Dreamy Decor Photo Inspiration

I don't know about you, but as much as I love the written word I find myself drawn in to read blog posts that contain pretty pictures. They always grab my attention and pull me in for more. I wanted to share some of the gorgeous photos that I have stored in my inspiration file.

I hope these images will become as much of an inspiration to you as they have been for me. I've captured them for their use of small spaces or color, others for their elegance and their display of accessories. This modern style with traditional elements meets glamour is typically the style that I like to implement into my interior design projects (client willing of course).

DESIGN INSPIRATION IN PICTURES

I love the clean lines of this bathroom, the lighting just sparkles and it is so serene. It looks clean, airy and hotel-inspired. I would however omit the elyptical machine. This is a Candice Olsen Design.

I love the detail on these elegant, glass kitchen cabinets. All of the elements feel so cohesive, warm, earthy and inviting. While I can't see the floor, it would be great paired with some dark wood hardwood floors.

This is an image from the ever-amazing Designer Sarah Richardson. I am in love with this soaker tub!

 

So pretty and serene, this Potterybarn room is easy on the eyes and would make a great guest bedroom. I've modelled our guest bedroom/my office after it, I have a replica of that white duvet with blue beading and white furniture. The walls are to be painted the same pale blue/grey color later this month.

 

I love the crispness of white and I love vintage pieces with a modern twist. I am currently looking for a thrift store version of this writing desk and a chair for our den. This would create  a separate working space for me when guests take over the guest bedroom which also happens to be my office.

As much as I love neutrals, I am drawn to this shade of green as it compliments the white and espresso wonderfully. The dark hardwood floors complete with cream rug and black and white  polka dot sheets are light and refreshing. This wall color would be perfect as an accent wall, a whole room might be too much.

I just love beachy accessories-pale blues, whites, sand, and books to curl up with are recipe for a perfect beach house, along with an ample supply of white furniture and accessories. Everything here is simple and pretty. I believe this image was taken from the HGTV.com site from the 2008 dream home giveaway.

This striped accent wall really makes this room. With a simple set of framed artwork hung above the bed, a pair of pretty, contemporary lamps and some patterned pillows, this room has a light, neutral feel with a pop.

The drapery, desk and wall color are so airy and light so I love that the floors are a contrast with a chocolate brown and cream zebra rug on top of dark hardwood flooring. The lamp is super fun and adds a touch of glamour to the room. This room's look is completed with classic black and white framed photography.

I adore the carved detail of this black desk's wooden legs. Now that is one comfy office chair!

I love the shabby chic, worn-in look of this budget style. A linen table cloth, colorful spray painted tin cans filled with garden blooms and vintage glassware and cutlery. What a pefect outdoor garden lunch setup.

This is another Sarah Richardson Design. I love the detail of these dining chairs in contrast to the soft, plush and pretty banquette seating opposit them. Most of all I stored this pic for the gorgeous, shimmering wallpaper detail. What dining room is complete without a stunning chandelier?

This photo may look familiar because it is from THIS organizing post from last month. I love the feminine details and French country style. This is a room I'd enjoy doing laundry in! I heart fillled apothecary jars.

I believe this is a Candice Olson Design. I love how this large room is used in so many great ways. I would never want to get up in the morning and leave! The soft palette and lighting make it a clear winner!

I love this Sarah Richardson entry design. That chair is beautiful! I would love a set at a dining table. The grand mirror really opens up the space, adds light and provides even more glamour.

* I have filed many of these for years and I kept them for what they bring to the table visually. I do not however have the image sources. If any photos belong to someone reading this blog, please by all means contact me and I'll add your link under the photos.

The photo at the top of this post is what appears on my computer's desktop. It could be the perfect intimate wedding reception for a small gathering or an outdoor room to be enjoyed daily. The white linens, blush roses and outdoor drapery are so soothing. I adore the whimsical touch of the elaborate chandelier hung above the worn look of the wooden table. What beachy area is complete without starfish and seashells?

I love the ocean and dream of living by the sea in a glorious beach house one day. Until then, I can dream!

What are your favorite websites or blogs for decorating inspiration? What room(s) are you currently decorating or planning to redo?

Some of MY Favorite Things: A Random Assortment

I hope you are having a great start to your week! If you've been following my blog for a little while, you'll remember a post I did on my favorite things at Whole Foods. I thought I'd share some of the personal items in my home and it will also give you a chance to learn a little more about me too. Some items are things I use frequently and others are those that my heart just adores simply because it does.

