hallway molding

 just browsing through my archives, and came across this hallway that i simply love. the silhouette created with molding makes this hallway really pop. 

i'm inspired to go add a little boost in my house, feeling a bit blah.

baby love

although i love restoration hardware, i admit their baby & child line has been a bit hit and miss lately. however, i was pleasantly surprised when their spring collection catalogue arrive at my door last week. these two nurseries are dreamy, with whimsical cribs and milky whites, good enough to spoil any little princess.

white house

you all know that i adore my house, but if i could change just one thing, i'd make it white.

images via: life's a design + my home ideas + martha stewart + country living

dear white

you are so bright, so airy, so clean. i can't get enough of you.

via vintage modern haven

via spark

country living

it's complicated

i was unproductive today, and went to the movies at noon. i saw it's compicated and had to blog about the house. it's delightful, santa barbara style at it's best. i wonder if sometimes i really am an old woman, because a life of gardening, and having a bakery (that i don't bake in) sounds just right!

fairy lights

I'm almost finished decorating for the season, a bit early I know, but as soon as the nights get longer I feel there's a need for the fairy lights to make an appearance. I'll post my decorations soon, but for now here's some refreshing ways to use fairy lights.

cozy

long winter nights have arrived, and i have a recipe to make the most of it: burn candles (the more the merrier), add a tall cup of hot chocolate, stir in a a good show on the telly, and frost with a lush throw (and a man) to snuggle. you're on your own to find the guy, but here are some very adorable, and oh-so-cozy throws from west elm, just looking at them makes me melt.

memory lane

Lately I have been thinking about the house I grew up in. It was built at the turn of the century, a tall brick semi, with black and white accents and a red door. We refer to it in my family as 'Sandy Lane'. This house was special for so many reasons, the most being that it was the only house that all 7 of my siblings and I lived in together, before the oldest ones fled the nest. It was my first home, and the only one I knew until I was 14.
When searching for inspiration for my home, I always recall that beloved house; although I know it wasn't the tall windows and doors, or the antique fireplaces that made this house special, I still am attracted to the Edwardian style.


My mum is a big believer in classics, the couch of my childhood was the Chesterfield. The first one I recall was a dark velvet green, later replaced with a more traditional brown leather. It's quite funny to think of how many memories one couch can hold: me and my sisters used to pretend the arms were horses, we'd be off riding in the country, or in an intense race; it was the haven for a sick child, and Christmas morning it held mountains of presents.
When we finish our basement, I plan on moving our lovely brown leather sectional down there, and replacing it with one of these.


There are just some things about my childhood I want to keep forever.

i hate to love her....

or do i love to hate her? i'm not sure how i feel about martha; she's sure is one boring tv host, not to mention a criminal, but i do love her magazines, and envy pretty much all her homes. just look at her new craft room, i wantie!

laura ashley

Growing up my Mother was obsessed with this store. Our home looked like a Laura Ashley catalog, and me and my 2 sisters wardrobes were no exception.
The highlight of the shopping year was their big preview night; where we 3 little girls were allowed to stay up late on a school night, to try on countless outfits in a posh dressing room.
Needless to say this store was part of my 1980's childhood, but while browsing their website today, I see they are defiantly keeping up with the times. I just love these lampshades, so chic, clean and white.

LA holiday house

I love the movie 'The Holiday.' Any movie that combines both English charm and American drama (and a dollop of Jude Law) is a sure hit with me. I'm often asked what things I prefer one country to another, and depending on my mood it can be a close tie. For example: England clearly wins on chocolate, clothes and history; but America earns its gold in BBQ, low prices and Target!

From the movie, I would certainly choose Amanda's house over Iris's. I la la la la love the colour palette of smokey greys, milky creams and the contrast of chocolate brown. The furniture is a classic modern, the houseplants chic moss. No pesky wintery drafts, just a fresh seasonal breeze. And let's get real ladies, you'd have to be crazy to choose a double bed over a California King!