These speak for themselves. Do I need a reason to post these lovely rooms?
So pretty. via BHG
White walls with a dark floor always looks super chic
via The Nest
Does anyone have or know anyone with white floors? They look gorgeous but how do they wear?
via Kitchen Details and Design
Oh to have a craft room!
Okay, so the wall is gray – but you get the same clean effect as with white
via Country Living
*swoon*
via ChicDeco
via Eric Roth Photography
So, reader Kaylee propositioned me with a request to round up some tips and tricks for making a small bedroom work. So, hopefully, I’ve found something that can inspire everyone in someway – even if you have a big bedroom!
To save precious space in this bedroom, the TV has been mounted on a pivoting arm, and a shelf has been mounted above the radiator for plants.
For this SUPER small bedroom, a shelf has been mounted by the bed since there was no space for a nightstand.
An unusually shaped bedroom is pulled together with a matching pair of nightstand, and the projector is mounted above the bed.
Love big color but afraid it will make your small room look smaller? Try it out by painting just one wall – ideally behind your bed (usually the focal point of a bedroom). I love this turquoise wall in this tiny bedroom.
The upholstered white bench actually serves as pretty storage as the top opens as a chest. A small night stand and lamp gives you storage but still fits in the space
Another creative use of a small space. A narrow but tall dresser is vertical storage and a TV stand, and dog beds go under the bench. No dogs? Get some rectangular baskets to slide under the bench or bed for storage.
This is a studio apartment but this bed is a perfect example of clever storage. I also like the clever arrangement of framed photos behind it.
Isn’t the tiny chandelier adorable? And the wide windowsill is used as a surface.
Another bed with lots of storage items. I don’t know if the dresser at the end of the bed is a footboard or an actual dresser – but it’s a unique storage solution.
Instead of a traditional headboard – a tall and narrow console can act as a headboard visually but provide space for lamps, books, and other smallish items.
via Schibsted Forlag
These clever and thoughtful tips come to you from Beverly Hills interior designer David Solomon. I didn’t know residents of the Hills needed budget tips – but David has some great ones nonetheless! To see David’s portfolio go to his site.
1. Paint is your best friend
One of the most affordable options as a homeowner is to paint a room. Try picking a theme or choose a color and build your room around the mood of the color.
The dusky blue paint in this entryway sets the tone for this home – you get a sense that it will have a historic, eclectic, and mature feel.
via Maison Interiør
2. Stick to a theme.
What do you call a Japanese, Victorian, and Modern theme? Answer: a college dorm. Try to stick to a basic theme and work with that design.
3. Use visual cues.
Most people ignore very innate physical attributes of a home. Arched doorways are good for a Spanish theme. Crowned molding works well with Victorian and Art Deco styles. Wainscoting on walls can work with a country theme. Solid walls work well with modern.
The decorator here took a cue from the elegant molding and created a luxe sitting room
via Scandinavian Chic
4. Furniture makes a statement about the room.
One of the biggest investments you can make can be the furniture you purchase for a room, however, try to repurpose existing furniture or try using simple chairs with matching table to create a theme.
This room could have gone in many directions but this unique table and the patina of the wood sets the tone as rustic and traditional
via BoligDrøm
5. Take a peek under the carpet
If you own an older home, chances are you are covering hard wood floors with that 70’s shag carpet. If you own a new home don’t be afraid to pull the carpet and put down wood laminate. Engineered wood has never been more affordable.
6. Put down an area rug.
Area rugs can be purchased for as little as $200 and give a room a very expensive look. Carpet remnants make for excellent area rugs. See local Carpet store.
via My Marrakesh
7. Ditch the overhead chandelier for wall sconces
Lighting is the oldest trick in the book to make a room pop; just ask Hollywood filmmakers. Get creative while sticking to the theme. Create a modern room by hiding the light source or create a Victorian feel by putting wall sconces on a light fader.
8. Less is more
Most people believe that every square inch needs to be filled in a room but emptiness is a statement in itself. Don’t be afraid to leave a wall void of furniture.
9. Use accessories.
One of the least expensive ways to add color to a room with white walls is to add red pillows. Pillows, throw rugs, candles, paintings, photos, and flowers can make mild into wild.
via Casa Diez
10. Add a plant
One of the best ways to make a room feel like a living space is to add living plants, like a tall leafy plant in one corner, or just get some fresh seasonal flowers for the table.
BONUS TIP
Any change you make will add to your overall curb appeal and ultimately to the value of your home. Keep in mind that outdoor improvements such as foliage, plants, and bushes take a long time to grow so plan ahead.
This post is very near and dear to me because I work from home as a freelance web designer, and when my office is messy or simply not arranged well my productivity really suffers. I’ve learned by experience that a tidy and aesthetically pleasing office can make the difference between hitting deadlines or writing lame excuses to clients for late work. Do you ever work from home? What helps/hinders your productivity?
Making Your Home Study Look Professional
When you work from home, you should have a home study that looks as professional as possible. That way, you will be able to concentrate on your work without having any of the distractions of the home that can negatively impact on the amount of work and, therefore, the money that your business can earn.
