Blue, White and Rustic

So we walked through the client's house, out the door and into the rear of the property. We looked up and- Voila! This darling stone garden house sat before us with its mushroom roof. What a cool place to have a party. Clematis vines, wisteria vines- bliss!

Then we walked in. 
Blue and white. Wrought iron. Need I say more?

I could have lived in here! If it was in California or Florida, 
it might have been possible for most of the year. 
A girl can dream!

In the mood for pretty

 I am in the mood to see beauty, as in flowers!  

Nothing like a midwinter pick-me-up.

For your enjoyment from the greenhouse...

 

to what awaits us in the spring...

(Do you know what this flower is?)

 

to the simple, gorgeous pansy...

to the fantastic scents that we look forward to!

Don't you just love this bulb tree? Clever!

 

Courtesy of Minna at Blomsterverkstad blog

Connecting up to Cindy at My Romantic Home.

Plum purple

Right now, I am finding the sludgy plums and purples a soothing, cozy palette. Combined with clean, soft greens (think teal and celadon) and popped with the trendy greiges, they can provide the warmth needed on cold, snowy days.

 

I tend to use plum and purple as an accent color rather than filling the whole room.

 

Can you do purple? 
[via]

Exquisite wood... tiles?

Wood tiles, really? I had never considered tiles made out of wood before, but when I saw these, I fell in love.

When you visit the charming website of Jacqueline Moore, you can't help but be impressed. I mean you really want to see her work in person! Born and educated in Britain, her artistic talents are wide reaching and include designs on furniture, walls, cabinets, architectural pieces and tiles, as well as restoration work on treasured family pieces.

Jacqueline's compositions have been influenced by her travels and art studies. 

In 2009, after being inspired by the sight of tiles resting on the ground in the estate of Madame Ganna Walska in Montecito, she began research on creating her own tiles. She soon discovered that the medium that offered her the most possibilities was not what you'd expect. The properties of wood allowed her to use the materials she felt were necessary to convey her compositions.

When creating the wood tiles, she often lays down many layers of gesso before painting and gilding. 

Distressing layers of glazes and washes add to the incredible depth of each tile. Gold leaf and silver leaf are used extensively.

A powder room backsplash:

And a kitchen counter:

Aren't they fabulous?
Jacqueline' wood tiles can be purchased at Filmore Clark in West Hollywood, CA. Or visit Jacqueline Moore Designs.

[1, 2-7 via]

A sunny outlook

Loving the sunshine of the last few days. 
Let's continue it with a happy tile from Ann Sacks 

and a fabulous, lush carpet from ABC Carpet and Home.

[1,2]

Isn't it nice to see color? At least here in Ohio, we usually see lots of white and gray right about now. 

Refined simplicity

It was a rare treat to spend the first day of the year quietly at home. 

We decided that this is the year to pare down, to edit and just not have as much "stuff". Tackling the first area resulted in two big bags to donate. It felt good! 

While my home won't be quite like this, I am on the way.

[1,unknown]

How about you? What are your 2011 goals?

Happy 2011!

Happy New Year!

The start of the new year always brings such hopes and possibilities. May you choose the paths that allow creativity, passion and generosity. 

I have met so many friends through blogging. You enrich my life and I look forward to each and every comment and email. I am excited about 2011 and look forward to sharing it with you!

What are your plans for 2011?