books as art...

 

I love this over sized stack of books on display.  I have a huge collection of books - design books and novels etc that are stacked here and there and everywhere!  Do you love books.. Do you store them in a nontraditional way?  If so I would love to know!

image via ?

 

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spring flowers

 

How I dream of warmer spring days filled with beautiful mornings, flowers and greenery.  I trust you have enjoyed your weekend my friends?  

I love the feeling of this mixed up space, eclectic and still a possible working environment.  I think that the painting makes it for me and the flowers of course.  I am curious how many of you collect little things like this, I know I do although I try very hard to keep it to a very edited version.  I struggle with the old and the new pieces and typically the old pieces win out because they hold more memories even if they are not all my memories.  Do you pick up little things here and there or do you collect along a theme? 

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Wine bottles...

 

I have a soft spot for the re-purposed  wine jugs.  They are usually such a great natural shape.  I simply adore them with a little grouping of tree branches or full tropical leaves, the perfect accent.

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Dark kitchen storage..

 

I am daydreaming again, I know it will soon be a reality but my house is a mess. All of the furniture on the lower level is covered in plastic and not accessible.   Soon Soon they tell me that we can move all of our things back in and I am waiting (kinda) patiently.  I love both of these storage pieces and cannot wait for the piece that I am having made to come in!  So ready.

 

images via pinterest

 

Grey bookcases..

 

I have been studying up on grey storage pieces lately for the kitchen and family room.  I came across this piece which I don't think I have shared.  Love this.  I am not sure what it is that makes it seem so right, the monochromatic feel of the books that are slightly askew?

Image source?

 

Preppy Grey..

 

This is such a fun twist on the dark grey, it is well used in this office space and it is nice to see something a little different.  That desk doesn't hurt either.  I love that they used the rug for texture and I think it makes it just casual enough.

image via

 

Kitchen redo.. little details

 

We are knee deep in decisions for the kitchen remodel here at home and I am finding more and more things that I love..  The detail on the interior of this cabinet is so pretty! I love the color with the dark exterior finish, I want it.   I have also been looking for tables and this one makes my heart skip a beat the twist on the original makes me so want it too... humm.

 What do you think?  I am hoping that next week I will have more time to put together some posts that are more interesting!!  When I have presentations and installations back to back it seems to use up all of my creative powers!

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industrial storage..

 

I love that these seems so industrial and clean lined...  I wish I was this organized too!  

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday!

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French inspiration..

 

Some days more than others I feel very inspired..  In remodeling my own kitchen I have found that I am very inspired by the look of vintage display cabinets.  I am assuming that many of the pieces I have seen and saved images away of are vintage shop cabinets- much like this one from France.  These pieces make me smile inside..  they remind me of some of my other French favorites.  As I am sure you know if you have read the blog for a little while I am completely obsessed with Vintage French goodies as well as some new French goodies too.  

Thank you to Vicki at French Essence for posting about her kitchen and her dishes yesterday, you got my wheels spinning and reminded me I need to make a wish list of dishes for my next trip to France in the spring...  So here are a few of my favorites for the kitchen and a little French Inspiration.

 

 

Have a day dreamy Tuesday!

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Theme Inspiration: 10 Laundry room ideas!

Storage and organizing is an important part of keeping a home functional and tidy. While Laundry room may not rank among the most fun, yet it is an important workspace. Upgrade it to a welcoming space with custom cabinets and batter space utilization. Use colorful wall papers and possibly even near a window with a view.

Laundry room should no longer be shunted to basements, make it a part of your living space. Think of using hallway, hidden inside a closet, in the mud room or even as a part of your kitchen!

Stacked washer dryer, counter space for folding, hampers for collecting laundry and lots of overhead storage The high window lets in natural light and the colorful wall paper makes this a happy space.

Mud room for laundry? Absolutely love the details,-nook to tuck in the ironing board, large sink to wash out stains, dryer rack for the hand washed, shelves and so much storage! I can work here :-)

Wonderful use of a small corner space in a room. Frugal yet practical woven baskets to hold the necessities. A great addition is the pull out counter to fold the clothes on between the stacked dryer and washer.

A beautiful location for laundry room right by the windows! The happy pattern on the wall and the gorgeous window seat is so inviting. A counter for ironing and folding, this is a really good design.

Good utilization of small space, perfect for an apartment or condo. Nifty shelves on the wall and a nook is converted into a fully equipped laundry space. Storage atop the dryer is a good use too!

Whether its the basement or garage, using some wall shelving it can be easily converted into a work space. If you are looking for ideas for storage, this is a good solution. Cost effective too.

