Staircase to Heaven

I wish I could compile such a perfect mix of photographs and art to make a staircase look this inviting.  This inspires me to reach higher.

photo: my notting hill 

In Haus Press - Via Etsy

This year for the holidays I'm really making an effort to buy locally from small shops or from individuals who make their own products.  What better place to hop over to than Etsy to see what treasures you can find.  I was captivated by the simplicity and beauty of these things by In Haus Press .  WIth the turn in cold weather here, I am already getting excited for the holidays.

"Blue Period" for Vicente Wolf

I recently posted Vicente Wolf's home when it was primarily neutrals.  I spoke of how I loved the fact that when he changed the colors of his home, the pieces remained the same.  One of my readers from Norway, Hello Helix, wanted a view of the blue.  Here are a few shots - and one of Vicente dressed in blue!  Look closely at the bookcase and you can see that the back of the wall is a shade of blue.  I think the "blue period" for Vicente Wolf is as beautiful as the neutral one.  In fact, its almost as if the blue becomes a neutral.

photo: sacramento street 

Daylight Sleepy

How did I possibly get up an hour early today?  I thought it was 6:00 am and it was actually 5 am.  I managed to change all the clocks EXCEPT the one in my bedroom.  The good thing is that I have an hour to play in my home before going to work.  Ahh - the joys of my own stupidity!

photo: french by design 

Voyages Style

I've always been drawn to trunks. Perhaps its because the evoke the idea of a long voyage to far away places - makes me daydream of boats, trains, and exotic lands.  These rooms are perfection in their combination of simplicity and elegance.

photo: french by design 

Design Genius: Vicente Wolf

 I recently came across these photos  of Vicente Wolf's home before he moved to the blue tones.  I love it both ways but what impresses me the most is that the pieces in the home remain primarily the same.  He recovers items but keeps them.  I admire that and prefer it to the throwaway culture we have embrassed.  Here is living proof that some rooms are absolutely timeless.

Bed Envy

I actually have a beautiful French bed but I have often thought about a change.  Anthropologie has a similar bed to this one that I have had a crush on for years.  I doubt I'll ever actually take the plunge and buy one but I dream about it often.  It's the perfect combination of simplicity with a twist of regal presence.

photo: delight by design 

White & Wander

I was first drawn to the blog White & Wander  because of the name - two of my favorite things.  Here is a photograph of her living room that I find refreshingly authentic.  I would love to curl up on the sofa and read my latest book.

Holiday Season

I always feel that the time between Halloween and New Year's is really "holiday season."  I hope all of you are enjoying the beauty of autumn.  This year has been spectacular colors - the best I can remember.

photo: sweet paul 

Drowning in Papers

This is the week I'm definitely feeling like the paperwork load is overwhelming.  I just finished twenty one recommendations for universities and its the last week of the term so I have piles of papers to finish.  So what would I rather be doing?  Clearly, anything but this.  I'd like to be drinking a cup of tea and browsing through my new design books.  Perhaps this weekend.

photo: department of interior