Divine Dining Rooms: My guest post on SummerHouse's blog: Always Summer

I got the great honor of guest posting over at Always Summer, SummerHouse's blog.  You can see it some of it below, but go to Always Summer to see the whole post.

I'd say that the dining room is probably the room I talk about the least. I major part of that is probably because I've never had a proper dining room, and because even after spending hours in the kitchen preparing a beautiful meal, you're likely to find me enjoying it curled up on the couch.

However, I'm coming to realize that now that we are looking for a home, I might actually have a real grown up dining room, and once I have kids we will not be dining on the sofa. Also, the up coming holidays are probably when dining rooms see the most action, so I've gathered up some dining rooms to inspire me and other dining room neglecters like myself to give it a little more attention. Your sofa will thank you!!

I wish I was genius enough to put together spaces like this... those benches with that wallpaper? Sublime.  I also think that's the closest to sofa-like one can get proper dining room seating! Oh, and did I mention those windows!?!

Okay.  Can we talk about that amazing gold chandelier?!?!  There is very little I wouldn't do for that chandelier....very. little.

See more...


1. via BHG, 2. via FLOR Blog, 3.  House of Fifty

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Table inspiration and eye candy

Pretty uses for one of the most versatile pieces of furniture.

The most apparent use - for dining...highlighted here by a conversation-starting chandelier and a salon style wall.

If you're like me, you can never choose just one book to read. A table gives you the space to spread out.

My office desk is more like a table, because the surface space is so vital to my productivity.

1. House of Fifty 2. Traditional Home 3. & 4. Ryland Peters & Small

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Gorgeous serenity

Cause I have two websites to launch today and I really, really need it.

Two things I love - an over-sized mirror on the floor and a reading nook
via Adore Home Mag

simple. beautiful
via Lisbeth Dahl

Isn't the chandelier hanging from the tree amazing?
via Pinterest

ranunculus -- one of my favorite flowers

so peaceful...

two images above via Richard Powers

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Bathroom love - lavish and luxe

Right now I have been sharing a teeny, tiny bathroom with 5 other people while living with my boyfriend in Spain (we live with two other couples). I'm heading back to the states on Friday, where I will stay with my parents until my boyfriend and I go apartment hunting in DC in August. My parents just beautifully renovated their bathroom and I can't wait to go back to using that one for a little while!


This tub looks so wonderfully deep - and the chandelier above it is a great idea...
via Apartment Therapy


I don't know if I've ever seen a tub positioned in a corner like that, but I love the view from the windows and the blue on the wall



4 images above via Eric Roth


Love those doors and the blue of the tiles
via Interior Design Styles

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Spring is on it's way! 10 great tips to freshen up the place at little to no cost

These clever and thoughtful tips come to you from Beverly Hills interior designer David Solomon. I didn't know residents of the Hills needed budget tips - but David has some great ones nonetheless! To see David's portfolio go to his site.

1. Paint is your best friend
One of the most affordable options as a homeowner is to paint a room. Try picking a theme or choose a color and build your room around the mood of the color.


The dusky blue paint in this entryway sets the tone for this home - you get a sense that it will have a historic, eclectic, and mature feel.
via Maison Interiør

2. Stick to a theme.
What do you call a Japanese, Victorian, and Modern theme? Answer: a college dorm. Try to stick to a basic theme and work with that design.

3. Use visual cues.
Most people ignore very innate physical attributes of a home. Arched doorways are good for a Spanish theme. Crowned molding works well with Victorian and Art Deco styles. Wainscoting on walls can work with a country theme. Solid walls work well with modern.


The decorator here took a cue from the elegant molding and created a luxe sitting room
via Scandinavian Chic

4. Furniture makes a statement about the room.
One of the biggest investments you can make can be the furniture you purchase for a room, however, try to repurpose existing furniture or try using simple chairs with matching table to create a theme.


This room could have gone in many directions but this unique table and the patina of the wood sets the tone as rustic and traditional
via BoligDrøm


5. Take a peek under the carpet
If you own an older home, chances are you are covering hard wood floors with that 70’s shag carpet. If you own a new home don’t be afraid to pull the carpet and put down wood laminate. Engineered wood has never been more affordable.

