Monday, January 18, 2010

The Perfect Lantern




When I build a home or when I walk through a home, the first thing I look at are the light fixtures!  I guess you could call me a light fixture snob.  Light fixtures finish off a home, and if you leave no money at the end of a project for your light fixtures...big mistake!!!

So if you're building or re-modeling a home, I recommend playing up your light fixtures as much as your budget will allow!  I promise you'll never regret.

While I was building my last house I came across the website "Authentic Provence."  Here they have the most beautiful lanterns I have ever seen and I wanted to share them with you.
























































These lanterns add so much to this kitchen.  Lanterns are so versatile...they go with everything!  Check out "Authentic Provence,"  you'll have so much fun!!!














Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Swedish Flair


The reason why I love the Swedish/Gustavian style so much is because of the versatility.  It fits perfectly with just about any style, due to Sweden's geographical extremes.
















I love this California bungalow.  I know I have placed a couple of these pictures early on in my blog, but I love the Swedish Charm.




I'm sold!!!  This is the cutest nursery ever!




What a darling little boy's room.  These two rooms are so soft and earthy.


  




























If you have an ugly wood floor, paint it!  It creates a fresh soft room.




If you love Swedish interiors I recommend getting Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems' books:  Swedish Interiors and Swedish Country Interiors


Thursday, January 7, 2010

Exquisite interiors




I can't get over these beautiful steel windows; I think there is a door built into the window as well.  I'm still torn between wood casings and the simplicity of the steel.  I guess if one decides to use steel windows, they could play up the beams and door casings to balance the two.




I love this kitchen!  I love it so much I did the same marble in my own kitchen with the same thickness.  I wish I had those vintage wooden and metal whisks, it adds the perfect balance of industrial flair.  So fun and creative!!




Those of you who want a soft and simple bathroom...well here you go.  All you would have to do is paint an old piece of furniture and let your plumbers do the rest.




As you can tell I love painted pieces of furniture!  I have a sister-in-law who finds old and odd furniture pieces and paints them soft blues/greens, gray/chalky white washes, and they turn out amazing!  She basically turns trash into treasure.








If you don't like the color... paint it up!  It will actually open up the room more.  I love this color next to the rock wall texture.




Notice the diamonds in the cabinets and how they carry the room.  Sometimes the smallest detail adds so much interest, and that light fixture is perfection...who needs a shade?




I came across this picture and was taken!  I can't believe the cobblestone floor and the limestone stairs.  I love the simple handrail.  The two elements balance each other perfectly.




Here is another similar railing with a little more detailing which is needed since everything is so simple.  I have a hard time when I walk into a home and there is so much coming at you, it almost gives me a headache.  To me less is always more.




Another angle of the previous room; it's so intriguing!!
I highly recommend getting the book "French Country Living."  Caroline Clifton-Mogg has compiled the most beautiful pictures of homes in Provence.







Monday, January 4, 2010

Simply Rustic...

The decorative style of Provence, especially Cote d' Azur, is simple and rustic.  My father who is a huge fan of the arts and crafts style has a more difficult time appreciating the rusticity of the decorative style of Provence.  I tell him, "Dad...respect the style of the house please."





Who would not want to walk through those doors?  All I can say is inspiration awaits!!




The first thing my Dad would do is shake the h@#* out of those chairs and walk away thinking they were cheep and unpractical.  I'm so laughing to myself right now...I love ya Dad!
I have to say... this is one of the most beautiful pictures I have seen.




Ah........Heaven!




I want to take those doors home so bad...




The perfect kitchen for the perfect house in the perfect place...Provence!




 
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