Designing Domesticity: Inspiration monday

Showing posts with label Inspiration monday. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Inspiration monday. Show all posts

Inspiration Monday: Window Box

Well, hello Monday and the start to another wonderful week...at least weather wise! Right? But seriously, now that the temperatures have become more mild, planting season can resume here in the South and I've got my eye set on the beloved window box. Here are some that are inspiring me right now.

Purples, greens and whites are always a favorite with cabbage helping to drive home the harvest season feel.

Purples mixed with more traditional fall colors like yellow, orange and red set a striking scene.

Throw in a pumpkin and some mums and it's really starting to feel like Fall.

Artichokes, hydrangea and bittersweet berries bring a rustic vibe.

So many options and loads of inspiration - time to get our hands dirty!

until next time,

Inspiration Monday: Addressing Above the Bed

You may remember that addressing the space above our bed is high on my list of priorities when it comes to our bedroom refresh. But, with so many options it's not that easy to decide.

Here are some of my top contenders…

1. Mirror - it's an obvious and probably most commonly used solution to fill the void above a bed.

Large or small, either can create a true focal point in the space.

2. Something unusual - you know how I feel about every room having/needing a touch of whimsy, why not include it right above the bed.

Apartment Therapy

The round sisal really caught my eye, but probably works best without an actual headboard. Same goes for the salvaged window frames below.

3. Art - Another obvious answer, but playing with scale helps to keep it from becoming too predictable.

Style by Emily Henderson

Oversized or simple and small, both work to give your eye a resting spot.

Country Farmhouse

4. Nothing - A beautiful bed and bedding, flanked by windows can sometimes be all the space needs.

Traditional Home

Of course, there are lots of other options like plates, canopies, wallpaper/stencil, etc (some of which I have pinned on my Pinterest page) that I didn't include here because they aren't really contenders for our bedroom, but that doesn't mean that wouldn't be absolutely gorgeous in your space. So, tell me what you think…what do you have above your bed? and what do you think we should do above ours?

Hope you had a great weekend.

until next time,

Inspiration Monday: The Layered Bed

Happy Monday and first official week of Fall (which technically starts on Wednesday, I believe). What are you doing to mark this special occasion? Personally, I'm leaning toward a Fall makeover - the layered bed - perfect for this seasons cooler temperatures.

It all started when I saw this image of the Nester's bedroom - she had just had it repainted after planking the ceiling, which is really what her post was all about. But for me - it was all about that bed. Doesn't it just look lay-around all day luscious? All layered up with that extra large tasseled throw.

The tassel throw from Anthropologie (not currently online) led me to this beautifully layered bed. This time incorporating warm colors that are perfectly seasonal.

Just as soon as I started down the layered bed road, I thought … you know who always does a lovely layered bed, Pottery Barn. And sure enough, they had loads of inspirational images to choose from. I'm partial to this one with the perfect mix of white and cream - a classic that never goes out of style.

Of course, it doesn't all have to be pattern-less neutrals. In fact, mixing a variety of patterns and textures in one color pallet really hypes up the cozy factor, for me.

So, let's break it down…we're talking sheets (obviously), a blanket, coverlet/quilt, duvet and a throw, if possible. All in a mixture of textures and patterns, ideally in a neutral pallet. Doesn't that just sound divine - or at least really warm.

Oh, I'm excited! Time to bring the duvet out of the linen closet and start creating those layers we all love.

Happy first week of Fall, y'all.

until next time,

Inspiration Monday: All Things Fall

The first of our leaves are starting to change colors and fall, we were treated to delightfully mild temperatures this past weekend, football is back on the tv - yup, it's starting to feel a lot like Fall.

Between our mountain getaway, and recent posts discussing the change in seasons and how it's reflected in our retailers, it seems like Fall is all I can think about.

We haven't made any changes in our home (yet) to reflect the new, chillier time of year but I've already started thinking of my four favorite ways to bring Fall home and if it's too soon to bring out my favorite Fall throws.

Our cul-de-sac has agreed to host our neighborhood Halloween party this year, a Fall spruce up outside is definitely in order…maybe something like last year's front porch.

Of course the change in season also comes with new ensemble challenges, although I love transitioning to Fall with all it's cozy layers, it's still hard to follow all the fashion trends.

One thing is for sure, I do love Fall cooking and definitely haven't wasted any time incorporating new seasonal recipes into our nightly family dinners, like this yummy soup we had Sunday night and this pasta we're planning for later in the week.

Bring it, Fall, we're ready.

until next time,

Inspiration Monday: Spicy Orange

Not sure if you know, but Tuesday is September 1st! Most kids are back in school, the weather has cooled down a bit, the feel of fall is definitely in the air. Zoinks! How did that happen? I'm not delusional, I know we're still months away from actual fall weather here in Charlotte but it doesn't mean that I can't dream about it. It's hard not to, after all, when all the retailers are featuring loads of spicy orange throughout their stores.

Have you seen the new jewel toned pillow collection from Pottery Barn featuring loads of spicy orange?

William Sonoma Home

How about the new spicy orange collection of home accessories from William Sonoma Home?

Ballard Designs

Even Ballard Designs is getting in on the fall color scheme, "warming" up their windows.

House Beautiful

As if that wasn't convincing enough, check out the cover of House Beautiful's Septmber issue.

Yes, fall is in the air and our retailers are making sure we know it. Go on, take a look around and see where you can spot some spicy orange.