Here are 10 of My Favorite Random Things

1. Most Comfy Shoes this Summer-I love shoes, in particular a great pair of peep-toe pumps, but the winner of most comfortable and equally stylish shoe goes to my Tommy Hilfiger Falsetto gladiator-style sandal. They retail for around $70 on many websites but I got these for a steal for only $19.99 at Ross! They are perfect with a pair of cuffed shorts and a top, a long maxi dress, a long shirt and tights or a pair of skinny jeans. I wear them almost every day. Thankfully I live in Florida where I can wear sandals almost every week out of the year.

2. Favorite Way to Stay Healthy-Aside from eating nutritious, organic foods and exercising as often as I can, my favorite way to stay cold and flu-free is to consume a lot of garlic. I'm not talking about a little bit of roasted garlic in a prepared recipe, but full on raw garlic cloves (and several of them) on top of almost anything. I usually crush up several raw cloves and put them on top of an already heated up soup, a fresh salad, or another dinner item. Raw garlic reduces illness, increases immunity, kills parasites, and has even been proven to shrink tumors and ward of cancer! The key is to eat it raw and not heat it, otherwise it loses most of its medicinal qualities.The best part is I pay about 25 cents for a bulb of garlic. I do not have medical insurance and I have not needed to visit a doctor in the 3 years that I've lived here. For obvious reasons, I avoid eating it if I'm visiting clients. Thankfully my hubby is on board and loves it equally as much!

3. Most Used Kitchen Tool- Many would argue that a food processor is their favorite kitchen tool, and I have to agree that it is an amazing tool and I know I'll get far more use out of it one day when I'm making homemade baby food, but until that time comes, my garlic press is my go-to gadget. I use it almost every day and my new OXO press is my favorite by far. It has a no-slip handle and it cleans up quickly and is heavy duty.

4. Favorite Decor Item-I am a sucker for anything costal and beachy, which you might remember from my getting personal post. I love, love, love starfish and was super excited to see some live while snorkeling in St. Thomas. While it is not ocean-friendly or eco-friendly to use real starfish as decor, I have used Pottery Barn's white finger star fish in several places in my home. They look like the real deal without having to harm any sea creatures for our viewing pleasure. I bought mine at their end of season sale. I use them in hurricane vases with sand and a pillar candle in the summer months, leaning against a set of frames on a shelf, and I've even had one in an apothecary jar in my bathroom as well as on the side table in our living room. Lots of fun things to do with them!

5. Favorite Starbucks Beverage-Although I'm not a coffee junkie and my budget doesn't allow for frequent purchases of their wonderful drink indulgences, when I do stop by, I have several drinks I enjoy such as the Chai latte made with soy, or the pumpkin spiced latte and the super sweet peppermint white hot chocolate (it's heavenly!), but my favorite is a drink for the summer months called a Grande Caramel Light Frappuccino, no whip. You can also dress it up with some whip cream and a drizzle of caramel for added decadance. They have a 'regular' version with a lot more calories which I have never tried because I'm sure after that the light would taste well, light. Right now it is the perfect amount of caramel, coffee and sweetness and it does not taste weak or watered down. Here is how you can make your own.

Image Source

6. Most Lovely Flower-I adore peonies and was crushed when I realized that I wouldn't be able to use them in my September wedding 3 years ago. I really longed for pale pink peonies. *swoon* I settled for blush roses that day, but I try to bring them into my home whenever possible while they are in season during the early summer months. Being that I live in FL, they are hard to come by. My old home in the Toronto area had peony bushes along the side and front which I couldn't wait to clip and put on display.

7.  Most Used Gift- Based on what comes to mind at the moment, I'd have to say it was a birthday gift that my husband purchased for me two years ago which is a large brown coach mongram wallet. I saw it in online originally and he surprised me with it and was able to grab it at the outlet store, so it turned out to be half the price, gotta love that! I have a cream leather handbag that I use a lot and this goes really well with it, as well as brown one and a few other colors as well as a small matching coach bag that I bought for a steal also. I do have a black favorite too for my handbags/clutches of that color scheme.

