Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Design Inspiration of 2008

Well, we are here! The end of a very interesting year, historically, politically and spiritually!

I do not make New Year’s resolutions. Why? It’s like trying to buy a gift for someone who already has everything. In my case, I make lists all the time, so why do another one just because it’s January 1st?

So, instead, because my blog is focused on interior design, I thought I would post some spaces that were inspirational to me, that lifted me up, that made me think about the way that I wanted to design, that made me want to be a better designer, that made me want to have access to better workrooms and carpenters and skilled craftsmen. These spaces spoke to me.

I saw this kitchen on Ronda Carman’s All The Best Blog and instantly wanted to be sitting in this space on a warm, breezy summer afternoon with the french doors wide open. It also helps that the space it all white, which I love.

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This kitchen was modeled after the movie “Something’s Gotta Give”. It’s my dream kitchen and I longingly look at this picture every once in awhile and hope that one day I will be able to buy a house where I can have this kitchen! I love everything about it from the wall color, to the bin pulls to the dark hardwood floors.

Living Room - Designer Randolph Duke - Architectural Digest

Well, it’s obvious why I like this space….. the view! I’m not sure where this living room is located. I do know that it was designed by Randolph Duke. And, I love the brick that extends past the wall of glass to the exterior, that leads your eye to the view. The furnishings are all kept monotone, so not to distract your eye from the view. Fabulous! And how about that fireplace!

111 interior concepts

This patio setting with a wonderfully distressed painted pedestal table and beautifully styled patio furniture just makes my heart happy. Not your typical patio furniture and that’s what I love about it!

1 Style court Kitchen

Windsor Smith Design. I love the big wing-back chair at this table and the pendant lights mixed with the Chinese inspired chairs. I can just imagine cooking for all of my friends who would be hanging out right next to me at the table and chatting.

Windsor Smith Design.

I love the kitchen above for the Chinese-Chippendale chairs. And the fact that they used red chairs in this kitchen makes me love it even more. It’s hard to see in the picture, but there is a red lantern above the table in the second kitchen.

No Design Inspiration blog would be complete for me without my favorite designer, Michael S. Smith. This is the Painted Room that he did for the Lowell Hotel in New York. It’s so calm and serene.

Tamara Magel

Another relaxing bedroom by Tamara Magel.

Jeff Shelton 1

A friend of mine introduced me to Jeff Shelton, an architect in the Santa Barbara area who builds really funky and really fun architecture. I love this space because the windows are so fantastic and organic. This building could be in a Dr. Suess movie!

Hamilton Design Associates, New York. I love the use of blues and greens in this space. It’s a bold mix of pattern and color and not for the faint of heart.

One more from Hamilton Design Associates. Here they use tangerine and light green in various patterns to create a fresh room that my daughter would love. It uses a fresh energetic color, but somehow this room feels restful to me.

Bob Barry Design of Los Angeles. Even though sparsely decorated, the stone and personal effects (look at all of those photos on the upper landing!) give it a warmth that I love.

Elegant, refined, airy and unconventional with the cowhide. Charme Tate Interiors out of New Orleans gives us this beautiful room.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! May your heart be filled with Love and may Blessings come your way in 2009!!

Welcome, 2009


Treat yourself to a little something. You deserve it.

Have you seen the great sale here? Check it out. (and don't forget to enter 'JAN2009' for free shipping on orders over $150.)

I think I want this ($24.99).

these ($29.99)
this ($129.99). Perfection with a patent skinny belt.


Ruffles on a trench coat? Yes, please! ($99.99)

Ruffles on any coat, really. ($69.99)


or sweater ($29.99)

I'm pretty sure I need these gray patent beauties ($129.99) although the turquoise is also calling to me...

and these would be nice, too ($79.99)

So many to choose from! All the good stuff is going fast though, so hurry. In fact, earlier today I was eying a velvet blazer, but was having a hard time choosing a color. They're completely sold out tonight. So sad. My resulting #1 on the resolutions list: Live more in the moment! :)

I hope you're having a happy and safe New Year! I have a feeling 2009 is going to be amazing...

