Furnishing Interior Design

Blue & White Napa

Hello friends! So I just got back from Napaaa.  Yep, it was awesome.  The last time I was there, I was 7 months pregnant.  I ate so much food to compensate for the lack of wine that I gained 7 pounds in 4 days! (It was worth it obviously).  It really is a foodie's paradise and beautiful to boot.<br /><br />I'll spare you a detailed rundown of everything we did, but here are a few highlights (mostly of the blue and white variety).<br /><br /><b>* <a href="http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/">Auberge du Soleil</a></b><br /><br />The view from <a href="http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/">Auberge</a> is pretty much my Heaven.   We woke up and had an early, quiet breakfast overlooking the valley.  That hour was enough to re-energize me for the rest of the year.  <br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl6NWmtEah2vqiDqZVNOe5WlRd6B_1lr1nMYpuN9L1vkcQ-qtSb5S_Qm6ma8g8nVfI4oc4k5PfEscR7pZRZPNGTYwcNScoe7i4GmLZ-Ref6wKM8ODOhpj6JudulbQwAvqYXGOqWuPHY8/s640/blogger-image--1943258260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl6NWmtEah2vqiDqZVNOe5WlRd6B_1lr1nMYpuN9L1vkcQ-qtSb5S_Qm6ma8g8nVfI4oc4k5PfEscR7pZRZPNGTYwcNScoe7i4GmLZ-Ref6wKM8ODOhpj6JudulbQwAvqYXGOqWuPHY8/s640/blogger-image--1943258260.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>* St. Helena </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">St. Helena is probably my favorite little town in Napa Valley.  We walked up and down Main St. a couple of times waiting for stores to open (everything opens around 10:30ish there).  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When we stumbled upon this restaurant I gasped.  The painted brick, the gate, and ... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEhn4BZe9EoUIjImc-aFiX09eVRLzcS-8jsLkBNwQG-TfHraWwXBFvEYVOfswqWpFIsUAx_k8LRPT7Q1SRivePtlTEQGDJ9qV_08wtUZyP5mWJo8_XrnvSbkc-3ylEUSEE_fqruFwJi8rfU/s640/blogger-image-1004106278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4BZe9EoUIjImc-aFiX09eVRLzcS-8jsLkBNwQG-TfHraWwXBFvEYVOfswqWpFIsUAx_k8LRPT7Q1SRivePtlTEQGDJ9qV_08wtUZyP5mWJo8_XrnvSbkc-3ylEUSEE_fqruFwJi8rfU/s1600/blogger-image-1004106278.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://archetypenapa.com/gallery/">Archetype</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">... a huge screened-in porch with blue and white ticking pillows!  You know I LOVE a screened-in porch.  Not pictured is a giant wall of potted plants and herbs.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></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/AVvXsEjH0vczNSjXMiwTbhoKRzHnp2cAoPU3axln6d3jj6Gm3IgMeouCJ5777MVkpSEbRsejheVBIhEy25V2DVsipMorDTQXr_p7zhkA8UyYonLUnSzyPoGTXOz6bSyhh9A9kPo71sOS2F_YGiA/s640/blogger-image--1255391435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0vczNSjXMiwTbhoKRzHnp2cAoPU3axln6d3jj6Gm3IgMeouCJ5777MVkpSEbRsejheVBIhEy25V2DVsipMorDTQXr_p7zhkA8UyYonLUnSzyPoGTXOz6bSyhh9A9kPo71sOS2F_YGiA/s640/blogger-image--1255391435.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archetype's Screened-in Porch </td></tr></tbody></table>Upon further research, I discovered that Architectural Digest named <a href="http://archetypenapa.com/gallery/">Archetype</a> one of the "10 Most Beautifully Designed" restaurants. <br />  <br />As I was snapping pictures, a patron came over to us to rave about the food.  I'm definitely adding this to my list of places to go next time I visit.  <br /><br />We did a little "shopping."  And by shopping I mean, I snapped pictures of things I wanted to buy.   <br /><br />This large white coral from <a href="http://www.martinshowroom.com/showroom.php">Martin Showroom</a> is exactly what I need for an empty shelf above the sofa in the library.<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/AVvXsEjlNkN-ktqjSkikpWGkC3mHYiiS_0eTpv9SvF4uexG2Na3cDxxBCFiZHC2nw8v04ViKuMDl0oK9BqCMCi_sg49zqnC1DsqXjUYo2dwUWFuWKLJzY2PFXc6lD18BC3cpTXBH9OU3sYI6kwM/s640/blogger-image-1302087832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNkN-ktqjSkikpWGkC3mHYiiS_0eTpv9SvF4uexG2Na3cDxxBCFiZHC2nw8v04ViKuMDl0oK9BqCMCi_sg49zqnC1DsqXjUYo2dwUWFuWKLJzY2PFXc6lD18BC3cpTXBH9OU3sYI6kwM/s640/blogger-image-1302087832.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">  </td></tr></tbody></table><br />I stalked this blue and white antique shop window for 45 minutes before they opened.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEiLwCpHcx2rkerIFInsoSKZHpUmg7Q2TQsus9vVkZ_GttlDAVzZEa1MIygJTnVyPeOVdrOHU8eoVvmbrVLv5Dmtoho_mcPeyEhkMgEYJGcPrLZmQHEWnvIA6JMRW3sGnd5h4rS6KuGJ-Is/s640/blogger-image--1178629218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwCpHcx2rkerIFInsoSKZHpUmg7Q2TQsus9vVkZ_GttlDAVzZEa1MIygJTnVyPeOVdrOHU8eoVvmbrVLv5Dmtoho_mcPeyEhkMgEYJGcPrLZmQHEWnvIA6JMRW3sGnd5h4rS6KuGJ-Is/s640/blogger-image--1178629218.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Open.  Open.  Open. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEipMvBSCPIAs2mWOpBBurpp3Mnzsrwp-JCYT0KeD5AN7XGYaXdHJJbzDYxqa_hvoTAPFRO_9_FdF7pM8niG1VUzP8iCZvnT1MoHDmxY2lG4k7u8YtS_GQYl5NovY1fMaTFS3mLKXZtCK-s/s640/blogger-image--979034542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMvBSCPIAs2mWOpBBurpp3Mnzsrwp-JCYT0KeD5AN7XGYaXdHJJbzDYxqa_hvoTAPFRO_9_FdF7pM8niG1VUzP8iCZvnT1MoHDmxY2lG4k7u8YtS_GQYl5NovY1fMaTFS3mLKXZtCK-s/s640/blogger-image--979034542.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>See, no face prints on the glass.  Y'all should be proud of my willpower. <br /><br /><br />* <b>Back in Napa </b><br /><br />Not 5 minutes in Napa, and I spotted this beautiful cobalt blue hand-painted chest in <a href="http://www.thomasbartlettinteriors.com/">Thomas Bartlett Interiors</a>.  