A Place of Serenity

I had to share this video from Dwell magazine. It is the home of architect David Ling. He converted an entire building into his own live/work space, and it is unbelievable. I'll admit that he is a bit pretentious, but just turn the sound off if you need to. Two things to take note of:
1. The CRAZY bedroom. I freaked when I saw it.
2. Those glasses! I gotta get me some:)

My Dream House This Week: Danish Modern.

I haven't posted a "Dream Home" recently, because I haven't felt inspired. This week on the other hand, I feel so inspired; that I'm going to post two houses! I will post the second one later today, or tomorrow morning. This is the former home of Danish midcentury designer, Finn Juhl. It is part of a museum in Copenhagen, and preserves the designer's work and way of life. I'm fascinated with this house, because although it is furnished with pieces that are 50 and 60 years old; it is so fresh! I would move in and not consider changing much. The house has a farm house casualness, but the furnishings are intelligent and attractive.

Found via Metropolis Magazine.

Charming Blog

I am infatuated with this Finnish blog, called Livian Talossa. I have no idea what any of it says, but I sure do like the pretty pictures:) Its just like kindergarten.

Not Ready To Go Home.

I've been having so much fun with my virtual world travels, this week. I wish it didn't have to end. Before the week is over, I thought we could travel to Argentina; via El Beso.
This house inspires me, not just to visit; but to move in! Its bohemian goodness, is too much for me to resist.
Correction: When I first posted this article, I said the bedroom had a peg-board wall. A reader commented that the wall is not peg-board, but a small print wallpaper. Oops!
Too bad, I was loving the peg-board idea. Maybe that is how I will reinterpret it.

Well, I hope everyone had fun traveling with me. Time to unpack our black suitcases ;)
Have a Great Weekend!

Bella Italia Weine/Germany

I couldn't resist one more image from Yatzer. An Italian winery in Germany uses an extreme optical illusion to expand the space. Although, the mirror effect is pretty extreme, I think it could be used on a smaller scale; to expand any small space.

A Little Anthropologie Shopping.

I dropped by Anthropologie the other day, and found some real treasures. First, I fell in love with the delicate floral bowl. Its so delicate and lovely. I also love (I mean LOVE) the bird prints and lampshade. In reality, I didn't need any of these things, so I kept the spending at a minimum. A few things I did take home were:

1. This very cute poetry book.

2. These "Printers block" hooks. I find it annoying that Mark takes "my towel" when he showers. Hopefully, if everyone has their own hook; this problem will be solved.

3. I have been looking for cute coffee cups to replace the ones we have now. These black and white, monogrammed cups are just perfect ("M" and "C" of course).

Last Minute Entry.

Just found this intricate collection of artwork via, Please Sir. Amazing! I have trouble lining up just two pictures.

Creative Displays.

From Flickr: 1. Headboard 2. Small bath 3. Top of dresser.
Hello friends! Here is a collection of inspiring images. Keeping with the weeks' theme, they show very creative styling and displays. Hope you enjoy!

Stylist Rosie Brown: Above and below.

One of my favorite rooms from Jay Jeffers. I get very excited about his wonderful color combinations. Its kind of a vintage chic.
Check out some great interview with Jeffers at All the Best.
Jay Jeffers (Below)

Here are a couple of store displays. I think most of my favorite displays are found in stores, because they don't have emotional attachment. They are much more free spirited.
Above: Saffron and Genevieve. Below: I lost track of where I found these. If anyone knows, please let me know.

Brown Design Blog.

I just finished watching a new episode of Flipping Out. Did anyone see it? It is a CRAZY show! But I do love the amazing houses it features. A lot of the design is done by Ryan Brown of Brown Design. I've been a fan of their work for a while now, so I thought I would mention that they have a new blog. Its full of lots of eye candy and juicy photos of some the Flipping Out, houses. (Like this little gem).

Dallas Trip Part 2: Shopping in Flip-Flops.

Okay, I'm finally back with the second post. Brace yourselves, because I have a crazy amount of pictures. I planned this trip in more detail than normal, but when I arrived; everything fell apart. We checked in to our hotel Fri. afternoon and were hanging out, when I realized that I forgot to pack ANY shoes! The only shoes I had were the ones on my feet...red flip-flops. What a disaster! I mean, my pedicure didn't even look good w/ red. (The next day, I realized I forgot to pack Liam's shirts too. Until I bought him some more, he walked around in his pajama shirt). Despite, my lack of proper footwear, I decided to stick with my shopping plans.
First, I stopped at Grange Hall.
I can honestly say, that I was excited to go and I wasn't disappointed. This is a must see for anyone visiting Dallas.

The showroom has amazing lighting, and very unique merchandise. I've never seen anything quite like it. I was sucked in by the mysterious and moody feel.

Mecox Gardens.
I could just move right in to this showroom. Everything is perfect.

The Gypsy Wagon
This is a fun place for accessories with Texas flair.

Directly next door to the Gypsy Wagon, is one of my favorite new finds. Again and Again Consignment Furniture, is a vintage lover's dream. Besides being filled with all kinds of mid-century treats, they can customize every piece to your liking.

This lively green painting, was one of my favorite pieces. I had one of those funny flashback moments when I saw it. I think I've seen one like it sometime in my life, but I'm not sure.

