White Wonder in Sweden

Lately I've been attempting to move some blue into my house.  I bought a set of Blue Willow (service for 11!) at the Alameda Flea Market last month (and it's at least 50 years old and not one crack or chip).  I also bought some vintage German duvet covers that remind of my time living in Munich.  However, I think my heart ultimately belongs to rooms that are white.  I would love to rent a small cottage in Sweden and have the interiors be completely white.  Maybe this one below!  Until then, I am still determined to add the blue in small ways and embrace the change I've decided on.

photo: skona hem 

Change is in the Air

I love the change of seasons.  And autumn is one of my favorite times of the year.  Especially when the air begins to change, trees begin to slightly change their colors, and the light is softer than the summer. I'm excited to pull out my warm sweater and boots and embrace the change.

photo: automatism 

photo: little brown pen 

So get the boots out and lets embrace the beauty of the season - even if at times its a bit wet around here.

Celebrate the New Girl on the Block: RUE!!!!

I'm tickled pink that Rue has launched!! I have combed the pages over and over again.  Every story and all of the photographs are an inspiration far beyond my expectations.  I am so proud of the combined efforts of the wonderful girls of the blog community for pulling off such a professional magazine.  I'm already excited for the second issue.

The story I kept going back to over and over again, was Vicente Wolf.  I think his decorating captures the world today and seems like a sanctuary from the busy world around us.  I know I'll be studying these photos for a long time.

Coming in a a close second was the home in Texas.  They have such an eye for placing unique items in their home without looking or feeling too "full" or over decorated.

photo: Rue Magazine 

Final Day of Summer Holiday

Today is my final day of a long and beautiful summer holiday.  I am back to teaching history tomorrow.  I am always a bit sad to see the summer end but also ready to get back into a bit more routine.  Yesterday I spent the day antiquing and found three lovely mid-century chairs that will go in both my home and also my daughters. I also bought an inexpensive set of transferware for the Autumn months.  Today will be spent with final organization of the house before a painfully early awakening tomorrow.  Hope you are all having a special end-of-summer weekend!

photo: design is mine 

Less than a month and RUE will be launching.  I am so excited for this fresh and new online magazine.  I know those fabulous girls will knock it out of the ballpark!  Here are the photos they slipped to us this week.  I am waiting but not patiently!

photos: RUE 

Vogue Living Australia

I am tickled pink that the new Vogue Living Australia is out and that white (my true love) is the feature.  I am running out right now to get it!!!

Portugal Dreams

I love these images of the most simple items.  Design is everywhere you look.  Great images for inspiration.

photos: saidos da concha 

An Indian Summer

This is it! My last week before the school year begins for me.  I have a list a mile long of the things I want to complete - turning an antique sari into pillows, recovering two chairs, and a final organization of the house.  I found a new blog last night that took my breath away.  As most of you know, I love neutral design but I have to say these bright rooms spoke to me. Maybe it's the perfect balance of modern and vintage that speak to me.  I hope you enjoy these bright and happy photos.

photos: An Indian Summer 

Less is More

I was fortunate that the store that has the perfect sofa is only opened Monday through Friday.  With the weekend to think about it, I have decided that it's something I should wait on.  I'm perfectly happy with the way the house looks now and while I would like a sofa soon, now just isn't the time.  I want to remain true to my style - keeping it simple.  These photographs from automatism help to ground me.

photos: automatism 

The Search is Over

After a quick trip to Cannon Beach to look for items for the photo shoot, I finally found the perfect sofa in a design studio less than a few blocks from my house.  You'll have to wait to see it but I have to say its rather spectacular.  Its tuxedo style in a brown and white stripe.  It's eight feet long which will look amazing in my living room as it is also long and narrow.  I am so excited I can hardly stand it.  It's been six years that I've been using my French daybed as a sofa.