I've been away from my computer, so I haven't read any blogs today. I'm sure I am not the only one with a post about Design For Mankind's new e-zine. I thought I would post my favorite pictures anyway. This month's theme is "Inspiration in the Unexpected". I love this theme and seeing what others find inspirational. I especially like these three photos, but my favorite is the ghost with the balloons. It is a bit disconcerting, but it also makes me chuckle. It was inspired by a recurring nightmare. The photographer recreated as an attempt to confront it, and because it was such an amazing image. Talk about facing your fears.
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Now I keep noticing patterned tile wall treatments, after seeing the kitchen blacksplash in "My Dream Home". I think the look is so exciting! I guess you could call me a design nerd. Oh well, what can I say. The top picture is from a blog I just found called Decor Fellow. It is a restaurant in Santa Barbara designed by Michael S. Smith.
The second picture is not actually tile, but a wallpaper. This is a great idea for a quick change or a less expensive option. Now, I don't know how long it would hold up as a backsplash. I would consider looking for a nice pattern in a commercial grade paper. They are a little better suited for a kitchen. I found this on Ninainvorm's flickr site.
Happy Monday again! Today is a gorgeous day in Houston. We had a "cold front" come through, which means the air is crisp and fresh. If anyone has ever traveled here, you know crisp air is not easy to come by. The cool breezes remind me of trips I have taken to central Mexico, and make me wish I could go back. I've traveled to Mexico City and Guadalajara, and dream of visiting San Miguel de Allende. Recently, I have noticed more and more articles written about San Miguel as more people discover its beauty. Having said all that, I am enamored with this home in San Miguel that was remodeled by Bosworth Hoedemaker Architects. 
The original structure consists of two rooms built right off the cobblestone streets. From there, a central courtyard and additional rooms were added on to the back and top of the rooms. The additions are very new, but they still maintain the tradition of the 18th century structure. I love this home because it reaches me deeply. My family is originally from Mexico, but I was born and raised in the U.S. When I was about 11 yrs. old, my sister and I traveled to Monterrey to visit some distant relatives. Although, Mexico is such a different place; I felt right at home. The vastly different way of living, really touched my soul. I have always thought, that if I had enough money, I would live there at least part time.
The tile bathrooms and kitchen are so amazing. I love the blue and white back splash. It is a traditional detail, but it still looks modern and fresh. So, anyone care to meet me there?
Although I have been inspired by color the last couple of weeks, I am saying goodbye to color week for now. I thought a great way to finish it is with these beautiful photos from stylist Hillery Rebeka Sproatt . Time for a brand new week!
I know along the way, I have mentioned how much I love Installations Antiques. I stopped by yesterday, and found out they are having a "Garden Weekend", this week. It starts Thursday (May 1st) evening with a special preview at 6:00. For anyone who has missed out on seeing this great place, this would be a great time to go. Click (here) for more info.
From Left to Right: Ronda (All the Best), Courtney (Inside the Loop), Joni (Cote de Texas), Paloma (La Dolce Vita)Last night I got together with some of my Houston blog friends to welcome Ronda of "All the Best". Many of you may be familiar with her amazing blog, but may not know that she is originally from Houston. Ronda currently lives in Scotland, but makes an occasional visit home for some Texas sunshine and heat. We had a lot of fun swapping stories and sharing about our future plans. (Everyone had very interesting plans for the future). Ronda is very intelligent and charming, and I was so excited to meet her. The first question on my mind was, "Does she have a Texas accent or a Scottish one?" I was hoping for some new hybrid accent, but her accent is still quite Texas. I think we all felt right at home together. If you are wondering, I'm the the one on the left in the picture below....yeah, yeah, the "Four Eyes".
So, about the rude welcoming. It was not from the lovely ladies at dinner, but at my own house. I got home and as soon as I opened the door, I see my husband in the entry way with crossed arms and an angry look. I look around and there is no Liam to be found. "What happened?", I said. "We went on a tirade", Mark says. I take a couple of steps forward and see my sofa with black markings on the arm. "Oh no!", and then I see my little side table that had an alabaster top ,with no more top. There was only a sad little metal base sitting there. "How did this happen?", I asked. Mark said, "I dozed off for a bit while watching t.v." I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I mean I was gone for 3hrs, tops! "Oh, he wrote on the wood floor too," Mark said. While Mark was napping, Liam found a nice little Sharpie (black, of course) and proceeded to write on whatever he came across. Along the way tipping over my table and breaking the top into several pieces. I'm not even certain how that happened. Needless to say, Mark was pretty steamed and had already put Liam to bed. Of course as I walk down the hall, there is Liam peeking out of his door and comes running out when he sees me. I asked him if he wrote all over the furniture, and he said "I'm sorry Mama, it was an atsident" (his version of accident), " I love you Mama". I know he was trying to charm me, but I also know he felt bad. I gave him a speech about taking care of our things and so on and then sent him to bed. The funny thing is that bed time is usually a struggle, but last night he went right to bed without hesitation.
