As I see it

Peter Fehrentz

2010-08-01T23:24:00.002-04:00

Such fabulous lights.

Loft

2010-08-01T23:09:00.005-04:00

I've become a bit obsessed with wanting an open loft - an area dedicated to the kids to be used for play, reading, and eventually homework. It would be their little place to escape to that would still keep everyone close. This setup looks doable.

I like the idea of a random picture wall for one spot in the house.

See more images here.
via design mom

Drafting Tables in the Kitchen

2010-08-01T22:23:00.004-04:00

The drafting tables are very cool, but what grabs me is how socially-ideal this kitchen area is.

See more images here.

2010-02-11T23:56:00.002-05:00

"A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both."

- Francois Auguste Rene Chateaubriand

2010-01-28T22:56:00.002-05:00

*

"As adults we choose our own reading material. Depending on our moods and needs we might read the newspaper, a blockbuster novel, an academic article, a women's magazine, a comic, a children's book, or the latest book that just about everyone is reading. No one chastises us for our choice. No one says, 'That's too short for you to read.' No one says, 'That's too easy for you, put it back.' No one says 'You couldn't read that if you tried -- it's much too difficult.'

Yet if we take a peek into classrooms, libraries, and bookshops we will notice that children's choices are often mocked, censured, and denied as valid by idiotic, interfering teachers, librarians, and parents. Choice is a personal matter that changes with experience, changes with mood, and changes with need. We should let it be. "

-Mem Fox
*

Entry Light Ideas

2009-09-12T20:14:00.011-04:00

(I am really enjoying the tile work in this room.)

We are nearing the end of the summer of the never-ending house projects. We are also nearing the end of the house-projects period. Hooray!

One of the last things we're figuring out is the entry light. We have one of those glass-encased brass chandelier monstrosities that needs to go, but we haven't found anything we've loved to replace it with that works with this house and our price range. We are leaning toward replacing the brass chain and cord with silver and finding a drum lamp shade or two that would cover the existing chandelier after the glass casing was removed. Making a transparent circular bottom for the shade would keep you from seeing the chandelier from below. Because it is a two-story entry we are thinking a single drum might be too plain, so whether or not to tier, how many levels, what sizes, color, etc. are on the mind.

I think we are partial to the tiered look for the entry.
It needs a little something more than just a drum.

We would have the same chandelier-inside-the-drum affect, and choosing to let that show is kind of cool.

just imagine
__________________________

I think I tend to think of lights being placed above mirrors, and I like that these aren't.

And a couple of the Random Pendant because I love it.

via Decor8

I am pretty sure that most of the photos are from Desire to Inspire. I've neglected to stay on top of proper labeling due to rapid searches and downloading for immediate comparison rather than blogging, but decided I now want to save a lot of these rooms and ideas that have stood out to me over the last couple of months. The occasional mis- or unlabeled photo may appear as I do this. I am happy to correct this if anyone happens to stumble across something that deserves proper credit.
{I know, bad blogging etiquette...}

Grays and White

2009-08-08T22:57:00.013-04:00

Mmmmm....

(I like casters on coffee tables.
I'm not a huge fan of lots of mismatched chairs, but it works very well here.)

Suddenly the hours I've already put into hand painting our stair banisters white seem worth it.

Then again, I am only on the second coat of primer on the first half of the project...

...ask me again in a month or so.

We've talked about painting our wood floors white, or possibly a somewhat transparent light white-gray so you could still see the wood grain. We'll probably wind up just taking the stain darker because our house isn't, well, it isn't our house in the sense that it isn't worth making just the way we want. Close enough works for now, until we eventually live in a home that matches our tastes from the inside out and where we don't feel the need to worry about future buyers.

I knew I liked this rug, but in this setting I am absolutely smitten.

(See more of this house here.)

2009-07-17T23:50:00.000-04:00

*

Most people can do extraordinary things if they have the confidence or take the risks. Yet most people don’t. They sit in front of the telly and treat life as if it goes on forever.

- Philip Andrew Adams

*

White Deck

2009-06-25T22:14:00.007-04:00

This summer has been lovely. Pleasant weather, outdoor activities, and home projects make sitting at a computer not so appealing, so I've handled the desire to scan in favorites by just not finding them - I have a pile of unread magazines that is reaching a foot in height...

We are repainting our deck and just finished the first coat. After applying some of the chosen white (oh so white) paint I started having second thoughts about changing the look of our porch so drastically. A quick google and flickr search for images renewed my confidence, and a few rooms from this house increased my love of light rooms. I'll never be an all-white gal, (I love my blues, browns, and dark accents too much) but I do appreciate the look.

