Authority Always Wins

It may seem commonplace to find a trunk, a bench, chairs or even a loveseat at the foot of a bed, and although it might seem like a trite formula, I believe it is a smart use of space.

Coastal Living

L: Sneak Peek: Linn Gresham- Design*Sponge. R: Elle Decor

House Beautiful


Lonny


Elle Decor

If a room can accommodate their placement, the addition of these pieces is a perfect way to add seating or extra storage. They can give you a place to slip on your shoes, to read, or to watch television.

Elle Decor


Southern Living


Coastal Living

I must admit, however, if you are at all like E or me, there can be a dark side to these pieces too-- they can become a staging point for my mortal enemy, clutter.

L: Stylist- Rachel Roberts R: Elle Decor

I am definitely a maximalist, so keeping clutter contained seems to require a constant effort on my part; all too easily an innocent chair becomes a place where a stack of folded laundry decides to rest after getting lost on the way to the dresser, where discarded clothing takes up temporary residence after being unable to decide between returning to the closet or going to the hamper, or where a bag housing a store return will often overstay its welcome.

Anne Coyle Interiors


Elle Decor


Courtney Giles

While I can't actually say authority always wins in my battle with clutter, I will continue to fight to keeping chairs free of such vagabonds items in the name of design. Tell me, do any of your belongings exhibit such a blatant disregard for the rules or do they always do as they should?

The Teal Deal

There are certain colors that command attention whether they're used in large or small doses, and teal is one of those shades that makes a big impact on a space no matter how much or how little it is used in a room.

Ditte Isager


Jim Franco Photography

Jean-Louis Deniot


Lonny magazine


Homes & Gardens


Angie Hranowsky Design Studio

While I may fall more along the lines of teal in moderation when considering my own space, I do love the boldness of selecting this hue as a wall color as seen in the first two rooms. What are your thoughts on living with teal? If you were to select this color would you use a lot or a little?

Pink & Yellow: At Home

I would say I'm not all that into girlie colors, pinks, pastels, and the like, but then I wouldn't be telling the truth. While I haven't used such shades in any rooms of mine in a very long time nor have I felt compelled to do so, there is a part of me that still has a soft spot for feminine color schemes.

Perhaps it is the arrival of spring or because Easter is right around the corner, but for some reason, I am finding myself feeling cheered by the combination of pink and yellow; the rooms below mix these colors to just the right degree.

Mark Burstyn Photography

L: Lotus Bleu via Design Sponge. R: Tobin Bennett Photography via Desire to Inspire.

Masucco Warner Miller via Desire to Inspire


L: John Loecke Interior Design. R: Houzz.


Melanie Acevedo

L: Helen Crowther. R: Palmer Weiss.

Katie Ridder

Daydream Believer

Around this time of year, I find myself dreaming of a getaway to a place drenched in sunshine and warmth. Where days move slower. And the most pressing event on my schedule would be an appointment with a few new-to-me novels and a stack of favorite magazines.

Images of this Croatian compound are feeding my current daydreams. I'd begin decompressing in the bedroom above with its French doors, herringbone tile floors, and neutral yet cheerful color palette.

After a luxurious afternoon nap, I'd happily spend the rest of my day drifting between the other spaces of the house.

I'd explore the garden, enjoy an outdoor meal and alternate between reading and talking with my companions.

After a long and full day, I'd grow sleepy sitting by a warm fire and when I turned in for the night, I'd fall asleep listening to the soft lapping of waves from the water below.

In the morning, I would wake to sunlight streaming through the French doors in the bedroom, and I'd enjoy the slow start to my day as I sipped my morning coffee in the garden. I'd then repeat the previous day's activities, with the remainder of my getaway passing in much the same way.

Rees Roberts + Partners LLC

I'd spent just enough time away that when it came time to leave, I'd find myself feeling rested. With a few more books checked off the continually expanding "to-read" list. And looking forward to getting home.

Bertoia, oh Bertoia...

The Bertoia Side Chair has been on my mind a lot lately; my friend and client has been enamored with this chair for a while, and as we have been planning for new chairs in her kitchen, naturally, we keep coming back to the Bertoia. I love the chair too for its modern classic appeal and chameleon-like ability to suit any environment where it is placed.

Domino


L: Canadian House & Home. R: Domino


Style at Home
I know this image has been all around the blogosphere as of late, but obviously with just cause; I can't begin to tell you how head-over-heels I am for this space!


Domino


Coastal Living via In(side) the Loop

Meyer Davis Studio

I'm not sure how it is already Friday again, and while my weekend will involve some work, I am hoping to find some time to unwind and I plan to enjoy the last few days of the Olympics too! Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope you have a great one!

In Harmony

I mentioned my conflicted feelings as I found myself torn between blue and green last week; there is no reason, however, if I so chose, both colors couldn't live in harmony in the same room as is evident in the spaces below.

SR Gambrel

SR Gambrel

SR Gambrel

Rees Roberts+Parners LLC via Desire to Inspire

Canadian House & Home

Domino


Peter Dunham via Elle Decor


Angus Fergusson

Amanda Nisbet Design

Our Labor of Love via Once Wed

Jonathan Adler via House Beautiful

Roger Davies Photography