Take A Deep Breath

I always love spending time outdoors, whether it be a walk in the woods, taking a boat ride at the lake or going to the park. It is such a deep breath of fresh air and helps me to feel relaxed and renewed. I decided to bring home a couple of finds from my last walking excursion in the woods. One is a piece of a fallen limb covered in moss and the other is some type of natural ball shaped seed pods (not sure what they are called -they were just laying on the woodland floor). I have placed them in my planter with my fern and each time I pass I recall that wonderful deep breath feeling.


That same feeling can be exuded in an interior scheme such as this one. Natural materials such as concrete, wood, steel, and glass are used with warm woods and textural fabrics. In harmony with nature.



Earth and Water-- Sigh...... This color scheme really brings the outdoors inside. Earthtones with cool blue.

Pooh Advice

Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering. ~Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne

Transitional Dining

This dining room designed by Stedila Design is a beautifully appointed transitional room. It features the classic use of dark woods that are favored by this style. The upholstered pieces have no tufting and exposed legs. I love the ceiling and window treatment in this room.


Close up of window treatment detail:

This Just In....

Look at these new lovelies......Visit the shop if you are interested.

Lanai Living

There are many descriptions for the term lanai -

• a porch like room
• open sided living room
• a roofed patio
• a veranda furnished and used as a patio

Whatever the description- it would be scrumptious to have one!


lanai image: Islandia Real Estate

Swirling in Excitement!

I am feeling so giddy with anticipation! I am going to the Las Vegas Market at the end of next month and it will be my first trip to this market and I can't wait! If anyone has been and has any tips or pointers - please let me know!

Are you transitioning yet?

Transitional design is simply a matter of mixing traditional and modern pieces whether it be accessories, furniture, fabrics, or architectural features. By marrying these 2 styles you create a fresh, new timeless design. When choosing accessories for this style it is good to be selective as fewer pieces are chosen so you want them to make a statement. In this foyer- what caught your eye first? Was it the clean lines of the modern lamp on the table bringing your eye up to the woodwork of the staircase? This is an example of a room leaning more toward the traditional sense with a little modern mixed in.


This lovely dining room from Emily Summers is a wonderful example of a more modern transitional design. I am drawn to the play of the chairs against the sleek lines of the marble table. The chandelier gives a sense of play to the room so that it does not become too serious and I love the use of the abstract artwork.


Transitional design is my favorite design style. Any thoughts you would like to share on transitional decorating? I would love to hear them!

House of Turquoise

Did you notice that I have found a beautiful blog and added to my list? Where have I been? House of Turquoise is written by Erin and she is in love with the colors of turquoise, robin's egg blue, aqua, sky blue, seafoam green and ocean blue. She can also direct you where to buy all things turquoise with her shopping blog "Everything Turquoise" which has been featured in the Washington Post! Erin also has a rainbow of other blogs to check out- Black and White Delight, Pink and Brown Love, The Chocolate Blues and Decor Green. So in honor of my new found inspirational spot, I am sharing a glimpse of my daughter's room---shhhh- she doesn't know it.

Happy Flag Day!

Hope you have a wonderful day and weekend!

Loose Change??

Happen to have 1500 half dollars just lying around? That's what it took to create this hip Half Dollar/Butterfly Chair from Johnny Swing.


What about 7000 nickels?



Hmmmm Surrounded by money all the time- not a bad idea!

Strawberry Fields Forever

Jessica Howard Ceramic Field Bowl

Daydreaming

Is it Friday yet?




photo: Henry Hall Designs

The Tagging Game

I have been tagged by Michelle of the wonderful blog Just Imagine. The object is to answer the following questions and then tag 6 others.


1. What did you do 10 years ago?
Ten years ago I was living in paradise.... Beautiful Tampa Florida and I was soaking up the sun.

2. Five Items on my To Do List today:

• Go to Church
• Clean out my closet
• Hang out and play Wii with my daughter
• Cook dinner--- that will be a surprise because I have no clue yet
• Relax on the back patio
  

3. Snacks I enjoy:
Hmmm. it might be easier to list what I don't like since I like pretty much anything (and it is starting to show)! But I guess my favorites would be - fresh strawberries, watermelon, chips and salsa and Almond Joys! I am in the process of trying to give up drinking Cokes.

4. What would you do if you were a billionaire?
Give to my church, travel more, give my house a makeover, share with my friends and family and give more to St. Judes to help children and their families with cancer.

5. Places I would live:
Anywhere, because living is an action- the house is just a structure.

I am tagging these 6 bloggers and hope you choose to play along.

Ask Kari & Kijsa

Cote de Texas

The Inspired Room

Charlie's Design Diary

Toast and Tables

Off The Wall

Here are the rules: Answer the questions about yourself. At the end of the post you pass on the questions to 6 other bloggers and list their names. Then write them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and ask them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know that you've accepted the challenge and refer to your post.

Garden Dwelling

Do you enjoy working in the yard? I do! I wonder if I had a beautiful garden shed if it would help me hone my gardening skills? Now let's see what style would I like?

Doesn't this one look like it is straight out of a nursery rhyme? I just love the wooden doors and the brick pathway.
photo: Beth

What about this beauty nestled in among the trees in a beautiful shade garden? I would love to have that shade about now. It is almost 100 degrees today!
photo: Lucille

I like this one's simplicity and I am crazy for the lanterns on the porch!
photo: Suzi

This small shed is almost hidden but note the beautiful roof!
photo: Laurel


Hmmm- and added feature- a skylight. How terrific is that?!
photo: Guy

I find this one to be very Little House on the Prairie Style. A great hiding place for Laura Ingalls.
photo: Sangeeta

So well balanced. Don't you just love the window boxes and the cupola?
photo: B.Brooks

This one reminds me of a cellar that my aunt had on her farm in Texas when I was a little girl. Simple but beautiful.photo: Justin

What can I say but that I just love the doors! Such refreshing colors.
photo: Jo

Is this the same color as the above shed? Love how it pops!
photo: Jim


Well I feel inspired now- How about you?

Happy Weekend

I thought I would leave you with some of my digital artwork. Have a fantastic weekend!

Be sure to note the new Blog List in the sidebar. I love it that it can now include the most current post time and titles from some of my favorite bloggers!

Geometrix- 2nd Edition

This post is a continuation of yesterday's with shots from my weekend excursion looking for geometric shapes used in design.

This is an old window in an old warehouse.(sprinkled with a little pixie dust)




Here is a different view of the awning-- This one was actually taken by my daughter- A totally different perspective- which is great!


More tile from an old downtown building.



Another great shot by my daughter---



If you look closely- you can see stars- These must have been a popular decorative touch many, many years ago because I see them on a lot of the old buildings.



I don't know why-- I just liked this shot!


Have a great day and keep your eyes open.

"Architecture is life, or at least it is life itself taking form and therefore it is the truest record of life as it was lived in the world yesterday, as it is lived today or ever will be lived."
Frank Lloyd Wright

Geometrix

I went on a photo shoot this weekend looking at architectural elements and thought I would share some of my photos. Geometric shapes are everywhere in design and I set out on a journey to take as many shots as I could with geometric shapes on the facades of buildings and other interesting objects. Of course I took the liberty of sprinkling a little Photoshop magic pixie dust :)


I loved this tiled column adjacent to the metal roof.



Have you ever noticed the shapes created when looking up into a bell tower?



An old abandond railroad track is pleasing to the eye.



Cool design of metal screening on the side of a building.



Painted tiles



Metal Roofing



A Striped Awning



Rusted tin building



If you enjoyed, check back in tomorrow as I hope to add a few more shots of geometric elements in unexpected places.