So, as far as I know there is no way to remove black marker from chenille fabric, right? I guess I will be coming up with some kind of arm covers. TODDLERS!
Happy Friday, everyone! I am going to keep this post short, because I woke up with the world's worst migraine! As soon as I can look at the monitor a little longer, I will post pictures of a fun get-together I went to last night :)I couldn't resist showing off these beautiful pictures. It is a British home that consists of my favorite color palette. I am drawn to the chocolate and red tones in the wood combined with creamy tones and varying shades of purple. I've always found these colors very sensual.
The bright settee gives the room a jolt of life. I also love the jewel tone, purple chair. The fabric looks like it might be velvet or mohair. I love either fabric, because the color becomes multi-dimensional. I found these images via Desire to Inspire.
I'm salivating over these photos. This is a wonderful example of combining modern color and details with traditional furniture. I think many people think "modern" is cold and impersonal or bright and harsh. I love that this house shows that modern and traditional can live together and make a very comfortable home.
This home was designed by Woodson and Rummerfield. This designer duo is definately a new favorite of mine.
I really enjoy reading Joanna Goddard's blog, Cup of Jo. She always posts beautiful photos and interesting articles. I really enjoy her style. She is selling some of her personal items on Ebay, and true to her style...they are very cool. My favorite pieces are the postcards and charming dress. Ahh, to be an "Xtra Small".
These fun table runners are from a Santa Monica store called Huset. They are dedicated to bringing Scandinavian design to the U.S. I have to say, I am not very big on using table runners; but these are too good to pass up. The vintage Swedish patterns are great for adding color to a room.
I enjoyed "Color Week" so much, I decided to continue it. I ran out of time, and didn't post everything I wanted. Here a few pictures I took over the weekend.
Hi everyone, I'm back. I took a short trip with my family and got some rest. I didn't even come close to a computer for several days! I would like to thank everyone for the very nice comments. I didn't mean to sound depressed...just a little tired and stressed. I just wanted to say that everyone's comments really mean a lot to me. I was happy to come back and see this lovely photo on Coco Kelley's blog. It is by Slim AArons and one of my favorite photos ever. Slim Aaron made a name for himself by photographing some of the world's most fabulous people. I decided to take the lead from Cassandra and post a few more of my favorite Aarons photos.
The very fabulous Truman Capote.
I'm not certain who this is, but if she can work a monocle; I LIKE her! Maybe I need a monocle?
I know I have been posting more than usual, but I am going to take a break for a few days; so I thought I would give all of you some things to read. Perhaps, the most important thing I would love for everyone to read, is an article called "27 Thoughts on Blogging for the Artist".
I've noticed a lot of bloggers have been running out of steam, and wondering what the point of maintaining their blogs. I sometimes feel the same way. I wonder if anyone really cares. I get disappointed when no one comments or my stats drop...its ridiculous but true. I also struggle to keep pushing my personal and professional goals. Trying to be a wife, mom, designer, and blogger can be daunting. I sometimes question why I'm pushing so hard. I realized that a lot of times I am only trying to impress people or make others think I am Super Woman. Lately, I've been trying to get back to what is really important. I am trying to find and fulfill my purpose in life and not to impress others; but because it is who I am. I am taking some time off to rest and ponder. Taking long drives is one of the ways I get my thoughts straightened out. I am going to take time to rediscover the things that really inspire me. I hope this article encourages others to do the same.
Be back next week :)
Here's a question. How do you find a balance between responsible preservation and making a home fit your present needs? This can be a difficult question to answer. Over the weekend I found a great example of the right way to handle this issue. Once again, via Houston Mod; I came upon another Mid Century beauty. What I really loved about this house was, that it works for modern day families; but it has many of its original details preserved.
Little details, like the original cabinets and knobs; can be found throughout the house. There are also modern details (like the new mosaic back splash), that keep the house from feeling like a museum instead of a house. I will admit that I am just as guilty of tearing out perfectly good features of a home in order to update a look. Now, I would think twice about getting rid of details that give a house flavor and personality. This home has its original terrazzo floors, wood paneling and plumbing fixtures. It really works very well. For more photos, go Here.
I think this video is beautiful. You can read into it whatever you want, or nothing at all. What does it make you think of? Just curious...
irregular flow from 4khz on Vimeo.
How's that for a title? Corny, perhaps; but I thought I would pay homage to my FAVORITE color....green! I never grow tired of green, and I wish I could use it in every room. That would probably a little weird, a better choice is to use it in smaller doses. For example, this amazing use of green on the kitchen cabinets. I started salivating when I saw these. I know what I want in my next kitchen.
I love the trend of painted kitchen cabinets. For years, I have favored cabinets with natural and exotic wood grains; but now I am loving cabinets with color. What is great about using painted cabinets, is that preexisting cabinets don't have to be replaced. That is an amazing money saver in any kitchen remodel.
I have to admit, I am not always a Pottery Barn fan, but I would love to have this relaxing and pretty hammock. When I saw the draperies below, I almost fell over. Oh, I love them so much! My favorite detail is the coordinating chair. How fabulous!