Hope you had a great weekend.

until next time,

Inspiration Monday: Working with Oriental Rugs

Let's talk oriental rugs, shall we? I used to think they were used mostly in stodgy traditional decorating, but lately I've seen them mixed with other styles to create a new, fresh look. Check it out.

There are so many patterns and color combinations you're surely able to find something to work in almost any space.

Brick reds.

Paired with animal print!

Coral and navy. A favorite combo of mine.

The yellows are stunning.

Purples.

My all time favorite are the more muted, vintage styles.

It's all about balance, as you can see. Even the most traditional of foundational pieces can be mixed and matched for a fresh look. There's no denying that a true Oriental rug can be an investment, but you can still find deals online and at auction…so get out there and find yourself one. You can thank me later.

until next time,

Inspiration Monday: Mountain Retreat

We're finally back from our 3.5 week Midwestern tour. We covered over 2,000 miles through 10 states with 4 stops in 4 different states. It was definitely a whirlwind tour; visiting family and friends with a lot of time spent enjoying wooded, lake living. During our 3 day drive back to Charlotte, I got to thinking about how we could replicate a similar retreat a bit closer to home.

Something like this would do nicely. Take the tour here.

Southern Living House Plan

Or maybe we should build something like this - plans available via Southern Living.

Blowing Rock Rental

In the meantime, a slightly more attainable goal would be to rent this gorgeous cottage.

Check out the rest of the property here.

Cashiers Rental

Or this cottage.

Check out the rest of the property here.

Yup, I'll be day dreaming about our next getaway to the mountains instead of dealing with the harsh reality of a mountain of laundry, school starting in a week and a backlog of client work (thanks for being more than patient with me during my three week break!!).

until next time,

Inspiration Monday: Chinoiserie in the Mix

After a week of outdoor activity, we're back to focusing on interior inspiration - in the form of Chinoiserie accents. Chinoiserie, in case you didn't know, is French for Chinese-esque and is all the rage when combined with different styles of design. Of course, I love it paired with more traditional items to create a layered, eclectic look.

It doesn't take a lot to achieve it - a statement furniture piece,

or paper,

or signature lighting.

A painted console has been on my wish list for years. Back in the day it had to be Chinese red, more recently black - although green might be a new favorite.

You probably already know where this is going, but I recently acquired my first Chinoiserie piece. Can't wait to share it with you…

until next time,

Inspiration Monday: A Chef's Life

We're back after a long weekend - one that I hope everyone enjoyed to the fullest. Ours was jam packed, but we did manage to find a bit of spare time to binge watch my latest obsession: A Chef's Life.

I know most of you tune in here to talk design, which is obviously one of my great passions, but if you've been following me for awhile now you know that I also have a special place in my heart for all things food related as well as simple, country living - both of which I have been known to talk about at length.

This is why I love A Chef's Life.

A NYC chef and her husband move back to Eastern North Carolina to open a high end, farm to table concept restaurant, in an area that would generally not support that kind of business. It's a documentary that follows the ins and outs of running a restaurant, working with local farmers, and of course cooking. As if that wasn't enough, they're also building a modern take on a classic farmhouse and have young twins.

It's so easy to idealize things you see on TV, but they really go out of their way to show the hard work and true struggles that they encounter everyday - it's what I think makes this show special.

Each episode features a key Southern "old timey" ingredient and how she makes it work in a fresh, modern way in her restaurant, Chef & The Farmer.

(The restaurant site wouldn't load at time of publishing this post, but I included the link anyway.)

We've been so inspired by her take on things that we've tried versions of several of her recipes and are contemplating adding some of these classic crops to our own garden.

Speaking of gardens, I'll be sharing a bit about ours in an upcoming post.

Season 3 is starting this Fall. We're currently catching up on Season 1 on Amazon Instant Video. Check it out and let me know what you think.

until next time,

Inspiration Monday: Bold Powder Paper

Phew, what a week at the beach we had! An amazing start to what will hopefully be an amazing summer.

While ~~day dreaming~~ conducting serious research on vacation, I stumbled across a new wallpaper crush that got me to brainstorming about bold powder room papers. Check out some of my favorites that are inspiring me right now.

Simple large scale graphic paired with painted wainscoting.

Animal print. Enough said.

Miss Mustard Seed did an amazing job utilizing this large scale mural in her bath.

I posted this image recently in my trending post and I haven't been able to get the oversized palm print out of my mind since.

Truth is, I don't know anything about this paper but it looks absolutely fabulous as the backdrop to that stunning sink!

All this inspiration has me wishing for a powder room makeover in my near future. Sadly, it won't be happening anytime soon in my own home - but I'd be happy to help someone with theirs. Just say the word...

Happy Monday.

until next time,

Inspiration Monday: Espalier

We're back with another round of inspiration on this fine Monday morning. Today, it's all about the espalier, a fancy name for a plant that is trained to a specific shape on a flat surface like a wall or fence.

I can't remember when I first became so fascinated by this agricultural phenomena, but it definitely came to a roaring head while living and traveling overseas and touring amazing gardens across Europe.

There are loads of different styles and shapes within the espalier family, but I am particularly partial to the diamond pattern. What a great way to add much needed charm to a blank wall.

There's so much to love about this image with the gray planked fencing, brick planter and the pairing of the more formal espalier with the less structured plantings below. Of course, I love the rounded boxwood, too.

until next time,

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