Eclectic autumn inspiration

It will not stop raining here. I'm trying to make the most of it because I have trouble sitting at my desk when the weather is nice. However, I'm also without internet until Monday so I'm having to spend the day at a cafe - which would've made me suuupppperrr productive if I'd managed to leave the house before 3pm! Ugh...what I wouldn't give to be a morning person. I work so much better when it's dark out and after 9pm - it gets frustrating. Anyway, I digress. Here are some beauties for you!

The blue of this bedspread is just stunning. And I actually like it with the light blue bed frame and wallpaper.

I adore this kitchen. That wide plank island table is TDF - and the styling is lovely too with all the flowers.



I've always like round tables with stacks of books

via Elle Decor

Industrial style furniture

I love Pottery Barn's new Benchwright Dining Table, as I'm a sucker for furniture designers who "appreciate wood's character." The table is lovely, however there is nothing like the real thing. My parents' home is almost fully furnished in pieces passed down, and even though a lot of them are reproductions, they're beautiful because it was life that rewarded them with character, not some strategically placed dents and dings. On the flip side, at $5,800 for the real thing, Pottery Barn's industrial-style dining seems affordable!

Pottery Barn's Table--


Get Back's table--
It extends at each end

*Love*

Some other cool offerings from Get Back

Dream Kitchens

I don't feature a whole lot of inspiration for kitchens; I guess because I don't really use mine too often. Ashley + kitchen= disaster. I've tried and tried, but things just don't really seem to work for me in there, so I leave it to others. However...count on Eric Roth to inspire me! He captures these kitchens so beautifully, even I would be willing to spend time in them!


Love the big wood table mixed in with modern furniture




This kitchen looks like a Vemeer...we just need a lady with a pitcher...


Lovely dog. Also, the wood beams with the venetian plaster paint technique really adds an "old world" feel.









All images property of Eric Roth

Serenity Now!

When I was a teenager, my bedroom was how I escaped from doing chores. Now, I want my bedroom to just be how I escape, period. Living in the city, one is constantly bombarded with people and stimulus, so it's great to be able to come home after a long day and just retreat for awhile.
These are some bedrooms I wouldn't mind coming home to. Let me know which bedroom you'd prefer!


A. Modern romance


B. Fresh and colorful


C. Transitional, soft palette


D. A little bit of everything


E. Black and White Bliss


F. Cottage Charm


G. Modern white


H. Art-focused with a grand bed


I. Modern feminine


J. Natural touches and wood tones


K. Bold and happy colors

Images via Better Homes and Gardens.

BKLYN Designs recap ~ For all design lovers

I've finally got my act together. I've collected my photos and literature and put them all together for a little sneak-peek back in time. The BKLYN DESIGNS show was held May 9th-11th with a record turnout of 6,500 design lovers. It was held in DUMBO, Brooklyn, spanned four venues, and showcased everything from the latest furniture to the latest jewelry. The spotlight of this year's show was definitely green and eco-design, with products locally made and constructed utilizing green fabrication processes. You can learn more about BKLYN DESIGNS and it's exhibitors at brooklyndesigns.net.

My favorites from the show mostly included ceramics, lighting, and furniture.




Lois Aronow was one of my favorites. The textures and colors were so unique and had a contemporary edge.


The sorapot from industrial designer Joey Roth was a big hit, and is now available for purchase. Go to the website to order one for yourself and see more of his clever designs.




I loved everything from Wüd. They combined very smart contemporary design with absolutely beautiful wood. The design was sleek, practical, and perfectly suited for urban life.


Environment 337 is a great Brooklyn resource for anything you'd need to make your home a little more inviting. They have a really cool selection of things for entertaining, relaxing, sleeping, and eating.



The lamps above are from furthur design. You must go to the website to look at more of their designs -- absolutely gorgeous glass and elegant designs! One day I must have one of those lamps...


Laidman Fabrication Inc. was a hit at the show. The chair above is made of many thin slats of wood which conform to your shape. I sat in it for quite awhile and it is very comfortable. They also have the same lounge chair in a couch size. Go to the site to see a lot more!



Phosphoria was another exhibitor with gorgeous lighting with a really nice sculptural quality. I just can't resist contemporary designs constructed from wood. Unfortunately my photos do not give it justice, you should definitely check out the website.


Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, founder of one of my all-time favorite blogs, Apartment Therapy was also there signing his new book, Apartment Therapy Presents: Real Homes, Real People, Hundreds of Design Solutions.

Swedish Style Home Tour

I found this beautiful home on marthastewart.com. It belongs to Martina Arfwidson, co-owner of Face Stockholm, and David Weiss, a restaurant chef. The space is beautifully laid out, and selectively decorated. The owners have cleverly used reflective surfaces to take advantage of all the light they can. Arfwidson keeps true to her heritage by placing carved wood furniture on bare floor. You'll also notice she keeps the palette light to keep things cheerful.