I had a <i>strong</i> desire to give it a hug.  The color was so beautiful. </div><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/AVvXsEiF-itdjvbGem34fuiTayNnUZLe3CiOSlpcQzsxpDjlVQ4Z9RHFjexY6VBSNKFEx5FZifPmBxFq0kWiqOFvXVLgx9ySMJOXzZbpLk27T9AI66GhEAAAmFxb5G-K1vuqbUX09pCtNol99CE/s640/blogger-image-128225913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-itdjvbGem34fuiTayNnUZLe3CiOSlpcQzsxpDjlVQ4Z9RHFjexY6VBSNKFEx5FZifPmBxFq0kWiqOFvXVLgx9ySMJOXzZbpLk27T9AI66GhEAAAmFxb5G-K1vuqbUX09pCtNol99CE/s640/blogger-image-128225913.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></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/AVvXsEgW84cgMxeP5Ju3m7Ogvk1sW_KPOXT34h008ygpy7csh0AhipwY0FddgeUTrjUbTdM271LigQpI0Qi2CuQub7XN54OLmFB5gM-V76RVArTKviNDOi9LhryF8bGc-szqhy_5DPn6esRdF6w/s640/blogger-image--1299655910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW84cgMxeP5Ju3m7Ogvk1sW_KPOXT34h008ygpy7csh0AhipwY0FddgeUTrjUbTdM271LigQpI0Qi2CuQub7XN54OLmFB5gM-V76RVArTKviNDOi9LhryF8bGc-szqhy_5DPn6esRdF6w/s640/blogger-image--1299655910.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></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/AVvXsEioW0hHFdtcKBAA0UBgfQlRCn6rdz6Yxp_fEQkDexbRzJp8YGsBV9L06K0NdjCCZdpHXI4wTGHRpfY4ifxWgFgKGkmT2AR5T6BDCsG3CgKvq36zN1smnmYcym2KrzQYG1G-MXMA7rQrSFw/s640/blogger-image-1400673677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioW0hHFdtcKBAA0UBgfQlRCn6rdz6Yxp_fEQkDexbRzJp8YGsBV9L06K0NdjCCZdpHXI4wTGHRpfY4ifxWgFgKGkmT2AR5T6BDCsG3CgKvq36zN1smnmYcym2KrzQYG1G-MXMA7rQrSFw/s640/blogger-image-1400673677.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More blue and white in Thomas Bartlett</td></tr></tbody></table>We visited a couple wine spots including <a href="http://www.montelena.com/">Chateau Montelena</a> (gorgeous grounds, good Chardonnay, which I normally don't drink), <a href="http://www.deldottovineyards.com/">Del Dotto</a> (amazing cave tour, loved all of the wine).  I happened to be reading in the car <a href="http://www.myfavoriteandmybest.com/mfamb-home/2014/9/26/kitchen-of-the-day-stuff">this post from MFAMB</a> where she linked to <a href="http://www.remodelista.com/posts/restaurant-visit-the-farmer-and-the-fox-at-cairdean-napa-valley">this Remodelista article</a> on the Scottish-inspired <a href="http://www.cairdeanestate.com/">Cairdean Estate</a>.  We had an extra hour and I was hungry so we popped in! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGKfhkil8Z-2oKEkcqXVAfgfhDZr6dbwOvlPKQImXqqqNIx7zHqEnS1ljfL_EBW4Vq4P4EZtytcCeeUdMG5QhePMK7sxOzMju8ohyphenhyphenZ5esmVpc2UhZu-WSnCcBYnC9mU-DgN0i4ndRZC0/s640/blogger-image-688602891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGKfhkil8Z-2oKEkcqXVAfgfhDZr6dbwOvlPKQImXqqqNIx7zHqEnS1ljfL_EBW4Vq4P4EZtytcCeeUdMG5QhePMK7sxOzMju8ohyphenhyphenZ5esmVpc2UhZu-WSnCcBYnC9mU-DgN0i4ndRZC0/s640/blogger-image-688602891.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjDplSEZJQBnS_Y5wuwtSqJ1WNuUIqv1gwbtpEAvibpGvXhP3RD9hcypp-jfXmG6WASt8pOJ6R0HazOPmpgEHEEYdWe4SR30x7rPK0WIYXod6tboC7KiZ6tWKJBbbotLDdgXU4wD-0Qiho/s640/blogger-image-2064721678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDplSEZJQBnS_Y5wuwtSqJ1WNuUIqv1gwbtpEAvibpGvXhP3RD9hcypp-jfXmG6WASt8pOJ6R0HazOPmpgEHEEYdWe4SR30x7rPK0WIYXod6tboC7KiZ6tWKJBbbotLDdgXU4wD-0Qiho/s640/blogger-image-2064721678.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor seating for their restaurant The Farmer & The Fox - love the whimsy</td></tr></tbody></table>The restaurant is only open for dinner, but we had a lovely sandwich  from their bakery and sandwich shop, adorably-named <a href="http://www.cairdeanestate.com/Butterscots">Butterscots</a>.  I'd  love to go back when the grounds are finished.  There was still  quite a bit of construction, but the design is so fun and interesting  that I'd love to see what else they have in store.  </div><div><br />Y'all, I feel rejuvenated and lucky.  It was a really fabulous weekend.  Kip gets to spend some time out there for work once or twice a year (I know, tough gig) so I know I will be back.  I can't wait! <br /><br />I'd love any recommendations from y'all! <br /><br /><b>Here are a few more places of note for anyone visiting soon:</b><br /><br /></div><a href="http://anettes.com/index.html">Annette's Chocolate & Ice Cream</a> (Napa) - Go there for coffee and order the Almond Mocha - so delicious!<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.botteganapavalley.com/">Bottega</a> (Yountville) - Amazing food, ask for Murph to be your waiter and then let him tell you what to eat.  <br /><br /><a href="http://www.pennyweightnapavalley.com/">Pennyweight</a> (St. Helena) - prettiest selection of fine stationery and gifts <br /><br /><a href="http://www.torcnapa.com/">Torc</a> (Napa) - Relatively new restaurant, great atmosphere, amazing food and service <br /><br /><a href="https://www.jandeluz.com/">Jan de Luz</a> (St. Helena) - gorgeous monogrammed linens <br /><br /><a href="http://www.chgalleries.com/gallery.php">The Christopher Hill Gallery</a> (St. Helena) - contemporary fine art, Christopher is also the nicest person in the world and so fun to talk to, we had so much fun analyzing the work of this cheeky artist <a href="http://www.chgalleries.com/gallery.php#!miro-mario-garcia/cqs5">Mario Garcia Miro</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sholiveoil.com/store/">St. Helena Olive Oil Company</a> - I literally tasted everything in there.  I ended up buying their Nuovo Olio 2014, which is the first press for 2014.  It was so good.  I'm turning into an Olive Oil junky.</div>