Time for reflection



I've had a lovely peaceful day on my own with no pressing chores to do.....such luxury! It has meant I've had time to reflect, so I lit a couple of candles (above and below) and thought about this year just gone, and about the year ahead, so full of possibilities....



I'm not really one for making New Years Resolutions, but there are some things I plan to do, or to continue to do this year. This includes restarting my 'gratitude journal' where I jot down one or more things that happened on any given day, for which I am grateful. Simple things like my son making me laugh, someone giving me a compliment, or even just being able to enjoy a wonderful meal. This helps me focus on all the good things in my life, of which there are many, but which I sometimes have to remind myself.

I also plan to record my achievements in the same journal. So often we forget how much we do in any given year, so I plan to write these down as I achieve them, so I can look back at the end of the year and realise that I have done some good things. Again, they could be simple like being a thoughtful daughter, or more practical like installing french doors in my living area or painting the front of my house (yes, I plan to do both this year - you've got to hold me to it now!).

Other than that, I plan to light candles more often....
allaboutyou.com



take more picnics.....

Geoff Lung



And have more fresh flowers around the house. Simple, joyous things.


John Gruen



And part of my plans for this year is to continue this blog and keeping in touch with the wonderful, fascinating and inspiring blogs and bloggers. I hope that is part of your plans too.

May your year be full of all the things that you wish for. Health and happiness to you all.

Happy New Year

An Image of Sydney Harbour New Years Eve fireworks

SLU Rings in the New Year with Destruction

Happy New Year from St. Louis University!!

4056 Washington Avenue survived 117 years as its surrounding neighborhood thrived, declined through the middle of the last century, began to revive on blocks to the west, south and north. The mansion received what seemed to be salvation as a former owner took it from the state of derelict rooming house with an almost complete renovation, but it would not survive even two months under ownership by SLU.

Anthropologie is having a very, very generous sale on great stuff!

Anthropologie is usually out of my price range, but I still can't help but look from time to time. I often check the sale section of their website, and boy do they have some deep discounts on some yummmmmy stuff. Here are some of my favs.



Wouldn't these make the cutest outfit? I love the shoes especially, and they're on sale for $59.95!!






Embroidered lamp shades for $39.95...sweet


I adore this hairpin wallpaper. It's usually $168 per roll, but now it's $69.96!

HGTV Winner Update - New drawing on 01/01/09

Hi Folks -
It's been two weeks and Cheryl Ng has yet to claim her prize. So I will be redrawing a winner for the HGTV Home and Landscape Platinum Suite software. You can read about the contest here. I will be drawing from the same group that originally entered, so check back tomorrow to see if you won! Also, if Cheryl Ng happens to read this, you have until midnight tonight to email me.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

ABCD Books Of Camden Maine

This is a special OUT OF PRINT Bookstore.  
And just like Camden, it is charming. Let's have a look.

This is the owner. She is very sweet and super helpful. 
If you can't find a book, contact ABCD BOOKS.


After you walk in and pass the owner, this is what you see. 

I have found that most of Maine is filled with well read intellectuals. In most of these charming little towns, you will have a difficult time finding a lot of different items to purchase. 
But you will never have to go very far for something to read. In these tiny towns it is not unusual to find 2 or 3 book stores. 
The libraries are loaded, better than the library in Boca Raton, Florida. 
Perhaps because Boca Raton-ians shop, they don't read much.


Isn't this cozy and funky ??
That's my funky daughter, she is a reader and loved the store.

BTW, this is a very large shop. I have not posted all the really great reading corners . The owner has done a fabulous job with her place. ABCD BOOKS has an inviting and warm atmosphere. 
She had interesting things on the bookshelves that were for sale as well.

My daughter Andi & me at the end of the days adventures.


ABCD Books
Your Maine source for out of print books
Camden Maine
207.236.3903 or Toll Free : 888.236.3903
www.ABCDBooks.com
Email:Books@ABCDBooks.com

( enlarge any picture for more info and a closer look )

Renee Finberg 'TELLS ALL' in her blog of her Adventures in Design