We're moving to TEXAS!

http://olioboard.com/users/sallyjl

Yep, that's right! The hubsters getting out of the Navy and we're going South in June of this year. We've been to New England and are currently in Virginia, after meeting in London.. and now to the wilds of Texas! Okay, not really wild, it'll be Austin.. but close enough. I'm pretty excited, we'll be near hubbys side of the family, and can finally start looking for a place of our own!!! I got carried away and played around with a Texas infused mood board. What do you think? I love the rustic elements, leather chair and hide rug. They all seem Texan to me! It's unlikely we will ever have a room this cowboy glam... but a gal can dream.

We were in the mall yesterday and I popped into Restoration Hardware. They had some pretty cool items that could be layered into my mood board.. Of course the steer horns... loving the industrial tool chest too.. reminds me of an old fashioned beat up gun cabinet. I think the iron and rope mirror was also pretty cool. When I think Texas, I think cowboys.. hides, leather, cast iron, rustic wood, rich fabrics, brass nail head trim, rope, horses... Love it all!

Btw, thank you so much to my new readers! I hope to have a lot to share and hopefully some giveaways in the near future, so stay tuned!!

Sally x

Green and Serene

http://olioboard.com/users/sallyjl

I wish the weather would make it's darn mind up! I'm (literally) sick of all these changes in temperature... can you please hurry Spring?? lol. Anyway, in an effort to hurry along Mother Nature, I tried my hand at a Spring style bedroom moodboard! What do you think? I'm not sure on the chandelier.. but I think I love everything else! It's a little bit country and a little bit shabby chic. I was inspired by some of these pretty rooms, all found on decorpad. I love the subtle green tones against all the neutral, especially the white. Green and serene.... :-)

Pink and Black Interiors

http://olioboard.com/users/sallyjl

Been MIA for a few days... had the sickies... couldn't find the energy for a post! But I'm back now and on the mend. I wanted to show a few photos of my favourite pink and black interiors (along with a mood board for my own version!!). I can't say I was impressed with Pantone's colour of the year.. but it grew on me. :-) I chose a more plummy pink for my design. The lovely peeps at Olioboard seemed to like it so I thought I would share with the World.... ok, maybe just you lovelies reading. I love the bold contrast. It is such a fun and youthful palette. Miley Cyrus seems to think so, that's her dressing room pictured below. I called my design "Baroque my World," just for giggles. To me this pairing of colours fits the bill, being a little bit extravagant and dramatic at the same time.

All photos are from: http://www.decorpad.com/

Outdoor for Less

World Market - Maldive Collection

Well, we had a couple of warm days here in Virginia Beach, and it got me dreaming of outdoor living.. But all that furniture we use for maybe 5 months of the year can be pricey! I was in love with Targets range by Smith and Hawken (mainly the Avignon collection) but the prices are pretty darned expensive for my budget! Then I clicked my way to World Market and saw this gorgeous set, called Maldives. It's made from eco-friendly eucalyptus, and has the look and feel of the much pricier Avignon for way less! Here's the link to Avignon : http://www.target.com/b/ref=sc_iw_r_sh_furn_2_1/?node=2518758011. The prices here start at $429 for a side chair and $1099 for a 69inch table. Whereas the Maldives collection is $89.99 for a side chair and $299 for a 72 inch table. The other selections they have are also gorgeous and wallet friendly, check out this link if your in the 'market' for a new patio set! ;-)

http://www.worldmarket.com/category/index.jspcategoryId=3479383&ab=header:menu:furniture:outdoorandpatiofurniture

Here's some other inspiration from Martha Stewart and House Beautiful. All we need now is Summer!

I believe that the furniture shown here is the Avignon Collection.

Love this idea!! If you are lucky enough to have stunning views, use a mirror on your porch
to reflect them back into the living space so no one misses out on them!

Group similar planters of different sizes and foliage height for big impact!

Hang art on bare walls. Iron wall decor or even an
outdoor canvas can fill a blank spot and add interest.

This piece (below) from Grandin Road would add a fun, quirky element to a modern space!

Grandin Road - Bird on a Wire $69.00

Treat outdoor spaces as an extension of your living space.
Make a conversation area, add a spot to sit drinks.
Bring in elements that would be at home inside your home.
Outdoor mirrors, weather proof sculptures, outdoor rugs and patterned fabrics.

Pier One - Yellow Outdoor Stacking Armchair $79.95

Love this modern space. It doesn't have to be a sunny day to enjoy
 the outside when you have some yellow accents!!



