful+.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/romantic-is-sensual-1106?click=img_sr">House Beautiful</a> </td></tr></tbody></table>

Banquette Love

I love banquette seating especially in a kitchen nook. (It's no secret I love nooks)  I love the idea of being able to squeeze next my honey over Sunday breakfast. Here's some inspirational breakfast nookie for you today.Jackye LanhamSara Gilbane My Home IdeasSteven GambrelMelissa Warner via La Dolc…

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French Country Chic in D Home

Growing up in Highland Park, Texas, I've been privy to some of the most beautiful, tasteful homes I've ever seen, many of which will never end up on the pages of a magazine, but easily could.  I always get excited and inspired when I get a glimpse of interiors from my hometown. There's just something about the way they do things down there.<br /><br />I don't know the couple in this <a href="http://www.dmagazine.com/Home/D_Home/2011/January_February/Charity_Begins_at_Home_For_this_Park_Cities_Couple.aspx?page=1&gpage=1#articlegallery">D Magazine article</a> so it might get awkward when I show up at their house and ask to sleep in their guest room for a couple nights. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi35a-d0mE-e6_XcoC-Q6cJqh1Bk6ZQCXemi_GhNGmgFRvSbDMuoGmtmpFfN4l04ERaW8byv4qH2g_YrQWrp8qSVr24zXUQVk638yYGDT2_pgU4BZEMJgTS4QcW_MhUzR5JE-dncQ1Ol4/s1600/Guest+Room+HP+Home+D+Mag+Karlisch+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi35a-d0mE-e6_XcoC-Q6cJqh1Bk6ZQCXemi_GhNGmgFRvSbDMuoGmtmpFfN4l04ERaW8byv4qH2g_YrQWrp8qSVr24zXUQVk638yYGDT2_pgU4BZEMJgTS4QcW_MhUzR5JE-dncQ1Ol4/s1600/Guest+Room+HP+Home+D+Mag+Karlisch+.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or read a book from start to finish in their special guest sitting room </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RzReuyONGTHmR028SRs2QMtEfYZaR-NLvebr3U5ApIBCgGcXjr4SRdJIdAe4wY6yegRCiogIdmyUqxl1s8O-7fHWV4trYwlnQ8D6OtXwo_64H5o3kSB2YVDTxkPVGXcvcKSwTdG9kog/s1600/GUest+sitting+room+HP+Home+D+Mag+Karlisch+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RzReuyONGTHmR028SRs2QMtEfYZaR-NLvebr3U5ApIBCgGcXjr4SRdJIdAe4wY6yegRCiogIdmyUqxl1s8O-7fHWV4trYwlnQ8D6OtXwo_64H5o3kSB2YVDTxkPVGXcvcKSwTdG9kog/s640/GUest+sitting+room+HP+Home+D+Mag+Karlisch+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Or get bombed next to this fabulous "martini niche" as the magazine calls it (loves it)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovoLHd4ihumW34MY6s889CYaP2BSlVXNiPx-NGmhGhb8npj40OISb0x6v5A2XkSXS04PTGBras8RGvF8cwuVFRCr5099P4OpKxvSa6hyphenhyphenJQrfCrd_6JifFMtqN1-hufcSyIg4hnUgq0SQ/s1600/D+Mag+Martini+Niche+HP+Home+Karlisch+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovoLHd4ihumW34MY6s889CYaP2BSlVXNiPx-NGmhGhb8npj40OISb0x6v5A2XkSXS04PTGBras8RGvF8cwuVFRCr5099P4OpKxvSa6hyphenhyphenJQrfCrd_6JifFMtqN1-hufcSyIg4hnUgq0SQ/s1600/D+Mag+Martini+Niche+HP+Home+Karlisch+.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I need an acrylic bar cart stat </td></tr></tbody></table>And pass out in their backyard as they look out disapprovingly from their amazing windows.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNo_VXMvQK-QixYtLeuKLnIweLHHBFHG6AJ7X6z4JqKV-NkhT6wRrfy4JCCe17NFSdmZ8b8SfjXURPj7WjiG_1vJJWrRMNtcU1BSHDd2qQAb_0cKTLP7MUXRskK9GD1Xb8KZbP1vsUQg/s1600/D+Mag+Backyard+HP+Home+Karlisch+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNo_VXMvQK-QixYtLeuKLnIweLHHBFHG6AJ7X6z4JqKV-NkhT6wRrfy4JCCe17NFSdmZ8b8SfjXURPj7WjiG_1vJJWrRMNtcU1BSHDd2qQAb_0cKTLP7MUXRskK9GD1Xb8KZbP1vsUQg/s1600/D+Mag+Backyard+HP+Home+Karlisch+.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Just kidding. I would never be so inappropriate.  For more of this lovely Dallas home see <a href="http://www.dmagazine.com/Home/D_Home/2011/January_February/Charity_Begins_at_Home_For_this_Park_Cities_Couple.aspx?page=1&gpage=6#articlegallery">HERE</a>.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photography by </span><a href="http://www.karlischphotography.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Stephen Karlisch</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>

