Sweet Simplicity

This seems to me to be the perfect combination of white and brown.  The sofa in an espresso brown and several pieces in wood tones help to keep the room grounded and yet the white keeps it serene and peaceful.  The only thing I find when decorating in a similar way is that you have to keep a delicate balance so it doesn't look dull - this room really got it right and it's anything but dull.  In fact, it pops right out to meet you.

{photos: the city sage }

More Frames

Here are a few more shots that have frames I love.  In the first shot I have to say I still love when photographs and anything else in a frame are sitting in a room or leaned up against a wall instead of formally being hung on the wall.  What captivated me with the other photos was the writing in the frames.  Maybe because I love reading so much, I love seeing words on walls - even ones I can't read.  Arabic is so beautiful when calligraphed.  And I can't forget to mention the floor in the last photograph.  I would love to have old wood floors with such patina as those.

{photos: this is glamorous , style files , haute design }

Wall of Frames

Everywhere I look I seem to run into walls with neutral frames and black & white photography.  I especially like the second wall where the mats are different shades of white.  I can't wait to frame photographs from my daughters wedding!

{photos: braebourne farm}

Inspiration Board - Erica Tanov

On Monday, I was a guest blogger on Sacramento Street .  One of the things I discussed was my inspiration board.  I thought I would share this one I found on Erica Tanov .  When my daughter and I were on a trip to New York over five years ago, we walked into a small shop on Elizabeth Street and we were instantly inspired by the unique style of the shop.  I bought several things for my home and Caitlin bought a dress.  About a year later, my daughter found out the designer was from Berkeley and was opening a shop in San Francisco. She worked there all through college and still occasionally fills in.  Along with amazing clothes and home design, all of the women that work there are such kind and talented women.

A Night With Isabel

{photo: Lori Barra}

I had a lovely evening tonight hearing Isabel Allende speak.  She was a fun and relaxed woman who has had a rich and colorful life.  I was struck by her depth of experience in life and more importantly, her love of writing.  She said that writing for her comes from the womb.  I have always found her work captivating and look forward to reading her latest novel.  It takes place in Haiti and New Orleans.

My Love Affair With White

For many years I have decorated with white.  The past five or six years I've added quite a bit of brown but I have to say I am the queen of neutral.  Some find it boring but for me it is so serene.  I prefer the salt and pepper of my life to be in the life I live and not in the decor.  I have tons of texture but love keeping it neutral.  Here are some photos that I found particularly inspiring.  Enjoy.

{photos: the style files}

Guest Blog With Mrs. Caitlin!

Please visit Sacramento Street tomorrow for my guest blog!  I am so excited about being invited by Mrs. Caitlin.  I feel so honored to have been asked - I hope you enjoy it.

{photo: department of the interiors }

Beautiful Chairs in a Perfect Room

I adore the design of the iron chairs in this living room.  I could use chairs like these in any room in my house.  Any suggestions where I might find some that are similar?

{photo: dress, design, decor }

Summer is Close - Time for a Trip

As a teacher, I look forward to a great perk - summers off!  My mind is racing with a thousand different ideas for possible adventures.  My first trip will be a road trip to San Francisco to deliver wedding gifts to my daughter.  I will have a week in the city and will be helping her paint her flat.  I am so thrilled to get moving!

{photo: Ruby Press }

Notting Hill Retreat

This was the lovely window in the bathroom in our bed and breakfast in Notting Hill last summer.  I would return in a heartbeat!

This was a great weekend.  It was finally sunny in Portland and I felt my energy soar.  I took a drive in the country to see an antique show at Barn House - it was a beautiful drive.  I feel as if I'm waking up out of hibernation. My house is getting rearranged little by little and I'm so happy with the changes.