With Restraint No. 1 - Feathers

I'm adding a new category volume to my blog today. With Restraint.  The blog posts under this category will feature those great things in our home that are great because they are used with restraint. Just enough. Feathers are one of those things that add to in a just enough manner.

The color palette that inspiration from feathers can provide is divine! The saying "tickle your fancy" becomes a feeling when feathers are embraced for their color and their texture. It's hard to walk past an urn of feathers without brushing them with our hands.

This feather tablecloth is amazing.

Feather trims and faux fur...perfect combination!

The illumination of feathers is alluring.

This feather wallpaper from F. Schumacher has so many applications!

Image Sources: F. Schumacher, Pinterest, Paloma 81, Count and Castle, Haldane Martin, Etsy, Resovate, Zsa Zsa Bellegio

Well Dressed Home No. 47 - Pantone 2014 Color of the Year

I will be honest, I always get a bit nervous when the Pantone Color of the Year is announced. It is typically a vibrant one, thus my reserve. I have never featured the introduction on this blog so as not to play any color up as a color of choice. This year is especially challenging, but I've decided to feature the 2014 Color of the Year per Pantone and to highlight how restraint is important when using a "color of the year" or a trend color. 

 The beauty of such a vibrant color such as purple orchid is most appreciated when used with a selective eye.

If this color is one you are attracted to and you want to add to your life, it can be stunning. Stunning in any setting. But please use discretion. Don't use in a way where it appears you are advertising that you are so on trend that you are shouting out the color of the year. 

As with any color we add to our lives, it should be a color we love.

Image Sources: Pinterest, Jaipur, Ralph Lauren, Zsa Zsa Bellagio, Anna French, Elle Decor, All About You

Be Inspired No. 64 - Branch Out

Branch out, literally. Be inspired to bring an organic touch to your home in so many beautiful ways. Both the simplicity and intrigue of the artfulness in which branches twist and turn is fascinating. To be able to appreciate this sculpture in your design project is to be inspired.

Cleverly referred to as a "branchalier", considering this unique light fixture in lieu of a more traditional design could be just the piece that finishes the room design.

Branching out can be adventurously rewarding. But as with all good things, too much of a good thing is just too much. Be selective, find that one branch-inspired piece that speaks to you and let it stand on its own. Control the urge to do more - otherwise you just end up with a forest!

So whether you branch out trunk and all, from the ceiling, as art on the wall, in a vase, at the window, as a banister or as the bed, be inspired!

Branch out!


Image Sources: Freshome, Furnish Burnish, Decorista, Elle Decor, Pinterest, Moss Lounge, Houzz, Sproost Blog, Traditional Home

Well Dressed Home No. 46 - Canopies, Crowns, and Sweet Dreams

The canopy bed is so versatile for any design lifestyle. And contrary to popular belief, it doesn't require a massive room to pull one off. The treatment, or lack of, can either create a wonderful cocoon or a glorious architectural element.  Either way, sweet dreams are practically guaranteed in a canopy bed!

With a creative eye a canopy treatment can be created many ways, as simplistic or as lavishly romantic as you desire. 

Mixing iron and upholstery or a wood canopy with a sheer fabric offer a statement piece of individuality that can take a ordinary bedroom to a dream bedroom.

Once you realize that, after all you can have a canopy bed in your space, the hard part begins. Because there are so many lovely ways to add this to your sanctuary of a room.

You might even start with your existing bed and turn it in to a canopy. Beware you will probably find yourself applying this technique of enhancement in other areas of the bedroom. Like switching out that boring mirror that matches your dresser for a prettier, more interesting one. 

Be inspired to create the haven for sweet dreams you deserve. You've ignored this pampering long enough!

Let operation bedroom transformation begin!

Image Sources: Elle Decor, Traditional Home, Veranda, Houzz, Pinterest, Enchanted Home, Velvet and Linen, House Beautiful, Cote de Texas