French Country Chic in D Home

Growing up in Highland Park, Texas, I've been privy to some of the most beautiful, tasteful homes I've ever seen, many of which will never end up on the pages of a magazine, but easily could.  I always get excited and inspired when I get a glimpse of interiors from my hometown. There's just somethin…

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In defense of Keep Calm and Carry On

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiK5OTsw-2asPzcVGfq-75EfQJfaW2KZ8Ea_IiQP2R0li1QaDUOP5CIC2D6SvWFoe1gt3IRxxBFz-_ua_VyTWpFZDh1ouAJROeYG2tGJ-1ON6_t8Zqcf7GhzWcPfie5qfBdXbCRBezYkmF/s1600/keep-calm-and-carry-on-blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiK5OTsw-2asPzcVGfq-75EfQJfaW2KZ8Ea_IiQP2R0li1QaDUOP5CIC2D6SvWFoe1gt3IRxxBFz-_ua_VyTWpFZDh1ouAJROeYG2tGJ-1ON6_t8Zqcf7GhzWcPfie5qfBdXbCRBezYkmF/s640/keep-calm-and-carry-on-blue.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />There's an <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/02/are-we-overexposed-to-design.html">interesting discussion</a> going on over at <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/">Little Green Notebook</a> questioning whether or not design bloggers and long-time blog readers are overexposed to design.  One of the examples many of the commenters used is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keep_Calm_and_Carry_On">Keep Calm and Carry On</a> poster.  Almost everyone on the blogosphere will agree that this has been used and over-used and many are tired of seeing it.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36Y-jW9AmjvPs3QhK-0mMBHoUx0mE3ZCHvnDxs9Xuh2RyfRO9AKd-P8NyIgJFygkK5KLZKN19dZkrcbDvYSxIbLcUj16vUpkdOJCEDFfLrvzN9R9cZD4a5ZOzr4rSooj3B_21YzLNcs8/s1600/DSC_1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36Y-jW9AmjvPs3QhK-0mMBHoUx0mE3ZCHvnDxs9Xuh2RyfRO9AKd-P8NyIgJFygkK5KLZKN19dZkrcbDvYSxIbLcUj16vUpkdOJCEDFfLrvzN9R9cZD4a5ZOzr4rSooj3B_21YzLNcs8/s640/DSC_1300.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As seen in <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/then-comes-baby-in-baby-carriage.html">my nursery </a></td></tr></tbody></table>In fact, I was a little self-conscious about posting the photos of <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/then-comes-baby-in-baby-carriage.html">my nursery</a> that had the poster in it (I even made a defensive comment about it in the captions).  I was afraid the cool kids might not take me seriously.  So Junior High right?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJjT8c_5HyqT4p6r5pq71uGkVrmp0m4Jrj-PjiKVyTwEyLSsBEtYLw0WbPrKHr3b6q6zpVYD0jM3KpyMA46pM1ng88bdyfsZM1iDDazkJ0tJVLKC5EeEnFYlolkQZPJIuvCjGZT_79-U8/s1600/Grant+K.+Gibson+Keep+Calm+Poster+Elle+Decor+Showcase+House+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJjT8c_5HyqT4p6r5pq71uGkVrmp0m4Jrj-PjiKVyTwEyLSsBEtYLw0WbPrKHr3b6q6zpVYD0jM3KpyMA46pM1ng88bdyfsZM1iDDazkJ0tJVLKC5EeEnFYlolkQZPJIuvCjGZT_79-U8/s1600/Grant+K.+Gibson+Keep+Calm+Poster+Elle+Decor+Showcase+House+.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.grantkgibson.com/">Grant K. Gibson</a> used it for the teen's bathroom in the <a href="http://www.elledecor.com/elle-decor/articles/elle-decor-showhouse">Elle Decor showhouse </a></td></tr></tbody></table>Then I remembered, I am neither cool nor a designer, and I like the poster.  <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When it's 3 a.m. and you're baby has just vomited all over you after you changed three diapers in a row, as your husband snores in the next room, it is perfect advice.  Also, everybody that visits my nursery singles that poster out as something they love in the room.  It still makes a great gift for friends and it's a cute way to add some color to the room. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWnN7LTm5EL5PESkZJkgMfQrhqOGGdhMj9bhnS98Zi8JytgA5XTMIHoj-k9N259l_iotunPOYXN6HjtcHQIwJCjXMjwlEtEES6AyR1KO12XIMzSMvVXEZgWB07KOyC26QJAG9FyvL9Pvc/s1600/Keep+Calm+Kitchen+HB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWnN7LTm5EL5PESkZJkgMfQrhqOGGdhMj9bhnS98Zi8JytgA5XTMIHoj-k9N259l_iotunPOYXN6HjtcHQIwJCjXMjwlEtEES6AyR1KO12XIMzSMvVXEZgWB07KOyC26QJAG9FyvL9Pvc/s640/Keep+Calm+Kitchen+HB.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As seen in this kitchen in <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/beach-house-decorating-ideas-0710">House Beautiful</a> </td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I think, perhaps, the reason </span><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">people</span></s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> bloggers are so sick of it, is because it is everywhere.  It's a curious case of something that is in the public domain because the copyright has expired and thus anyone is free to use it and profit from it.  I will admit, I sometimes groan when I see it on design blogs, but strangely it doesn't seem to bother me when I see it in my own home.  It makes me happy.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">  </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWW3pT_BLberqJrN-YHHybi5L_AOI-PaiZrGNzEtLEbibTF2diocrKxBJJiuZ-lQoEfFA-dGgL5bKLKnJRYRgnHALqj7hSdRCiiA1hysJKsbffgdMVZcIYpr9AIo0PiB9I9t3WHlUhi1i/s1600/Keep+Calm+%2526+Go+Bananas+Hostess+with+the+Mostess+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWW3pT_BLberqJrN-YHHybi5L_AOI-PaiZrGNzEtLEbibTF2diocrKxBJJiuZ-lQoEfFA-dGgL5bKLKnJRYRgnHALqj7hSdRCiiA1hysJKsbffgdMVZcIYpr9AIo0PiB9I9t3WHlUhi1i/s1600/Keep+Calm+%2526+Go+Bananas+Hostess+with+the+Mostess+.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cute variation for a children's birthday party via <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/02/real-parties-curious-charleys-monkey-party/">Hostess with the Mostess </a></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So I will unapologetically keep the tired old poster up in the nursery and thirty years from now when the trend has recycled for the third time, I can look back at pictures of my little boy's nursery and remember how cool I was.  I'm going to love it </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.google.com/images?client=safari&rls=en&q=for+like+ever+poster&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&sa=X&ei=vtxjTdX6D5P2tgPGqfXPCA&ved=0CD0QsAQ&biw=1020&bih=600"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">for like ever</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></span>

In defense of Keep Calm and Carry On

There's an interesting discussion going on over at Little Green Notebook questioning whether or not design bloggers and long-time blog readers are overexposed to design.  One of the examples many of the commenters used is the Keep Calm and Carry On poster.  Almost everyone on the blogosphere will ag…

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Ok enough with the beds right?

