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  • Elegant, clean design embodied in this Hampton home

    Elegant, clean design embodied in this Hampton home

    I have a really pretty house tour here for you. It’s the home of NYC decorator Timothy Whealon and is chic without being fussy. What do you think?

    I like ottomans as tables

    I like all the white with the plant prints

    A clear piece of furniture, like this table, is a great option for a small room because it doesn’t take up so much “visual” space.

    The checked floor is actually painted wood!



    I really like the wall treatment going on at the staircase, which is Phillip Jeffries raffia, the two stools are nice too…

    via Elle Decor

  • A super yummy (and healthy!) banana bread recipe I just tried

    A super yummy (and healthy!) banana bread recipe I just tried

    So I am not much of a cook, but I do like to bake (mostly I like the eating part). I had nine frozen bananas, baking staples, and a newly designed Pyrex® measuring cup to try out. So I figured I’d pair this product review with a great recipe. Pyrex® sent me a new spin on their glass measuring cups, with a more funnel shaped design, a non-skid rubber base, and the ability to read the measuring lines from above and inside the cup. Here’s there description:

    “Providing convenience beyond measure, the new Pyrex® Read from Above™ Glass Measuring Cups offer several smart features, including:

    * Read-from-above measure marks – no more bending over or lifting up required to check your measurements
    * Silicone-covered bases for better grip on work surfaces (on selected designs)
    * Nested designs for easy storage
    * Non-porous glass that won’t absorb stains or odors
    * Microwave safe for everyday convenience

    * Multi-position, BPA-free lids so you can mix, stir, pour, strain and sprinkle with one tool (COMING SOON!)”

    Here’s a view of the easier to read measuring graphics from above


    Got my ingredients ready to go

    The spoons on the left bottom corner are from Pyrex too – my dad thought they were “cool,” because they are magnetic so they all stay together in the drawer.

    I didn’t end up with as much batter as I thought – I should have just put it all in one pan.

    mmmm….the bread turned out moist and dense.

    Here’s the recipe:

    Ingredients

    • 3/4 cup brown sugar
    • 3/4 cup flax seed meal
    • 5 ripe bananas, mashed
    • 1/4 cup skim milk
    • 1/4 organic plain low fat yogurt
    • 2 teaspoons egg whites
    • 2 cups whole wheat flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    Directions

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
    2. In a medium bowl, mix together the sugar blend, flax meal, bananas, milk, sour cream and egg whites until well blended. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the banana mixture until moistened. Spoon into prepared loaf pan.
    3. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the crown of the loaf comes out clean.

    The original recipe is here, I made a few alterations based on the ingredients I had on hand

    Disclosure: I received these Pyrex® products as a sample.

  • REALLY great French Country Decor sale at Gilt

    REALLY great French Country Decor sale at Gilt

    Hurry though things are selling out really fast! If you’re not already a member get your free and fast membership by clicking on my invite link – http://www.gilt.com/invite/ashley770

    Here’s just a small fraction of what’s on sale –






    Here’s the invite link – http://www.gilt.com/invite/ashley770

  • Tips to get a “Modern Cottage” look

    Tips to get a “Modern Cottage” look

    I love these tips from The Inglenook Decor on how to create a modern cottage.

    1. Have a neutral back drop. Go for creams, white, beige, gray (like the one shown below), clay, sage & light browns.


    2. Choose furniture pieces that are fuss-free. Go for clean lines & comfort. Make it livable & cozy like upholstered furniture whether it’s the sofa, dining chairs or a headboard.

    3. Have white….lots of it! This picture says it all, white is not boring if you choose the right pieces.


    4. Have at least one piece, a wall or a window with a bold pattern & color. Bright orange & greens seem to go real well with white.

    5. Have a ledge display of your flea market finds.

    6. Add ultra modern pieces in steel, aluminum, brushed nickel or chrome pieces. And last but not the least,keep it simple!

