Last Blog for a While

Well, this is my last blog for a few days. The movers are coming today and we leave our little house in Virgina Beach tomorrow. Hopefully the drive will be an easy one (probably not with a 3 year old and a cat)! Looking forward to starting a new chapter in Austin, Texas..... Must remember to pack my cowboy boots!

Fireplace Alcoves

 I was thinking about my little project with my decorpad friend! She had mentioned finding some cabinets to flank either side of her fireplace. Suddenly, it occurred to me, that perhaps instead of cabinets, she could use floating shelves to give a contemporary built in effect!! There's something about symmetry either side of a fireplace that adds some drama and focus. I love these three images, just for that reason. The top image shows a traditional built in bookshelf, the image below shows the contemporary floating shelf option, and the last image (although not a fireplace) is a great example of how free standing bookshelves or a pair of etagere can also be used.

All images via decorpad

Inspiration Boards

The Living Room

Olioboard

I was emailed by a lovely lady I met via decorpad, asking if I could suggest some ideas for her (already lovely) living room! I was completely flattered and of course said "YES!" I put together a few ideas over on Olioboard, shown above. I suggested using a soft khaki colour on the walls, kind of like the colour shown below. I thought it would make for a nice neutral background and it plays into some of the colours found in the rug bought from Crate and Barrel. We were also looking into adding more of the blue/green found in the rug, in accessories or even an alternative wall colour. Perhaps, more of a blue/gray than a true blue colour.

I recommended some contemporary art, to give some more colour and interest to the walls. The pieces shown are from Zgallerie. The one top left is called "Shades of Green" and the canvas "Contemporary Scene." The glass lamp is from Crate and Barrel, and the drapes are from West Elm, I liked the subtle texture of the silk to frame the view. The mirror is also from Zgallerie, originally I was thinking sunburst, but this one is something a bit different! We are also on the search for a cabinet to be placed in the alcove next to the fireplace.. stay tuned for more!

Image courtesy of Palmetto Bluff

Forza Mirror - Zgallerie

Tropical Style - Ballard Designs

Ferrata Zebra Rug

Wouldn't you know, tropical style seems to be appearing everywhere lately! I was browsing through the newest Ballard Design catalogue, and found this pretty items. I always knew the West Indies vibe was here to stay, this just confirms it. I love the use of cane, rattan and wicker, I think that any one of these pieces could work in a variety of interiors.

Suzanne Kasler Tripod Lamp

West Indies Coffee Table

Bornova Side Table

Bella Cane Bar Stool

Cherry Blossoms

http://olioboard.com/users/sallyjl

I seem to have a fix on this gorgeous shade of blue/green at the moment! I played around with another design board, beginning with this pretty cherry blossom fabric. I feel like the furniture picks up on the cream blossoms, along with the capiz shell chandelier. I love the linen bedding too, the slight texture gives it some interest.

Two of my favorite designers also have rooms in this beautiful color, Phoebe Howard used Sherwin Williams - Topsail for this stunning room. I think I will be bookmarking it for future reference. :-)

Ashley Gorforth

Phoebe Howard - Sherwin Williams Topsail

Homearama Show Homes

 In near 100 degree heat, I decided to go visit nine beautiful houses at Homearama. Thank goodness they were air conditioned!! They were all very pretty and it was a fun way to spend an afternoon.. however, I left feeling a little underwhelmed. The houses, although beautiful, were lacking something for me. They had some of the historic details that give a home character, but the interior decor felt like it was missing something.... I felt like I was walking through a furniture store salesroom. I realised that it's the small details that make a home, not the expensive furniture. Like Candice says, it's the "unexpected" elements in a room that give the wow factor!

I did like a few of the interiors. Take a peek and see what you think!

My favorite Exterior.

Amazing high ceilings and natural light.

Pretty breakfast room, but I felt like it needed
some texture, like a sisal rug under the table...??

Favorite bedroom.

I heart Aqua

http://olioboard.com/users/sallyjl

I do love aqua blue/green... I want to update my daughters room with a fresh color palette. She currently has furniture, very similar in color to the photo below. I love how it is combined with cool white, aqua and a pop of coral! I think I would love to do something like this scheme in her room, to go from baby to big girl (without more pink)!

Image via Palmetto Bluff