The most unexpected but logical bonus to a white deck? The back of our house faces North and leaves our sunless kitchen, eating, and family room areas dark and gray even with lots of large windows. The white deck and a little sunlight have easily doubled the light inside the back our home and I could not be more pleased. It also seems to extend the indoor areas into the outdoors because the white of the deck keeps your eyes going rather than cutting them off at the dark deck.

I'm still a bit nervous about how much I'll like the white after the second-coat is on and my pots and bistro tables are back up, but I think I'm going to love it.

T hates that our master bathroom (which needs a major overhaul) has a dressing table. I'm trying to find examples that show him that this can be a good thing.

Creative Walls

2009-06-18T14:08:00.002-04:00

It would be a lot of fun to paint a room this way.

scanned via a Vogue Living ad

Map Window Shadew

2009-06-18T13:58:00.002-04:00

I never would have thought of putting a map on a roller shade kit...

scanned via BHG May 09 issue

Lollipop Stands

2009-06-18T13:40:00.000-04:00

These might be worth making.

Made by Mosey - Clouds Mobile

2009-06-16T15:15:00.001-04:00

So completely lovely.

(Hand stitched by a mother, and available here.)

See more from Made by Mosey here, and shop here.

Sanseveria

2009-06-04T15:18:00.007-04:00

I have a thing for garden pots, and these potted Sanseveria are making that "thing" a bigger thing.

via Garden Design 09

A few more...

2009-06-04T15:09:00.004-04:00

A few more images by Philip Harvey that grabbed me.

via Desire to Inspire

Sea Glass

2009-06-04T15:07:00.002-04:00

This bathroom makes me think of the ocean and my Mother.

image by Philip Harvey via dti

DIY Bird Mobile

2009-06-04T15:06:00.001-04:00

Isn't this mobile stunning? A bright and colorful bird mobile might be just what the corner of my daughter's soon-to-be-yellow room needs. Read more about the how-to here and here, and see the bird pattern here.

Clean and Simple

2009-05-18T08:38:00.002-04:00

This kitchen appeals to the minimalist in me.

scanned via Met Home

Wall of Bookshelves

2009-05-18T08:36:00.001-04:00

This might be the perfect set-up.

via desire to inspire

More Bertoia Barstools...

2009-05-18T08:35:00.000-04:00

via House Beautiful

Baby Claire

2009-05-12T22:45:00.004-04:00

I'll put up a few more soon...

Gravel Walkways and "Planted" Pools

2009-05-10T23:56:00.004-04:00

In a future home I think I would forgo concrete in favor of gravel.
This is also a way I would break a backyard up into separate spaces.

I'm loving the grasses hanging over the edge of this pool. They make what could have been a "blah" pool setting so natural.

scanned via April 09 Garden Design

Window Panel Chalkboard Calender

2009-05-10T23:05:00.001-04:00

This chalkboard calender would be great as the kids get older and busier.

A bit about it:

"Tell us about the unique chalkboard/calendar. Is it custom?

Funnily enough, we found this wooden frame at a church rummage sale for $5 when we lived in NY. My husband didn't see the potential, but I promised I would think of something great to do with it. A few months later, I was looking for a big family calendar and ended up painting a piece of masonite board with chalkboard paint and fit it into the frame. It is one of my favorite things in the house. It helps keep us running smoothly."

I'm not much of a bug person, but this is a great way of displaying a bug or any other collection in progress. It would remind me to keep on searching and collecting.

via

Simplify

2009-05-10T22:20:00.000-04:00

*

The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.

-Hans Hoffman

*

Light Blue Walls

2009-05-06T16:25:00.007-04:00

{These splashes of green are surprisingly perfect}

The main area painting is done and I love the fresh feel it brought to the home. We went with Sherwin-Williams' Glimmer in a satin finish, and while it turned out a tiny bit more colorful than planned, I am in love with the look.

These are some torn out pages we used as we searched for the color that would give us the look we were going for.

scanned via Met Home?, O at Home, BHG, Home Depot ad

A work in progress...

2009-05-06T16:24:00.000-04:00

*

Dost thou love life?
Then do not squander time,
for that is the stuff life is made of.

Benjamin Franklin

*

Vertical Gardens

2009-05-02T23:24:00.003-04:00

Every time I see them I fall more and more in love with vertical gardens.

scanned via Garden Design April 09

Cottage Garden

2009-05-02T23:18:00.007-04:00

The structure throughout this cottage garden makes it so appealing.

