Where I'd like to..

wake up in the morning...

This room is full of feminine flourishes, I love the clean lines of the headboard and the glamorous details of the mirrored side table and vintage sconce. I often infuse spaces with a splash of color, but this space is so restful...I wouldn't change a thing. {okay maybe I'd add a small, rectangular silk pillow in a burst of yellow}

"Eco"- Chic design

Maybe you can't swing six chairs at once, find a classic {pictured: The Eames Eiffel Chair} and buy two at a time. They will never go out of fashion or business...I own two myself!
Look for art in unexpected places, garage sales, your parents basement etc.

Always layer: Old/New, Found objects/Store bought items, Matte/Shiny, Straight lines/Organic shapes...{I think you get the picture} everything will look more important.

Of course I'm all for green, earthy friendly, sustainable design, but the "eco" in this post title refers to "eco-nomical" and if it truly is a penny wise idea {there's a good chance it's pretty earth friendly}.

Not to be a downer, especially on a Monday morning, but if you haven't been effected directly by the sour economy then you are very fortunate. I do believe that you can live beautifully on a budget. Here are some tips, inspiring photos, and creative ideas to help turn your house into the home you dream about.

* Never doubt what grandma may have in her attic...I have {or plan to} re-purpose some old, tired, not quite antique items of my own. A fresh can of paint and new fabrics can work wonders.

* Design your own art. Purchase a large canvas and some acrylic paints. You'll be surprised what you are able to create with some effort...When all else fails, put the canvas on the floor and drip, splatter and stroke some paint on that baby, voila instant art = instant therapy.

* Art doesn't need to be in the form of a painting or print. Vintage fabric pieces, framed fabric + wallpaper samples, and found objects in nature work very well hung or displayed ona table top.

* Simple but bold gestures go a long way...Don't be afraid to paint a room, hang inexpensive drapes {think Ikea, West Elm etc.} or cover your sofa in a bright and cheery shade of something fabulous.

This home is full of fun ideas. I love the use and mix of color and textiles above.

The book shelves look both personal and casual, don't use your shelves to house only books.

Collections, color, and layered textiles make a big impact.

The mix of old and new in this kitchen is refreshing, add clean, new cushions to an odd group of old chairs.

Create vignettes with found or inherited objects

Don't be afraid to pop your space with color!

{I love this photo}

Short on storage? Add a functional coat tree to your hallway or foyer...believe it or not your continually rotated coats, hats and scarfs will add dimension, color and warmth to your space.

Images: top to bottom, Country Home, Sunset, (6) center images Elle Decor, 2006., Domino, Domino.

I love...

the look of a chair or sofa covered in a bold, over sized print or pattern! These first two photos are a peek into the extravagant + beautiful home of Fleetwood Mac's, Lindsey Buckingham. Very cool photo wall!! So fun.. {I can post their entire abode if you wish, it's in this month's Elle Decor.}

WS Home Wing Chair, you may purchase this cheery print by the five yard roll..

Celerie Kemble, you're too good!! {top and bottom images by C.K.}

Images: Elle Decor, WS Home, Celerie Kemble, images from her new book To Your Taste.

Country Mouse, City Mouse...

My husband continually reminds me that I'm a dreamer, I contribute it to positive thinking {why not dream big?}...I tell him I'd rather be a dreamer then a realist...If I owned two homes, one would be chic + classic, the other comfy + laid back. I don't own two homes, I'm just trying to buy and finish one! My home is a laboratory of sorts, so I'm slowly mixing the two styles. Like many on a limited budget, I'm often thinking about, dreaming and creating my next idea! Here's a sampling of feeling shots. The beautiful thing is, you can have the best of both worlds, and live in one place! Happy Monday!!

Images Top to bttm, lft to right: flickr, Country Living, Elle Decor, Country Living, Country Home, Country Living, Country Home, Elle Decor, Elle Decor, Veranda, Country Home.
City Images: Vogue, Feb. 09., Elle Decor, Elle Decor, Veranda, Amanda Nisbet Design, Domino, Elle Decor, Well-Designed Garden by John Brookes, House Beautiful

Couldn't resist - Design Tip + Trick

La Dolce Vita posted this interior on her blog back in the Spring
of 2008. This designer's home was so beautifully designed,
I had to share it again.. For those of you who haven't seen her home,
it's pure eye candy!

That leads me to my design tip. One of the first elements
I discuss in my residential class is the importance
of COHESION.

Webster's Dictionary describes COHESION as: "Sticking together" :
that doesn't sound so glamorous but it's true.

The decorative + architectural elements throughout your
space/home/chalet etc. etc. should read as a whole, NOT
match perfectly because that is a BORE, but the pieces of
the puzzle should flow and relate in some shape or form.

This can be accomplished in a multitude of ways...
with color, contrast, texture, decorative materials such as the use of mirror,
repetition etc.
Lisa Epley (the designer employs most of those items + more).

Designer: Lisa Epley Magazine: Paper City

This venetian mirror is fabulous!

I would love a charcoal and white kitchen!!