Blue & White Napa

30Sep2014

What fall brings

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, it's that time again. </div><div style="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;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8F3EMMREHetXPDAnYWzRKao0Bd4cPcM59Qx5mjbqV7cmQT0bALWWSwLCWb4T6vO8hvFvib6ddV_myhGEQ61J_bP5bl_DtRoM4vpiFSRnvxKbCYEpmNQGAcOt4vqzw_1B44Tj9qWR7buC/s1600/DSCN1943_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Duntara, NL </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEjbtDN7DVhSgDxkEmo5lGTyXICPTxq_veYRX4wUBiV2NGgmGpu7RaXNxKq4rleXFTt6GyX74kBNBuaza2kwPRE4KiUfCV8P4qesz9ITQKe-UUNYcV4uaSDSdbziZQBXJWlrv2GpJWRqpYat/s1600/DSCN1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtDN7DVhSgDxkEmo5lGTyXICPTxq_veYRX4wUBiV2NGgmGpu7RaXNxKq4rleXFTt6GyX74kBNBuaza2kwPRE4KiUfCV8P4qesz9ITQKe-UUNYcV4uaSDSdbziZQBXJWlrv2GpJWRqpYat/s1600/DSCN1950.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge, Duntara NL </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></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;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbP-yahZH8cTdlbIF37xPU61j-LZgWSkJXneQxXEeP74AxLka6YSyLc7LmVw597VapbkNks-9z1bw2dB5lydVllISdz7T3NPClKgDhbtUnwmwUiAVNYGSIcVjlF5Cy6R0bVfE_TFS5CqMs/s1600/DSCN1936_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Duntara neighbour </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My love for Duntara began in my teens when I spent my summer vacations there with my Aunt Mary in the house above. Life has come full circle since 2002  when we built our own house up the road  from Mr. Harty's place. This harbour is particularly  stunning in fall. Everywhere I look I see natural beauty.  As summer winds down it becomes quiet and even more relaxing if that's  possible. </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;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzNDIb0Vujk91-ISxJ9CKeqlFGl2oZrw4Ps32LakjdorQheN3MixpaWybugvPulVAm8EtjRaW9RcC_oDjgOhxHZFOYO3UiogsKq4RkuJ6I7NuzacK2XPYSWZrSscXqrulIGkCj19wTyUs/s1600/DSCN9647_01.JPG" width="300" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Around the bay" dining  table </td></tr></tbody></table> Finding natural things for decorating  my summer house becomes more difficult in September, and I accept it as a sign that it's time to close up and move back to my  St. John's life. As  I make the  final drive back to the city I can feel myself subtly changing .  No more rocking chair as I watch  the sea gulls swoop and meander .  No more ocean waves or full moon over  the bay.  No more twinkling lights of Bonavista across the  water. No more total silence.  No more summer  friends. <br /><br /> Fall means something quite different in my life. It  heralds the reality of  my peak production time for design and blogging, and a  decrease in art production.   Reminding myself that the ease of the summer months would not be so special  if  I could do it all year helps a little.  But that final trip out is always bitter sweet.<br /><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/AVvXsEii_eoBvBjE1JLFFY_GInLsj-O7gKWvxqw8i7THwe9uTE421zdTTbLpo0l222Y_FHwgk4Fh0T1_op7pkxKt4-SLjiB8kqkYaQOJq_fUSgjZdYz_6zU9RRmqIJTGUT48FdbBuIV8dxs63gkY/s1600/fall+dining+room.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_eoBvBjE1JLFFY_GInLsj-O7gKWvxqw8i7THwe9uTE421zdTTbLpo0l222Y_FHwgk4Fh0T1_op7pkxKt4-SLjiB8kqkYaQOJq_fUSgjZdYz_6zU9RRmqIJTGUT48FdbBuIV8dxs63gkY/s1600/fall+dining+room.JPG" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City dining room table </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Now doesn't the differences between these two tables sum up my two lives.</div><br /> So it's planning time.  September is the month when I  feel anything is  possible.  It's about deciding where I want to go and coming up with a way to get there. <br /><br />I've been putting a lot of thought into  the next step for this blog.  My original purpose was to use blogging as a way to consolidate my ideas about various  design topics,  and at the same and provide practical information about design that would answer questions that average  DIY homeowners might have.  I've written about all sorts of topics and my list of  popular posts shows which have been  most read, some  with  hundreds of thousands of page views from around the world.  That always blows my mind.  Now I'm ready to  change it up a bit. <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;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJKvaYdm0iGRdAymRBs4UvOBFGz0NXP938s2WgzjH3hlInvk9S0jYh1ZJk_1s1FIYpu6qCUzUYtLANpoNtlH3Uk2Ey0bze4CvCpPtlcediFEJtjphix29YBpsChPdIoEIRjfaxmbmfMdM/s1600/autumn+quilt.jpg" width="312" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJKvaYdm0iGRdAymRBs4UvOBFGz0NXP938s2WgzjH3hlInvk9S0jYh1ZJk_1s1FIYpu6qCUzUYtLANpoNtlH3Uk2Ey0bze4CvCpPtlcediFEJtjphix29YBpsChPdIoEIRjfaxmbmfMdM/s1600/autumn+quilt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Third Weekend in October, 85 x 110, quilt pattern by Ruth Powers</td></tr></tbody></table>  This fall I am  planning more local and national posts about interior design, art and gardens- my three loves.  I have friends lined up who are willing to open their doors to me so I can photograph and write about the many ways they make their houses into homes.    If you know me you may be getting a call.  Stay tuned for my first AT HOME installment.<br /><br />

What fall brings

Yes, it's that time again. Beautiful Duntara, NL Bridge, Duntara NL My Duntara neighbour My love for Duntara began in my teens when I spent my summer vacations there with my Aunt Mary in the house above. Life has come full circle since 2002 when we built our own house up the road from Mr. Harty's …

29Sep2014

Are you a design rebel?

