Adoring Aqua Sky and Eames Plastic Chairs

The classic Herman Miller Eames Molded Plastic Chair is on sale over at Design Within Reach! HM has updated the line with 5 new colors for 2010 and I have to say I am in love with the Aqua Sky, doesn't it just look so sweet? If you do not know the history of these chairs check out the story here. Charles and Ray Eames are the most inspiring furniture duo!

Do you have any Eames Plastic Chairs? If you were to buy one where would you use it in your house?

Monday Morning Happy - Kitchen Style

Morning All! How was your weekend? Did you work on any creative projects the last few days? When I came across these two photos on Coastal Living they immediately felt calming. One of my favorites times in a kitchen is when the early morning sun streams in and all is quiet. Open the windows and add a cup of hot tea and its a little slice of heaven!

a perfect nook!

fresh picked flowers and tomatoes on the window sill....just lovely!

Enjoy the new week!
jul

Dreaming of my flea market find

Do you remember this chair from Brimfield that I was in love with but did not end up buying?

Well when I was on vacation I strolled passed this lovely chair and immediately knew this was the exact vision I had for my flea market find!

The gray with the contrasting welt and legs make a sharp statement! I am more determined than ever to find a similar chair now. This new iPhone app is going to come in very handy!

(images from Jace Interiors)

Color Time - Pratt & Lambert Secret

Wow when I went looking for a "Color Time" paint I didn't expect to find this Sara Story Design room! It is so much more than a "color time" post with the slender black chairs, frosted glass cabinets and incredible...to die for flooring! It is the perfect mix of impact and subtle design. In my opinion the reason the ceiling paint works is because the rest of the room is neutral and quietly takes a backseat. Notice the lighting, white with just a bit of trim, the perfect contrast!

The question for today is, would you be so bold to paint your ceiling purple?

(image from Pratt and Lambert Better Homes and Gardens and Sara Story Design)

Rest & Relaxtion = Rejuvenated & Refreshed

Hi All!
I have just returned from my fantastic long weekend vacation! Every vacation I have taken up to this point had to do with weddings, family reunions or work related trips with a bit of time off thrown in so this trip was extra special! The resort we stayed at was brand new and just gorgeous. We spent 3 days moving from beach, to pool, to spa, than dinner only to repeat it all the next day. I have many pictures to share especially of all the new furniture the resort spec'd it was all just fantastic and I was constantly leaping with joy as I found a new piece I just loved.

This was the private pool at the spa. Look at the architecture, isn't it just fabulous? I felt like I had been swept away to some Mediterranean country!

Over the next few days I will post photos here and over on Facebook. Are you following me over there? Please do, I would be so happy to share additional vaca pics with you!

Flying Away

Morning All! When you read this I will be on a jet plane flying away for a bit of R&R..beach, pools, fruity drinks, magazines, good food...you know all the things we dream about escaping to! I am so excited as it will be a much need vacation for both Vog and myself! By Wednesday he will be back to crunching numbers and I will be back to you lovelies with lots of great inspiration! I hope you all enjoy your weekends!
Jul

(image from Coastal Living)

Meg Ryan escapes to the Vineyard

Living in Massachusetts Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer which means the ferries are packed with people going over to Martha's Vineyard for a quick getaway! So when I saw Meg Ryan's fresh MV home in the new Elle Decor I just had to share! Her practical rules for designing are ones we could all use when moving in to a new home!

"The decor should reflect the structure and setting"

"Live in a place for a while before making any decisions"

"Practicality Rules"

"Textures soften a space"

"Never stop looking for inspiration"

My favorite part of her home is the kitchen with its ample windows and the vintage flower sign in the dining room! Fantastic! For more info pop over to Elle Decor and read all of Meg's tips!

(images from Yahoo Shine and Elle Decor)

Bedroom Symmetry + under $200 alternates!

I admit, I fight against the norm at times. From a young age my goal was to be different, maybe just slightly but still different than everyone else. So it's funny that I am drawn to this symmetrical room. Each side so identical almost down to the bud vases on the bedside tables! It could just be that it gives my eye a break especially after a long day of scouting for clients. The crisp blue and white with just a small punch of turquoise on the lamp shades & roll pillow feels so soothing! Of course with our theme being "affordable finds" I went ahead and scouted out a few pieces for you to add in your own bedroom, all under $200! Enjoy!