8. Inexpensive Glamour-When I decided to decorate our guest bedroom/my office, I wanted to add a bit of glamour to an otherwise boring room at the time. I wanted it to inspire me to paint the walls, the furniture in the room and all several other touches of glam. This little chandelier from Ikea for just $39.99 did the trick. It looks far better in person than this website photo and it has inspired me to transform that space. It has a wonderful sparkle and it provides just enough light without being too much, considering I have two windows in the space already. It would be perfect for a teen, toddler or baby girl room too. Since our guest room is our only 'spare' bedroom, this would be a future baby's room, so here's to holding onto the faith that it will be a girl, then she can enjoy the lighting too. :)

9. Newest Monogrammed Item- A couple weeks ago, I picked up this fun letter 'K' at Marshall's in the clearance section. It had a slight dent in the wood in a fairly inconspicous area, so I purchased it for $7. It is temporarily living on our guest room nightstand until I paint the room a lovely shade of pale blue and then I will hang it above a set of vintage hooks I picked up at a flea market near the door.

10. Must-Read Decor Magazines- My favorite decor magazine(s) are actually from Canada. One is called Canada's Style at Home and the other is Canadian House & Home. I had a subscription for many years before moving to the U.S. At the time I really enjoyed being able to find the items in local retailers vs. trying to hunt down items that were only available in the U.S. I do have several othes I enjoy such as Coastal Living and Better Homes and Gardens, but those are the two I pick up every time I fly home from Toronto after visiting friends and family!

Tell us some of your favorite things! Do you have a favorite pair of shoes you can't live without or a pair of earrings that go with everything you own? We want to hear from you!

Monogrammed DIY Ideas

Anyone who knows me well could tell you that I love love love Monograms! Having items personalized is a classic look that will never go out of style. I really enjoy seeing all the ways I can take something as generic as table napkins and transform them into something unique and customized. Monogrammed items also make for a classy, special gift too!

One of my first monogram projects was when I was about 13, it was a set of wine glasses for my parents using glass etching paste + stencils. I later used the same etching paste to customize a vanity mirror too.

Today I came across this elegant and FREE monogrammed clip art from the Martha Stewart website, while looking for some printables for making gift tags and to use on my handmade cards. I wish there were numbers too as I'm looking to make my dad a special card for his upcoming milestone birthday.

I know there are many other monogram lovers out there, so I thought I'd share some of the neat designs and ideas I came across recently.

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Luggage Tags

These are simple tags that can be made with just some scrapbooking paper then have them laminated with plastic wrap tags. Great to add a personalized look to a beach bag, diaper bag or your luggage so it can easily be spotted!

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Fall Table Napkins

These napkins are just in time for fall! Here are some great ideas for embroidery. You can also achieve the same look with some washable fabric paint and a stencil or an iron-on monogram letter.

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Wall Art

I love the idea of using adhesive letters (which can be removed later) to use above a bed or in a reading nook, above a crib in a nursery or even in a family room, powder room or kitchen-anywhere really!

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Beach Accessories

This beach bag above is a wonderful alternative to the typical canvas types. The zebra beach towel from Pottery Barn is a great complement.

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Bedding

Classic hotel style bedding with monogrammed shams from Potterybarn. One of the reasons I love PB so much is because of the beautiful customization they provide for so many of their items.

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Coasters

Last but not least, is a super easy project that you can make to create some custom monogram coasters.

I started off with a package of 4 glass coasters that included the coaster holder which I got from Marshall's for just $8. I took out the inserts behind the glass and substituted two of them with my hubby's monogram which is a 'P' and two of mine which are the 'K' shown. I simply opened a word document and created the letters and enlarged then, selected the colors I wanted and fit all four on the page and hit print.

I then cut them down to size and slid them into the photo holder (originally these were sold as photo coasters). I may one day do that down the road but for today I'm happy with what we have now. I may do some seashells or a pretty damask print, or make each a different design later on with some pretty scrapbook paper. They would make a wonderful hostess or Christmas gift and you can usually find these glass coasters at Bed, Bath & Beyond as well as many other discount retailers and even Target.

I love this monogram button pillow found via this etsy shop. This would be such a cute baby shower gift or a great addition to a baby nursery. If you're the DIY-type, why not try hand stitching those little buttons on yourself. I'm thinking of attempting this one, here was my first attempt at a custom pillow.

If you love monograms as much as myself, I'd love to know, what have been your favorite personalized gifts to receive? What have been you're favorite DIY projects involving monograms?

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Thanks for reading!

XO