Fine Dining

Although this is a commercial space, I think the designer did a brilliant job of creating an intimate, totally inviting, and cozy dining spot. I would happily recreate this look in my breakfast nook. A perfectly broken in tufted chesterfield, a set of gorgeous leather mid-century chairs, and a cushy velvet pillow. Yes, please. Oh, and I mustn't forget the white painted brick. I want summa that, too.

{via designer Lazaro Rosa Violan}

Eye Candy

Holy smokes that's a lot to take in. I think I'll call these raw & refined. Now off to ogle the details.

{images spotted on The Insane Domain}

Southern Comfort

Although I wasn't born in the South, I've called it home for most of my life. So even though my southern roots do not run deep, I have a special affinity for this unique cultural region of our country. Tara may no longer exist, but the romance of the South, especially with regard to the architecture, centuries old live oaks draped with Spanish moss, and our world famous southern hospitality nonetheless remain alive and well. Hence, I am always charmed when I come across a beautifully preserved southern gem. This house on the bayou is no exception. Be sure to read the GARDEN & GUN article, here and see more photos, here.

Absentee Blogger

I have to be honest, I am sooo not feeling blogging right now. All is well and I really don't know why. The end of the school year was definitely more busy than usual, but as of Friday that is officially over for the summer. I am working on a bit of a fun project helping to put together a little girl's room (and no, said little girl will not be mine). I've been searching craigslist like a mad woman and I can't relay the satisfaction of finding a great deal and having my "client" (hahaha) follow through and make said purchase. Yep, shopping vicariously is the bomb. So life is great and busy and perhaps I've lost that blogging feeling (cue music). However, I'm definitely feeling these beautiful spaces right now and I hope you'll accept this post as a conciliatory offering. I'll be back. Soon. I think.

{images via inside}

xx-

Unmistakably European

I don't know what it is about European homes, but I think they are instantly recognizable. Perhaps it's that sense of history, the way bricks, and stone floors, and plaster arches become beautifully worn after hundreds of years of a life well-lived. Whatever it is, I am always instinctively drawn to these sort of spaces. After all, I am technically European, despite being raised in the U.S., so if my blood tingles every time I spot a barrel vaulted ceiling, or a chippy plaster wall, well it's only to be expected.

{images via European Chic}

Character

{images via Polarn Per}

Panting.

[1. Breathe with short, quick breaths, typically from exertion or excitement.]

Yep, that pretty much sums it up.

[image via Tingelings}

Big, Bold, Red

My buddy Raina posted this delicious image today and as soon as my eyes fell upon it I thought, oh, wow! Those red chairs, especially coupled with the crisp, stark white really left me reeling.

So I was inspired to scroll through my inspiration files and cull out those big, bold reds (and the quieter ones as well). From tomato to rust and all those juicy pinks and oranges in between, an ode to red.

Are you feelin' it, friends?

{forgive the lack of credits, I'm feeling lazy today}

"beauty is its own excuse for being"

A rather brilliant blog friend* of mine left this comment on one of my posts once and I've been saving it in my back pocket ever since. After coming across these beautiful images I thought it was the perfect time to pull it out, shine it up, and share. Sort of speaks for itself, doesn't it. Yes, beauty is its own excuse for being.

{images via Pierre-Jean Verger, quote via the lovely *Erin of Design Crisis}