Happy New Year!

 

 

I hope running into 2010 brings wonders to you all!    

Happy New Year!

{Photograph by Rico Puhlmann via Paris Atelier}

White on White Bedrooms

There’s something so calming, clean and fresh about white bedrooms.  While the first reaction of some people may be that white is lacking in color/excitement/interest, I think these rooms absolutely prove otherwise.  There are so many ways to enhance a white room without saturating it with another color.

I adore this pretty bedroom with it’s canopy curtains and elegant headboard.  The ceiling height shelves running up the back wall heighten this room and frame the bed further.  The room may not be that wide given the camera shot of this photo, but how can one say this room isn’t grand?

 

If fabric is creating the interest in your white room, invest in a fabric that is worthy and hire the right person to do the work.  Notice the layering going on this room- underneath the canopy and curtains is an upholstered headboard and at the foot of the bed is a curvy bench.  The contrast of color and curviness of this bench definitely becomes a focal point.

 

Varying shades of white can create a very soothing palette.  This pink tinted white fabric softens this bedding and the gathering of the ceiling canopy is a pretty feminine detail.  The scalloped canopy edge is a great detail.  This bed has exceptional tailoring- who could say it was was lacking in thought!?!

 

Curtains don’t always have to be heavy- these gauzy sheer ones give an ethereal feeling to this bedroom.  The masculine bed frame and dark desk contrast this airiness so well.  I love the icy silver/blue undertones in the white paint and bedding.

 

When a bed’s frame is left exposed it can become THE focal point in the room.  Campaign beds are excellent for this.  The linens actually becomes secondary to the lines of this iron bed.  And if you wanted to change the look you can easily dress it in panels a la Mimmi O’Connell:

 

Contrast can be very subtle such as this beautiful floral arrangement and tapestry pillow.  I think the footstool next to the high bed is so cute.

 

This is one of my favorite bedrooms.  The painted screen backdrop is gorgeous behind the crisp & fluffy white pillows.  Love the bleached herringbone floor too! 

 

 

Instead of one statement art piece, white can be a wonderful backdrop to a collection of smaller wall hangings.

 

 

This room itself is rather plain (at least what we can see of it) but the cheetah print carpet definitely livens things up.  I think the great shape of this headboard is emphasized even more because of it’s cream upholstery.

 

Another favorite room, I love the subtleties and layers Bobby McAlpine has created in this room.  The half-height screen behind the bed is a great way to float a bed in the middle of the room and still keep it grounded.  The nail head trim on the headboard and the tone on tone white linens add just the right amount of pattern.

 

If I had a fireplace like this in my bedroom I probably wouldn't care if I had tarps for bed linens!  Slight exaggeration, but still this is a beautiful fireplace!

 

 

Vicente Wolf knows how to design one heavenly looking bed, doesn’t he?  The white doors add so much to this space- can you imagine how different they would look without their molding?  Another very cool detail in this room is the floating shelves in front of the window. 

 

The doors in this room are what make it as well.  While reflecting mirrors towards a bed can be a little Vegas-y, these are done in antique mirror to diffuse the reflectivity and add lots of character. 

 

Lighting fixtures can also become a wonderful focal point in a white room.  These French wall lanterns are such beauties.

 

 

    Shiny crystal always looks good and adds some glamour.

 

  

Another favorite bedroom, this headboard and Italian chandelier are stunning accents to an otherwise neutral room.

 

         

Clearly, white rooms are anything but dull!

To spice up a white room without color:

-Fabrics as canopies or bed draperies can create instant architectural interest

-Focus on the rooms architectural details such as a fireplace mantle, wall molding, or windows and doors

-Use a furniture piece that contrasts the white and becomes even more of a statement

-Let the artwork/wall hangings become the focus without competing with the artwork

-Accent with a fantastic and subtle pattern, i.e. an area rug or an antique tapestry pillow

-Accent with a statement lighting fixture

Merry Christmas

 

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I hope you’ve survived the chaotic month of December and are enjoying a peaceful and joyous day!

While holiday shopping is not always a pleasure, one of it’s perks is checking out the store displays of Christmas decor.  This year I saw so many delightful tree ideas… so many different types, color schemes, and styles to go ga-ga over!