<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;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlSkDqYZUdSRNKRWhwimknr5HTAsdsCvGg9I-OhWHd9eZzXORpto9SIMW0vaYhgALLUIU7dfQth1oOXUjmUFC9n6iT-sUtkbUBSAeWV9e52zx57NNEC7Ndn8m-9E41McWRnfqjeaUKDCY/s1600/antique+with+modern+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>What's your first instinct if someone tells says you shouldn't do something?<br /><br />Do you automatically want to do it?  I do!  <br /><br /> Most  people would agree that there are rules/guidelines in interior  design. They impact decisions about all sorts of things,   e.g.,  hanging lights, choosing the right scale furniture, selecting colour schemes, etc.   I guess following them is a little like following a  recipe - you get a predictable result. Someone else has done all the  thinking for you which makes it easy but, you also get a very generic looking space where everything looks controlled.<br /><br /> I always think about those generic spaces  as the "Pinterest look" . You know  the rooms, all  beautifully organized, cutely accessorized with whatever is trendy at the time, and perfectly matched.   Does that make them wrong?  Definitely not.  I firmly believe we should all live in spaces that make us happy and comfortable.   What I am saying is that there are options in design that produce interesting, one of a kind spaces that are  usually achieved by playing around with design elements and principles. They are not for everyone.<br /><br /> Take the room below.....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="breaking design rules, scale, " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJfdqGJh5lqFe1hmOM2b8IBjXKl6Ig4S-rvHlScUktqfyVm9u7y5CRH_wIC4oHeG7EZlLBFSWRc0TTWwK8kjmYj86frZl-iRRgq2ElWbwKYMconyG8E9hUj85BenVuVZVg5PWZHsBPmfP/s1600/breaking+design+rules.jpg" title="Designing Home: Are you a design rebel?" width="303" /></div><a href="http://www.greigedesignblog.com/2014/09/modern-wine-country.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a><br /><br />  Have a close look at this space  and decide what you like or don't like about it.  Check out my thoughts  at the end of this post. There are no right or wrong answers.<br /><br /> How closely you adhere to rules is dependent on what results you want to achieve, how well you understand the elements/ principles  of design,  and how creative you are at applying them.  You can do anything in decorating, you just need to act bravely, and figure out how to pull it off.  But, before you can break the rules you have to know them. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can you spot which  rules/guidelines were  thrown to the four winds in these rooms? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>1.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="breaking design rules, mixing styles, modern and traditional," border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlSkDqYZUdSRNKRWhwimknr5HTAsdsCvGg9I-OhWHd9eZzXORpto9SIMW0vaYhgALLUIU7dfQth1oOXUjmUFC9n6iT-sUtkbUBSAeWV9e52zx57NNEC7Ndn8m-9E41McWRnfqjeaUKDCY/s1600/antique+with+modern+art.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="302" /></div><a href="http://www.southshoredecoratingblog.com/2014/03/weekend-roomspiration-9.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> source</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="breaking design rules, mixing styles, modern, traditional" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLHfAdGHY3DNUIut81EuXTa3mCkuuqumK0Kzti6vGV4pabGgj9HwAph0IP8fDKxAxz7sSKPZmzCt1F6oaEc0hmGMAWrxMQcA5BM95A2Sqs_hRGgW0_cfDLYDKnA0bS2jKGLOdcSm7cNlK/s1600/modern+kitchen+antique+furniture.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="300" /></div><a href="http://www.remodelista.com/posts/10-stellar-scandinavian-kitchens"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>2. </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSoZSu_Dy9S95rOvJiYrcJXwwYiQAxDH2R1Wbj4hKO_GjsxPbDDIUhlBYBQwNhrsscH3muLl5ln_u1jYXWuQyWqU-amGnS9YKYG-PQqg4EMwXw3cGsmIQgsR3R8XPAAfzj_wXAwBiuRpo/s1600/breaking-design-rules-mixed-metals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" mixing metals, breaking design rules" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSoZSu_Dy9S95rOvJiYrcJXwwYiQAxDH2R1Wbj4hKO_GjsxPbDDIUhlBYBQwNhrsscH3muLl5ln_u1jYXWuQyWqU-amGnS9YKYG-PQqg4EMwXw3cGsmIQgsR3R8XPAAfzj_wXAwBiuRpo/s1600/breaking-design-rules-mixed-metals.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="300" /></a></div><a href="http://dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.ca/2010_03_01_archive.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="mixing metals, breaking design rules" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCXjPiTJMEKEtIkXBfkMQNbeZu6wCK7igyOhxv8OZ0FD0mA6gFaSTqAtCbg2lOME56HcmI7j_CLncKIahd-FoWbDzRu4XXfRntnpGo6a1HqlE3TrvKk7zpLCElVTeAi1_BR8qH9MN4bFH/s1600/mixing+metals.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="300" /></div><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/home-makeovers/silverleaf-sideboard#slide-2"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></a><br /><br /><b> 3.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc16-c9cQENvzoqXVyP5CTUn9h7ml2e6ezM5FdK_3k1mIy7e2SArckzaePZ9hzl2zTrWqbO9VacUkzx3zztYXX6Ro0Ki7KQa9c1gDKsJVUsECBfl9Ho1bu6YZroZz6reQ5oFFJGOT0Qm9O/s1600/design-+rules-+scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, scale, accessories" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc16-c9cQENvzoqXVyP5CTUn9h7ml2e6ezM5FdK_3k1mIy7e2SArckzaePZ9hzl2zTrWqbO9VacUkzx3zztYXX6Ro0Ki7KQa9c1gDKsJVUsECBfl9Ho1bu6YZroZz6reQ5oFFJGOT0Qm9O/s1600/design-+rules-+scale.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="265" /></a></div><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/be-a-design-rebel-4-design-rules-you-should-totally-break-206974?crlt.pid=camp.ICL83fv4o1R0"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> source</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="breaking design rules, scale" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuQCdO4i2vJFIE6RHioYo1eQq9_pLlK2jHri5a1sUv1m9t1QVQ61bkhdRNDXK5Qd9-UBEDNd6dsPevvh2a3WJa0BOpYIKr9WulXZ-reh3a7f1_kloJjbTagIiIpRFuMvaxqSKdfJVeZNO/s1600/design-rules-mixing-wood-tones.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="296" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLHfAdGHY3DNUIut81EuXTa3mCkuuqumK0Kzti6vGV4pabGgj9HwAph0IP8fDKxAxz7sSKPZmzCt1F6oaEc0hmGMAWrxMQcA5BM95A2Sqs_hRGgW0_cfDLYDKnA0bS2jKGLOdcSm7cNlK/s1600/modern+kitchen+antique+furniture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.homeadore.com/2012/12/07/circolo-dellostrica-claudia-pelizzari/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div><br /><b>4. </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDte6-zeO0EvKoPlD-QkH1bWNmYaj1YOpOxp3sUehuqk16mtzSygO3Yn9DoTvaGj42lxEPDD5PVzy0QVqm9P8cnm4CbJCANpcgYNljtwPfTcTo7anBKGpEAearjsSepF7ay-TVwEOkbOO/s1600/design+rules+pop+of+colour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, monochromatic schemes, neutral schemes" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDte6-zeO0EvKoPlD-QkH1bWNmYaj1YOpOxp3sUehuqk16mtzSygO3Yn9DoTvaGj42lxEPDD5PVzy0QVqm9P8cnm4CbJCANpcgYNljtwPfTcTo7anBKGpEAearjsSepF7ay-TVwEOkbOO/s1600/design+rules+pop+of+colour.