Ottoman starting at $179 - Rug 6x9 $194
Bed Side Table $179 - Lamp $79.95

(image from Country Living)

Meet me in the Gazebo!

Can we just take a moment to daydream about having tea in this fantastic gazebo?

Just Lovely!

(image from Country Living)

A Single Sheet by Nama Rococo

Finding local designers is part of what I love about decorating and blogging in New England! Nama Rococo is just one of those creative artists I am proud to be in the same state with. The name "Nama" stands for North Adams MA when Karen Combs began her career. The paper is hand printed and hand screened.....stop, read that again...amazing! The designs are gorgeous but what I want to focus on today are the single sheets they sell. The idea of owning a unique piece of wallpaper used as art is so appealing. Her prints are so intricate that I think I like them on a smaller scale as I can quite possible appreciate the detail even more. Yes a single piece is on the pricey side at $126 but the best part, it's "ART" so you can take it with you when you move!

Do you consider wallpaper as art work? Would you do this in your own home?

(images from Nama Rococo)

Ty Larkin's Calming Palette

When I came across Ty Larkin's Baton Rouge home in House Beautiful I felt as if I had taken one large deep breath and exhaled. The subdued palette, classic architecture and smaller sized rooms create such a calm, cozy feeling that I just wanted to jump into each picture ending my little visit with drinks on the terrace!

My favorite quote from the article was Ty's answer to why he designs
with such a neutral palette.

"It allows you to change the look of a room, to inject a little bit of fashion — new throw pillows, a funky lamp — without blowing the budget. It gives you a timeless foundation."

Could you see yourself living in a house with such a neutral palette & Classic French Architecture or would you need more color over time?

(images from House Beautiful)

The Cottage Guest Room

Recently I was daydreaming with a friend about Beach Houses and she said well don't you want a big beach house with lots of rooms and my response was NO WAY! I dream of the cozy spaces where kids are jammed into fun bunk beds and the main living spaces are spacious. A small cottage is much more my style. So when I saw this sweet guest room my fingers could not move fast enough to put it in the inspiration folder!

The room is so airy with the pale colors but is balanced out with the strong pop of turquoise. I especially like the green and blue patterned rug its great movement under foot. The solid curtains are perfectly placed as they allow your eye to wander from inside to outside without stopping! Of course you can never go wrong with a balcony off a bedroom. Ahhh, OK who wants to move in to the beach cottage?!

(image from Coastal Living)

Monday Morning Happy!

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Did you work on any creative projects?

I am loving these Pom Pom Blossoms and thought it was a nice way to start the week! Don't they look perfect in the vintage looking glass? It's fantastic how the green stems just flow right into the color of the glass. Lovely!

Over the weekend I came across this wonderful gift idea from Potting Shed Creations. The "Garden In A Bag" is a fantastic way to send a quick "thinking of you" or good luck" gift to someone. It literally grows in this bag and takes minimal work, just perfect for all my city dweller friends who do not have outside spaces! The best part, they range from $8 - $12.

Enjoy the new week, Jul

(image from Family Circle/Wendell T Webber)

My Brimfield Hits and Misses

Yesterday I was at Brimfield and it was one gorgeous day. As excited as I was all week I was a little disappointed with what I found, the pieces just were not there this year or maybe what I was looking for was just not there. Every year my game plan is to go with my list and stick to it. When I first see a piece the questions that go through my head are: can I use it for myself or a client project and how much work do I need to put into it to make it right for me again! This is what I found and fell in love with but didn't necessarily buy!

GORGEOUS chair & half! I loved everything about this except the $1000 tag

Very sweet bird cage and the color was dramatic, unfortunately I don't have space for it now

Fulfilling my type addiction, I mulled around this vendor for a while!

Can you believe it? House Beautiful from 1929. Interesting to read, some design questions are still the same all these years later! I had a great time leafing through his stack!

A simple chair in need of reupholstering but at $125 it was a great deal, though I left it for someone else to enjoy.