 

A pretty red and green traditional tree is so festive.  Look at all the pretty pine boughs Willows Home & Garden has used in their backdrops, and especially those on their chandelier! 

On the other side of the store is a silver stunner.  Mercury glass and twinkle lights are so elegant, especially in a French or Gustavian inspired interior. 

 

     And now for my favorite unusual tree… a french wine drying rack tree!

This one is at Trouve, one of my favorite shops in town for anything and everything gorgeous.  It’s over 6’ tall and so unique.  I absolutely love it, don’t you!?! 

Lisa in the background did the decorating for this one and as usual she outdid herself!  The bow topper had already come down from this tree, but it still is very cool isn’t it!

Another wine rack tree at the chicest grocery/eatery/hip spot in Phoenix, La Grande Orange, this one slightly smaller in scale, and just as charming.

   

And who can forget adorable mini trees.  Don’t these tinsel ones look fantastic as a centerpiece?!?

Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  Luke 2:14

Elegant & Understated Christmas Decor

My favorite Christmas decorations are those that are simple and fresh- lots of live greenery, white accessories and blooms,  and a little glitz of silver & gold. 

White poinsettias for some class and a jingle ball wreath for some glamour- love it!

 

Mini boxwood wreaths can be used in so many ways- hanging in front of windows or mirrors, on the back of chairs, around candles…  

 

Green apples, pears, and limes can be great accessories. 

 

And of course, flowers are one of the easiest accessories!  White blooms work for me anytime of year, but add a few pinecones or pine branches and it is the perfect balance of rustic chic.

 

Simple green pine or boxwood wreaths get me every time.  Not only are they so pretty but also so easy to assemble (for those of us who can’t manage a fancy craft project this time of year!!).

 

 

This is a wreath I loved at first sight and could be used at many times of the year too, minus the garland and Christmas Tree topiaries of course.

 

Are you a sucker for great ribbons?  Me too!  This one seems to add just the right festive touch.

Keeping it simple appeals in so many ways.  I find these colors are a breath of fresh air… especially after a trip to the mall and being bombarded with overwhelming store decor! 

What’s your favorite color to implement this season?

{Photos via Habitually Chic, Villa Anna, Country Living, Martha Stewart, Surroundings}

Hello again!

Long time no talk!

I’ve been working on a project for a new client who’s been keeping me pretty distracted lately even though I haven’t officially met him yet.  He’ll be moving into his new digs this April whether I’m ready or not!  Yes, our family is going to have a real baby instead of just a furry canine one!

So instead of searching for style lately I’ve been searching for everything there is to know on babies, baby products (which is a whole education in itself!), and of course nursery decor! 

Thank you for being patient during the first trimester blogging hiatus and hope you’re doing well!

       

Hopefully the new baby will sleep as well and easily as this one does!!!

In the Kitchen: Stainless & Satin

I wonder what gown she wears on Thursday nights?!?

{Photo via Petersham Nurseries}

Friday Flowers: Pink & Purple Hydrangea Love

 

 

   

 

       

{Photos via 1. 416 Florist, 2. Brabourne Farm, 3. Google Images, 4. Flickr, 5. Provencal Escapes by Caroline Clifton-Mogg, 6. Country Living, 7. Villa Anna, 8. Martha Stewart, 9. Veranda, 10. Petersham Nurseries}

Friday Flowers

Love the mirror, love the demi-john turned lamp, love the flowers, love the weekend!

{Photo via Endless Inspiration}

Friday Flowers

About this time of year when I was a teenager, my family would go to Cape Cod with some of my parents best friends.  We’d enjoy long days at the beach, read lots of books, and oogle at the beautiful hydrangeas that are everywhere. We’d also debate whether it’s pronounced “Hydr-ann-gea” or “Hy-drain-gea” (according to a certain Bostonian as well as the Minnesota hy-drain-gea authority)… But to-may-to to-mah-to, hydr-ann-gea, hy-drain-gea nobody could debate that they weren’t gloriously beautiful!  And for one week the only family bickering would be about which color is the prettiest.  I think you can guess which side I took…

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

{Photos via Domino, Veranda, Cote de Texas, Martha Stewart, Shannon Fricke, Simply Seleta, Fifi Flowers, Flickr}