Totally Inspiring Room

Simple room pinned by Emma Fexeus on Pinterest.

Simple, stripped down goodness. I’d like my life to be as uncluttered as this room…

Totally Inspiring Room

Soft, serene, and utterly feminine yet simple… today’s room is an I inspiring, restful retreat. I love the gray, gold, and simple white linens mix. No harsh, distracting colors or patterns, just the kind of simple elegance that defies sleepless nights.

I hope you’re having an awesome day! I got my gift from work: an Android tablet. Not top of the line but it’s one more tablet than I had yesterday. I love IKEA! Until tomorrow!

Totally Inspiring Room

Don’t you love finding things that you weren’t looking for. That happened to me a week or so ago. I was looking for examples of clostra on Google images and came across an online portfolio for a shelter magazine writer. This room was featured in an a House & Garden (now defunct) issue from 2004. The cool part is that I actually had that issue once upon a time and I loved the antique Parisian silver leafed coffee table that was featured in that spread. It never ceases to amaze me how a room that inspired almost a decade ago still inspires today.

What old favorites are still inspiring you?

Art: James Nares

James Nares is a well known artist who paints large canvases with giant paint laden brushes while suspended from a rigging system. The paintings have a lush, sensual quality to them. The colors and textures that are created through the movement of the brushes is just incredible.

I’m a huge fan of these dark canvases with the lighter colored brushstrokes on them. The blue pieces above remind of the sea; they are full of a dark, mysterious energy.

Check out the artist’s website and this cool post from Habitually Chic which highlights a lovely roster of interiors decked out with Nares work!

Totally Inspiring Room

I can’t remember where I found this but I thought the simple, sophisticated look made it a keeper. The image info says it’s Stephen Gambrel. That might explain why I like it!

Coffee and Books.

One of my private dreams (not so private anymore, eh?) is to open a small, elegant coffeehouse/reading room. Someplace comfortable and quiet that provides a great place to spend time with friends or to hang out with dear literary friends. (You know you’re on a first name basis with Lizzy, Emma, and Jane… Miss Eyre, I mean.)

If I had to pick the look I’d be going for in this dream space this would be it:

One of the many cozy lounge areas in the J.K. Place Hotels – via Lonny Magazine Oct/Nov 2010 (pg. 156).

I love the restraint here; everything is neutral, soothing, understated. The furniture looks soft and inviting, the decor is minimal, functional, and blends in with its surroundings. Even the lighting is low key!

Yeah, I’d probably have to copy this beautiful space wholesale for my dream cafe! What do you think? Could you see this look in a cafe or restaurant? How about your dining room? I’d love to know!

Totally Inspiring Room

So, I’m doing another inspiration room this week! I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share this gem of kitchen with you:

Lindsay Reid’s Pasadena cottage kitchen from the June 2011 issue of House Beautiful.

This room is so elegant and simple. I love the dark gray cabinets, the coolly linear backsplash, the warmth of the textiles on the window and window seat… and the complete lack of upper cabinets. I’ve seen some really beautiful kitchens but I think this one is definitely vying for first place on my list of favorites.

What do you think of this kitchen? Love it or hate it?

Comfortable Chic

I may have mentioned that I’m not the fashionista type a few posts ago. I wasn’t kidding. I’m totally not being falsely modest or anything. I’m a woman so I love clothes, shoes, and handbags as much as I’m supposed to… I just don’t wear what I like as much as I’d like. I kind of convince myself, on a daily, that it is OK to wear jeans and a tee… again. I’m really hoping to change that going forward. My last couple of clothing purchases have been dresses and skirts. Girly could quite possibly become my new uniform. Here is an outfit that totally embodies my taste – a little Bohemian, a little classic, absolutely comfortable, and simply chic.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent oversized silk blouse and Bailey 44 maxi skirt in rayon/spandex both at Nordstrom.

Elegant Simplicity

A few simple, yet elegant rooms for this cool spring day. I hope it’s fairer in you part of the world!

A simple, modern living room from MSL.

Warm neutrals and hints of black cozy up this living room from Lonny Magazine.

Cool and serene digs from decorpad.

Calming blues, pale wood, and simple shapes in this living room from House Beautiful.

Clean and modern dining room (Elle Decor?).

A uniquely shaped headboard is simplified by crisp white fabric.

Single Serving Sunday

Eye candy for your lazy Sunday viewing enjoyment: