Plum Pretty

Enjoy the late summer day!

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Even with most folks back to work or school, it sure is nice to come home at the end of the day and have the lovely weather greet us. I don't know about you, but I am harvesting away right now. The tomatoes are in full force, the carrots are plumping out (first time growing for me) and the broccoli is sending out its side shoots.

What are you harvesting this week in your garden?

The Curves Have It

Why is it that 99% of homes in the U.S. have straight, narrow, boring moldings? Why must the door always be a rectangle?

Let's beautify our homes a bit! How about a few curves?

 Isn't this a spectacular view?

 The essence of a curve!

 Loving these arched windows...

The pièce de résistance! Amazing.

Have you incorporated any curves in your home?

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Detailed Approach: Ceilings

With their detailed restoration of period ceilings, doors and stained glass windows, El Palauet Living Barcelona would certainly be high on my list of beautiful hotels to stay at! The building on Passeig de Gràcia was built in 1906 . The restoration resulted in six Modernista, fully equipped suites.

Personally, I would be staying there just to admire the ceilings! I also like the combination of the contemporary furniture with the classic architecture; they play against one another.

 

Your thoughts?

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Sunset

To all of my family and friends riding out Hurricane Irene-

may you experience the serenity of a beautiful sunset tonight!

We were joined by a flock of ducks at the last moment...

Heading back in...

Even Lake Erie's waters are churning this morning from Irene's far-reaching effects.

Kitchen Bliss

Well, I think I found it. A kitchen made for us. In the woods.

Off the back of the house, since it would look just like this anyway!

Anyone for dinner?

(I'm not sure about that milk can, though...)

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Deco Havana

Enjoy the haunting beauty of Havana, Cuba, as seen from the eyes of Robert Polidori. His stark capture of the Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings is breathtaking.

The grand rooms hold such promise...

The delicate ironwork, the lively colors of the Caribbean...

This wall could also be in Italy, no?

This space must be the original inspiration for today's eclectic wood walls.

Simple, elegantly beautiful and sad at the same time.

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For more inspirations, read Robert Polidori's book, Havana.

(Hint: if you cannot find the book in a bookstore or online, try your library.) 

Gracefully Aging

Gracefully aging... hydrangeas, that is. This is one of my favorite times of the year in the garden. While the hydrangeas are so colorfully cheerful and perky when they are beginning their blooms, I find their aging to be most graceful. Subtlety becomes their statement now.

Here they have dried, featuring their pastel colors.

What is your favorite in the garden right now?

Connecting up to Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop at Cedar Hill Ranch 

and to Show and Tell Friday at Cindy's My Romantic Home.

Board Rooms

I seem to be seeing many rooms decorated with wood this year. 

Raw, stained, painted,

 with the boards used horizontally or vertically.

Lovely, serene rooms...

This clever homeowner utilized old louvered doors as the wall... 

The raw wood here is actually quite jolting and unexpected.

Many wood ceilings are about. 

Pairing the wood with plaster walls is a natural.

Of course, there is always the actual log cabin!

On the other hand, wood is also gorgeous with a stain or wash and gilded.

Two timeless looks:

Which do you prefer- painted or natural wood?

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