The interior of the home has been painted in the palest, softest, most cloud-like shades of gray and white, accentuating the high ceilings and intricate moldings. The floors are all wide-plank and whitewashed gorgeousness, fireplaces in nearly every room. Sigh.

I am finding the mashup of furniture and accessories quite inspiring, too: spindly antique chairs, over the top candelabras, white Moroccan poufs, mid-century style lamps and pendants, and fresh art and photography. It’s a great reminder to mix things up and always throw in something a bit unexpected.

This print in the stairwell is so fun, I wonder if any of you know the source? I feel like I’ve come across it before on Etsy, but I can’t remember where…

These chalky mineral tones and natural textures feel so tranquil – I wish I could sneak off to this house all by myself and just read novels all day long!

Are you jealous yet? I know I am! ;) You can view the entire home portfolio right here. I have to admit, this is making me want more gray paint in my house! It’s something I’ve been considering for a while, but, well, we’ll just see. Have a lovely day, my sweets! xo Laura

(all images: JJ Locations)

Oh my. I am completely over the moon for all everything in Stephen Antonson’s special collection for West Elm. Stephen is an amazing artist, he works in plaster and creates some of the most breathtaking pieces I’ve seen. Totally classic yet modern and fresh, these pieces would fit in anywhere – I am dying to get some of his candlesticks and vases.

This kitchen above stole my heart because (as I’m sure some of you know by now, sometimes I sound like a broken record about this…) I L O V E open shelving and white subway tile in the kitchen. And those glass jar pendant lights are so fun, don’t you think?

West Elm has also become a really reliable source for so many classic pieces that used to be available only in the astronomical price range. Note the nailhead trimmed headboard and classic adjustable wall sconce above.

And have you also noticed the wall colors they have been using? Quite lovely. They are each specially tinted Benjamin Moore paints, available right here.

If I were in the market for a new sofa, I would count this Chesterfield style tufted sofa as a serious contender. So chic in gray!

And I would be remiss not to mention these gorgeous new vases and this gold flatware. Oh, and this adorable house butter dish, yes I want that too. Gah. To be honest, I kind of hate to admit that I want so many things from one store! In reality, I like to mix it up a lot, pulling things from a range of shops both big and small, handmade, vintage, etc…but I do keep coming back to West Elm, because they are getting it so right! What about you? Did you have any favorites above? Any other favorite shops lately? Please share, we’d all love to hear! : ) xo Laura

(all images: West Elm)

Embroidered portraits DIY from Country Living

I have been making plans in every area of my life, from a major haircut and color change to keeping chickens in the backyard to fresh ideas for my blog and business…and of course for decorating, as well! I have been gathering and winnowing my home inspiration pinboard, and I am beginning to notice trends and themes in what I love.

Yarn flowers DIY from Country Living

White knitted home decor roundup in Country Living

Lots of white comes as no surprise, that is what my home is full of right now, so it’s what I’ve got to work with. I would like to add in layers of texture – knitted and woven accents, natural fibers and handmade pottery with lace imprints, crocheted blankets, raw-edged linen, textured throws and baskets, and simple DIY projects that add a personal touch.

Images above: sneakers here, Paris container here, heart elbow patch DIY here; all others Country Living Magazine

As far as color goes, I am loving these chalky shades of gray and pale lilac paired with plenty of white and a bit of smoky blue and raw wood. Yes, I threw in a tray table with bright green legs above, and I’m not sure that I would use that in real life, though I like it here. I love the idea of taking a cheap flea market find and painting the legs only – try using a wall color from your home with a bit of white added to create a new shade that works with everything else.

Ikea’s Livet Hemma blog

The image above has certainly been making its rounds on blogs these past few weeks, but I see no reason why not to share it here too – I love it! It’s Scandinavian-meets-Japanese style, and I am totally smitten. I wish that room were in my house right now, and I would invite you all over for tea. : )

DIY mirror update from Country Living

I admit I am getting a bit giddy dreaming of spring and well, yes, summer too. I can’t wait for the days I can slip on flat sandals everyday and carry a straw bag, take picnics down to the park and hunt for vintage treasures and tackle painting projects on the weekends. What about you? What is calling to you right now – colors, textures, materials, mood, activities?

I will be back later this afternoon with Bixby’s monthly photo, so until then, have the loveliest day! xo Laura

(images: find sources within post above)

What a peaceful bedroom (from this home), and so cozy! I want to sink my feet into those slippers and then fling myself onto that bed and never get up! I think this is a great look, with light floors, white walls, a textured rug and layered bedding in solids, stripes, and a botanical print. Smoky grays, chocolate, café au lait, and milk moustache white make for a rich and calming setting.

This living room looks like such a fun place to hang out, don’t you agree? I love the poufs pulled up to the coffee table, sheepskin over the back of the sofa, and silver lanterns clustered on a corner table. The red tones in the rug warm everything up and the artfully askew vintage accessories give the room a more casual, lived-in, bohemian feel.

Oh, be still my heart! Open shelving, white subway tile, industrial lighting, black cabinets? Check, check, check and check! A few aged wood crates, glass jars with grains and pantry staples showing through, and a bit of greenery are the perfect accents. (From this home)

We may not all be able to have giant bathtubs in rooms flooded with natural light (!) but what about adding a few hammam style towels in deep smoky gray, a wood tree stump stool, and a small potted plant? I love it. Noted in the living room: extra frames and art propped against the wall behind the armchair, succulents and a sculptural branch add visual interest, and a sheep pillow adds a note of humor. (From here again)

This reminded me instantly of Tina, and her family’s new home in Copenhagen which has an attic space and white floors. A bit of a challenge, design-wise, but I know she is up for it! Go Tina! I think there is nothing more comforting than a private little space like this, tucked into the eaves, just books and blankets and tea, sigh.