We have finally finished a front yard overhaul and I have realized more than ever just how much you have to enjoy gardening if you want to have a truly incredible yard. Fortunately I am also realizing that gardening grows on you, and the more you do it, the more you know, and the easier and more fun it gets.

Scanned via April 09 BHG

Bookshelves

2009-05-02T22:52:00.000-04:00

I could stare at books and bookshelves all day.

Don't you love checking out the titles?

via dti

Ava

2009-04-29T15:32:00.000-04:00

These lovely lips that refused to stay up have really grown on me.

2009-04-29T15:31:00.000-04:00

When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.

LaoTzu

Updated and Remodeled Eichler

2009-04-27T21:05:00.005-04:00

This family took some creative license with the update and expansion of their Eichler home and I think it is a tasteful blend of old and new.

(At first glance I thought that the table was a pull-out table, similar to this one. It isn't, but it could be a convenient feature.)

See more images here and read about this house here.

Snowy Mountain View

2009-04-26T20:57:00.000-04:00

T misses the mountains. With this view I do to.

via dti

Fire Pole

2009-04-26T20:56:00.001-04:00

My son would go crazy over this.

(I just showed him the picture and after staring wide-eyed for a minute he informed that he wanted a bed just like that.)

via cookie

Cork Walls + Flying Books

2009-04-26T20:55:00.000-04:00

Setting cork into the wainscoting in this Craftsman bungalow was brilliant.
This might be the best idea ever for displaying daily art projects.

The flying books in this reading corner make me happy.

See more of this house here, and see how to make your own cork wall here.

2009-04-26T20:53:00.004-04:00

A two-year old is kind of like having a blender, but you don't have a top for it.

-Jerry Seinfield

I think the word "child" could be traded for "two-year old."

Happy Earth Day

2009-04-22T23:07:00.001-04:00

image via a cup of jo

Eichler

2009-04-21T23:55:00.016-04:00

A friend has an opportunity to buy an Eichler home, and while I realize that these images are the "afters" to what would be their"befores," I can't help but be a bit too jealous.

This sunken kitchen made me think of the one from this house, although of course I didn't scan that part of the home in.

all images images via here

Concrete Floors

2009-04-21T23:46:00.004-04:00

T has been mentioning his love of concrete floors.

He has also been talking about I-beams, which makes me give him sideways glances wondering how he could have forgotten that our daughter bumps her sweet little head on everything.

via dti, one of my must-sees, even with my temporary very limited computer access

Color + Animals

2009-04-21T23:35:00.001-04:00

Aren't these details great?
I am loving the color and the genius way of displaying stuffed animals.

{See more from this room here.}

Squares On Wall

2009-04-19T22:24:00.003-04:00

I did something similar to this with squares of cork on my office wall and use it as a place to pin and save things. I have loved the look so much that I have seriously toyed with doing it in my entryway. These squares look nicer than cork and show how great the idea can look.

design by re:place, image via dti

Perfectly Imperfect

2009-04-19T22:04:00.004-04:00

via le love

My laptop is dying...

2009-04-10T14:00:00.004-04:00

I gave it a weeks vacation in the hopes that that might help revive it, but after 5 years of good service it is saying goodbye. I am sitting here holding the power cord in place, transferring anything and everything to my external hard drive hoping I don't lose anything in case of sudden death.

Art - 2Michaels Design

2009-04-05T14:59:00.002-04:00

I like these canvases.

{Design by 2Michaels}

via dti

White Brick Wall

2009-03-25T10:18:00.001-04:00

We had a brick wall in one of our first apartments and we loved it.
Whitewashing it would have made it even better.

via this photostream

A few more of Mary

2009-03-23T18:38:00.005-04:00

Paint Colors

2009-03-23T12:28:00.007-04:00

Choosing paint colors is such a pain. We currently have around 5 colors painted throughout the house in "test spots," and while we have narrowed down the main floor color to something similar to the light blue on the top image, we are still trying to figure out a darker color for the kitchen, bathroom, and possibly the dining and laundry room. T has a favorite, but I think it might be too "Easter egg."

These are some of the images via this this photostream that we were looking at for blue, gray, or white rooms:

Au Fil de

2009-03-23T12:24:00.004-04:00

These fine art floral prints are lovely.
{See more here}

boopalina + bebe - eco modern mobile

2009-03-23T12:14:00.001-04:00

I like this minimalist mobile.

