From my library - small space living

I thought I'd share from you some of my favorite images from one of the very first interior design books I ever purchased. It's always fun to look back!

I love these wooden floors - and the fireplace!



charming - and checkout the blue floor!


It would require a lot of tidying - but I really like the glass front pantry. Check out the mix n' match table and chairs.

I liking the look of art leaning against the wall more and more. I also really like the fuchsia carpet and the retrained fireplace decor.

I love old houses - and when a renovation includes old architectural elements I don't mind "newness" so much.

A really good way to divide spaces in a studio - this solid screen acts as a wall/headboard.

A romantic treehouse retreat...

All images from Susan Boyle's "The Smart Approach to Small Space Living"

Simple, Lovely Rooms

Bring on the warm breezes already! This winter has been torture and I just want to open up my windows and smell the spring time! Mostly, I just want to live like this:



I love this blue, green, and fuchsia palette!


what a comfy place to have breakfast




via Better Homes and Gardens

Cool new (and free) online moodboard tool

I wanted to thank Michele for bringing MyDeco to my attention. It's a very cool site with lots of goodies for all of us design enthusiasts out there. There are fun quizes, lots of eye candy, and you can make a moodboard! I also want to check out the 3D room planner they have. Here are the results of my style quiz:

I am a "homecoming queen." This makes me laugh, because I didn't even go to my prom let alone homecoming, and I'm definitely not the "princess" type. ...atleast I don't think I am....

"Nothing - budgets included - stops you from putting your all into creating a dream home. Your look is quintessentially feminine: cool, pretty colours; layered patterns and textures; and flawless attention to every detail."

Sadly, my budget definitely puts my dream home on hold...

My bedroom supposedly is, "Your bedroom benefits from a lovely feminine touch. Sleep is fundamentally important to our well being. In busy towns and cities, noise can often hamper a good night's sleep. Soft furnishings really do absorb sound, and touch is such an important sense in the bedroom, from crisp, linen sheets to wool or even sheepskin underfoot. You like to surround yourself with pretty frills and flounces in your bedroom, using a palette of beautifully muted colours to create the perfect retreat from daily stresses and strains."

This is pretty accurate! You can see my bedroom here (a few things have been changed since this post, but you get the gist).

My moodboard - I love white interiors. But recently, I've also been into richly colored accent pieces and upholsteries in luxurious fabrics. I also learned a bit about myself in the process - I like mirrored case goods!



Visit my profile here.

If you take the quiz - let me know what style you get - I'm interested to see what everyone is!

via MyDeco

Whimsical and romantic interiors

These rooms are so beautiful, and they almost have a story book, Alice in wonderland sort of charm. Recently I've really been seeking out images like these to mentally prepare myself for the fact that once the cold weather gets here I'll be spending more time indoors.

I adore this kitchen and the classic black and white checked floors. Also the clean white counter space and empty glass bottles on the top shelf are lovely. I love the lighting fixture too! Laureen Rossouw, a stylist in South Africa, is the proud owner of this room.

A cozy, wonderfully personalized work space in the home of Lientjie Wessels and Robert Denton.





I'm so jealous of this gorgeous ledge with books and other knick knacks. The home belongs to Victoria Perry, a Cape Town architect


Mutual Heights building apartment in central Cape Town. I'm not usually one for perfect symmetry, but I like it here.






I can't say enough about Maranda Engelbrecht's of Manna Epicure gorgeous, gorgeous house. So white and so many perfect details. I'm really liking the tall vases on the table.

The bathroom of Kerstin Eser's lovely home. It must feel so "earthy" to step down into one's tub.


Cobus van Niekerk's converted post office looks like a set for a tea party. I love the mismatched tables too.

From the store Dorp, in South Africa. I'd love that framed chalkboard on the exposed brick in my kitchen.

Images via Elle Decoration SA Blog

Gorgeous, romantic interiors

We all need a little romance in our lives. Lately, for me, it's been a little lacking. But after seeing these beautiful spaces I thought, why must romance come from a relationship with another person? Why not get a little romance from your home?



I love turquoise furniture lately














Love the chairs!




Images via House Beautiful