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A sense of calm on a frantic day - charming farmhouses

Fridays are wonderful, don't get me wrong, but Friday is always the busiest day of the week in our office. So, for a little breather, I decided to escape to the country.

What farmhouse would be just right without a farmhouse sink?





So this kitchen is maybe a little too dark for my tastes, but I love certain elements, like the worn look of the furniture, and the little herb stand.


I love the hand-chiseled beam as a shelf

A screen door as a pantry door!? Pretty cute.

White + Blue = Love

via Country Living

I love the composition here...

Every I see a piece in that blue, it only reaffirms that I really need one!



Gorgeous farmhouse bedroom!
via New York Times

Beautiful Bright Eye Candy

I was looking for some particular images today but I couldn't find them...grrr. But not all is lost - I found some really bright and sunny laid back interiors while searching. And we can't have too much prettiness now can we?

I love the light here

the tree branch is such a nice surprise in place of flowers...

check out the bathroom storage!

What I wouldn't give to walk through my door to such serenity

...in my humble opinion, your work surface can never be too large...


so cheerful!




via House Beautiful

My House Beautiful May Favorites

I just thought I'd share a few yummy morsels from House Beautiful's May issue - there were a handful of bright, happy, spring-time feeling goodies.

click on the image above for a larger view - the fireplace is amazing. I also love the painting above it.

I really wish I was disciplined enough to keep flowers in my apartment all the time. I love fresh flowers.



Jonathon Adler of course! - All those bright colors are so cheerful!


It's a more modern take for kitchen wallpaper - for us who like our veggies but don't want grandma's wallpaper

My dream bathroom

I love the eggplant and aqua swatches - with a tan that would be a favorite trio of mine.

All images via House Beautiful

Spring clearing - the dining room (lots of dining eye candy too!)

This room will probably be one of the easier rooms in your home. With the uprising of eat-in-kitchens many of us find our dining rooms not used. Save this room for a day when you don't have a lot of time or pair it with another task.

• Dust down the ceiling and corners
Consider if the walls in your home need to be washed. Check here for information on how to clean different wall surfaces. Don't forget air vents and switch plates.

• Dust and clean all wall art. Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs. Never spray cleaner or water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the pictures. Instead lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass.

• Clean the Ceiling Fan.You know what's worse than a fly in your soup, a large chunk of dust from your ceiling fan in your soup. Dust the fan and fan blades. You may need to use a gentle cleanser like Murphy’s Oil Soap mixed with water and a cleaning cloth. Take down light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before replacing.

• Take down draperies and curtains to wash or have cleaned according to the directions. Dust down any blinds and other window treatments. Dust down and wash window sills and corners. Wash the inside and outsides of windows. Take down and rinse off screens, before replacing.

• Wash down the dining table, chairs, and any other furniture thoroughly. If you have wood furniture that needs to be oiled or waxed, do this now. If your chairs have an upholstered seat, spot clean the seats.

• Clean the carpet and rugs. You can choose to use a carpet professional, rent a cleaning machine, or vacuum and spot-treat according to soil level.

What You Need:

• Dust mop (preferably with a long handle)
• Step-ladder
• Cleaning cloths
• Small bucket with handle
• Sponges
• Vacuum with attachment
• Gentle cleanser
• Rug shampoo machine with upholstery attachment (optional)
• Spot remover for upholstery or carpets (optional)

via About.com

I'd love to know more about you guys and your homes! Which dining room comes closest to yours?

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Happy clearing!

images via House to Home

Kitchen Bliss

Do we all have shiny clean kitchens after clearing it out this weekend? I know you do...right...right? :) Well, if inspiration alluded you, here's a little more coming at you from our beloved Domino.

Who couldn't use wheels on their island!


This kitchen has my mother written all over it - lovely





I'd love to beable to come into this bright and sunny kitchen on weekend mornings






I don't know if I could do this...do you like bright kitchen cabinets?


This is the closest to the kitchens I've had in my tiny city apartments.