Nevaaahhhh!<br /><br />Sorry, I'm in a weird mood.  Anyhoo, I keep seeing posts about <a href="http://www.elledecor.com/image/tid/6236?page=0">this house</a> from <a href="http://www.elledecor.com/">Elle Decor</a> by <a href="http://www.srgambrel.com/portfolio/">Steven Gambrel</a>.  I really like this headboard. Very Pretty.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4GL2me3B-zN0lIvsqfSPttlrwXWjl0wffTbOfZ7lDCyColMZGT_WT2CRHBr9l_6YQR9ZmKt-Pj-6O52oq9nBg1n9K3iVL1zTyGfAIFqiUtmuToLtVulGNeIlVq1qM9LPAH3gzKGmV2cR/s1600/hbvia+braebourne+frm+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4GL2me3B-zN0lIvsqfSPttlrwXWjl0wffTbOfZ7lDCyColMZGT_WT2CRHBr9l_6YQR9ZmKt-Pj-6O52oq9nBg1n9K3iVL1zTyGfAIFqiUtmuToLtVulGNeIlVq1qM9LPAH3gzKGmV2cR/s640/hbvia+braebourne+frm+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />and just so you don't get sick of me and my bed obsession, here are two more lovely images from the <a href="http://www.elledecor.com/image/tid/6236?page=0">same house</a> that aren't bedrooms.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5qI6ZNtbXdRZ6zYuqvr4VkSZS2FQT8FYL3JPSgx82qDZ0rAg4nvVAUGxDugi-8rgSJRVb1cdcxqO43tHGG_vaCZsNJby_Qgik5sS9HQmW11Wbx3r4_IyNl8PgcvoaikaRpa8bg7ui6IZ/s1600/steven-gambrel-ed0211-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5qI6ZNtbXdRZ6zYuqvr4VkSZS2FQT8FYL3JPSgx82qDZ0rAg4nvVAUGxDugi-8rgSJRVb1cdcxqO43tHGG_vaCZsNJby_Qgik5sS9HQmW11Wbx3r4_IyNl8PgcvoaikaRpa8bg7ui6IZ/s640/steven-gambrel-ed0211-10.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqivWLlMauVP1EvEIU0e371ih3b_B6QZQHJlYMjltvyYVtwgdANM3OYcVGrFoTwP6iuwVBSQKOfoFcPslQyErsjPXJE2YEcfegGRX-FCNOG7brdesGBbw25DCIi0KUflmK__c1ZiFbDsH/s1600/steven-gambrel-ed0211-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqivWLlMauVP1EvEIU0e371ih3b_B6QZQHJlYMjltvyYVtwgdANM3OYcVGrFoTwP6iuwVBSQKOfoFcPslQyErsjPXJE2YEcfegGRX-FCNOG7brdesGBbw25DCIi0KUflmK__c1ZiFbDsH/s640/steven-gambrel-ed0211-11.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>

Ok enough with the beds right?

Nevaaahhhh!Sorry, I'm in a weird mood.  Anyhoo, I keep seeing posts about this house from Elle Decor by Steven Gambrel.  I really like this headboard. Very Pretty.and just so you don't get sick of me and my bed obsession, here are two more lovely images from the same house that aren't bedrooms.…

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Ashley Whittaker Bedroom

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HnH0rYhYWaRmw38vWAES1bTlRp-WhmAmidaFrCGIRSmG6pUCU4h3UtNNIw3QpNI17KRhVNk8gbrWSEzfmhfr5kSVCExo5nDI24Xzux84Y3r34FjlCSRT1eX9yA3ntdgYn9hc8JQfh8W4/s1600/Ashley+Whittaker+Bedroom+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HnH0rYhYWaRmw38vWAES1bTlRp-WhmAmidaFrCGIRSmG6pUCU4h3UtNNIw3QpNI17KRhVNk8gbrWSEzfmhfr5kSVCExo5nDI24Xzux84Y3r34FjlCSRT1eX9yA3ntdgYn9hc8JQfh8W4/s1600/Ashley+Whittaker+Bedroom+.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMmHQfI-5hXzhT4S-StcwLHg11V7hhg8v-bcAl0WtwYIgt9tBdmZY48Md3MWMyE1kz7hISbR2zw1syOa-f9co6XRmzpQSjsYuG15Tx2sKxrwfmMIv_WHePaOHxOYiRT6mjPb4dV8e_FPZ/s1600/Ashley+Whittaker+Dressing+Room+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMmHQfI-5hXzhT4S-StcwLHg11V7hhg8v-bcAl0WtwYIgt9tBdmZY48Md3MWMyE1kz7hISbR2zw1syOa-f9co6XRmzpQSjsYuG15Tx2sKxrwfmMIv_WHePaOHxOYiRT6mjPb4dV8e_FPZ/s640/Ashley+Whittaker+Dressing+Room+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I came across this bedroom by <a href="http://www.ashleywhittakerdesign.com/">Ashley Whittaker </a> while browsing her portfolio and thought, wouldn't it be nice to have such a clean space?  Obviously, I love the room for it's blue and whiteness and very cozy looking bed that's calling my name (people who read this blog probably think I'm the laziest, I'm not, I'm just mourning the sleep I once took for granted pre-bebe).  Anyway, my house is somehow a complete disaster today and it would be nice to have a beautiful photo-shoot ready room that doesn't have dog hair and spit-up clothes strewn about.  It may be a four-cup-of-coffee-morning today to get me moving and cleaning.  Perhaps, I shall put on the <a href="http://www.justinbiebermusic.com/neversaynever/">Justin Bieber</a> collection that I shamelessly purchased after seeing his movie (which was awesome btw...I'm now a Belieber) and dance my house clean.