    Pretty good tips huh?

    The site also has lots of cute accessories to create looks such as “French Country,” “Modern Vintage,” “Rococo,” and “Shabby Chic.”



    Love these tealights


    These mercury bottles mix modern with rustic

    If you want to see more visit The Inglenook Decor

  • Mini makeover for my home office

    Mini makeover for my home office

    As some of you know I work from home – well, at my parent’s house – while I’m getting my web design business off the ground. Since I’m limited in how much I can alter the appearance of the room since the space and the furnishings belong to my parents, I focus on keeping it as organized and functional as possible. I was lucky enough to be contacted by the folks at Command products from 3M asking if I’d be willing to test out some of their adhesive hooks, picture hangers, and other goodies an organization junkie like me goes gaga for. Of course I agreed and below you can see how I completed two office projects.

    On a side note, I was surprised when I found these chic metal hooks! White plastic doesn’t always fit into everyone’s decor, so they were smart to create these stylish options.


    Okay. So the two projects I needed to do were to find some solution to the absolute mess of cords on my desk from my speakers, backup drive, and extra monitor, and to hang my inspiration board.

    Below: My cords


    The 3M Command problem solver, medium cord clips


    First thing I did was bundle up any cord slack and secure them with white twisty ties. (Most of my cords are white so I chose white). Make sure you leave enough loose cord to reach the electronic or outlet it’s associated with.

    Plan carefully and mark with a pencil if necessary where you’ll place the hook. Wipe down the surface of the wall or furniture with rubbing alcohol, and allow to dry, before applying the hook.
    Another thing I never knew about the adhesives is that before hanging anything on them, let them set for an hour.

    My results aren’t particularly pretty, but much more orderly. Now I need a table skirt to hide the cords!

    The cord clips work great!

    The next project was to hang my inspiration board. I decided to use these Damage Free Hanging Strips, which are similar to velcro – but much stronger. They have an adhesive side that go on the wall, and an adhesive side which stick to the frame.


    I’ve wiped down the wall, marked where the board will go, and applied the hanging strips.


    I then mounted and pressed the board to the wall. Unfortunately it fell about 30 mins later. In all fairness to the strips – I made a few mistakes that I’m sure affected the results. I didn’t really read the directions thoroughly, and didn’t press firmly for a full 30 seconds – completely forgot to wait an hour before hanging (I’m sure this was what did me in), and I didn’t apply the strips to the frame at all, but attached them to the strips on the wall. Also, this wall is actually has a plaster texture, so the surface wasn’t completely smooth.

    Good news is, I used another hanging product –
    I followed the directions to a T and it did the trick!

    As a whole, I think these no-damage Command products are ideal for renters who don’t want to put holes in walls, or those who want the option to move things around without having to patch holes. Also – don’t make my mistake – read the directions! Also, save the packaging or go to the Command site for removal instructions.

    See some pretty and practical inspiration at the Command site.

    Disclosure: I received these Command 3M products as a sample

  • A Copenhagen factory turned into a work and live space

    A Copenhagen factory turned into a work and live space

    If I hear or see “Copenhagen,” I know I’ll probably like what I’m going to see. And that’s just the case with the studio of Jill and Caroline. They have created an industrial space balanced to be a bit feminine and whimsical by keeping walls white and furnishings sparse and small. What do you think?

    A very utilitarian kitchen


    workspace



    the back of the building



    A pretty spot.
    via Indenfor & Udenfor

  • Stunning interior photography from Dan Duchars

    Stunning interior photography from Dan Duchars

    I think these photos speak for themselves…

    I love the color on the walls, but I don’t know if I’d ever have the guts to use it on a wall…maybe I’d test it out in a bathroom or hall…have you used a color this bold?

    …soooo pretty




    What do you think of these?