There are several ways to make your home office look more professional. First of all, you should give your home study a room of its own. It does not look in any way professional, after all, to be working on the sofa in front of the television or on the kitchen table. You should instead have a permanent desk in a spare room, with all of the equipment that you need immediately to hand. The tools that you have in your office should include, at the very least, a computer, a phone and a connection to the internet for email.
One of the most obvious ways of keeping your home study looking professional is to ensure that it is kept clean and tidy. You should also set up your PC, chair and desk at the correct height so that you can work without slouching. You should also position any equipment, such as a phone and some stationery, in a place that is accessible so that you do not have to stretch to reach them.
This set up is ideal for those who need to store lots of items – papers, files, samples, etc.
I need A LOT of surface area and this L-shaped desk is perfect.
One day I hope to have an office large enough for a small settee or atleast a comfy chair for looking through magazines and art books
Though a separate room is ideal, if you don’t have one, a creative use of space can make a surprisingly adequate home office.
Love this loft home office.
Your home study should be free of too many of the distractions that would undermine its work-like appearance. This means that you should not have a television unless it directly relates to your business. Ideally you would have a window near your desk to provide inspiration and calm, although if you find it too distracting you may want to cover it with a blind. Overall, the home study should be simple, with no overly distracting gadgets and only the items that are necessary for you to be able to do your work. Another factor that has a great influence on the professionalism of your office is the home study furniture that you choose. This includes computer desks, filing cabinets and desks and chairs. You will want to find a desk, for example, that is durable and that is at the right height, in addition to a computer chair that allows you to stay comfortable for many hours of work at a time.
disclosure: this post is sponsored by Neville Johnson
I’m off to Portugal for a long weekend so I won’t be back until Tuesday, but I leave you with some great eye candy. Have a great weekend everyone!
Love this headboard and the storage under the bed.
via 4 Hands Home
shaker simplicity
via Ochs Design
vivacious and bright
via Pier One
warm and elegant
via Real Simple Magazine
eclectic and cozy
via Southern Living Magazine
pretty and country
via Ballard Designs
clean and white
via Adore Magazine
Which one would you pick?
The second country we visited on my 9 week trip through Europe was Italy. Our first destination in Italy was Cinque Terre, a section of the coast composed of 5 towns. One can either do a day hike along the stunning blue ocean and stop in each village along the way, or there is a train that stops in each town. We stayed in the town Riomaggiore. “The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.” – wikipedia
Here are my pictures from our two day stay and hike in gorgeous Cinque Terre. Let me know what you think or if you’ve been!
A view of the town where we stayed, Riomaggiore
Another view
Manarola is the second town you’ll hit if coming from Riomaggiore.
The two above pictures are of Vernazza, which is built out on a jutting rock and has a lookout tower. Before Vernazza (if coming from Riomaggiore) is Corniglia, the only town of the 5 that is not built right on the coast but up a very long flight of stairs at the top of the hill.
You pass through many vineyards on the hike
…and lots of beautiful coastline
Monterosso al Mare, the most resort like town along the trail. Monterosso is at one end, and Riomaggiore, where we stayed, is at the other, so we started at Riomaggiore and finished at Monterosso.
Here’s a list of all my posts from our travels that I’ve published –
Spain
•Introduction to my European backpacking trip and a list of places we visited
• Galicia – Baiona and Isle de Cies
• Galicia – the coast, some charming vineyards, and Pontevedra
• Santiago de Compostela and gorgeous hidden beaches
• Gorgeous mountain lakes of Picos de Europa
• Stunning mountains – Picos de Europa
• Bilbao and San Sebastian
• Beautiful Barcelona
• The amazing Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona
• Art Nouveau dream house by Gaudi in Barcelona
I love Scandinavian design sense so it’s no surprise these two artsy dwellings caught my attention. Enjoy!
DREAM workspace! The book shelves, the art drawers – perfect.
I would have never imagined using a dolly as decor/furnishing but I like it here.
Get rid of the cow hide and I could spend days in this home library
via Allt i Hemmet
I’ve had this house tour for a while and have been anxious to share it with you. This is the home of Marcia Nelson, who you could probably guess from her marvelous collections not only collects antiques, but owns an antique shop.
I LOVE vintage suitcases
Great desk
“Marcia Nelson’s 1868 house is a repository of collections, neutral in palette but not in passion.”
I adore white pottery as well.
What do you think?
images and quotes via Design, Decor…
It has been a LONG time since I’ve featured a photographer’s portfolio. I think Janis Nicolay’s speakes for itself. Enjoy!
So pretty – love this dining room
See more at Janis Nicolay
I started this little “favorite images from my favorite blogs” feature to reconnect with what got me started blogging in the first place – other blogs. But with the chaos of running my own blog and being a freelance web designer, I tend to loose touch with my beloved blogosphere. This week I refused to put it off again though, so without further ado – some lovely images from my favorite blogs. Enjoy and happy weekend!
Just discovered this blog. I’m the New Victorian Ruralist’s new biggest fan. A wonderfully edited blog – you don’t have to go far to find lots of luscious pics.
The lovely La La Lovely Things
LOVE the books in the fireplace
*swoon* I could really use a day at the beach. This is heavenly.
Last but not least, some images from Joey and Lana Make a House a Home
I’m liking black and white as a palette more and more everyday.
Riomaggiore