Ashley Whittaker Bedroom

I came across this bedroom by Ashley Whittaker  while browsing her portfolio and thought, wouldn't it be nice to have such a clean space?  Obviously, I love the room for it's blue and whiteness and very cozy looking bed that's calling my name (people who read this blog probably think I'm the laziest…

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Lovely Bedroom Nook

How cozy is this niche bed complete with drapes behind which one can tuck away and <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/search/label/nooks">hide</a>?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhi-7zMm4n8V1sJKS1jXriO2F99yDDtuEOpzhmEau8l7PwmsFYsY7JfnHO2os1Iz1Ji6JtK4eUsMMnjJyvIAGo0o7lWQdisCelbNOlm2I5IfvF7RQbz1XwUsrP0yWzOfOnUmv0EQpJe8/s1600/B%2526W+Living+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhi-7zMm4n8V1sJKS1jXriO2F99yDDtuEOpzhmEau8l7PwmsFYsY7JfnHO2os1Iz1Ji6JtK4eUsMMnjJyvIAGo0o7lWQdisCelbNOlm2I5IfvF7RQbz1XwUsrP0yWzOfOnUmv0EQpJe8/s640/B%2526W+Living+.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><br />The best part is the door <i>in</i> the nook that leads to ladies room.  This means I could conceivably get there by just rolling over.  I find this to be truly brilliant for my brand of laziness. <br /><br />Have a lovely weekend y'all!<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{Please pardon the less than stellar quality of this image.  My scanner is bunk.}</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Image from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0609603566?ie=UTF8&tag=thegift03-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0609603566">Blue and White Living</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thegift03-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0609603566" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Stephanie Hoppen.  </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photography by <a href="http://www.fritzvonderschulenburg.com/">Fritz von der Schulenburg</a>. </span>

Lovely Bedroom Nook

How cozy is this niche bed complete with drapes behind which one can tuck away and hide?The best part is the door in the nook that leads to ladies room.  This means I could conceivably get there by just rolling over.  I find this to be truly brilliant for my brand of laziness. Have a lovely weekend …

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Take one roller shade and...

