Fabulous Walls from Lonny

While scrolling through the most recent edition of Lonny magazine, I noticed a subtle feature over and over. Almost every interior had some amazing wall treatments. Here are a few of my favorites. 

The room above feels like someone climbed into my subconscious, gathered everything they could find and used it to decorate this space...its almost eery. I need to live here!!!

I love the unusual mix of mismatched prints and unique mirrors. Its so unpredictable, so it keeps the room feeling fresh. What I REALLY love about this room is the ceiling! Wow, its so fantastic. Personally, I hate low white ceilings, because they just bring a room down. Instead, this ceiling actually makes the space.

Black lacquer cabinets in the kitchen? Yes!!

I had to do a double-take on this wall. Right in the middle is a flat-screen television. A stylish wall while you watch TV....nice.

I love the combination of old and new in this dining room. Especially the large traditional mirror, leaning against the wall. Truly beautiful!

Best Blogger Awards

I'm taking a little time to do some self promotion, today. The lovely people of Jackson Design and Remodeling have nominated little ole-me, for their "Best Interior Design Blogger" award! Yeah! The voting began while I was away and internet deficient, so I'm a little behind. Please stop by their site and vote for me anytime before April 15th! If you do, I promise to give you a big, virtual hug:)
Carolina

A Writer's Refuge

Where does a great storyteller and writer get inspired? What feeds the minds that shape new environments and situations? Writers give us part of our history, education, and entertainment, and sometimes even change the world with their words.

The entire process of writing is very intriguing to me. Of course, as a designer and pragmatist; I find myself also wondering about Where a writer works when creating something new. I believe that the environment we choose for ourselves can affect our thoughts and actions. So, when I saw Re-nest's photos of famous writers' work spaces; I almost jumped out of my seat! They are fantastic!!

The pictures above are of Roald Dahl's hut. Why is it, that the yellow door and cozy clutter are just what I would have imagined for the creator of Willy Wonka and the fantastic Mr. Fox?

Mark Twain's space. He is my personal favorite. No matter how many books I read or how old I get, I still love none more than Huckleberry Finn:)

Thoreau's cabin at Walden Pond. I thinks this proves that living with simplicity allows the mind to think clearly. Talk about an environment that inspired world changing words!!

George Bernard Shaw's "London". Haha! Love the back story behind that name.

Lively Bookcases

I've mentioned my recent affection for bookcases before here. This video takes the love to a whole new level:)

(Sorry for the long absence. Went to visit my family for many, many days!)

Must See TV.

I'm anxiously awaiting the premiere of "Secrets from a Stylist", on Saturday! I don't know about many of you, but I sort of gave up on design on television a few years ago. Compared to what goes on in the blog world, decorating shows really fall flat. That's why I'm ready to see Emily Henderson (winner of Design Star) at work. Her work is modern, fun, and aesthetically pleasing...woohoo!

 After seeing Emily's portfolio, this design nerd is waiting for more!!

Lighting Lust

I'm anxious to share some amazing light fixtures I've been admiring for the last week. Actually, more than admiring, lusting! I really want these!!!

A single bulb and a collection of wire spheres, so simple and so beautiful. I can't tell you where this fixture came from but you can find more photos of this incredible place here.

The newest source for lighting lust, comes from Wo and We Collection. These unique fixtures are an industrial dream. 

Not only is this fixture to die for, but so is every detail in this room! The black walls are perfectly complemented by the white bedding with red trim. Ahhh, feels like home:)

Red Moment

What a great, bright color in a bedroom that is so serene and gray. Love it!

(I'm getting back into the swing of blogging. It isn't always easy after a long break)

source: Peace-that was the other name for home

On Vacation

Hello everyone! Just thought I would let you know, I decided to take a vacation for the rest of the week. Although, I imagine myself traveling to an exotic place like this one; I'm just resting from blogging. Too many things have stacked up around here and I can't leave them unattended. Meanwhile, I will dream of visiting this spectacular Turkish hotel set in the rocky hills of Cappadocia. 

