Be Inspired No. 57 - When the Cocktail Table is the Art(work)

I'm inspired by the possibilities that exist when one allows the selection of a cocktail table to be like choosing artwork for the room.  So many possibilities!

What a refreshing approach to a making a "necessary" into a "find"!  Do you realize the delight when you open your mind to this concept of inspiration?  What a story added to a room's design!

It's almost like exploring the weekly flavors board at your local ice cream shop on a hot summer's day!  You know, when you and your partners in crime all choose a different flavor with the intent of tasting each others dairy delights.  Yes, you have figured out a way to have your ice cream and eat it too!

Inspiring to look at the cocktail table in this new light gives new meaning to Albert Einstein's quote, "creativity is intelligence having fun."

Image Sources:  Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Houzz, Elle Decor, A Thoughtful Eye, Design-Crisis, Restoration Hardware, Rue

Paper Obsessed No. 11 - Wax Seals

One of the reasons I am paper obsessed, besides a stationary fetish, are wax seals.  The seal itself is a piece of art and the sealing process is a lost art in communication.

This amazing work of art is a French Was Seal from the Napoleon III era, circa early 1800's.  It is called a wax seal "etui", French for "case".  The stamp itself is beautiful, but the wonderful surprise when one opens the end of the seal, are 14 double sided stamps that are interchangeable with the head of the seal!

I'm even loving the simplicity of this ring of wax.

Okay, here is where my obsession grabs hold.  Don't you think

this French window resembles a wax seal?

Nuggets of art!

Wax seals, Vellum and twine are a combination of beauty.

A wax seal ring, a bee of course!

If this doesn't make you want to write some wonderful notes to friends, try chocolate!

You are an explorer with stories to tell!

Image Sources:  Etsy, Latte Lisa, Artfire, Pinterest, Plum and Posey, SD Wedding Style

When it Could be a Don't No. 4 - No Guts, No Glory

Guts. Who says it has to be two matching sofas flanking

a fireplace?

No guts, no glory!  These room images prove that is you obey the "rules" you could miss out on a spectacular room for your home. Design rules are for sissies!

Guts.  Who says the pair of chairs and the ottoman have 

to match?

Guts. Who says a marble top is reserved for

fine cabinetry?

Guts. Who says rustic architecture means no

formality?

Guts. Who says a hide rug is reserved for a casual room?

Image Sources:  Objects in Space, Katie Did, Zsa Zsa Bellagio

House Crush No. 5 - The Best of Both Worlds

I have come to the conclusion that mixing and juxtaposition are the only solutions for a well-designed room for me.  My lifestyle is that have a treasure hunter, a discoverer, a story seeker and an adventurer so mixing all these elements into my home are only natural.

This house crush is in admiration of this mix done well.

Loving the formality of the mirrored chest against the

antler light fixture and rustic walls.

The mix of a soft color palette and delicate lighting 

against the rustic architecture is splendid.

Stunning!

Wide hallways are a favorite of mine for sure.

Yes, this house crush if the best of both worlds!

Image Sources:  Colorado Homes & Lifestyles

Gift Giving No. 5 - Gift Wrapping Inspiration

From me to you!  Just in time to replenish your gift wrapping supplies or give inspiration for using up some odds and ends that are just so lovely but what to do with them.

You know those narrow scraps of beautiful paper you have stockpiling up?

Create an accent band around solid colored paper.

I am loving the purse-wrap and the silhouette on faux bois paper is fantastic.

It's all about the brooch and ribbon.

Beautiful for those upcoming Fall weddings.

What a difference some ribbon and paper flowers makes!

It's not just a brown bag anymore.

Au natural for any occasion.

Ingenious!

Brown wrapping paper, twine, buttons, and a trip 

to the copy center with some great passages.

Another reason to dig in that button box.

Brooches, brooches, brooches!

Theme wrap personalized.

More brown-bagging it.

Trader Joe bag turned inside out and some great stamps.

And you know how much I love cool gift tags!  Check out the vintage photo gift tags in the image above, what a blast.  

Image Sources:  La Parisienne, Pinterest, Zsa Zsa Bellagio, Paper Cave, Tumbler, Destination Design