I Want it to Look Like This...

Back from a weekend at the beach. We were there to watch my son, Matt, play baseball, but there was plenty of time to pour through magazines and daydream about what la maison might look like. I'm still trying to find pictures that evoke the feeling that I want my home to have, so...

I love the neutral colors and interesting textures in these rooms...

and the calm, elegant, sophisticated...yet simple decor....

I could definitely work at this desk...

and I can see Matt living happily in this masculine room...

I think I'm starting to get a feel for what it will look like....

Until tomorrow...

Fashion Break

 I'm taking a break today from talk about home-building...and talking a little about fashion. If you've followed the Fall collections in Paris, you know there have been some spectacular shows. My favorite by far was the Louis Vuitton show. I'm long past my runway days, but this is the type of show I loved to walk in...full of drama and mystery...but mainly full of stunning clothes.

 The coats and bags were so rich and elegant...

 The shoes were feminine and lovely...

 And to top it off, the amazing Kate Moss walked in a beautiful, sheer, embroidered dress that almost floated...

 This coat was one of my favorites, along with the ones that had touches of sparkle at the bottom....

 This dress was amazing...the shawl collar was so striking...

 I'm not a pantsuit girl, but this would make me change my mind...

 And my favorite piece....This jacket is so perfect!

Marc Jacobs has outdone himself. This collection makes me wish for a little more winter....ok, maybe not, but it is all about what fall/winter clothes should be...

Off to Hilton Head and Savannah for my son's baseball tournament this weekend. I'm taking my camera along and hoping to come back with some home ideas...

Until Monday...

Knock...Knock

I've never given much thought to door knobs. Just a way to open a door, right? But lately I'm obsessed with doors and door knobs and handles.

They seem to add so much character...

Can you imagine this on the door to the office or study or library?...

I like the look of substantial and aged...

But this verdigris and bronze...oh my...

What do you think? Have you seen any you love? Let me know...

Until tomorrow...

So the architect says "Think about lighting". And so you pour through magazines and books looking for ideas. And you realize that there are so many different types of lighting to choose...

There's the exterior lighting, which can make a house look beautiful at night...

Then there are the lovely chandeliers and drop fixtures that can be so creative and artistic..

and then there are the unique pieces that you notice in someones house, or in a picture, that make all the difference...

Good lighting can make a beautiful home even more beautiful...and functional. The challenge is to create the right mix of subtle and creative. I'll keep looking. Any ideas??

(Check out the lovely chandeliers from the home of Rose Unlacke in the New York Times magazine...stunning. (http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/02/17/t-magazine/17well-rose.html)

Until tomorrow...

 

 

Sunday Inspirations....

How do I want my home to feel?

And maybe a little of this...

and finally...

It's kind of like putting a puzzle together. Adding ideas and then editing ideas...Until tomorrow....

Going to the Chapel...

I received so many great ideas from yesterday's post on doors. Thanks especially to Cathy who sent me several pictures from her collection of french doors. The wonderful thing about the blogosphere is the great feedback and wonderful ideas people are willing to share.


This morning I had an idea that I ran by Tony, fully expecting him to veto...but I think he kind of liked the idea, too. A few years ago, on a work trip to France, we stayed at a beautiful chateau near LeMans. Not only were the grounds lovely, but they included a small chapel. Ever since, I've always thought that was such a wonderful thing...to actually have a lovely space to go and pray. I can imagine it being a place to rest and meditate, read...maybe renew vows? Maybe a place for grandkids to get married?

I'm loving the idea...It seems an appropriate idea during Lent....I'd love to know if you've seen any...

Until tomorrow....

"Be an opener of doors." Emerson

Ever since we have started designing the house, I have been obsessed with front doors, or La Porte d'Entree in french. For some reason, this has become a focal point for me, and I am determined to find the perfect one for our home.

Whenever we have traveled in France, I have marveled at the beauty of doors , whether on extravagant chateaux in the countryside, or simple cafes or shops in Paris. They all seem to have a richness...whether by color or detail.

If you follow the tenants of feng shui, then you know that the front door is the "mouth of the chi" in your home, or in other words, where the energy flows in. Accordingly, you should use this door frequently to let the good energy flow in.

The color of the doors makes a huge impact. Red is supposed to bring in high energy. It also carries a lot of symbolism, from a sign of a safe house during slavery days, to other religious connotations.

I've followed the building process of Vicki Archer at her home in Provence (www.vickiarcher.com) and I love the doors on the cover of her book:

I even like the "pop" of these yellow doors...

I pointed out this lovely purple door to Tony the other day, but he quickly vetoed the idea....but I still think it might be a possibility. Think of this door with a field of lavender surrounding...

I'll keep searching for the perfect door. It has to be substantial, rich in color and welcoming...any ideas? Let me know..

Until tomorrow...