This is like going back in time...with electricity and running water, of course!

Okay, signing off for now. Have a great week and I'll see you next Monday:)

Just A Reminder

Please don't forget!

Happy Valentine's Day!

You love me, 
especially different every time.
You keep me on my feet, 
happily excited by...
your cologne, your hands, 
your smile, your intelligence
(Jill Scott)

Urban Market

(Photo by Carolina Saunders)

Okay, this isn't exactly Off-Beat Market, but its The Urban Market! Don't miss this fab oppurtunity to source amazing antiques. I love wandering around and finding all sorts of surprises. Also, stop by and meet fellow Houston blogger Meg Lonergan, who will be sharing a booth with  Annsley Popov, and Houston designer Sally Wheat. Should be great fun!!

P.S. for those of you who have attended the market before, be sure and find it at its new location, here.

David Bailey

 (Diana Vreeland)

Last night I stayed up entirely too late, watching a biopic about photographer David Bailey on the Sundance Channel. If like me, you are unfamiliar with this name; you may be surprised to know that you are familiar with some of his photographs. Bailey first came to prominence with his work for British Vogue, in the sixties. During the time of a youth revolution in London, Bailey also broke with convention in fashion photography and started a sort of revolution of his own. Magazines could no longer be pretentious images that catered to only the elite. Instead, they had to appeal to a younger generation who used fashion as a means of self-expression. 

 John Lennon and Paul McCartney

 Mick Jagger

Bailey photographed so many pop culture icons, its hard to limit how many I post!

 Cover 1975

I love this cover, the photo and the fashion are so timeless.

 Cover 1962

 Cover 1965

 Jean Shrimpton

Gerard Malanga, Edie Sedgwick, Andy Warhol, Chuck Wein

If you get a chance, be sure to watch this program. Although, try not to lose as much sleep as I did:)
Sources:
1. PDN gallery
2. Unnatural Eye
3. Vogue archives

Repentant

Oh, 1st dibs; why have I neglected you so? All you want is to bring me joy!

1. Green leather wingback.

2. Bust of boy

3. Jielde wall lights

Recommended Reading

Sometimes I wish the whole world could be black and white all over! What would that be like? It might be like a blog I recently discovered called Hem. The black and white design is plentiful and so is its Scandinavian style.  

Of course, shots of beautiful color would be allowed. Especially if the color comes from something as pretty as this floral arrangement.

I could have reposted most of this blog, but thought I would leave the rest of the treasures for all of you to find:)

Off-Beat Market: Colin Schaelli

Its Friday and time for another Off-beat market. Check out the furniture of Colin Schaelli. Honestly, these images say it all and don't need me to add much more. Wow!

I posted this photo on my Tumblr site and it sort of stuck in my mind. I had to research where it came from and was glad to find this fantastically minimal series of furnishings. 

Occasionally, I'm asked why something as stark as this furniture; appeals to me. What about some color or decorative details? Here's the thing, when there is a beautiful form without too much decoration, my  imagination has the freedom to fill in the details. An overly decorated piece can become static in a way, it is what it is. Is this making sense or am I rambling? Maybe, I just don't like being told what to think:) I would love to know how some of you feel about this.

High Gloss Magazine Debut

Many of you may have heard of High Gloss magazine's debut, yesterday. If you haven't, see it here. It is the brain child of my friend and Houston blogger, Paloma Contreras. What a labor of love and it has paid off!! 

The debut issue also features the work of another friend and Houston designer, Sally Wheat. I'm loving this place. Sally has such a great collector's eye and an appreciation for modern art, her interiors are so fresh! 

Do you love this incredible kitchen, or what?! Its modern and classic at the same time. 

P.S. if you stop by Sally's website, check out her photos. Several of them where taken by yours truly. Why haven't I mentioned this before, you ask. Well, all I can say is that last year, I lost my mind. I'm slowly finding it again. More on those photos later:)