Pura Vida!

I am back! Oh... you didn't know I was missing?

Well, I made a semi-regular visit to Costa Rica on business. I was gone for a week and the visit got me thinking and inspired. Costa Rica is an amazingly lush and dare I say charming country. I would say the people are my favorite part because I have made many a lasting friendship, but it is closely followed by the atmosphere. Color abounds whether it is in the flowers, vegetation or in the decor.

Just look at this contrast. A simple design that makes you take notice because of the mix of colbolt blue, white and deep yellow:

Then there is the wood and iron work which abounds due to the colonial influence (there were many more examples of rustic furniture, doors, mouldings, etc.):

Then are also reminders of the tropical paradise that it is. I love the idea of tiered landscapes and this may be a hotel designed arounds turists and not local asthetic- but don't you just want to pick a spot and lounge on one of these grassy landings, regardless?:

My trip was productive. I missed my boys. Yet, I was still able to appreciate the beauty around me.

I hope you have a "Pura Vida" day!

Design Realization

*Hopping in the Way-Back machine*

Some time ago, I posted some organizational inspiration. This is where I ended up...

Is it design genius? Meh. Probably not even close. Will it help our organizational woes, yes indeed!

I actually scaled down this project quite a bit because I moved it to a smaller wall space. I planned on having a calendar and some art on a broad wall- but it turned into a mail and message station in a tight area (there is a door on the left that swings towards this wall). The mail is no longer on the table and that suits me just fine.

Bed Head

Keeping in the bedroom theme of the last post , is my bedroom design conundrum. About two years ago, I bought a very nice bedroom set. I was really excited to be buying "big girl" furniture. I shopped for months and finally found something I loved because of the design and quality.

However, it kind of stopped there. I found out I was going to be a mommy and then there has been the whole raising a new baby thing for the last year. I love my furniture, but my room design is lacking (har har).

This is my bed (not my bedding though). My wall color in my bedroom is a soft green and since green is my favorite color, I think I will leave it that way.

My bedding is cream colored with stylized ocean items like seaweed and shells embroidered in the same color making it monochromatic but with some texture.

I have a matching dresser, gentleman's chest and end tables. There were several options for the endtables in the furniture collection. I chose this one because it was functional yet airy with open space for the wall color to show through:



Oh- those end tables. I have been searching for lamps to grace their surface for just about as long as I have had the furniture. I know I want an off white or cream shade in a clean style like a barrel or modern taper. I think a brushed nickel base would work with the furniture's hardware and would be neutral. Here's the sticking point- I would prefer my lamps to be unique and have some weight and substance. The only decorative items I have in the room are these oceanic totum things like this:

I may actually have too many. I got them before the furniture. I have two or three then some coordinating candlesticks. Along with my bedding, I guess you could say I have a minimalist ocean/sea theme. So why not go with something like this?:

Though it fits the requirements, I am not entirely sure I want to be so married to a theme with a big-ticket item. My boyfriend would prefer something more traditional:

I am not sure this style has the right amount of "uniqueness" for me. So, my hunt is still on.

... to be continued

Not so long ago in a bedroom, far, far away...

I love your bed.

I know.



Photo Cred





Ahoy there!

I wanted to have a child so one day, I could do something like this.

Come on in!

In the week or so after the party, things have been blissfully relaxed. No obligations, projects or issues to attend to. My boyfriend and I decided to use some of this free time and "window shop" some local home building sites. We are not in the market but we can get ideas and dream till our hearts are content.

One thing we note when looking around are that we like houses with a nice entryway. After all, we DO live in the South (a big porch is practically mandatory) and it is the first thing a person sees when they approach your home. Our current house has a small front porch, but it it pretty lacking in character:

I think we would both like something that has more texture and substance. Personally, I like stone and timber like this but with an actual "porch" with enough room for some chairs:

Photo Credit

Another style we like is what is billed as Craftsman in this area, but could be Arts and Crafts style. Either way, a modern interpretation which could be inspired by either movements. Note the substantial tapered columns and stone work:

Photo Credit

Granted, we could apply either of these styles to our current home, but there is something about the window shopping that makes it fun and dreamy. I can feel the balmy Summer breeze against my cheek right now... ahh, pass the iced tea please.

Just Visiting...

I was recently invited to be a guest blogger on my fun, fashionable and crafty friend's blog.

House of April is a great read and always inspirational! Please take a look around and please share some love and leave a comment.

J'aime la manière que vous écrivez!

Courtesy of Bable Fish ;-)