UNDERSTATED

This is kind of space I'm willing my head to be in right now...


Clear of clutter, absolutely fresh, and focused on the important things. Like bold wall decor. And leafy accents (whether gilded or recently plucked from the garden).  And great seating (even in the form of a miniature stool).

*images via here, here and here.

ON THE VERGE

I feel like a kid counting down the days until school is out lately. The sun has been teasing us with a few days of summer sunshine, my vacation countdown has begun, and all I can do is daydream...



Is summer here yet?? And, could I please have that wallpaper for my entryway too? You'll have to excuse me if my blog starts to wander in the next few weeks... lots of little things to check off off the list before I leave for Italy! Anyone else counting down the days to some exciting summer plans?

*images via atlanta homes magazine, pinterest, sacramento street

A FLOWING FLORAL CHANDELIER

I've been spending time the last few days searching for some spring installation ideas for a project I have up my sleeve, when I came across this stunning floral 'chandelier'...

It was part of the San Francisco Decorator's Showhouse back in 2009 - I had one of the images saved in my inspiration files, but did some digging and found out a little more...

The designer for the entryway, Nicole Hollis, commissioned artist Yedda Morrison to create this stunning centerpiece to the hall, setting the tone for an indoor/outdoor feel. The framed butterfly art adds perfectly to the botanical feel, and the natural linen drape does the same.  Now I'm curious how hard this would be to pull off on a smaller scale for an intimate spring dinner... hmmmmm....

*images via yedda morrison, anh-min, and flickr

ROOM OF THE WEEK 3.24

In searching for some rooms that had that beach-house feeling without being too... well... beachy, I discovered this home designed by Bear-Hill Interiors, and fell in love with this room...

My number one requirement in a vacation home is that every space must lower my blood pressure exponentially. This is so doing it for me. The mix of patterns in a soft grey - especially the placement of the wallpaper - keeps it from being too boring, and the pop of aqua is the perfect touch. The benches are also keeping things functional (pssst - styling trick, notice how the pillows are turned opposite so we're seeing only the stripe from the photographer's perspective?). There's definitely a relaxed sophistication going on here, which is very much my style. So... when can I move in?

*room design by bear-hill interiors

BLOGGERS BRACKET + AID FOR JAPAN

Every year come March, I put out the call to those of you as obsessed with college hoops as I am to join in my little bloggers pool. Usually a few of you do, and it's all good fun (until I lose).

Well, this year, I'm doing things differently. This year, I'm inviting you to join the pool for fun, but also to benefit relief efforts in Japan. I'm sure many of you have felt as overwhelmed as I have by the images of the endless amounts of tragedy and disaster after the earthquake and tsunami, and have felt as helpless as I have. Usually, in these moments, I try to make a quiet little donation somewhere and hope that it makes a difference. But this time, I want to try for something a little bigger.

This year I'm inviting you and everyone you know to join in on the March Madness and enter the Blogger's Ball pool. The entry fee is $15, half of which will go to a reputable disaster relief organization*, and half of which will go to the owner of the winning bracket. (It's up to them whether or not they'd like to share their winnings by donating more!)

I've created an event page on Facebook with all the details on how to join the bracket (and as a way for you to share the event with your friends as well). For those of you who don't need any further convincing, you can join by clicking here and entering the password gozags to participate in the pool. (You may have to set up an account to login) Don't forget to read the group rules for payment instructions! I hope you all will consider lending a little support while joining in on the fun of the tourney!

*Currently, news sources are recommending waiting for damages to be fully assessed and for disaster relief organizations to be in place before selecting an organization to donate to directly. As soon as I pick one, I will let the group know where the funds will be sent, and how much will be donated. I'm currently looking at The Red Cross, ShelterBox, and Global Giving. If you have further suggestions, I will gladly take them.

**image via domino mag via {frolic!}

CHIC LITTLE ENTRYWAYS

Currently obsessing over fresh + fantastic entryways like these...

With tile like this you can hardly call it a 'mud room', but with plenty of storage for coats and shoes, this entry is the chicest definition of the term I've ever seen (plus, you know I'm loving the black + white stripes at the doorway!).

Love the depth a little black paint gives to this simple entryway, and the vintage accents give it great character. A vibrant orange door is so cheery and welcoming! I love how the collection of artwork in gold frames echoes the color against fresh white walls.

As a side note... I'm totally returning to black and white palettes these days. I realized that sometimes I'm too afraid to add a little black to a room, thinking that somehow it doesn't work with softer styles, but it really just adds a wonderful touch of drama! 


*images via cococozy, unknown and pure style home via creategirl

FOUND! GILDED BRANCH MIRROR

I have always been in love with this entryway of layered mirrors from Aussie Vogue Living, and have been particularly obsessed with the organic nature of those gilded branches...

Hunting for mirrors for a client last week, I stumbled upon this fairly affordable version and am considering where to put it in my own home!

While it doesn't have the same detailed texture as the original, it makes a perfectly acceptable substitute.

*available at bellacor