Painted kitchen floors

2009-03-21T14:03:00.002-04:00

via here

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary...

2009-03-13T17:32:00.003-04:00

This little one had no interest in staying still.

Skylar Collection

2009-03-12T16:30:00.006-04:00

The shape of this sectional makes sense, especially for socializing.
In the right space it could be ideal.

Maybe the bird's-eye view is overly flattering?

Still Rockin'

2009-03-12T16:15:00.003-04:00

We were at a loss for what to give a friend for his 40th birthday.

This print by Christopher David Ryan would have worked well,
especially for him.

The List

2009-03-12T16:11:00.005-04:00

*
The things I am working on this year:

-Discover the perfect rich chocolate cake recipe. An over-the-top, lots of fudge frosting/mousse filled layers, makes you want to moan it is so good cake that T always craves.

-Simplify. Eliminate needless spending. Put together a budget and follow it.

-Be in bed with lights out by 10. Try to be in bed by 9:30 and spend the next half-hour winding down and reading.

-No computer past 9 pm, it throws off my sleep. Limit computer time all around.

-Create a healthier lifestyle. Eat better, sleep better, spend more time outside, be more active, think happier thoughts, spend more time on positive and quality things...

-Health is a privilege. Do what is needed to merit it.

-Plan out menus for the week. Waste less food and eat healthier through planning.

-Do all cleaning, laundry, etc. on the same day each week. Put laundry away the same day it is washed.

-Start exercising in the morning. This will entail setting my alarm (sigh), but if I don't do it in the morning, it usually doesn't happen.

-Clean out my closet. Toss the things I shouldn't be wearing. Replace with a few items I should be wearing if needed. (Translation: You know the outfits you swore you would never wear? Lazy slobby things like huge sweats and ugly t-shirts? Un-flattering pants and tops you previously would have been humiliated to wear in private, but now wear to take your kids to school? It is a slippery slope and I am afraid that I have begun to slide. Even if I have days when all I do is play at home with the kids there is no reason I can't wear something that is practical and put-together. It isn't heels or nothing.)

-Do things immediately. I have always had a tendency toward procrastination, and recently realized that if I take care of thoughts or things that need to be done immediately, I am motivated to do what needs to be done, freeing me to move on to whatever comes up next. If I push things to the side, oh boy, the delay in completing them rapidly spins out of control until it is just too overwhelming for me to even think about, so I put them off some more or forget about them entirely. I can make my life much easier if I just take care of ideas and things as they come up - it is quick and painless.

-Be on time. If I have a few extra minutes before I need to do something or go somewhere I immediately think that that means I have a few extra minutes to squeeze something in. I forget that there is always something that will delay things a bit or take more time than planned. Usually thinking that I will be somewhere early means that I will arrive on time and be much more pleasant and not stressed.

- This is the year that my "little project" either happens or I am moving on. (For those that know about it, it is still a (very prolonged) go. I'm in the process of switching factories....)

-Relax and enjoy life. It flies by so quickly and there is so much that is worth soaking in.

A few neglected pictures

2009-03-12T15:35:00.003-04:00

People pay to have lips that look nowhere near this full...

One of the gorgeous older sisters.

I want to get a picture of my kids jumping together.
Sort of a random moment, but such a good time.

Creative Child's Floor Covering

2009-03-04T14:12:00.000-05:00

We have a pack of foam alphabet tiles that is really just collecting dust.
Using them to make a "rug" is brilliant.

image via desire to inspire

2009-03-03T21:44:00.003-05:00

Stop saving the best for later. Do and use good stuff now.

Ranunculus

2009-03-03T21:32:00.005-05:00

Ranunculus make me happy. I'd say they are my current favorite flower.

Hydrangea and peonies follow close behind.

Tulips will always make the top 5.

{Perhaps I should pass this post onto a certain man in my life?}

image via here via here

Mirrors and Circle Print

2009-03-01T22:38:00.003-05:00

I was browsing West Elm's site and realized that I was liking the wall decor and rooms more than I was liking the product being showcased. I want to do something similar to the mirror display in the top picture.

2009-03-01T22:37:00.000-05:00

The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.

-William James

Frame Riser

2009-03-01T22:30:00.003-05:00

I am one of the many fans of Pottery Barn's new frame risers. The picture wall I have been saying I will do for the last year and a half will be placed on a wall that happens to have a thermostat, and the floating frame effect the riser offers will be perfect for covering it up. Now I just need to follow-through on the project...

The Dining Room Light?

2009-02-25T21:36:00.002-05:00

This could be what I am looking for.

Room designed by Jayne Wunder.

via desire to inspire

I'm not a red person

2009-02-25T21:20:00.004-05:00

I do appreciate the color red as an accent in my wardrobe: red shoes, clutch, coat. But in my home? No thank-you. So surprise, surprise when I found myself loving this kitchen. It is so cheerful. Maybe I like it because it is not a warm red and there is a rather flashy high gloss? Either way it is fabulous and such a nice addition of color.

poorly scanned via Spring 09 Renovation Style

Life is funny.

2009-02-25T21:13:00.005-05:00

It changes. Things that mattered so much can lose their meaning, and things that were never paid attention, or even avoided, slowly become what is important.

I guess this is less about life being funny and more about me being funny, or more appropriately put, me evolving into what I like to think is a better, more experienced, and more aware version of myself.

I can't wait to see what changes are on the horizon.

Desert Beauty

2009-02-19T23:51:00.004-05:00

Living where I live has sold me on never again living anywhere that isn't alive and green. So I had to laugh when this garden in the Arizona desert completely drew me in and left me inspired.

I've realized that I am losing interest in a traditional lawn and yard. I will always want one large area of grass to be able to play on, but other than that, grass is becoming a bit boring, too thirsty, and high maintenance. A big open yard is plain, paths and separated areas are appealing. Mulch in beds looks nice, but river rocks adds more interest.

I am curious to see what I would wind up doing to a yard if I had a house that something untraditional would work well with, especially if it was in the green setting I hope to stay in.

scanned via Garden Design March 09

2009-02-19T22:43:00.001-05:00

*

You can have anything you want if you give up the belief that you can't have it.

-Dr. Robert Anthony

Bertoia Barstools

2009-02-15T22:46:00.003-05:00

I need a kitchen that these barstools would look good in.

This room:
The windows, the high ceiling, the light fixtures, the light ....
....mmmm.

scanned via early spring renovation style mag

Marney Bean's Garden

2009-02-15T22:32:00.005-05:00

I wouldn't mind walking outside my house to see this.
See more images here

2009-02-15T22:28:00.007-05:00

If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves.

-Thomas Edison

I'd like to be astounded.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T13:35:00.002-05:00

T's valentine.

I'd love this on my wall

2009-02-09T10:56:00.000-05:00

Canvas by William Ivey

One more veggie garden

2009-02-09T10:55:00.000-05:00

I want to plop a chair in the middle of this garden and spend the day surrounded by all of it's deliciousness. I really have spring fever.

2009-02-08T22:59:00.002-05:00

1

"The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn."

~unknown

"The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently."

~Freidrich Neitzsche

I always wanted a four poster bed...

2009-02-08T21:26:00.003-05:00

2009-02-08T21:20:00.001-05:00

Act as if what you do makes a difference.
It does.

-William James

r

A little window tip for later

2009-02-08T21:11:00.003-05:00

Take windows to the ceiling to be able to soak up every ounce of available light.

Kale in Pots

2009-02-08T21:03:00.002-05:00

More ways to sneak in extra greens.

via old bhg

Edible Gardening

2009-02-04T21:15:00.006-05:00

A friend's recent announcement of a move to sunny CA has me ready to stow away in her moving van so that I can enjoy the lovely weather and the joys of year-round fresh produce grown at home or from the many local farmer's markets.

Since I would miss my kiddos too much and they probably won't have room for me in their soon to be teenier California home I'll just have to start thinking about what I am going to plant this year in my ever-growing gardening experiment. Incorporating edibles into a more traditional landscape is a beautiful and practical way of increasing access to fresh produce, especially leafy greens that I can never get enough. Little A could live off of strawberries so I'll have to make a point of supplementing our tiny patch throughout the yard if the creatures don't eat them first.

Looking at these images has me wondering if anything could be more delicious and appealing than eating produce within minutes of picking it. I am enjoying fond memories of A insisting that there were more ripe strawberries somewhere and of the four of us sitting under our pear tree, contentedly eating just-picked pears. (My kids swore they hated pears until they had them like this, and now they are addicted.)

images via Garden Design July '08

2009-02-04T21:12:00.001-05:00

Thick counter/table tops make me happy.

via old met home

Preserving Children's Art

2009-02-04T21:06:00.003-05:00

I can't wait till we have enough artistic "favorites" from each child to create one of these art collages for each of them. It is the most genius solution to the never-ending struggle over what to do with all of the kid's masterpieces.

via tutus & turtles

2009-02-04T21:05:00.001-05:00

via Le Love

2009-02-04T21:01:00.003-05:00

Now the internet works, but nothing else does. Sigh.