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://www.allyou.com/budget-home/easy-decorating/room-design-ideas"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> source</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="breaking design rules, neutral spaces, monochromatic schemes" border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsNL5GQnQg5oJ2SgUmDrjNZEf6Fhdr3Hf2HjkGO3xq0vsWVf6pIA1s1Lld3p_BHF0qe4Gi7f6vsnFeJ_vY6FDetJxC5AvJ5f78AZGi_fkRFV11GL-o9aJb-CeNRmjM21LhAkcqNzyGiE4/s1600/kelly-hoppen-+colour.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="400" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kellyhoppen/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></a><br /><br /><b>5.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiEiq5fArncNU_J46lt6_dOJf7HlTVMPQm5vQLi4dUCUUQYwxFhLq5EOKnPSwC39dfh9iDbUDW2mU_bHcNh44URExGUqTXyijRanJAiId3rSskjhH8Fsja6SQPkIt4tepRjiybXyKwdww/s1600/design-rules-mixing-wood-tones-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, mixing wood tones," border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiEiq5fArncNU_J46lt6_dOJf7HlTVMPQm5vQLi4dUCUUQYwxFhLq5EOKnPSwC39dfh9iDbUDW2mU_bHcNh44URExGUqTXyijRanJAiId3rSskjhH8Fsja6SQPkIt4tepRjiybXyKwdww/s1600/design-rules-mixing-wood-tones-2.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="308" /></a></div><a href="http://danawolterinteriors.com/"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsNL5GQnQg5oJ2SgUmDrjNZEf6Fhdr3Hf2HjkGO3xq0vsWVf6pIA1s1Lld3p_BHF0qe4Gi7f6vsnFeJ_vY6FDetJxC5AvJ5f78AZGi_fkRFV11GL-o9aJb-CeNRmjM21LhAkcqNzyGiE4/s1600/kelly-hoppen-+colour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="breaking design rules, mixing wood tones" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3imRhsqIoKJBRoSxc9ksXIJCoDW71WwEtcsT1sAucC7l12RSU0f0iwk0AXmGXtje1IEcBBmc5VVlcI_QnOc5EthOWXzuCIrL89l69Gvriy4z_4qYikKSiuaa6br5JYY6VnNkwSxyS9_TO/s1600/mixing+wood+tones+kitchen.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="298" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>6.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj4I35Gs6lSFSZDseiiaQZyhxRwaW4aJ3ZNz-4I3QwcTCmTmzoK_b2xbT50-Ps570fnihWFCmD8JEMowSopBXRb7zps0_2SQIZOLs1ajGlTBq2PWw_FUKcJ8ufM5B6QCHeg6Vd-jXIe9k/s1600/design-rules-small-spaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, dark walls, small spaces" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj4I35Gs6lSFSZDseiiaQZyhxRwaW4aJ3ZNz-4I3QwcTCmTmzoK_b2xbT50-Ps570fnihWFCmD8JEMowSopBXRb7zps0_2SQIZOLs1ajGlTBq2PWw_FUKcJ8ufM5B6QCHeg6Vd-jXIe9k/s1600/design-rules-small-spaces.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="312" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://en.paperblog.com/dark-colors-in-small-spaces-346878/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></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/AVvXsEj3imRhsqIoKJBRoSxc9ksXIJCoDW71WwEtcsT1sAucC7l12RSU0f0iwk0AXmGXtje1IEcBBmc5VVlcI_QnOc5EthOWXzuCIrL89l69Gvriy4z_4qYikKSiuaa6br5JYY6VnNkwSxyS9_TO/s1600/mixing+wood+tones+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVjY9lX6P3iveRTspUQwUATWSit3cJMHxe5bUYWCsx0-5_w2QfQ2JmbkRYbbYf_N7-y0XnEwYizWMZYi3uIELxGg_Lnje89386dwbfuoEWJgwAE60tt4TawVX7dzN-04hywiSfEYnJU9l/s1600/small-space-bright-palette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, small spaces, bright colours" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVjY9lX6P3iveRTspUQwUATWSit3cJMHxe5bUYWCsx0-5_w2QfQ2JmbkRYbbYf_N7-y0XnEwYizWMZYi3uIELxGg_Lnje89386dwbfuoEWJgwAE60tt4TawVX7dzN-04hywiSfEYnJU9l/s1600/small-space-bright-palette.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/house-tours/cotton-blankets#slide-7">source</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are the results:  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="breaking design rules, mixing styles, modern and traditional," border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlSkDqYZUdSRNKRWhwimknr5HTAsdsCvGg9I-OhWHd9eZzXORpto9SIMW0vaYhgALLUIU7dfQth1oOXUjmUFC9n6iT-sUtkbUBSAeWV9e52zx57NNEC7Ndn8m-9E41McWRnfqjeaUKDCY/s1600/antique+with+modern+art.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="151" />  <img alt="breaking design rules, mixing styles, modern, traditional" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLHfAdGHY3DNUIut81EuXTa3mCkuuqumK0Kzti6vGV4pabGgj9HwAph0IP8fDKxAxz7sSKPZmzCt1F6oaEc0hmGMAWrxMQcA5BM95A2Sqs_hRGgW0_cfDLYDKnA0bS2jKGLOdcSm7cNlK/s1600/modern+kitchen+antique+furniture.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="150" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>1. Stick to one style </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> These spaces show that when you mix traditional and modern the juxtaposition draws attention to both.  If only one style was used the various elements would be lost in their sameness. I particularly like the richness of wood and lots of curves with modern furnishings.  Of course art of any style works in any space.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="mixing metals, breaking design rules" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCXjPiTJMEKEtIkXBfkMQNbeZu6wCK7igyOhxv8OZ0FD0mA6gFaSTqAtCbg2lOME56HcmI7j_CLncKIahd-FoWbDzRu4XXfRntnpGo6a1HqlE3TrvKk7zpLCElVTeAi1_BR8qH9MN4bFH/s1600/mixing+metals.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="150" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSoZSu_Dy9S95rOvJiYrcJXwwYiQAxDH2R1Wbj4hKO_GjsxPbDDIUhlBYBQwNhrsscH3muLl5ln_u1jYXWuQyWqU-amGnS9YKYG-PQqg4EMwXw3cGsmIQgsR3R8XPAAfzj_wXAwBiuRpo/s1600/breaking-design-rules-mixed-metals.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" mixing metals, breaking design rules" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSoZSu_Dy9S95rOvJiYrcJXwwYiQAxDH2R1Wbj4hKO_GjsxPbDDIUhlBYBQwNhrsscH3muLl5ln_u1jYXWuQyWqU-amGnS9YKYG-PQqg4EMwXw3cGsmIQgsR3R8XPAAfzj_wXAwBiuRpo/s1600/breaking-design-rules-mixed-metals.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2. Use consistent finishes (don't mix metals)</b></div>This is definitely a good place to start your little rebellion.  You certainly can mix metals. Just make sure you have some of each one in the space.  Think about a piece of jewellery that uses white gold, pink gold and yellow gold. It works. Check out this <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/08/can-you-mix-metal-finishes.html">post</a> on the topic.<br /><br /><b> </b><img alt="breaking design rules, scale" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuQCdO4i2vJFIE6RHioYo1eQq9_pLlK2jHri5a1sUv1m9t1QVQ61bkhdRNDXK5Qd9-UBEDNd6dsPevvh2a3WJa0BOpYIKr9WulXZ-reh3a7f1_kloJjbTagIiIpRFuMvaxqSKdfJVeZNO/s1600/design-rules-mixing-wood-tones.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="148" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc16-c9cQENvzoqXVyP5CTUn9h7ml2e6ezM5FdK_3k1mIy7e2SArckzaePZ9hzl2zTrWqbO9VacUkzx3zztYXX6Ro0Ki7KQa9c1gDKsJVUsECBfl9Ho1bu6YZroZz6reQ5oFFJGOT0Qm9O/s1600/design-+rules-+scale.