Sometime ago Joni wrote a post about shopping at Tory Burch. I've never been there, so it was on my to-do list. But, like a lot of my trip; things didn't work out. I got there about 45 minutes too late! Nooo! I stood outside peering in through the windows; it was so sad. Here is a tip for anyone visiting Dallas, don't show up after 6:00 p.m. or on Sundays. You will be very disappointed. In my defense, I get to see all the shops because my trip was also a mini family reunion. I think I was trying to fit in a few too many things. Overall, my family and I had a great time.

Grange Hall

On my upcoming trip to Dallas, I hope to see Grange Hall. This place looks amazing!

The Ultimate "Domino" Home.

I know this is an oldie, but it is a goodie. This is the home of Domino magazine editor Deborah Needleman, via New York Magazine. I wonder why this has never been in Domino? Its so drop-dead gorgeous. She uses my preferred palette of soft muted tones, with jolts of color. The living room is very sophisticated, but it still looks like a place I would go curl-up for a nap. Speaking of sleeping, the master bedroom is a dream come true. I love the mix of patterns on the bed.

NestRobe.

I think I could wear these clothes everyday. Linen upon layer of linen...how wonderful. They are from a Japanese shop called NestRobe. I would be tempted to hang up these outfits on my wall, just like the pictures. Their shape and texture look so inviting.

Found via Ah-Yi

My Dream Home This Week: A Domino Favorite.

I'm loving Domino's look at their 3rd anniversary. It brings to memory a few favorite homes, especially the home of actress Amanda Peet. Remember this place? Its so refreshingly colorful and bohemian...love it :) It doesn't fit what I would think of as a "movie star's" home. I think that's what makes it so fun. I love all the colorful accessories placed in a bright white home. The picture below is probably my favorite. Of course, I love the striped rug. I am also crazy about the saltillo tile. I'm not sure if its a cultural thing or a regional thing, but I never tire of saltillo.

I need a metal shelf like this one. It looks so great with the collection of books and fabrics. The stylishly disheveled look of this house is so charming.

Madeline Weinrib Rugs.

The red "Emma" rug was listed on Design Sponge's rug roundup. It is made by Madeline Weinrib, along with the other rugs pictured. I think if I could make the perfect rugs for myself, they would look just like these.

Installations Antiques Garden Party

I had a busy week! Over the weekend I attended market at the Lawndale Art Center. Then Thursday I attended a garden party at Installations Antiques. There was a great turn-out, and it was very fun. The atmosphere was casual and everyone mingled freely, while admiring all of Installations wares.

There is Courtney wearing that hat! She is chatting with Installations owner Jur van der Oord. He and his wife Becki are truly a creative couple. (Thanks Becki for letting me take pictures). While there I had the pleasure of meeting a new Houston blogger named Annie. Her blog is called The Bunny Bungalow. Check it out. Well, I could go on and on about this place, but I think the displays speak for themselves.

My Dream Home This Week: San Miguel Retreat.

Happy Monday again! Today is a gorgeous day in Houston. We had a "cold front" come through, which means the air is crisp and fresh. If anyone has ever traveled here, you know crisp air is not easy to come by. The cool breezes remind me of trips I have taken to central Mexico, and make me wish I could go back. I've traveled to Mexico City and Guadalajara, and dream of visiting San Miguel de Allende. Recently, I have noticed more and more articles written about San Miguel as more people discover its beauty. Having said all that, I am enamored with this home in San Miguel that was remodeled by Bosworth Hoedemaker Architects.

The original structure consists of two rooms built right off the cobblestone streets. From there, a central courtyard and additional rooms were added on to the back and top of the rooms. The additions are very new, but they still maintain the tradition of the 18th century structure. I love this home because it reaches me deeply. My family is originally from Mexico, but I was born and raised in the U.S. When I was about 11 yrs. old, my sister and I traveled to Monterrey to visit some distant relatives. Although, Mexico is such a different place; I felt right at home. The vastly different way of living, really touched my soul. I have always thought, that if I had enough money, I would live there at least part time.
The tile bathrooms and kitchen are so amazing. I love the blue and white back splash. It is a traditional detail, but it still looks modern and fresh. So, anyone care to meet me there?

Installations Antiques.

I know along the way, I have mentioned how much I love Installations Antiques. I stopped by yesterday, and found out they are having a "Garden Weekend", this week. It starts Thursday (May 1st) evening with a special preview at 6:00. For anyone who has missed out on seeing this great place, this would be a great time to go. Click (here) for more info.

Sensual Color

Happy Friday, everyone! I am going to keep this post short, because I woke up with the world's worst migraine! As soon as I can look at the monitor a little longer, I will post pictures of a fun get-together I went to last night :)
I couldn't resist showing off these beautiful pictures. It is a British home that consists of my favorite color palette. I am drawn to the chocolate and red tones in the wood combined with creamy tones and varying shades of purple. I've always found these colors very sensual.

The bright settee gives the room a jolt of life. I also love the jewel tone, purple chair. The fabric looks like it might be velvet or mohair. I love either fabric, because the color becomes multi-dimensional. I found these images via Desire to Inspire.

Modern Color With Traditional Touches.

I'm salivating over these photos. This is a wonderful example of combining modern color and details with traditional furniture. I think many people think "modern" is cold and impersonal or bright and harsh. I love that this house shows that modern and traditional can live together and make a very comfortable home.

This home was designed by Woodson and Rummerfield. This designer duo is definately a new favorite of mine.