Do you want a WOW treatment for your window? Here are easy window treatments that won't set you back a week's pay, but are sure to be noticed.  All you need is a simple roller shade and a little time.  Perhaps these ideas will inspire new creations in your hands. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Take one roller shade and ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>....paint it.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUzeLe2a4teFItzCz-QK42gBIjQePe_75krF2d68pc9XIiWjXP1_Vjo586KIQO53R_F4LQSLqLblwZuixqHqkW4aZ8tJp7wBQpfDNHSHUeAyuWun0bocwWQQF5WednzDI7NLUJY2Af4Is/s1600/ss_100216803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUzeLe2a4teFItzCz-QK42gBIjQePe_75krF2d68pc9XIiWjXP1_Vjo586KIQO53R_F4LQSLqLblwZuixqHqkW4aZ8tJp7wBQpfDNHSHUeAyuWun0bocwWQQF5WednzDI7NLUJY2Af4Is/s400/ss_100216803.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/window-treatments/window-projects/window-treatment-ideas/?page=6">Better Homes and Gardens</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A simple, large scale design and a vibrant colour create quite an impact.  All you need is a white roller shade, a pencil and acrylic paint.  When you've finished painting and everything is fully dried, use hot glue to attach a strip of contrasting ribbon at the bottom as a finishing detail. The addition of the ring pull adds a  detail that certainly works to add interest. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirdmqdwlINre6idn5ChBLBJu9rvIhGRuCvM2MHJKgWHqj5r2ZtWXktvx56LX4DJ2p7z4ZN964PU0J1yVmMvCcNdB7kEJwZGMDj0IYyiNoCvgWDd_SBjnrmmUOiEQ5L9yYYCSFmKi3-xZX/s1600/Painted-Roller-Window-Shade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirdmqdwlINre6idn5ChBLBJu9rvIhGRuCvM2MHJKgWHqj5r2ZtWXktvx56LX4DJ2p7z4ZN964PU0J1yVmMvCcNdB7kEJwZGMDj0IYyiNoCvgWDd_SBjnrmmUOiEQ5L9yYYCSFmKi3-xZX/s400/Painted-Roller-Window-Shade.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homeworkshop.com/2010/10/20/10-diy-window-treatments-quick-inexpensive/">Home Workshop</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's another take  in stripes using the same process. All you need is a ruler and painter's tape and some left over acrylic paint.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7xiCUpQGJ0wb5Ck_fdYU-C76UkY_gHWt_fg7-_SrX5JUn5BaR-maFmRPQhZYaX7UZdGREyCEWY8YaF8q7gKuOo807S-vOwXNvo2uFAS2zGqH6SoMTaHd3Qenjd2DNyKnz9iesnCYmFyu/s1600/myhomeideas_sunset_stencilshade.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7xiCUpQGJ0wb5Ck_fdYU-C76UkY_gHWt_fg7-_SrX5JUn5BaR-maFmRPQhZYaX7UZdGREyCEWY8YaF8q7gKuOo807S-vOwXNvo2uFAS2zGqH6SoMTaHd3Qenjd2DNyKnz9iesnCYmFyu/s1600/myhomeideas_sunset_stencilshade.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myhomeideas.com/room-galleries/family-room-leafy-shade-10000001663062/index.html">My Home Ideas </a><br /><br />I think the simple designs work best int this treatment.  White and green always look so fresh no matter what the application. <br /><br /><b>...use origami paper on  it</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkOlAP4kRDue5Sq_tUcQHuwKANQp-V8YoPdA4pXd0u6tT9m22PF8uMMIXB1x5oXCshyphenhyphenzYR2xlGYKT9Rcb5lmTwPtUPZecnJRBoMf49KdLlYvsLmpPCRVV2_XQspvx1ll3R2HzejCe-8jf/s1600/ss_BHG154796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkOlAP4kRDue5Sq_tUcQHuwKANQp-V8YoPdA4pXd0u6tT9m22PF8uMMIXB1x5oXCshyphenhyphenzYR2xlGYKT9Rcb5lmTwPtUPZecnJRBoMf49KdLlYvsLmpPCRVV2_XQspvx1ll3R2HzejCe-8jf/s400/ss_BHG154796.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/window-treatments/window-projects/window-treatment-ideas/?page=9">Better Homes and Gardens</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> This is an updated idea based on the quilt.  Origami paper squares are attached to a roller shade with craft spray adhesive.  Spray both the back of the paper and the shade for best results. To get a perfect grid  you should start by marking the vertical centre of the blind and applying the squares from that line out to the edges. Start at the bottom and work to the top.  If you have space left over at the edges and you don't want to cut a square, consider using a plain paper as a border. A coordinated ribbon can be glued at the bottom.  