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, scale, accessories" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc16-c9cQENvzoqXVyP5CTUn9h7ml2e6ezM5FdK_3k1mIy7e2SArckzaePZ9hzl2zTrWqbO9VacUkzx3zztYXX6Ro0Ki7KQa9c1gDKsJVUsECBfl9Ho1bu6YZroZz6reQ5oFFJGOT0Qm9O/s1600/design-+rules-+scale.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="132" /></a><br /><br /><b>3. Pay attention to scale when selecting furniture/objects</b><br />I have to admit this is the one I have the most difficult time ignoring because  I am so attuned to scale considerations in drawing and painting.  I think I also have a  thing about objects too large bearing down on me. They make me uncomfortable. Large scale objects make riveting focal points. You can also have objects that are too small in scale, and end up looking insignificant and/or cluttered. Scale is usually the issue when a client tells me there is something wrong with a space, but he/she can't name it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDte6-zeO0EvKoPlD-QkH1bWNmYaj1YOpOxp3sUehuqk16mtzSygO3Yn9DoTvaGj42lxEPDD5PVzy0QVqm9P8cnm4CbJCANpcgYNljtwPfTcTo7anBKGpEAearjsSepF7ay-TVwEOkbOO/s1600/design+rules+pop+of+colour.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, monochromatic schemes, neutral schemes" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDte6-zeO0EvKoPlD-QkH1bWNmYaj1YOpOxp3sUehuqk16mtzSygO3Yn9DoTvaGj42lxEPDD5PVzy0QVqm9P8cnm4CbJCANpcgYNljtwPfTcTo7anBKGpEAearjsSepF7ay-TVwEOkbOO/s1600/design+rules+pop+of+colour.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="200" />   <img alt="breaking design rules, neutral spaces, monochromatic schemes" border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsNL5GQnQg5oJ2SgUmDrjNZEf6Fhdr3Hf2HjkGO3xq0vsWVf6pIA1s1Lld3p_BHF0qe4Gi7f6vsnFeJ_vY6FDetJxC5AvJ5f78AZGi_fkRFV11GL-o9aJb-CeNRmjM21LhAkcqNzyGiE4/s1600/kelly-hoppen-+colour.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><b>  </b><br /><b>4. Every room needs an accent colour</b><br />Definitely not! Monochromatic rooms are so relaxing and depend on value changes and texture to wow.  If you want a quiet room, forget the pops of colour.<br /><br /><b> </b><img alt="breaking design rules, mixing wood tones" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3imRhsqIoKJBRoSxc9ksXIJCoDW71WwEtcsT1sAucC7l12RSU0f0iwk0AXmGXtje1IEcBBmc5VVlcI_QnOc5EthOWXzuCIrL89l69Gvriy4z_4qYikKSiuaa6br5JYY6VnNkwSxyS9_TO/s1600/mixing+wood+tones+kitchen.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="149" />  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiEiq5fArncNU_J46lt6_dOJf7HlTVMPQm5vQLi4dUCUUQYwxFhLq5EOKnPSwC39dfh9iDbUDW2mU_bHcNh44URExGUqTXyijRanJAiId3rSskjhH8Fsja6SQPkIt4tepRjiybXyKwdww/s1600/design-rules-mixing-wood-tones-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, mixing wood tones," border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiEiq5fArncNU_J46lt6_dOJf7HlTVMPQm5vQLi4dUCUUQYwxFhLq5EOKnPSwC39dfh9iDbUDW2mU_bHcNh44URExGUqTXyijRanJAiId3rSskjhH8Fsja6SQPkIt4tepRjiybXyKwdww/s1600/design-rules-mixing-wood-tones-2.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="154" /></a><br /><br /><b>5. Keep wood tones consistent</b><br />When you slavishly adhere to this dictate you end up with a very boring space.  Check out this <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/03/thoughts-on-mixing-wood-tones.html">post </a>for ways to mix wood tones effectively.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj4I35Gs6lSFSZDseiiaQZyhxRwaW4aJ3ZNz-4I3QwcTCmTmzoK_b2xbT50-Ps570fnihWFCmD8JEMowSopBXRb7zps0_2SQIZOLs1ajGlTBq2PWw_FUKcJ8ufM5B6QCHeg6Vd-jXIe9k/s1600/design-rules-small-spaces.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, dark walls, small spaces" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj4I35Gs6lSFSZDseiiaQZyhxRwaW4aJ3ZNz-4I3QwcTCmTmzoK_b2xbT50-Ps570fnihWFCmD8JEMowSopBXRb7zps0_2SQIZOLs1ajGlTBq2PWw_FUKcJ8ufM5B6QCHeg6Vd-jXIe9k/s1600/design-rules-small-spaces.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="156" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVjY9lX6P3iveRTspUQwUATWSit3cJMHxe5bUYWCsx0-5_w2QfQ2JmbkRYbbYf_N7-y0XnEwYizWMZYi3uIELxGg_Lnje89386dwbfuoEWJgwAE60tt4TawVX7dzN-04hywiSfEYnJU9l/s1600/small-space-bright-palette.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, small spaces, bright colours" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVjY9lX6P3iveRTspUQwUATWSit3cJMHxe5bUYWCsx0-5_w2QfQ2JmbkRYbbYf_N7-y0XnEwYizWMZYi3uIELxGg_Lnje89386dwbfuoEWJgwAE60tt4TawVX7dzN-04hywiSfEYnJU9l/s1600/small-space-bright-palette.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="150" /></a><br /><br /><b>6. Choose light colours for small spaces</b><br />That would be your first instinct, but the two rooms in #6 shows that breaking this rule produces distinctive and very different spaces.  Sorry, but I couldn't live in either of them.  I am a neutral colour gal in my own home. This <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2014/06/5-tips-for-painitng-small-spaces.html">post </a>provides various options for painting small spaces. <br /><br />How did you do? <br /><br />And now back to the reflection pic....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJfdqGJh5lqFe1hmOM2b8IBjXKl6Ig4S-rvHlScUktqfyVm9u7y5CRH_wIC4oHeG7EZlLBFSWRc0TTWwK8kjmYj86frZl-iRRgq2ElWbwKYMconyG8E9hUj85BenVuVZVg5PWZHsBPmfP/s1600/breaking+design+rules.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJfdqGJh5lqFe1hmOM2b8IBjXKl6Ig4S-rvHlScUktqfyVm9u7y5CRH_wIC4oHeG7EZlLBFSWRc0TTWwK8kjmYj86frZl-iRRgq2ElWbwKYMconyG8E9hUj85BenVuVZVg5PWZHsBPmfP/s1600/breaking+design+rules.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There's no doubt this space breaks a lot of rules, but it sure is memorable, and no one could call it boring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li> styles are mixed freely, moving from traditional to modern;</li><li> the colour scheme is monochromatic, no accent colours here;</li><li>scale is manipulated big time in the high back chairs, plant, circular light fixture as well as in the smaller lamp shades in adjoining room;</li><li>wood tones are liberally mixed. </li></ul><br />And here's another take on some of the points above and few new ones. <a href="http://www.modani.com/canada/furniture-stores/" target="_blank">Modani</a> modern furniture specializes in modern furniture and accessories.  Check them out online or at their newly opened <a href="http://www.modani.com/canada/furniture-stores/" target="_blank">modern furniture store</a> in Toronto. Remember you can combine modern elements with any decor.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="breaking design rules, modani, modern furniture" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFj4RZd9vb0ncv1HQ27LAihVzeuztxLHkitsomiKbXwiwqmpyyMgxSZ0yVISAUS-6T2JsfuojN_PcjxP1Dr_FZoUhCr-OyHY5FszbFsNMjA8y6NfFjuQUO2tdqOO31gD0xm3PZOAIXsE8I/s1600/MOD-Rules.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel? " width="412" /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">How do you feel about breaking design rules?  </div>

