Minimalist Apartment

 Moving is tough! I know I've been gone for a while, but I've been moving into our new apartment. We didn't bring everything we own, since this will only be a temporary place. Still, it takes a lot of time! The minimalist in me wishes I could get rid of all possessions, except the most basic of furnishings...and some art of course. I came across this German apartment and was inspired by its absolute simplicity. I bet this place could be packed up in no time. Although, where else would one find such an incredible home?

 I am a big fan of built-ins, especially if they have such beautiful texture:)

I think I just took two steps back on my, trying to include more "pretty" things in my home. Shoot! It isn't very easy!!

Prettiest Bathroom

 If you read this blog regularly, you know I don't often write about "pretty" things. I have trouble with pretty, but I'm working on it. As I prepare to move, I'm challenging myself to do things differently. Including, allowing my home to be softer. I found this inspiring space on Tumblr and I love it! This bathroom is subtly pretty and inspiring. 

I'm crazy about all the different textures and the simple color scheme with a touch of amazing green wallpaper! Don't you love it?! These photos are from an amazing blog called The Marion House Book. Its full of many drool-worthy photos and ideas, so be sure to read it.

(P.S. I'm moving this week. I have some great photos to share, but I'm not sure when I can get them up. Please forgive me if my blogging is intermittent this week).

Family Aesthetic

Hi everyone! This is a super quick post because I'm swamped today. Still, I had to share these fantastic photos, featuring the brothers behind the design firm hOmE. Love their approach, which is rustic, masculine, and still modern. Found this article via The Scout, so read more there.

Gotta run!

In My Head: Ocean Creatures

 Once again, I am carrying thoughts and visions in my head of a specific nature. I like writing these "In My Head" articles, because it allows my brain to let go of these recurring thoughts. Sorry to be using all of you for my own therapy;)
My eye is caught by the organic and strange shapes of ocean creatures. They're so mysterious and beautiful! Actually, when I was a little kid; I used to read everything I could about ocean life. Now, I wonder how these shapes can be reinterpreted into furnishings and jewelry, too!

 Photos via Jelly the Fish

First, I found these colorful anemone bowls made by Element Clay Studio. Wouldn't a collection of these spiny creatures light up any room?

 Lichen tile 

 The nesting scallop bowls can be placed on their backs to use as bowls, or turned upside down to make an ocean inspired sculpture.

 I am REALLY loving the idea of ocean creature shapes as jewelry! The organic texture is very cool. Check out these rings by Happy Go Licky!

Inspired By: Cy Twombly

Happy Monday! I'm starting the week thinking of the art of Cy Twombly. The combination of spontaneity and beautiful color, really inspire me. Don't you just love how much energy jumps off the canvas? If I could start each day admiring a Twombly painting, I might not even need coffee to wake me up!

(picture above: Twombly at Cy Twombly Gallery, Houston)

(via Cy Twombly info)

(Via The Telegraph)

Twombly's gallery ceiling at the Louvre. 

Preparing For New Spaces

I'M MOVING!!!!

Hooray! For months now, we have been ready to move to a new home. We worked on unfinished projects for a while and then waited on a dying housing market. Well, although we haven't sold our house (we are leasing it); we are finally able to move on. For the time being, we will live in a temporary space until we make a final decision of where we want to go. Its fine, I'm just ready to do something...anything! 

What excites me most about moving, is the new challenge of decorating a new space. Surely, nobody is surprised by this, right? You can count on me mentioning this regularly, for the next few weeks:) 

Today, I'm inspired by this home office. I like its simplicity and warmth. Of course, I like the crazy desk legs. But, mostly I'm drawn to its small footprint. I mean, the desk is placed in what looks like remnant space. Since, I will be in an apartment for a few months, I won't really have a dedicated study. This room allows for that w/out losing style.

Photo via Style at Home

Dada Diddle

Liam recently memorized one of my favorite nursery rhymes, Hey diddle, diddle....

This little rhyme is so vivid with unusual images and has such a catchy rhythm. For fun, I entered it into a website called Dada poetry generator. You may be saying, what is Dada? In short, it was an anti-establishment movement in art and writing that began in Europe, after WWI. Read more here. One practice of Dada writing was to cut out random words from newspapers and let a poem "fall together". 

Given how much I love randomness, I had to try it. I wondered how a child's poem would read using this method. So, here it is!

Over the diddle, spoon fiddle.
such The ran cow spoon
The the little see dish
The The jumped the dog
diddle. cow The such ran
diddle. The the little dog

Ha! Awesome. I think I am going to read this to Liam and have him cut out words and scramble them together. That should keep a 6 year old entertained for quite a while! If any of you decide to try making your own poem, be sure and show it to me:)
(Photo by Matt Walford)

How Do You Inspire A Child?

I wonder about this all the time and I think a great place to start is with a creative environment. Since becoming a mommy, I'm constantly reminded of my own childhood. Back then, parts of my house would turn into a castle or maybe a spaceship. What I wished for the most was a window seat, where I could sit and let my long hair out the window, just like Rupunzel. 

The possibilities for making imaginative spaces for kids are endless. Here are few samples of some I love!

Chalkboard!! We need more chalkboard.

(This is my favorite room!)

Imagine how many puppet shows could happen here, and what a great place to hide! I'm getting way too excited about this aren't I? Maybe, I'm the one who really likes these rooms and use inspiration for kids as an excuse.

I'm crazy about this color scheme. Its mature and fun at the same time! 

Special disclaimer: I'm not one for skipping out on listing my sources. Currently, I'm away from my personal computer and don't have any of the links. That was a big DUH, on my part. Promise to get them up as soon as I get home.