And finally, this is so inspiring to me – not because I would want to replicate it exactly, but because it is so playful. I mean, why not hang antlers, postcards and beads on your wall and use stacks of old crates to house your books? Sometimes we take things so seriously! On days like this, when it seems that magazines from afar are so, so much better than what’s available here, it makes me think I’d like to do a magazine swap. Have any of you tried this? Interested? : )

Have a lovely day, my dears! When I see you again it will be Friday! xo Laura

(all images: Skona Hem)

In the article, Heather discusses the differences between warm and cool whites, and has many excellent recommendations for specific paint colors. You’ll have to see the issue for all of the details, including the sources for the gorgeous paint colors shown above – this is meant to be a teaser, so please go read the full issue on your own, you won’t regret it!

One more article I loved in this issue came from Tina Fussell, another of my favorite people! It was so nice getting to peek into Tina’s home in Copenhagen. She really knows how to use white as a base to build your decorating around, and I always always love seeing what she is up to. : ) If I’ve tempted you enough, you can pick up your own print copy or digital edition to read online right here.

(images: Gatherings Magazine)

Today I just had to share this home tour, found in the brand-new issue of Rue Magazine, because it is exactly my cup of tea. There are many styles out there that I love (probably too many for my own good, ha ha). But when I peeked into graphic designer/photographer Danielle Moss’s apartment, my heart lifted – I want my home to feel more like this! Has that ever happened to you? And of course the photography is just brilliant, as it always is in Rue. : ) The story was shot by Stoffer Photography and I was able to pull a few extra images to share in this post (not featured in the magazine) from Danielle’s lovely blog, Breakfast at Toast.

One of the most striking things to me in Danielle’s home is the tightly edited color palette: pale grays and natural fibers, crisp black and white, and accents in gold and warm peachy pink. This is so key, especially if you live in a smaller space. I know that compared to our older apartments (hello, shoebox! hello, railroad car!) our first house is much bigger – but still, under 1,000 square feet feels pretty tight for two adults and a wild and crazy toddler! Anything I can do to create a sense of peace, calm, and spaciousness would be wonderful.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about which accent colors to bring in to my mostly white living space, and I am leaning towards pink. Pink makes me so happy! Just a little, though. I like pinks that are a little “off”, like the warm coral-pink of Danielle’s bed pillow, or a deep, natural looking raspberry. I think either would pop nicely against our bitter chocolate sofa.

You can see the full article + interview in the January issue of Rue Magazine, and be sure to also visit Danielle on her blog and check out her design work on her website. I hope you enjoyed the tour as much as I did! xo Laura

(all images: home of Danielle Moss, shot by Stoffer Photography for Rue Magazine)

I always fall head over heels when I see pink rugs in other people’s homes, like this fine example above in Kate Challis and Andrew Hollo’s home, featured on Design Sponge this week. And then of course there is Nicole’s zig zag rug, which I’ve coveted for ages. I prefer my pink in deep raspberry and crisply patterned; when used correctly it really makes the room, don’t you think? Here are a few more that have caught my eye:

1. Madeline Weinrib | 2. Madeline Weinrib | 3. Trina Turk Zig Zag Rug | 4. Strawberry Stripe Rug | 5. Hot Pink Versa | 6. Amy Butler Caracas Rug | 7. Madeline Weinrib | 8. Calypso Home 9. Serena & Lily

You will notice that many of the rugs above (including the one in the Design Sponge home tour) are from Madeline Weinrib Atelier – not cheap! But so, so pretty. What do you think? Are you partial to pink? Would a pink rug be totally awesome or too loud? I’d love to have you weigh in below! xo Laura

(images: linked to sources above)

And I was so very pleased when it led me to this absolutely lovely shop:

Dunlin is a beautifully curated shop based in Sydney, stocking everything from household basics to furnishings. Each little thing has an elegant simplicity that would work in literally any home, I think.

Dunlin is owned by Nicholas Barber and Alexandra Bond, two designers who source many of their products from small lines in New York, Palm Springs, and London. A selection like this has been difficult to access in Australia until now, so this is great news for my Aussie friends and readers! : )

And speaking of Pinterest, are you using it yet? If you need an invite, let me know and I will email you one! If you are using Pinterest you can follow me if you like. xo Laura

(images: Dunlin)

Above is Julie and Moulay’s courtyard…I mean honestly, can you believe it? Gorgeous, right? The tiles, the hanging woven lanterns, plants, pink walls, all of it. I want to move in!

Inside, you will find the kind of saturated color that is done so well in Morocco – richly hued walls and intricate tile floors in every room, and the couple’s eclectic mix of antiques and pieces of their own design throughout.

The children’s rooms are so inspiring, don’t you think? It seems like the sort of home where creativity of all sorts would thrive. You can see more of the home tour on the Milk site (it’s in French), and shop for Julie and Moulay’s amazing line of products through their shop Zid Zid Kids.

(all images: Milk Magazine)

1. Souk Rug | 2. Andalusia Dhurrie | 3. Greige Flora Crocheted Rug | 4. Zigzag Rug | 5. Moroccan Trellis Rug | 6. Hexagonal Tile Print Dhurrie | 7. Bark/Smoke Feather Rug | 8. Flokati Diamonds Rug | 9. Ikat Links Rug | 10. Bogart Flat-Weave Wool Rug

Most of the rugs above are quite affordable – which I realize is a relative statement, but many of those you see above are well under $1000 even in the large sizes, so shop away! Do you have a favorite from the choices above? What would you vote for in my living room, which is mostly white: a neutral rug like one of these (with hits of color in pillows + accessories) or would you lean towards using the rug as the main color statement? I would love to hear your opinion! xo Laura