House Beautiful Cover Love.

I'm in love with the cover of the new House Beautiful! It pretty much speaks for itself, but I though I'd gush over the details of my new found design crush.

First things first, the color palette is spot on perfect. The neutrals mixed with pops of color create a sophisticated casual space ideal for members of either sex. The navy and green tone down the feminine pop of pink, and the ornate pattern on the throw balances out the masculine beiges, browns, and blacks.

I also love the different finishes incorporate seamlessly into one space. I spy natural fiber juxtaposing sleek glass, shiny silver, and cold stone. Pops of black iron compliment the white textiles. The room boasts great balance without containing much in the way of stuffy symmetry. It looks lived in, collected, and welcoming- all elements of a flawlessly designed space!

I recently "inherited" a hideous 1980's faux brass chandelier (although it plugs into the wall) contraption similar to the fixture below, only wide instead of long and much uglier.

I already had been planning on painting the brass out in a matte black, so it could masquerade as wrought iron. I figured it would make for a beautiful center piece filled with candles or flowers, and now I'm completely sold after seeing the gorgeousness that is the chandelier in the House Beautiful cover space.

One more chance to "ohhhh" and "ahhhhh"... Go ahead, I know you want to.

Let's be honest, this room definitely exceeds crush- I think it's a full blown love affair!

Cheerful Guest House.

Look at this Nantucket guest house designed by John Willey featured in House Beautiful. I just love how he incorporated playful color yet retains a sophisticated look.

A great trick for unifying an open space with two seating areas: a bench in the middle.

This way you can be part of either side of the room when sitting on this piece,

and the room is not visually "cut in half". I just love a bench with "arms" as seen above.

Fresh as a kitchen should be.

Love how the blue piping picks up on the wallcolor.

It's the little things that really make a room sing.

I kind of completely love this bedroom. Hard to wake up in a bad mood here, I'd imagine.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a vacation home!? Another house to decorate! What would yours look like? Whitewashed tranquility? Fun color you wouldn't dare using at your main house?

Have a great day! And don't forget to enter the giveaway. Only one more day...

Monday Bluems.

Hi loves. How was the weekend? Mine was lovely. 75 degree weather yesterday, along with a furniture delivery I'd been anxiously awaiting, didn't hurt in my quest for complete contentment.

Anyway, today I wanted to bring you a few photos where flowers are a prominent player in the decor. Enjoy!

(House Beautiful. Love that all the main pieces are neutral to the extreme, yet the space looks anything but bland due to strategically bright accessories.)

(House Beautiful)

(House Beautiful)

(Amanda Nisbet via House Beautiful. This arrangement is as lovely from the front.....)

(... as it is from the back.)

What are your favorite blooms to decorate with?

Mine are ranunculus in every shade (now inundating markets across America!!) and peonies which are coming in a few short weeks.

Craigslist Score!

I'm leaving in a few minutes to pick up these (future) beauties.

(Nice from the front. But when you turn them to the side the real magic begins...)

(Wait for it, wait for it.....BAM! The most beautiful cane trellis pattern you ever did see, no?)

I can't wait to get my hands on them and give that much needed TLC they are crying out for. "Please paint us a beautiful bright color!" "And add some fabric or pretty paper to our shelves!" Here are some combos I'm considering.

(Option 1: Take a Walk on the Wild Side)

(Option 2: Secret Garden)

(Option 3: Burden of Beauty)

(Option 4: Call Me Crazy)

Which combination do you like best? Post a comment with your favorite option and we'll see which is the most popular option! This could be fun!

Now I'm off to get them and left wondering which is a bigger problem- that I don't have anywhere to put these gems in my packed-to-the-gills apartment or that furniture talks to me?

(All fabrics via Lewis & Sheron Textile Co. and all paints via House Beautiful.)

Thank you mailman.

What a pleasure it was to find the new House Beautiful waiting for me in my mailbox yesterday. Always a good day when this comes! I haven't even had a chance to crack it open yet, but I can't wait.

I must say I found the cover a bit ironic. The October issue is all about expressing yourself and finding your personal style, yet the creative geniuses chose to also include "12 style icons" on the cover. The two just seem like opposite themes to me. But then again my creative theory is pretty much identical to that cover: admire and study icons who inspire you you but always (always!) remain true to what you love, whether it's top on the style radar or not.

Can't wait to crack HB October 2010 open and become inspired!