eye candy {bathed in light}

After coming home from work last night to rain and dark storm clouds I am overjoyed to once again have sun streaming through my home. Amazing how a little bright light can instantly brighten my mood. However, it does make all the dog hair on my floor show, but oh well! Now if only this was where I was currently blogging by day light...

(lisa bowles via 1st dibs)

gracious {designer} glamour

I am always fascinated by the dwellings of interior designers. They are constantly bombarded by new inspiration and I just love seeing what trends they choose to replicate in their homes. I love the glamorous apartment of Paula Caravelli, of Paul and Martha Design.
The metallic gold coffee table, bold rug and stunning settee create an impeccable living space.

I am especially intrigued by the graphic artwork in the bathroom.

(via new york social diary)

dream living {brownstone beauty}

I have a long checklist for my perfect home . The dwelling of Caleo and Fitzhugh Karo pretty much ticks off everything of the list! Starting with the big (that it is a charming brownstone and has perfect shelving) all the way down to the minute (succulents over a farmhouse sink + library ladder) and everything in between (wide white plank floors combined with natural wood pieces).



(via new york magazine and photographed by the selby)
Do you have a checklist? Have you found a home that's architecture and interior design comes close?

home crush {small + stylish}

In keeping with the theme of small spaces--I am just head over heels for this narrow row house of Erin McLaughlin, Style at Home Editor.

Along with just being lovely is also a great example of using pieces that are well selected (lucite always makes a room appear less cluttered) and scaled to the size of the space.

And white walls (Farrow & Ball’s Skimming Stone by the way) help lighten up a space and create the appearance of them being bigger.

Using two of my favorite madeline weinrib rugs definitley also helps move this home to the top of my dream home list.

I may also be partial, as she has horses gracing the wall of almost every single room and her dog is just too cute!

And with that, I am off to enjoy the sun that just peeked out. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

{pastel} weekend retreat

When I saw this room by Sally Steponkus I instantly feel in love with everything about it--the soft pastel color scheme, the right touch of symmetry, oddly proportioned and well styled fireplace and not to mention my new dream coffee table!

I think this would be the perfect space to recoup from what has been a very stressful and crazy week! What are you all up to this weekend? I think I am going to lay low and work on the much overdue task of making my Christmas cards!

serene elegance {frank ponterio}

If you have been reading for a while you will know that this past April on a trip home to visit my family I was lucky enough to tour the Lake Forest Showhouse. Although the entire house was stunning there was one room in which I completely fell in love, the conservatory designed by Frank Ponterio. Serene, elegant, natural, incredibly styled...well, I could write a novel on why I loved this room but I will just show you pictures instead!

Do you have a space that brings you an instant calm?

craving {gilt+marble console}

Although I need a proper formal entry first, I am currently craving a gilt console table-especially one with a lovely white marble top! I love the way that they look fantastic when styled with modern and clean lined accessories...

And not the least bit stuffy when adorned with more traditional items.

And while I am dreaming, I will take the riding boots, gucci bag, and contents of the hermes boxes too! What are you craving?
(via nuevo estilo and house beautiful)

perfect blend

Every once and while there are those homes and rooms that are the perfect balance--of light and dark; modern and traditional; casual and glamorous-all topped off with the perfect dash of color. This home, especially the stunning living room, is just that...

(via australian house and garden)
And why have just one chandelier in your bathroom when you could have three!? Hope you are all having a lovely Sunday!

library ladder love

One of the features that I long for most in a home is high ceilings. Which leads me to think that my dream high ceilings must come with a library ladder to utilize the additional vertical space. And they can truly be used beautifully in any room!



(via atlanta homes, harper's bazaar, design sponge and mark burstyn)
Oh, it is so fun to dream!