I have been in need of a small upholstered accent chair to fit in a corner of my Living Room.
This 1950's vanity chair is SO sweet and I can just imagine it reupholstered in a pure white with sharp black legs. There is a slight possibility this could still be mine..more details to come!

A fantastic bed for someone looking for a twin a new coat of a bright paint color and it would be glorious!

I adore old suitcases, they are so versatile in any room. This beautiful turquoise caught my eye and was in great condition!



In the end this was all I came home with. A new tablecloth that I absolutely LOVE and a bit of fiesta ware purchased for a gift.

In the end it was a wonderful day off of work spent with a great friend and a ton of sunshine. I also literally bumped into Katy Elliott who is just as sweet in person as she is over on twitter! Pop over to her blog for more Brimfield photos! Thanks for sharing in my Brimfield excursion, I hope you all find great pieces at your own Markets this year!

(images from Jace Interiors)

My Brimfield List

One day I look forward to each year is the Spring Run of the Brimfield Antique Market here in Massachusetts. It is FILLED with anything you could possible think of and things you might not even want to think of. It is like one big treasure hunt and I love every minute. Weeks before I walk around the apartment inspecting each room for things that are not quite working or something that needs a bit of a redo than list these items in hopes of finding them at Brimfield!

This year I have a nightstand, something to use as a file cabinet, a big bubble water pitcher, a piece of authentic fiesta ware for a newly engaged lady and of course my favorite; table linens for me and Mom!! Yes it is quite a list but I am so excited to see what I find! It's also the only morning of the year I gladly jump out of bed at 5am!


With all this Brimfield talk I thought I would post a few inspiration pictures. Even if you are not going to Brimfield these are great pieces to find in your own local flea markets.

A Former mail slot is perfect for all the magazines...I might need 2!

A shutter or old door can be turned into an impressive mirror.

An old wicker side table can be given life with a bright new color!

(images from Casa Sugar/Back Garage, Design Sponge, Pottery Barn, Better Homes and Gardens)

Color Time - Bittersweet Chocolate

In the past few years brown has been the most sought after paint color. Constantly people will ask me for my favorite brown paint. Here is a great version from Benjamin Moore - Bittersweet Chocolate. It looks fantastic paired with a porcelain blue but I also love it with a bright fuscia or warm teal. Do you have a favorite brown paint color? Please share!

(image from House Beautiful)

Special Weekend Thank You

Hi All, The end of this week escaped me so I thought I would do a special weekend post. I have also been a little late in a few BIG thank yous so here we go!

First I want to direct you over to the lovely blog "Sacramento Street". Caitlin was so sweet to ask me to write a guest post while she was away becoming a "Mrs"! It was one of those posts I was a wee bit nervous about since I had to take a photo of my favorite place in my home. To read more about this photo pop on over and visit Caitlin's blog.

Yesterday one of my closest "blog friends" Crystal invited me to guest post on a favorite vacation spot while she was away on her own European getaway! It was so fun to explore online sites of Italian decor and inspiration. Though one thing I learned is that Italy is not very tech savvy in putting shelter magazines online! Explore the inspiring photos I found over at Plush Palate!

Lastly I need to send a BIG HUG over to Jess of Sweet Eventide. She was so sweet to include my Aunt Mary's picture in her Sweet Links post a few weeks ago. Sometimes you tell a story that you think is only inspiring to you, than you realize in telling this story you have inspired others.

These three ladies are all amazing supporters of CreateGirl and I hope you find their blogs as enjoyable as I do!

A Second Look at the Spun Glass Sphere Chandelier

Flipping through my Mom's Better Homes and Gardens I came across this sweet bathroom. I loved the serenity of it but what truly caught my attention was the lighting fixture.

Of course I went on the hunt to find the source, Shades of Light along with specifics. While doing this I learned a great lesson. The photo of the Spun Glass Sphere Chandelier on their website did not represent what I loved from the lighting in the room. It didn't have the same crisp bulb or light weight feeling which is what I was drawn to in the first place. Now I know there are stylist and lighting tricks for photo shoots but I think you get what I am saying!

If I had first come across the website photo I am not sure I would have taken a second look. So the lesson learned is to Google the heck out of any product you might see and are not quite sure you like. Find magazine or blog photos and get a second look, you might just fall in love like I have!