West Indies/Island Style Furniture

Tommy Bahama - Island Estate

There are some great furniture companies out there embracing the West Indies/Island style. I am especially in love with the Tommy Bahama Collection, Island Estate in particular. "Island Estate celebrates an eclectic mix of British Plantation and refined Caribbean styling with a playful dose of exotic Island fun, turning the concept of home into paradise found..." Just listen to the way they describe it? Makes me want one of everything!! They have some fantastic pieces, and the way they style the furniture for the catalogue!?! So inspirational...:-)

They also have a new collection that I came across today at www.lexington.com called Royal Kahala. I see the words "exotic fusion" in the description... sure, I'll take some of that in my house! lol.

Here are some other images I have gathered, from a few different stores. I particularly like the Pier One selection called 'Senopati.' It's crafted from bamboo, rattan and mahogany, and the side table is an unbelievable $199.95. The headboard is pretty gorgeous too, it would look fantastic in a Island style bedroom..

Tommy Bahama - Royal Kahala

Thomasville - Ernest Hemingway Collection



Ethan Allen - British Classics



Pier 1 - Senopati Collection

Havertys - Antigua Collection

Havertys - Island Collection

Paula Deens House

I must admit, I am one of many, who wants to be part of the Deen family!! I love her recipes, her warm disposition and especially her home. It's a great mix of casual, country elegance. It always looks so warm and inviting on TV. It's the sort of house that is so welcoming, you just want to sit down and take your shoes off (and hope you get an invite to dinner!) See more here at: www.hookedonhouses.net/2009/12/09/its-paula-deens-house-in-savannah-yall/

If you are a fan of hers on facebook you might have seen her recent post when she was shooting a commercial at Palmetto Bluff! Thinking about it, her style is very reminiscent of the interiors they have in the stunning homes at the Bluff. Check them out at: www.palmettobluffgalleryofhomes.com/listings/homes
They have at least a dozen of my dream houses here..

I think re-creating her style wouldn't be too difficult. Wooden floors, a mix of painted and antique furniture, woven blinds, a mix of pretty fabrics for curtains and upholstery.... Here's a few things I wouldn't mind having in my home that remind me of hers and Palmetto Bluff :-)

Arhaus - Lily Plates

I have actually seen these plates above a Paula Deen chest of drawers. I love the bold splash of colour.

Paula Deen -Sweet Tea Writing Desk in Linen

I especially like this desk from her range. It has a great antiqued feel with its shape. It also has great storage and what about those names? So Paula Deen! Sweet tea, linen, tobacco, country, magnolia, Savannah... just perfect. Love it paired with the sunny yellow walls, plate decor and pretty botanical fabric.

Pottery Barn -Vanessa Duvet

Most things in the Pottery Barn catalogue would fit in perfectly in the Deen home, but I think she would especially like the pretty floral print in the Vanessa duvet. 



Bed Bath and Beyond - Heron Art

Art work would comprise of botanicals, bird prints, antique plates and paintings of the stunning marshes that surround her property. This canvas from BB&B is pretty big, but it would look great over a console table or dresser with it's partner (see website).

Ballard Design - Grand Palais Mirror

This pretty mirror from Ballard, has a great arch to it. I can envision it just as it's pictured here! In a casual seating area, bringing in an abundance of natural light and maybe a view of the marshes outside.

Pottery Barn - Richard Taylor Lead Planters

I don't think Paula's house would be complete without a smattering of potted orchids, ferns and other greenery!

Neutral Fix

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I am really in love with the neutral colour schemes that I keep seeing around! I think the balance of neutral combined with different metals, textures and patterns can make for a really pretty room. The trend for 'Restoration' style colours and furniture finishes has also worked it's way into my heart (it took a while but it's grown on me).. although it will take a lot more to convince my husband of the same! I think that the vintage/reclaimed/antique feel adds so much character and personality to a room.

You don't even have to pay top dollar to achieve the look. I found some reasonably priced pieces online that give the RH feel without the price.  :-)

Home Decorators - Edward Wall Clock $129

Home Decorators - Rhea Lamp $99

Home Decorators - Vintage Camera Boxes $39

Home Decorators -Sabine Mirror $149

Grandin Road - Chess Yard Art $79
These would be great (large!) sculptural pieces!

World Market - Aiden Table $279.99



My 'Dream' House

via House of Turquoise

I think most people couldn't put their style in one category. If I were to describe mine, it would fall under the following: coastal, eclectic, traditional with a touch of the tropics....is that too much? Probably!

These are a few inspiration photos that really speak to me. I like the casual but elegant feel. Stylish but unpretentious... and just plain dreamy...:-)

via Martha Stewart

via Coastal Living

Courtesy of http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/

via Martha Stewart

source unknown