Change of Heart?

It is hard for me to get away from white bedding but this bed could change my tune...This picture is from the same article, I included it because the side chairs are in one of my favorite Schumacher fabrics...be looking for it in the future...
Images Kelly Keiser Better Homes and Gardens.

Morning Snack

Maybe this wall could keep my brain a little less scattered....Image This Old House Magazine

INSPIRATION: THE BLUE HOUR

PROPS: I dont know how many times I have spoken on the topic of light. It is truly the most inspirational and challenging thing my mind tackles on a day to day basis. I am constantly trying to capture it myself in my own travels and such, sometimes I come close to getting the idea across, but most times I have to rely on the memory, which I have learned can be just as rewarding and makes it somewhat more special as something just for me. When I stumble upon photos like the ones above, I'm humbled. Who knows if this other blogger Brian, (coincidence) who lives in London has the same ideas about light, or maybe he doesn't think twice about it. I guess it doesn't matter, he got me to look, he got me to keep looking and it made me smile. Right now in Seattle, were having some of the most beautiful twilight hours each night, the colors that I have been seeing...well they're just stunning. Moving. Seeing. Building a library in my brain in hopes that I'll see it in something else down the road. THE BLUE HOUR

Spring Purchase

My friend Samantha had these on the other week and I immediately knew I "needed" them. So this weekend I made my first(ish) Spring purchase...They are comfortable and I believe money well spent. Plus, with every purchase Toms donates a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

Available here: Toms Kenya Stripe

C-C-Changes In The Office

For the past few years I have run Marianne Strong Interiors out of our house. It has been a love/hate relationship. In some ways it is great to work from home. I know Harry (dog) approves. In other ways it is really hard- loss of a room in the house and never escaping work completely. As business grew I definitely outgrew the space, the temporary fix has been my "second office" also known as storage unit for samples, furniture, etc. Until now. I have been looking for space on and off for a while now but when you are busy the task easily moves to the back burner. However, the arrival of new family member on the horizon means it is time to step up the search. I will keep you in the loop, I have not found space yet, but when I do here are some images serving as inspiration...Of course I will need a big inspiration board. By no means a new or novel idea but I use mine all the time.
Maybe a whole wall? More is more right? I told Harry if I moved out his mug would be prominent above my desk, he doesn't seem to think that is a good deal in the least.
I put this picture in because I like it visually. I can tell you honestly that my office has never looked this organized a day in its life.
The decorator who I started with always had white offices, I really do think this is the way to go for a work office in this field. I need some color though so that is why this picture is here, to show that a little can go a long way...
How to organize the fabric swatches...that is the question isn't it? I find when I meet other decorators/designers this topic always comes up and no one has found a perfect way yet...
Yes, yes, yes....
Natural light is a must (and apparently hard to find in my budget range). Something like this what I am talking about; I will bet you a million dollars though this in not what I will find. Any takers? Anyone? I could use some extra moolah these days!
One of the best examples of what I have in mind is Suzanne Kasler's Atlanta offices. I am dying for a tour...
More to come as the search continues...

Images 1-5 Elle Decor, 6 & 7 House Beautiful, 8 Metropolitan Home, 9 & 10 Altanta Homes & Lifestyles

Quiet Time

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Week In Review

Headboards ready to go to a client's lake house...
I really enjoy all size projects but there is something about from-the-ground-up jobs that is so satisfying. I love to see the progress and it is always exciting when walls go up. This was taken Thursday and it was such a gorgeous day, I love being outside on days like this one.
Oh we have been waiting for you, thank you for finally arriving...
This is going to make a little girl very happy, or at least her room very happy...(the mirror is not from Home Goods, just in case you are looking at the bag in the background)
Glimpse of a custom lantern...
Not for a client, which means I had someone else in mind. Someone who needs to be saving money for other things that aren't planters. Why am I so drawn to anything with lions?
Looking at stone for a custom table...
Where does the time go? I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Because One Day I Will Have A Fabulous Bathroom...

One day...Images House to Home

INSPIRATION: 3.23.2011

I am moving (just up the hill a ways) but yes. moving. Here is the theme, I think.

The Best Mirrors

First I would like to say thank you for all your sweet comments and e-mails, y'all are the best! I swear I have posted about Made Goods before but when I went back to look I could not find it. I almost hate to post these pictures because they really, really, really don't do these mirrors any justice. In person they are STUNNING.
Most of them are made from really unique materials, like this one is actually faux shagreen leather.
And the greek key pattern in this one is actually hand beaded on aged velvet...
And who doesn't love a good Louis? While they do have the classic version, this one is actually finished with an overlay of eggshells....
Next time I see them in person I will be sure to get some pictures to really show how exquisite these mirrors are.
So many more amazing mirrors along with furniture and lighting available @ Made Goods.