A beautiful way to hide washer and dryer in the mud room. The rustic cabinets add a charming touch to the laundry area. Counter is multi-functional, make sure its heat resistant if you intend to iron on it.

This is such a genius of an idea! Though it would need solution to plumbing and proper ventilation. Such a seamless utilization of space and easily within reach even when busy.

Practical tip, having a drawer organized to hold your basic sewing kit will help mend at once. Having it within easy reach might save you effort and time. Use a cutlery organizer!

Love this nifty idea! A retractable ironing board to help keep it seamless. It would be awesome in any laundry room.

Crafty minds at work! Who can resist this amazing embroidery hoop and pillowcase laundry bag/catch all. Assemble when you want and remove when done!

kitchen love....

 

yep you guessed it I am completely kitchen obsessed right now!  I cannot stop looking through images and thinking of new ideas to add to my kitchen.  We are working on the island and the pantry right now so it is all about the right sink and faucet, how big can we make the pull out trash cans, and things like that (sounds pretty exciting, huh!)  This kitchen is pretty amazing I love the separation with the glass windows, the stripe for the banquette and the pendants- all fantastic!

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Grey Storage...

 

These bookshelves are fantastical!  I love the height of the base, it gives them a completely unusual look, in a good way.  Built-in book shelves always make me think of an older established home.  

The background is painted an even darker shade of grey which gives it some additional depth.

image via new england home

 

Black paneling...

 

Gorgeous wall treatment, stunning collections, totally cool chair..  

All in all a pretty great room, a real room.

image via pinterest

 

Grey in the closet..

 

The cabinetry in here along with the windows makes this seem not at all like a closet- more of a dressing area.

I love the stool and the little bit of color with the pink!

Today is your last day to enter to win our Macaron giveaway!

 

Vintage in the kitchen..

 

Love this vintage style cabinet in the kitchen.  I wish we were organized enough to have glass on a huge storage piece like this. 

Don't miss your chance to win Rocq Macarons for Valentine's Day!

image via pinterest

 

Under stairs storage and shelving ideas (Part 1)

Smart ideas for under the stairs storage and use. This is a unique shaped space which often goes underutilized for lack of creative ideas. Most people envision this as a storage space, but there are just so many ways you can utilize this space for a small kitchenette, book shelves etc. If you have a basement den, media room or games room, reclaim this empty space. Use this spare space for creating a more open roomy experience.

Once you see the possibilities of working with the shape and depth it would be an easy makeover! It is not just space smart but cost effective and a great way to get extra storage to organize your home better.

Perfect coat closet for the hallway or foyer. The space under the staircase is perfect! The bench with catch it all baskets is just so handy. Smart, but wish there were doors to keep it more private.

Another awesome take at closet space under the stairs. This storage space is so perfectly situated, throw in your shoes, shopping bag etc as you walk inside. LED closet lights would add to functionality.

If the space under staircase has a decent depth to it, make it into a smart little closet. Work with the shape and add high shelves and maximize the storage potential. Love this hidden storage surprise!

Most of us use basement for storage. Utilize every nook, use simple wooden frames to hold all your miscellaneous. This space would have been wasted, but now it just makes the basement more clutter free!

Another popular use of basement is as media room or den. Here the footage under stairs is make so slick and chic! Interesting shelving and easy reach makes it such a viable choice. Love!

One rule to aesthetics is to work with the shape instead of against it! This simple logic makes the staircase bookshelves streamlined and visually appealing. Contrast between dark wood and colorful book jackets almost looks like art!

Need some peaceful quite spot to collect your thoughts? Do contemplate on this design. Clever use of space and pleasing colors makes this nook into a cozy sitting area. Catch up on a book or work without any disturbance.

Different design, the shelves are recessed deep into the space. Light under the stairs add a cozy feel. The tucked away extra shelves are a good way to keep books within reach. An armchair and you have a perfect reading nook!

Innovative use of this alcove under the stairs! This little kitchenette is done in french country style and delicate colors. It would be perfect for a cottage in the countryside. Such a beauty :c)

Modern apartments are sometimes tight in space. This slim sleek yet functionally complete kitchen is an awesome innovative use of space. its aesthetically pleasing, easily accessible and yet such an example of space utilization!

Half landing staircases always have an alcove recessed under it. Most often its ignored, but creative design can transform it into such a friendly open kitchen! Imagine chatting away sitting on the stairs with amazing wafts of baking filling the air! Heaven :D

Great way to capitalize on small spaces is to push all furniture to the edges and leave the middle space of the room bare. It creates an open feel and its easier to move around. Suitable for basement, this laundry room is small in size but complete value for space.