Dreaming of Bed Linens

For as long I can recall, I have insisted on having bed linens that are fluffy and plush.  In my mind luxurious bedding had to be cloud-like and down filled.

This picture isn't the best example because the duvet looks incredibly wrinkled and flat, but at it's best, this duvet fits the bill.

And then there is this bed at the house in Bodega Bay, which is dream-like.  To me a good night's sleep is directly related to how much down a bed contains.  But recently some beds that I have seen are changing my mind.

What's not to love about this beautiful bed?  There is no down in sight, yet it looks so comfortable.

I think I would be very comfortable in this bed as well.

What draws me to these beds is how simple, yet refined they all look.  Any one of these styles would be very pleasing.

And even though this bed has a lot of fluffy pillows on it, it still seems to be missing the fluffy duvet at the foot of the bed.  I love how the blanket gently drapes across the bed.  It looks like the perfect place to curl up with a good book on a Sunday afternoon.

Then there is the topic of dust mites.  Since most down comforters can't be easily laundered, maybe I don't want fluffy and plush at all.

Yesterday, in the process of removing some of the less desirable furniture pieces from my house, I discovered just how disgusting my $10 drafting table really was.  When I found this beauty at the local salvage yard I was very excited.  At the time I desperately needed a drafting table, and the price was unbeatable.

Over the course of the past year I put this table to good use.  It was perfect for my Landscape Architecture projects and could handle just about any task I threw at it.  While it was not beautiful it served a purpose, and did I mention the price?  What's not to love?

How about all the gum that had been stuck under it for years by careless Junior High students.  One look  at all the gum and I knew that this little desk would not be making the move with me.  Out to the curb it went and I am now without desk.

Photo by Simon Upton, House Beautiful. 

I think that this little desk would fill the void.  It looks old, but something tells me that I won't find dried gum under this beauty.  I think that working at this desk would be a pleasure, and best of all, it wouldn't have to be hidden out of sight.

On the Outside Looking In

    I really enjoy going for a walk.  There is always so much to see and think about, and no matter how many times I may walk down the same street, I am able to spot something that I hadn't noticed before.  I am intrigued by the creative ways that the occupants are able to create a look that makes their house unique from those surrounding it.  I love that even in an urban setting, where the entire block of houses may be architecturally similar, some exteriors really stand out.  On a trip to Boston earlier this year I took some pictures of my favorite examples.  The following images are from that walk.

When I am looking at these lovely exteriors, I find myself wondering if the interiors are as beautiful as they look from the street.

Lounging

One of my favorite activities is to read design magazines.  I can't think of many things that are as relaxing as curling up in a comfortable chair with a stack of publications and leisurely looking through them.  The following pictures are a few of my favorite places to do this.

I have to admit that this lovely white chair is my absolute favorite.  The amount of sunlight that pours in through the windows is wonderful.

The only problem with such a comfortable spot is that a nap is unavoidable.  

For Duncan the cat, a little snooze in the sun never hurt anyone.

Perhaps we could all learn something from the cat.  All this talk about sleep is making me tired.

An Ocean of Inspiration

I love neutral palettes.  At the same time I want to make sure that color is incorporated into the space.  This jar of shells and sea glass provides the perfect combination of colors to take a cue from.  There is a variety of colors, but they all blend so comfortably together.

I think this photo highlights the collection very nicely.  I love how the light green glass looks against the shells.  I believe that it is the soft green that emphasizes the delicate colors in the surrounding shells.

These three garden stools remind me of the shell collection.  They would be a welcome addition to any room with a pale palette.

If you look at this abalone shell, you will also notice that there are multiple pale colors in it.  I am amazed by how many colors are packed into such a small shell.

If I were to choose this jar of shells and glass as my inspiration for a color palette, I wouldn't hesitate to add this chair from Wisteria.

 I think that either one of these fantastic lamps would look right at home with the chair.

And while I am dreaming of ways to create a room from a shell collection, I might as well give myself an inspired view.

For the time being though, the jar of inspiration is all I have.  Luckily I never get tired of what I see!

Wishing You A Merry Christmas

I Love This Room

    This morning, while I was browsing the images at Apartment Therapy, I happened upon this room.  I absolutely love it.  Frequently I would be critical of a design that has wall paper and matching fabric, but this room is perfect.  I think what I like about it the most is that the wallpaper and fabric combine my two favorite colors.  I love how the blue is the predominant color while there are splashes of red throughout.  I so wish that this were my room.