I carefully measured and placed cork tiles on my wall precisely 1/4 in. apart only to have the adhesive provided not be adequate and every single tile fell off in the night. Now I am going to have to carefully replace them while hammering.

I just felt like having a 30-second pity party over stupid things before I got back to the reality of the life that I truly love and enjoy.

2009-02-03T20:33:00.001-05:00

f

1 1/2 weeks without internet is surprisingly liberating. I even cleaned out and organized my kitchen cupboards...

f

Hotel FOX

2009-01-20T18:06:00.004-05:00

You never know what you'll find when clearing out old bookmarks...

61 rooms, 21 artist, 1,000 ideas. It would be hard to be decisive when making a reservation. See more rooms here.

Finding Light

2009-01-20T17:48:00.000-05:00

Photography is simply finding light, it is no more complicated than that.

Carl E Nunn

2009-01-20T16:16:00.002-05:00

Isn't it a wonderful day to be an American?

Yes, please

2009-01-18T22:16:00.003-05:00

I have concluded that for me the most important feature of a home is good light. Good design is probably a close second. This kitchen appears to have both. Maybe one more set of windows on the left exterior wall to achieve absolute perfection?

This could be my favorite kitchen ever.

via Jan. '09 Met Home via here

Orbit Chandelier - Patrick Townsend

2009-01-18T22:08:00.002-05:00

This makes me think creative thoughts.

Eames Elephant

2009-01-18T21:56:00.003-05:00

If Baby Girl inherits the guest room furniture I might need to splurge on an Eames Elephant to add a little fun and whimsy to her room. She is an animal lover after all!

Fabric Scrap Memory Game

2009-01-18T21:48:00.002-05:00

I don't have fabric scraps, but this has inspired me to put together our own version of a memory game in the near future. We spend so much time playing it, we might as well add a new dimension of fun to the game...

via t&t

More Evie

2009-01-13T16:34:00.004-05:00

I have grown rather fond of this little angel.

I've never been a big fan of pictures like this, but seeing a baby fit on my shelves was kind of funny.

Deck

2009-01-12T13:02:00.001-05:00

I like that the deck has its own little nooks and walkways that provide some separation.

scanned via Nov/Dec 08 Garden Design Mag

Sleeper Ottoman

2009-01-12T12:19:00.003-05:00

It looks like the infrequently used guest room might become T's quiet in-home office (which means I get to take back the main floor office!) so I am back to casually looking at hidden and visually appealing sleeping situations for guests that can be used by us the 345 days of the year no one is visiting.

It looks like 'A' will be inheriting the guest room furniture when she finally moves out of her crib since it would just wind up in a corner in the basement. I love the set, and it will be fun and interesting trying to make it a bit younger and girlier for her.

Evie

2009-01-08T15:58:00.002-05:00

Light

2009-01-06T20:35:00.003-05:00

No, I wouldn't want this wall of windows if it faced my neighbor's house, but with this lovely view I would take it in a heartbeat.

via Roche Bobois

2009-01-06T20:29:00.000-05:00

Luck is when hard work meets opportunity.

-Chinese Fortune Cookie

ZeZe Flowers

2009-01-06T19:47:00.000-05:00

Zeze Flowers

This is the most stunning floral arrangement I have ever seen.

scanned via recent garden design issue

Simple Geometry

2008-12-30T19:11:00.001-05:00

Don't you feel like you are about to enter a secret garden?

I want to duplicate the centerpiece of succulents.

scanned via sept 08 garden design

New Year's Grapes

2008-12-30T18:30:00.005-05:00

"In Spain, revelers mark the new year by quickly eating a dozen grapes at midnight. The fruit is said to be a predictor of the year ahead: Each sweet grape represents a good month, each sour grape a less-than-lucky one. "

Martha's idea of threading grapes onto skewers, and serving each in a glass of something bubbly just before the countdown is going to be added to our New Year traditions.

(If any of us stay awake that late.)

Native Landscaping

2008-12-21T21:27:00.000-05:00

A beautiful example of embracing the natural landscape instead of covering it up with evergreens and shrubs. I am swooning over the door/gate on the right (custom designed by artist Ned Kahn).

These steps look wonderful for playing or mingling.

scanned via Nov/Dec 08 Garden Design mag