When everything is dry, apply  2-3 coat of acrylic matt medium over the top of the paper (available at art supply stores) to allow you to  gently sponge off any dust or stains.  A quicker solution would be to ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b> ... use wallpaper on it</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpd_OwilWOawJhA5JlmQtDMXKtGePw_Vat4YVOYTOJ_XNPjtNYlcIxayrhzCn_FDrLkZJVg5k8wuDyFf0uhinNCx3oEn5lDkakyN5rT4G23ST_RoPanVrbDfaVLawBsNHv6-2V39AFy2WY/s1600/wallpaper_double-shades_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpd_OwilWOawJhA5JlmQtDMXKtGePw_Vat4YVOYTOJ_XNPjtNYlcIxayrhzCn_FDrLkZJVg5k8wuDyFf0uhinNCx3oEn5lDkakyN5rT4G23ST_RoPanVrbDfaVLawBsNHv6-2V39AFy2WY/s400/wallpaper_double-shades_xl.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://curbly.com/diy-maven/posts/5222-1-window-shade-3-ways">Curbly</a><br /><br />I like the busy pattern with the simple side panels.  This gives a very put together look with very little effort or expense.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://curbly.com/diy-maven/posts/5222-1-window-shade-3-ways"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> ....use contact paper on it</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxo8E2X3LxfZI0oHpn7BZDcjdzdX5ZR_w1G5HgvuqUtL-RgReBAf00da-U94wB-WvzQamjeMFm9_ZfbG5WsBaRL3hkgwSuG53K_MCw3Ta6MU4A1j7w4L0GUUPttrnjBfguKr2F7B3c15B/s1600/AT-Contact-Paper-Customized-Window-Shade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxo8E2X3LxfZI0oHpn7BZDcjdzdX5ZR_w1G5HgvuqUtL-RgReBAf00da-U94wB-WvzQamjeMFm9_ZfbG5WsBaRL3hkgwSuG53K_MCw3Ta6MU4A1j7w4L0GUUPttrnjBfguKr2F7B3c15B/s400/AT-Contact-Paper-Customized-Window-Shade.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/inspiration/inspiration-diy-contact-paper-window-shade-decals-063992"> Apartment Therapy </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now how easy can it get?  The sky's  the limit to what types of designs you could make from contact paper. Think about all the motifs you could use in a child's room.  </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">.<b>... stencil it </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfKK31tqYTNxkQ3Ho8bYsKE_ubLC-G8OaDX6lplGF8xnSsbl0mJm8tg5t6WJzJidQZtqspQxPRPOb7lc7bI7WrlKVsfgyzVBhl-zhy5XAfE-1NbI1yK5xDe0gsfwSVTeSpVrG0_GVKZ8j/s1600/Simply-Stenciled-Bamboo-Window-Shade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3x0bTv8DsJ_An6fMDLGNyLYhr08OQj-Ih-LAsxIQPxDMN1_y6Sd-F3SFhHlumJ9gJjUQuw-Ub9uHF7kchedue_jwUmWrHb60ZQvYvBba3Tkfcj9PFcPfp8UGkaOFvrrwyyxUQKeuod9fj/s1600/mla104119_0908_shade_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3x0bTv8DsJ_An6fMDLGNyLYhr08OQj-Ih-LAsxIQPxDMN1_y6Sd-F3SFhHlumJ9gJjUQuw-Ub9uHF7kchedue_jwUmWrHb60ZQvYvBba3Tkfcj9PFcPfp8UGkaOFvrrwyyxUQKeuod9fj/s400/mla104119_0908_shade_l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/stenciled-roller-shade?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/shade-and-curtain-projects#slide_8">Martha Stewart</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />The effects you can achieve by stenciling are as varied as the stencils you can buy or better still make yourself.  Check out  how to stencil a shade  on the link above.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b>...create a cut out design on it</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSC3h4R0IeZ8PROmPHcY2CcTzUSAwjA2LGo7P_5JstfPDv7rYzOxvDfQOjS2de_7TTaOlifppdnRCRIBz26RJKP4_uyZMm2ja9J7VRIPZdBSHUpF_Q-uRQHE2EFwTYQz3tVjG-jmIUS0Bg/s1600/mld103886_0209_pulldwnshd1_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSC3h4R0IeZ8PROmPHcY2CcTzUSAwjA2LGo7P_5JstfPDv7rYzOxvDfQOjS2de_7TTaOlifppdnRCRIBz26RJKP4_uyZMm2ja9J7VRIPZdBSHUpF_Q-uRQHE2EFwTYQz3tVjG-jmIUS0Bg/s400/mld103886_0209_pulldwnshd1_l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/goodthings/scalloped-window-shade?