Art Nouveau Building Front

I found a new blog yesterday and through it this photo. Beautifully creative, IMO.

What do you think? Do you like it?

High Fashion!

It's been a while since I've posted an inspiration photo. What's so special about this one? The orange and blue, of course. The light coming in through the door and making the room glow and shine and gloss on the floor ... but what's especially important about this photo is the wrecked upholstery on the divan. Cat owners will understand. Let's make their destruction our high fashion! Much easier than replacing all of our furniture every third year of so.

The Island of Ibiza

Also from the Jordi Canosa website, this house is found on the Island of Ibiza and is called la Casa Es Vedra. Do you notice there are no lamps in any of these photos ... only wall fixtures, lanterns, and candles?

The Island of Formentera

These three interior shots are from the Jordi Canosa website and are of a house called Daisy on the island of Formentera. All of the furniture is lightweight and easily moved. There's no excess, not in style or in color. I find the space calm and inviting.

Southern Spain

Photos from the Web.

Riad Number 9

This house was featured in the April 2006 issue of Elle Decor and is available for rent in Morocco. Here's a description I took from Stephen Direnza's Web site:

Located in the heart of the medieval, UNESCO-protected medina of Fez, Riad Number 9 is a haven of peace and tranquility. Its owner carefully restored the property using only traditional methods over a three-year period. Asian, French and English antiques harmoniously cohabit, amplifying an ambiance of subdued luxury and charm.

Truth be told, as much as I like a pale, neutral palette, I need to live among pattern and color. I long for high ceilings, tall doors, and tile accents. $4,200 for one week and 3.5 hours from the airport. Includes a house cat and on-site chef.

Windows

I'd like to incorporate these windows into my condo ... maybe leading from my desk area into the kitchen. It looks like there are shelves on the interior side. Another light and airy photo for my inspiration file.

Introspection

This weekend, I am working on my desk area. This is the inspiration photo I am using although my end result will not look as formal as this one does. Photo source unknown.

White Floors

We painted the living room floors white this past weekend. When I first moved into my apartment, everything was covered in beige carpet. It helped unify the space but I've never been a fan of carpet and within a short while it started to look dirty.

On a whim, we pulled the carpet up and discovered there was parquet underneath. It was a quite a chore carrying everything down to the dumpster in sections but we got it done. Unfortunately that wasn't the answer. The wood was dark, worn down, and it started to feel like a 1970s basement.

So I looked into having real hardwood floors installed but the price was prohibitive, especially when I have so much I still want to buy. The eventual solution was to paint everything white and after four or five coats, I am happy with the result.

Image source unknown. (Real photos to come at a later date.)

Small, Cool 2010

This photo is from the Small Cool contest international winner's apartment located in Barcelona. I like the plants, the light, and the simplicity. For the rest of the photos, go here. When I click on my "inspiration" tag, I am noticing a new personal trend in a preference for neutral colors and elements.

Outdoor Living

I've always liked the idea of a long table set for an early evening outdoors. In this photo, the birch tree suggests a gathering in the French country side. I imagine the lamps are ready to be lit and the cold drinks are waiting to be served. When I get married, I want the reception to be held in an inviting spot just like this one.

City Kitchen

This is the type of stove I want. Call me crazy because the one I have is a self-cleaning big monster with a clock and timer.

Inspiration

Elle Decor

American Elle Decor is my favorite magazine. I have so many issues saved and gave up my subscription only because I was running out of space to store them.

Take a look at the March 2009 cover. I love this room! And I can sign myself up for the next two years of Elle Decor for only $15. Seriously, this is the first magazine of its type that has a variety of decorating styles, good writing, and a letter from the editor I actually look forward to reading.

And on magazines in general, up until now, all of the banks and businesses that have closed or failed didn't surprise me. Usually, the product wasn't desirable or the customer service was lousy. I'm surprised, though, that the shelter magazine Domino folded this month. It seemed to have a good following. I must support the ones I love and help keep Elle Decor in business.