    All photography property of Dan Duchars

  • Bedrooms that make you want to cozy down for autumn

    Bedrooms that make you want to cozy down for autumn

    I love autumn! The fresh smell of the air and chunky knit sweaters. It means airing out the quilts from storage and putting away the grill. The days are shorter and less daylight means more time indoors. So don’t neglect your home and start planning how you’ll transition your house this fall. One easy and relatively inexpensive way is to change out bedding and/or curtains. Hopefully these bedrooms will inspire you…



    The autumn leaf red coverlet keeps the furniture from being absorbed in to the dark walls

    images via “Domino: The Book of Decorating”

    The dark wine walls and texture from the hopefully faux fur blanket say “warmth”
    photo property of Dan Duchars

    This mostly black bedroom is kept fresh with white linens and purple accent pillows
    via Living Etc.

    via Indenfor and Udenfor

    unknown

    Which one is your favorite?

  • Book Review: “Classic Swedish Interiors”

    Book Review: “Classic Swedish Interiors”

    As my regular readers probably know, I’m a big fan of Swedish interiors. That’s why I was super excited by the opportunity to review the new book, “Classic Swedish Interiors,” by Lars Sjoberg. The poetic photos are by Ingalill Snitt.

    I’m going to quote Amazon as they describe the book better than me –

    “Lars Sjöberg has made it his life’s work to understand and preserve the Swedish manor houses of the 17th and 18th centuries. Here, exquisitely photographed by Ingalill Snitt, are the eight houses (and one church) that he has acquired over more than 40 years. The book focuses on Sjöberg’s first, most complex project: the manor of Regnaholm. Unoccupied for about 40 years when Sjöberg arrived in 1966, it allowed him to experiment with interior decoration and refurnishing, copying old furniture, reweaving, and reprinting old fabric patterns.

    His other projects include Ekensberg, a three-story Italianate villa near Lake Mälaren, built in 1788-90, and Salaholm in Västergötland with a garden laid out in the first half of the 17th century. Odenslunda, a small manor from the 1770s with a panelled exterior and a säteritak or manor-house roof, is his family home, while Sörby, a scaled-down early 17th-century manor house, was reproduced in its entirety for an exhibition in Stockholm. Full of insight and inspiration, this is a deeply personal summary of everything Lars Sjöberg has learned in his years of working and living with classic Swedish interiors.” – via Amazon.com

    Here are some of my favorite photos from the book –


    One day I will have an antique Swedish grandfather clock!






  • Homeowner Basics

    Homeowner Basics

    Hi guys. So I thought we might do a little Homeowners 101 post and get back to basics. So the great folks that are sponsoring this post have put together an article on the proper way to install a towel bar. Also find some yummy bathroom eye candy below.

    Before installing a towel bar you should do a little pre-planning. Here
    are some of the important points that you need to keep in mind-

    • the towel bar should be placed in such a way, that all the family
    members including the children could readily access it.

    • make sure the towel bar is placed somewhere the towels won’t get wet

    • keep in mind that if you install it behind the bathroom door, the bar might become damaged or, damage the door and the adjoining walls since repetitive opening and closing

    The standard height at which the bar should be places is 48 inches or about 4 feet off the ground. This height is recommended especially when you have smaller children. Any higher and they won’t be able to reach the towel bar on their own. Any lower and the towel bar can get in the way
    of mobility.

    Read the instructions for the installation of the towel bar to install. Use a measuring tape and mark with a pencil the four points or the two points where the fasteners or the screws for the towel bar will be.

    After that, hold the hand drill straight and make small holes for the screws. Now install the screws and the fasteners, securing them well.

    Terrys Fabrics is online store where you will get range of quality products of ready made curtains and curtain fabrics to compliment with curtain poles and window blinds available at the best value for money.

    I really like “regular” furniture in the bathroom – like the sideboard you see on the left.
    via BHG

    via Elle Decor

    via Kitchen Details and Design




    Above 4 via House Beautiful

    Disclosure: This is a sponsored post