Are you a design rebel?

What's your first instinct if someone tells says you shouldn't do something?Do you automatically want to do it? I do! Most people would agree that there are rules/guidelines in interior design. They impact decisions about all sorts of things, e.g., hanging lights, choosing the right scale fu…

27Sep2014

Have a Lovely Weekend!

<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqW7fFFiIk5gj3-XsQPX8becTh-lrteWixxdFPsINSZxRxXZOcJIt74gx0tVzfT-P47atF8uuET5jeMdKEI3ojeF9ajZiVr_qUpkVjfH6fUQ_lARIQWBiH7brxHJ9fsE7D8oblcAiR9o/s640/blogger-image-805335994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqW7fFFiIk5gj3-XsQPX8becTh-lrteWixxdFPsINSZxRxXZOcJIt74gx0tVzfT-P47atF8uuET5jeMdKEI3ojeF9ajZiVr_qUpkVjfH6fUQ_lARIQWBiH7brxHJ9fsE7D8oblcAiR9o/s640/blogger-image-805335994.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">* The Suze's house pre renovation. Not bad! </div><br></div><div>Soo many links to share! So little time! But I love sharing these posts.  If you know me in real life, you know these posts are no different than my cocktail party conversations (or pizza and wine with my friends and kids).  I corner people and then become a relentless soldier in pursuit of making sure they know just how awesome something is.  As I type this, I realize, it's probably really socially awkward of me.  <br><br>Anywaayyy, I just want to say a <i>big random thank you</i> to those of you take the time to comment on this blog. I would be perfectly happy sitting here chatting out to the universe even if no one was reading.  But it's so nice at the end of the day, to feel like I've had a conversation about something that delights me. So to those of you who take the time to ask a question or leave a nice little note at the end of a post, I appreciate you!  You really make me feel like I had a little conversation about something that's not, "how do you want me to cut your sandwich? No, I can't do rhinoceros.  I can do a triangle or square."  Really, y'all keep me sane (relatively).  </div><div><br></div><div>And don't worry folks who have trouble leaving comments or just plain don't have time. I totally understand. It's hard for me to comment from my phone so I never get to leave as much feedback for my blog friends as I'd like to on a given day. </div><div><br></div><div>I'll probably be here forever talking about silly decor until I'm blue in the face, and I love all of you who take the time to read! </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopterrain.com/plants-wreaths/">Autumn Wreaths</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/09/why-you-should-refrigerate-tomatoes.html">Why you can and should put tomatoes in the fridge</a> - I know, I was skeptical too</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goop.com/recipes/sauces/basic-tomato-sauce">A simple, fresh (super delicious) tomato sauce</a> I made this week (a couple of weeks ago) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/25/garden/when-blogging-becomes-a-slog.html?ref=garden&_r=3">An interesting article on design blogging</a>. (Note: I don't think anyone will ever accuse me of machine-like content generation)<br>  </div><div style="text-align: center;">My <a href="http://www.nancytillman.com/books/wherever/">new favorite book</a> to read to Edward (it's another one that makes me teary)<br><br><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127824646/20-sq-colefax-and-fowler-melbury-pillow?ref=fp_item&aref=13089091934">Gorgeous blue and white pillows</a> on Etsy  <br><br>My friend has been using this <a href="http://www.target.com/p/laneige-water-sleeping-mask-80-ml/-/A-14897252">Water Sleeping Mask</a> and her skin is looking so pretty and glowy.  (and you can get it at Target!)<br><br><a href="http://www.littlebeanblog.com/2014/09/teepees-back-in-stock.html">TEEPEES!!!! </a><br><br><a href="http://www.thepottedboxwood.com/shutter-speed/">Shutter Love</a> for The Suze<br><br><a href="http://theenchantedhome.co/2014/09/oh-night/">An Enchanting Blue and White Dinner Party</a><br><br><a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2014/09/nantucket-magic.html">I could love Nantucket</a>.  I really could. <br><br><a href="http://blog.mcgrath2.com/2014/09/blush-pink/">Blush Pink Love</a><br><br><a href="http://mimosalaneblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/tray-chic-one-tray-three-ways.html">Chic Tray Styling</a><br><br><a href="http://markdsikes.com/2014/09/24/sir-john-downtown/">Pretty Old School Rooms</a><br><br>There is a <a href="http://uptowncountryhome.blogspot.com/2014/09/new-things-in-shop-today-september-20.html">pink feather turkey</a> in this post that I may have to order if it's still there.<br><br><a href="http://blueprintstore.com/blog/design-tip-tuesday-sisal-seagrass/">Seagrass or Sisal? </a></div>

Have a Lovely Weekend!

* The Suze's house pre renovation. Not bad! Soo many links to share! So little time! But I love sharing these posts. If you know me in real life, you know these posts are no different than my cocktail party conversations (or pizza and wine with my friends and kids). I corner people and then become…