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/shade-and-curtain-projects#slide_6">Martha Stewart</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />This simple but elegant look is easy to achieve and works best on a coloured shade. Again, you can depend on Martha to show you how. <br /><br /><b>...use fabric on it </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGY0sB-QP_LoKiVCG5X3JSOjR3pHMXwplaOcgjEOnxw3uBqEBet655hLBV1-NXhDKpWev6pcMzO66ElqY02Xj__mOKtrLuNRnSu_ZvH_dXymyhrmort0z8PQRFUwsdwoztUfeUcwR17yQz/s1600/sara1666666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGY0sB-QP_LoKiVCG5X3JSOjR3pHMXwplaOcgjEOnxw3uBqEBet655hLBV1-NXhDKpWev6pcMzO66ElqY02Xj__mOKtrLuNRnSu_ZvH_dXymyhrmort0z8PQRFUwsdwoztUfeUcwR17yQz/s400/sara1666666.jpg" width="383" /></a></div> Photo: Sara French<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This bold, contemporary design in my daughter's guest bedroom is a far cry from  the original shade which had  a scalloped edge below the weight bar complete with a decorative fringe . The scalloped edge was cut off at the weight bar to square it off, and then fabric was attached with spray adhesive.  The shade was rewound to roll over thus hiding the mechanism for a  more polished look. </div><br />This is a similar look with a more traditional pattern.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Be6GViZyJBwadA7dOn-lIAtRhp6tPt-8yrh6jenXrLJmWt7JDumSXnI2lBYVjaRW3A1AiwB2ziyIJtoxyC_V3TisJtUrTn5ykSFKLrlO_EEhuwDrEp1tpspI-yAmtgXZdmZoYdL9rhOD/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Be6GViZyJBwadA7dOn-lIAtRhp6tPt-8yrh6jenXrLJmWt7JDumSXnI2lBYVjaRW3A1AiwB2ziyIJtoxyC_V3TisJtUrTn5ykSFKLrlO_EEhuwDrEp1tpspI-yAmtgXZdmZoYdL9rhOD/s400/003.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />Little Bean Workshop provides a good description of how to apply fabric to a roller shade. Check it out <a href="http://littlebeanworkshop.blogspot.com/2010/09/diy-custom-roller-shades.html">here</a>.<br /><br />.<b>..add ribbon to it</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHE1QY8CIK5zt67hUSWijRft4FrA5VAE2_IkBaPK69l8Y2PungPo4NYJRS1NKs_XeQemUgP-qvg1t1XxQsqzTZWaTHpE2kKXTSeiX90DtsniGXVUateESc_kVpU3fzdZgNAoDkgWrt0qa/s1600/laura-fenton-good-housekeeping-window-shade-0510-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHE1QY8CIK5zt67hUSWijRft4FrA5VAE2_IkBaPK69l8Y2PungPo4NYJRS1NKs_XeQemUgP-qvg1t1XxQsqzTZWaTHpE2kKXTSeiX90DtsniGXVUateESc_kVpU3fzdZgNAoDkgWrt0qa/s400/laura-fenton-good-housekeeping-window-shade-0510-lg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> via <a href="http://thelittlehouseinthecity.blogspot.com/2010_07_01_archive.html">Little House in the City </a><br /><br />I love the crispness of this application, but you could get different looks by changing the pattern and colours of the ribbon.<br /><br /><br /><b>...use vinyl appliques on it </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsdVXT3ZaDuFoJLtxeyMtHkM5CGPYEFOjrwork6-98oUEdXhU9csczzQdWej4gxAnitgk0BNuJv76_VG0whcRCEupc4ljcstuzPrJNrQH-ifK6qvvwhNNrcZaGQlPRrwsMXudO1iO9c3-/s1600/lauren%2527s+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsdVXT3ZaDuFoJLtxeyMtHkM5CGPYEFOjrwork6-98oUEdXhU9csczzQdWej4gxAnitgk0BNuJv76_VG0whcRCEupc4ljcstuzPrJNrQH-ifK6qvvwhNNrcZaGQlPRrwsMXudO1iO9c3-/s400/lauren%2527s+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>photo: Vera Greene<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Vinyl appliques (<a href="http://www.bizrate.com/paint-wall-covering-supplies/oid1706861049.html">Roomates Deco</a>) offer interesting design options for shades. This  open weave  in an outside mount  covering the window trim allows for a seamless continuation of the wall design.  My talented sister, who can create stunning looks from very little,  suggests leaving the design at the bottom  of the blind  for easy  rolling.  </div><br />I almost feel pressed to come up with a nifty design for my own home, but all windows treatments are currently up to date. Do you have any ideas about embellishing a simple roller shade  to add to the list? </div>

Take one roller shade and...

Do you want a WOW treatment for your window? Here are easy window treatments that won't set you back a week's pay, but are sure to be noticed.  All you need is a simple roller shade and a little time.  Perhaps these ideas will inspire new creations in your hands. Take one roller shade and .......pai…

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