Some Mirrors and Vases

I have loved this mirror collage idea for awhile now. I think maybe I should implement it into my house somewhere.These silver leafed vases bring such a shiny visual texture to brighten and enliven any space. I love this mirror! The combination of straight and circular lines and the mirror mosaic outlines are so unique.

The Secret

Iron and Gray

Love the dark gray walls and wrought iron chandeliers, very wistful.

Windows and Good Energy

I love these windows. I also love the cabinets surrounding them and forming a window ledge. I like the cream cabinets with the dark wood island.

Lime Green, White and Gray

Oh my I love this! But I always love green. This rug is just so cool. And I love the white furniture.

Spacious

I love high ceilings!!! And bold contrasts in color.

Good vs. New

Awhile ago I was reading a post over at Speaking in CAPS; I don't know this guy but he made a great statement that has stuck with me over the last few months.

This is the idea:

If something is "good" only because it is new,

then it will likely only be good while it is new.

I loved this idea! It can apply to so many things; jobs, cars (or any possession), relationships and of course our homes. I think about the "great finds" I have purchased over the last few months; for instance I got a really cute pair of shoes at Famous Footwear and I've only worn them a few times but I already feel like they are wearing out. This is a classic example of my shoes only being good or making me happy while they were new. Or the wall art I got at TJ Maxx that I really really wanted that now sits in my basement with all the other extra decor items I have but I'm not currently using. And how about the fun flirty guy I went out with a few times this summer and we really hit it off but I know he doesn't have some of the long term qualities I need, he's good because he's new but once he isn't new anymore I can't imagine him being as good.

Our home is the one place we can escape the world. We unwind from a buys day at work, we cultivate relationships, and build a place where we and the people in our lives can feel safe and loved. Sometimes in design we can get so caught up in the latest trends, the "wanting" of new furniture or nicer appliances, we often forget about enjoying what we have.

What I love about design isn't having the latest styles or the most expensive finishes (don't get me wrong I do like those things) but I love making someone love their home! Helping them cultivate an atmosphere of peace and a building a retreat to escape and enjoy the best things they have in their lives- family, friends, hobbies, pets, and being who they are. These are the "good" things in life that last, that don't fade just because they were once new

While i think a lot of things we buy are fads and we will eventually outgrow them there are important things in life like who we choose to spend our time with, our homes and our jobs that we need to make sure we give it this thought. That we make sure its the quality we need not just something new and flashy that will entertain or sustain us for awhile. And I believe the things that we want to remain good don't necessarily happen fast, come easily or are spur of the moment purchases or decisions.

I want to fill my life with good things that stay good and that make me feel good about myself and my life.

Fall in Love with Orange

I think everyone is experiencing that feeling of the changing of a season. The cool crisp air, the wild kaleidoscope of the changing leaves, the evenings getting darker sooner (my least favorite part of fall), pumpkins and turkey, and the desire for all things warm, including color. Fall brings visions of warm colors; browns, oranges, reds and yellows.

I love the nontraditional decoration of these pumpkins, simple and festive.

Orange in decor can be lots of fun, recently orange has made a huge popular comeback.

I love the striking contrast between the white and orange and black. Hints of orange are fresh and vivid.
Fun, welcoming, modern and FALL.

Bright!

These chairs make this room warm and inviting. Pull up a seat and stay awhile.

Love the colors and the design.

Aqua Love!

I love LOVE love the glass tiles in this kitchen! The island, lighting, cabinets and commercial appliances are great too.

Sailing

You can’t change the wind; you can, however, adjust your sails.
-unknown

Dining and Sports (not what you may think)

"Even in a formal dining room you don't want to be ponderous or gloomy. Eating is really one of your indoor sports. You play three times a day, and it's well worthwhile to make the game as pleasant as possible."

-Dorothy Draper

I love simple neutral color palette and how serene and airy this dining room feels. I love the fabric on the chairs. I also love the circle pattern wallpaper.

If I took time to have breakfast; mornings here would be delightful.

I like the dark furniture and the dark trim against the white walls.

I love all the colors and the fun environment.

Very formal and classy.

Fun and bright and citrusy.

I really like the benches and the color scheme.

Punch of Color

Color gives any space life and depth and interest. I love when a bright single hue is used in a room for drama and affect. I love this door!

This sofa sure spices up the space and really defines the room.

I like the solid hue used here. Repeating the color in various areas of a room unifies the room and gives the color more attention.

I love the strong impact the red makes in this space; it's such a strong and bright contrast to all the white.

I think this armoire is great! And I love that it has a classic style with such a modern deep purple color.

How fun are these cabinets? I really love the swirl/floral design against the bright fuchsia color. FUN. I love these bright orange subway tiles.Lime green and aqua accents. I think that coffee table is awesome; awesome shape, awesome color. And I love the bright lime green against the dark grays.

Crayons and Color

"I owe my color sense to crayons."
- Angelo Rafael Donghia

So playful and youthful.I love the mismatched colorful chairs.Bright and bold. I love this color combination, so cool and colorful

Farewell Summer

I'm a little sad to see summer go. I had a great summer. This weekend has brought cold weather that I wasn't ready for. So instead of focusing on what I hate about the cold weather (mostly just the cold) I decided I should think about what I like when the weather takes this turn.

Hoodies!!! Just the word cheers me up; how crazy is that? Anyone who knows me knows I love my hoodies. I even try to wear them sometimes in the summer; you know those semi-cool nights or when I go camping.

Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Delicious!

Curling up in a blanket; watching TV, reading a good book or visiting with a friend.
Bubble baths or hot tubs; I'll take either!

“That man is richest whose pleasures are cheapest.” -~Henry David Thoreau

Our Own Journey

Don't compare your life to others; you have no idea what their journey is all about.

Spacious and Strong

This is an amazing contemporary house designed by Max Strang Architecture. I love the open space, the glass railing and lots of natural light.

I also love the grey kitchen cabinets and red chairs.

What don't I love about this bathroom! I love the long narrow mirror, clerestory windows, sleek white cabinets, square sinks, wall mounted faucets, huge floor tiles, and opaque glass doors.

Random But Good

This post is just a compilation of a few things I think have great design. I didn't take very good notes when I found these pictures; so I don't know where they are from. Awesome bowl.

I love the mirror mosaics and curved black legs.

I love bright paintings. I really, really wish I was talented enough to create my own art! This looks like a perfect way to lounge and unwind from a long day.