25Sep2014

Throwback Thursday: A Popular Pin from Parish-Hadley

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInObeegHtxEaSl6ECuEMuE5O4e6eU2RvaqvQQkHixX2RJnxT5QVRZ6hSGI-7i3489ipi8moTQwWd_oWVOrbsNq-8B2DpCXT8ZpL5Gqtlr06kWkaXcu-90AwLUa1dNBjOew59njBIIamg/s1600/Veranda+Parish+Hadley+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInObeegHtxEaSl6ECuEMuE5O4e6eU2RvaqvQQkHixX2RJnxT5QVRZ6hSGI-7i3489ipi8moTQwWd_oWVOrbsNq-8B2DpCXT8ZpL5Gqtlr06kWkaXcu-90AwLUa1dNBjOew59njBIIamg/s1600/Veranda+Parish+Hadley+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I rarely look at my blog stats (I don't really know how), but I did happen to notice that I had a couple visitors from a particular pin on Pinterest.  Every once in awhile I'll come across and image or a pin that is apparently from my blog and I'm like, "oooh I like that, did I post that?!"  Such was the case with the image above.  I thought, "Wait, I posted that? I LOVE it!"  It's Parish-Hadley virtually untouched since the 70s.  And it is still chic and timeless today.  The image is from this post I did back in <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/verrrrrrr-andaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.html">May of 2011</a>, where I pretended to be Oprah and then declared Veranda my favorite thing.   <br /><br />Now, you are going to see how crazy I really am and how easily distracted I can get.  In an effort to find a better quality image than the one above, I tried a little Google Image Search.  No dice.  BUUUT I did fall down the rabbit hole know as Visually Similar Images.  Holy Moly. AYayay (in Juan Pablo's voice).<br /><br />And here's what I  found: <br /><br />A gorgeous dining room with Trompe L'oeil walls and fun Miles Redd-ish, pagoda pelmets over the drapes.  Note the continued pagoda detail above the door.  <a href="http://www.cococozy.com/2013/12/32-million-dollar-palm-beach-estate-see.html">See the entire $32 Million Palm Beach Estate to which this dining room dream belongs. </a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-B0e-luNMjWXqi9SIXqUpJmSPL_kOp9pimDnd8104zBw6R7GPS-XnDC2qBlTfja_U4GlUd2AOo9DUwSScqBSWzdhyphenhyphenLXG44yNHjOjxz7edYCBM8hPcDFj6vg2qGy9oEnqJbahTol11-g/s1600/palm+beach+dining+room+cococozy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-B0e-luNMjWXqi9SIXqUpJmSPL_kOp9pimDnd8104zBw6R7GPS-XnDC2qBlTfja_U4GlUd2AOo9DUwSScqBSWzdhyphenhyphenLXG44yNHjOjxz7edYCBM8hPcDFj6vg2qGy9oEnqJbahTol11-g/s1600/palm+beach+dining+room+cococozy.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><h1 class="commentDescriptionContent"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/65161525833530134/">Mica Ertegun’s dining room in Turkey</a> with 18th century engravings depicting antique Turkish costume. (need to know that wall color) </span></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyf6B4ZpO4bn76ipo-3BKHeDaF3kZ0gHa0060EXsTmooT5241jaOed6sHOe7Vptr-5BXQIBhn-tRzoibKryLXdJhBNTI1P9V4b6mPZ3Gay-weZBJvbZ6EE4erZMVndsWKhis3JUp69lI/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+a8215f65cd9ce334c0f2634d42c90d1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyf6B4ZpO4bn76ipo-3BKHeDaF3kZ0gHa0060EXsTmooT5241jaOed6sHOe7Vptr-5BXQIBhn-tRzoibKryLXdJhBNTI1P9V4b6mPZ3Gay-weZBJvbZ6EE4erZMVndsWKhis3JUp69lI/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+a8215f65cd9ce334c0f2634d42c90d1d.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />A lovely green room with fern-fabric-covered chairs.  (See Mom, ferns are in again!) (We used to have a ferny kelly green sofa growing up) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVp99ykRZhJCnqWOITk8dpVc_9cITpSI2ChhTCtqPMtqdaM4cTyg1L28LG-RjXKMZnYnbQI5may8HQ3Su-BmVyRQKT9urwrNyBim1hdtGTo7jjriX_5HX2eYkaZCyhafIQyzugP5j2Aw/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+green+room4+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVp99ykRZhJCnqWOITk8dpVc_9cITpSI2ChhTCtqPMtqdaM4cTyg1L28LG-RjXKMZnYnbQI5may8HQ3Su-BmVyRQKT9urwrNyBim1hdtGTo7jjriX_5HX2eYkaZCyhafIQyzugP5j2Aw/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+green+room4+001.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />I think somebody drew the architecture where <a href="http://www.fcoplaw.com/">this law firm</a> is located and then they used it for their firm website.  Regardless, we all win.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_hjXG5yzCiVNCa0Cyee8Sqtb1o4-FwMRGBXj6W4MSeKZUZMKOAWanr-4cHCyESZ35Vwzxvp3zUGxMyR1Vx7gvOCeSf6gCSPWNgAyMckQEJbQNinEjPa34XEZN2WaueAr88DpBm21J48/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+home_art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_hjXG5yzCiVNCa0Cyee8Sqtb1o4-FwMRGBXj6W4MSeKZUZMKOAWanr-4cHCyESZ35Vwzxvp3zUGxMyR1Vx7gvOCeSf6gCSPWNgAyMckQEJbQNinEjPa34XEZN2WaueAr88DpBm21J48/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+home_art.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The arched windows, the gorgeous landscape, the black and white floor in <a href="http://designfile.architecturaldigest.com/photo/living-room-peter-marino-peter-marino-bosporus-strait-turkey-200604">this beautiful light-filled living room</a> is definitely going in an "If I ever build a home ..." inspiration file.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxwFPowDMSchRJVEj78JJcKAIvO5ybyLiiznFzok3HyePwU69k-Ghtqd3B7XkM5l-4mJMyf4dJrkspjy6qg73YSchOIJu0nQ3g2aGwyFhwuO_RTgzK2dZ4Yz8JxhYeGnpBMKVrs4tZrg/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+living-room-peter-marino-bosporus-strait-turkey-200604-2_1000-watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxwFPowDMSchRJVEj78JJcKAIvO5ybyLiiznFzok3HyePwU69k-Ghtqd3B7XkM5l-4mJMyf4dJrkspjy6qg73YSchOIJu0nQ3g2aGwyFhwuO_RTgzK2dZ4Yz8JxhYeGnpBMKVrs4tZrg/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+living-room-peter-marino-bosporus-strait-turkey-200604-2_1000-watermarked.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Then this is just <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-LxehNtI7D0s%2FU4F35XmHFJI%2FAAAAAAAAGZw%2FC6CfaI_MCA4%2Fs1600%2Froom-decor-k.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fclunygrey.blogspot.com%2F&h=600&w=600&tbnid=DI2Fdd9x1sOBSM%3A&zoom=1&docid=ZDxE_QGDjSutaM&ei=Kz8iVMONFZadygTF84DQBA&tbm=isch&ved=0CCwQMygOMA4&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=1390&page=1&start=0&ndsp=41">pretty, pretty, pretty</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic5gFGz5m-RcC_kltw9aBRhj-oWZiGxs4lGUaEdXryTBodhMRfhFu5bZeLOyNkUa7nof5OJ_JUegsk87nzQ1bYba5HLCmCIu8l4lt7nuAti3Ue7-cjLDwCIQCS6tueasZwzZRCJMa2d4/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+room-decor-k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic5gFGz5m-RcC_kltw9aBRhj-oWZiGxs4lGUaEdXryTBodhMRfhFu5bZeLOyNkUa7nof5OJ_JUegsk87nzQ1bYba5HLCmCIu8l4lt7nuAti3Ue7-cjLDwCIQCS6tueasZwzZRCJMa2d4/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+room-decor-k.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />I absolutely love the colors in <a href="http://traditional-dining-room-sills-huniford-associates-new-york-new-york-200703-2_1000-watermarked.jpg/">this dining room</a>! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj6rNKm-Bj5n2slgkUvkA_oTxwkiCNVCkfSlLxPkFvsDSLUchlbpSKS3-zq_L2-aPlhaEJHIPjVF8S4vlaYku5vkouZdTCiuNVWDQKmTENAWmMUX5HjkRYXl_E4NaWqlfLw634UU4YtE/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+traditional-dining-room-sills-huniford-associates-new-york-new-york-200703-2_1000-watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj6rNKm-Bj5n2slgkUvkA_oTxwkiCNVCkfSlLxPkFvsDSLUchlbpSKS3-zq_L2-aPlhaEJHIPjVF8S4vlaYku5vkouZdTCiuNVWDQKmTENAWmMUX5HjkRYXl_E4NaWqlfLw634UU4YtE/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+traditional-dining-room-sills-huniford-associates-new-york-new-york-200703-2_1000-watermarked.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Can you imagine drinking coffee in <a href="http://thefabweb.com/85272/30-best-room-pictures-of-the-week-march-9th-to-march-15th-2013/">this Manhattan sunroom</a>? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdMYzhUF2xn4yOQ2PQpCdaqXOvODYwNn6-Yl5o4sfbiE8fiqoWb39YWeuej6QjCZzjk4eZ5vpUdGjbo33VoShg4J4X9CVFcnZNioEt8uB6XvlojAMRjbCOZXEvWw9o_vYNSRhpWcBNoI/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+Z1yEdHI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdMYzhUF2xn4yOQ2PQpCdaqXOvODYwNn6-Yl5o4sfbiE8fiqoWb39YWeuej6QjCZzjk4eZ5vpUdGjbo33VoShg4J4X9CVFcnZNioEt8uB6XvlojAMRjbCOZXEvWw9o_vYNSRhpWcBNoI/s1600/Visually+Similar+Images+Z1yEdHI.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />This is what happens when you start a blog post late at night and then just keep following the links.  Google  I may have to make a regular series out of this.  It's so nice to get lost in beautiful images sometimes.

Throwback Thursday: A Popular Pin from Parish-Hadley

I rarely look at my blog stats (I don't really know how), but I did happen to notice that I had a couple visitors from a particular pin on Pinterest. Every once in awhile I'll come across and image or a pin that is apparently from my blog and I'm like, "oooh I like that, did I post that?!" Such wa…