6. Put down an area rug.
Area rugs can be purchased for as little as $200 and give a room a very expensive look. Carpet remnants make for excellent area rugs. See local Carpet store.


via My Marrakesh


7. Ditch the overhead chandelier for wall sconces
Lighting is the oldest trick in the book to make a room pop; just ask Hollywood filmmakers. Get creative while sticking to the theme. Create a modern room by hiding the light source or create a Victorian feel by putting wall sconces on a light fader.

8. Less is more
Most people believe that every square inch needs to be filled in a room but emptiness is a statement in itself. Don’t be afraid to leave a wall void of furniture.

9. Use accessories.
One of the least expensive ways to add color to a room with white walls is to add red pillows. Pillows, throw rugs, candles, paintings, photos, and flowers can make mild into wild.



via Casa Diez

10. Add a plant
One of the best ways to make a room feel like a living space is to add living plants, like a tall leafy plant in one corner, or just get some fresh seasonal flowers for the table.

via Alice in Designland


BONUS TIP

Any change you make will add to your overall curb appeal and ultimately to the value of your home. Keep in mind that outdoor improvements such as foliage, plants, and bushes take a long time to grow so plan ahead.

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A prelude to Spring

I feel like every year I'm ready for spring a little bit sooner. This year is no exception. I can't remember the last time the sky was blue. Hopefully these pictures can help us remember what spring looks like.


Beautiful photos from the talented Lara Rossignol. Check out her blog, Piewacket

via House Doctor


So beautiful - green!

via Nikreations


Isn't that chandelier with the greenery great? It'd be a great idea for a wedding outdoors in a tent or barn.


via Elle Decor

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The little things in life - beautiful details and accessories that make a house a home

I've had these images for a while, but I could never find a post to integrate them, so I decided to just dedicate a post to the sweet little things in life - the details. Pretty little worlds within our homes. Enjoy!

Isn't this gold chrysanthemum to die for? They are one of the most beautiful flowers (IMHO)

Love the greenery on the chandelier

Aren't the little nesting "bowls"? so pretty?
via Elle Decor


These vignettes are so beautiful. via Mariam's GORGEOUS riad. via My Marrakech

via House Doctor


I LOVE quilts - I have (unrealistic) aspirations to make one one day, so I save bits of old clothes and fabrics to use.
via Indenfor & Udenfor

A pretty way to display jewelry
via BHG

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Some great inspiration: Victorian Shabby Chic

Way too long ago a reader asked me for suggestions to create a "Victorian Shabby Chic" style. I'm ashamed that I'm just getting to it now - but better late than never?

Here's what she writes:
"...we are just starting major renovations on an old Victorian house (built in 1891). One of my challenges is that I don't want the house to be overly Victorian. We are retaining as many of the historical elements as we can (trim, doors, wood floors, etc.) but are making a lot of changes to make the house more suitable for today (adding bathrooms, making a master suite, etc.). The style I am going for is "shabby chic country Victorian", which is I think is a totally made up term that my friend and I came up with. I was wondering if you have any thoughts or images that may fit this "style".

Well, here are a few pics I pulled from my collection that I thought might just fit the bill...


via Vogue Living

The stool with the aged patina adds a "shabby" element to keep the space from being too "perfect" Victorian.

Gotta love the floor!
Two images above via Lonny Mag

via House to Home

via Boligtorvet

Here' another example of a "shabby" piece of furniture that will keep a space from looking too fluffy. I really like the look of a filing cabinet or locker mixed in with victorian furnishings.
via House Doctor

Mixing and matching throws and pillows on your seating will make the space cozier and "shabbier"

A modern chandelier like the one above is Victorian in shape, but the color and finish keeps the fixture from being too chintzy.

Victorian homes often feature gorgeous original wood architectural elements. If the wood is dark, a great way to brighten the space is to add a mirror with a bit of edge, like the one above

Use contrasting colors (like white chairs and a black table), to keep the space awake
four images above via Domino


via Country Living

via Living Etc



Do you have any tips for a "victorian shabby chic" look?

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