Pretty is Pretty

When anything stressful or time consuming is happening in life (like moving for example), I believe it is important to focus on things that keep you centered. It helps if these things are very pretty and inspiring. The more visually appealing your focus, the more easy it is to keep calm with an end goal in mind. As of today. there are three images that truly put a smile on my face in the middle of my box chaos (PS how long is too long to drink wine from a plastic cup?).

Pretty solves pretty much everything.

 

Charlotte Moss

Charlotte Moss

Wayne Swadron Garden

Wayne Swadron

Decor Design review

Design Decor Review

Feeling Moody

I am in one of those moods where all I can think about is my upcoming move. This zone does not consist of practical moving things such as packing and logistics. No, no. All I can think about is color schemes, textures, prints, roman shades, curtains, bed frames, and pillows. I literally can’t get my mood board out of my head. It is hard to even blog when I can’t think about anything other than my perfect scheme. Then I remember, this is a design blog and I have so many opinions I can count on.

I would love your thoughts. You will see a lot of white, blue, green, and neutrals (SHOCKING!). Obviously, my whole house will not be predictably monotone. I plan to have an eclectic variety of accessories and color. However, I do want to be consistent and have a chic and easy flow. So what do you think- too predictable and safe, or should I stick with what I love? After all, wouldn’t you rather live in an atmosphere that puts you in a good mood? Many of these pieces I have purchased already or plan to purchase, but the fabric is all up in the air…and depending on my mood. 🙂
The Potted Boxwood Mood Board

From top right clockwise: Schumacher Maharajah Silk Velvet, Wisteria Lantern Chandelier, Chiang Mai Dragaon Alabaster, Carole Bengal River Fabric, Ballard Designs Paneled Tablecloth, Ballard Designs Green Velvet Custom Panels, Sisal Rug, Barclay Collection Sofa from Restoration Hardware (on MAJOR sale at Restoration Hardware warehouse sale in Hurst Texas).

The Potted Boxwood Mood Board 2

Blue and white umbrella holder, Quinn club chair by Society SocialKravet Xu Garden by Windsor Smith, marble and gold console table from Wisteria, and Zig Zag Grey fabric.

The Potted Boxwood Mood Board 3

Chinois pattern by Mary McDonald for Schumacher, Leotnine Linens, Jana BEK Design brushstroke lamps, Schumacher Raja Embroidery Sky, acrylic ghost lamp, and fur throw.

Palette Perfect

I keep thinking about my ideal palettes and it is almost a natural instinct to go to the safe place of neutrals. However, I don’t think neutrals necessarily have to be safe. With the right pattern, texture, and placement, neutrals can make a statement. What draws me to a neutral base is the fact that you can accessorize with any color for any moment. Maybe I have commitment issues (in so many ways), but sometimes your desires change. Sometimes you want a moody multi-colored ikat pillow, yet other days you want a soft and feminine chinoiserie pillow.

While searching for nice neutral palettes, I found an ideal inspiration from Nina Farmer. Her brownstone has a lovely and light ambience that is amplified with subtly colorful accessories. The space is livable, rich, and sophisticated. I think it holds some powerful ideas for living colorfully in a neutral world.

Photos by Paul Raeside in House Beautiful.

Nina Farmer Brownstone via House Beautiful 2

Notice the overlaps of creams. whites, browns, and golds. I love the fresh contrast. That is the one rule-…I think…contrast your neutrals to keep your room from looking too boring. A nice contrast is always fresh and crisp.

Nina Farmer Brownstone via House Beautiful 5

This is by far one of my absolute favorite displays of a television. There is a reason you don’t see a lot of TVs in the magazine. Simply put, they are unattractive. This antique mirrored cover over the fireplace is beyond exceptional.

Nina Farmer Brownstone via House Beautiful

I love the evening moment this dining room brings. The skirted table with fringe detailing adds a punch of sass.

Nina Farmer Brownstone via House Beautiful 6

A beautifully appointed kitchen. It seems as if it has been tailored to fit just perfectly. Again, this is another example of superb contrast of neutral hues.

Nina Farmer Brownstone via House Beautiful 7

Clearly, you would never leave this kitchen. The large wooden desk is the opposite of a predictable kitchen built-in. The wooden contrast provides personality and pizazz.

Nina Farmer Brownstone via House Beautiful 11

I am always so intrigued to see black high gloss doors in interiors. It infuses sleek sophistication to the bathroom.  I think the octagon sinks are the most intriguing finishing touch.

Nina Farmer Brownstone via House Beautiful 8

A serene, cultured, and aesthetically contrasted bedroom. This room is hard not to love. It looks comfortable and glamorous.

Nina Farmer Brownstone via House Beautiful 10

I can’t help but feel this townhouse is a statement in neutrals and total sophistication.

Half Bath

I hope you all enjoyed my sneak previews of the pop-up shop last week. I am still in the process of getting everything in order, and moving along with that! My new habitat has a half bath that is rather anemic. I mean it is really pretty pathetic. The mirror and light fixture are wannabe contemporaries. I have a feeling it is going to be my biggest challenge. I would wallpaper it or use a high gloss charcoal,  then dress it with a gallery wall. Sadly, I can’t do any of those things since it is so heavily stuccoed. I am going to have to get creative. I hope you enjoy my mood board of half baths because I need to somehow get inspired, and hopefully I can inspire you in the process.

 

Powder room by Suzanne Kassler via Veranda

A serene and chic powder room by Suzanne Kasler via Veranda.

A gorgeous powder room

Large stone slabs mixed with dark paint and antique mirrors. I love a moody powder room.

Timothy Whealon powder room via AD

Timothy Whealon knows how to get creative with his powder rooms. A great play of pattern, neutrals and bold. Via AD

Adorable half bath from Stylecaster

A malachite mirror, gold accents and spotted black and white wallpaper. Always hip and always fresh. Via Stylecaster

Beautiful blue and white bathroom via House & Home

An ideal mix of blue and white speckled wallpaper and popping gold accents. Look at that light fixture too! Via House & Home

Benjamin Dhong power room via House Beautiful

Benjamin Dhong creates a light and natural palette in this classic powder room. Via House Beautiful

Chic bathroom by Katie Ridder via Elle Decor

Katie Ridder knows how to be bold, current, and always timeless. Small spaces give the best opportunity to be bold. Notice the ceiling. I love the free standing marble sink. Via Elle Decor

Half Bathroom by Robert Courturier

Another bold wallpaper and Roman shade mixed with a black and white floor and gold and silver accents. This bathroom by Robert Courturier is a great reminder that not everything has to match, as long as it flows.

Half Bathroom via Pinterest

A shiny and beautifully mirrored bathroom that brings glitz and glam. Via Pinterest

Powder room via Traditional Home

A lovely molded half bath with ideal marble finish. Sometimes all you need is white and subtle classic accents. Via Traditional Home

A Miles Redd peacock bathroom via House Beautiful

Miles Redd knows how to have fun in every space. Peacock wallpaper and bold colors make for quite a statement. Via House Beautiful

Lyford Trellis Wallpaper in this half bath by Elle Decor

Lyford Trellis wallpaper adds fabulous dimension and class to this powder room. Via Elle Decor

Michae S Smith Sink in bathroom vy Alessandra Branca via Veranda

A Michael S. Smith sink is the epic addition in this powder room by Alessandra Branca. Via Veranda