On the Other Hand...

I actually LOVE these black walls! Of course, you'd have to have just the right room and lots of white for contrast. I would so do it, though. I would.

image from Color Buzz

image from Design Sponge

image from Decor Pad

All-White Bedrooms

I'm a huge fan of white bedding. I always have white bedding. I like how clean and inviting it looks (although I never sit on a made bed). Am I also becoming a fan of all-white rooms? After all of that begging to have every room painted? Perhaps. But, more realistically, I am most likely falling in love with pictures of white rooms and probably wouldn't really want one for myself.

image from Elle Decor

image from Elle Decor

Ahhh, the Accent Chair

They come in every shape, size, color, and pattern. They can be large and substantial or small in a corner. They can change the look and feel of a room with just their presence. It's the accent chair. I prefer a sofa that will last through the trends. Something neutral, something you can change with your mood. But, the accent chair, that can be fun and trendy. The only problem? Accent chairs cost nearly as much as sofas (at least the ones I want)!

Image from Dijeau Poage

image from Design Sponge

Image from Design Sponge

image from Studio Ten 25

Mom's Bathroom

Before I flew out to Utah, I had decided that I would tackle my mom's guest bathroom during my stay. It was about the only room we hadn't touched, and it really needed some TLC. Now, in defense of the bathroom, it's poor walls were last painted by my younger brother who was probably 14 or 15 at the time. The color was rather loud, if you will, so I decided to go for something a little more subtle and calming. I chose my favorite: Restoration Hardware's silver sage for the job. Put your sunglasses on for the before:

before

after

after

I wanted the look to be very streamlined and simple with a bit of whimsy, since it is the bathroom that the grandkids use. I think kids' bathrooms and rooms can still be "kids rooms" without being too themey. (I'm sure that's not a word!) We found the mirror for under $70 and even got a discount for a few minor scratches. My mom already had the frames over the toilet, and I just added some stripes and polka dots for whimsy along with the chair that I added stripes to. I was going to paint it solid green, but I ran out of time (maybe next time). We picked up the hooks for $5 each. I am very happy with the end result. I still need to add a few things here and there, but with limited time and resources, I'm happy for now!

Would you ever?

These floors are absolutely bea-u-ti-ful! But, would you ever dare do that? Maybe in a small space, maybe. On the other hand, it's just paint. If you didn't like it, you could just paint right back over it. Even Nate Berkus himself paints his floors white every few years. He said so himself!

all images from Material Girls

One More Place to Decorate

I love these pictures. Of course, the first one is my favorite. I've never seen such a thing! The stairs are often just looked over, but talk about making a statement! I most likely would not carpet my stairs, because I have bad memories of having to vacuum the stairs as a little girl. I hated that chore!

image from Living Etc.

image from design sponge

image from unknown source

A good book has no ending. -R.D. Cumming

I rarely buy books. I've never had anywhere to put them. Right now, we keep our books in a plastic bin at the bottom of a closet. We have moved so many times, I know they will most likely stay in the box until our next move. I dream of some day having a wonderful loft with floor to ceiling bookshelves and great accent chairs. Until now, however, the books go in the plastic bins.

I do have several books that just can't be put away. I need access to them, or, more likely, I like the way they look. I have some books stacked here and there and a large stack on one of our nightstands. I love the idea of stacking books on the floor. My one-year-old likes that idea, too. She likes it a little too much and would end up knocking it down about 2,394 times a day. So for now, the books will remain off of the floor!

image from Apartment Therapy

image from Apartment Therapy

image from real simple

To. Die. For.

I recently stumbled upon this beauty on 6th Street Design School. I love it! Granted, we will never need a house this large (as if there are people who NEED houses this big), but it's so fun to look at and get ideas from. This house is actually for sale in Provo, Utah. If we only lived there...

The exterior: look at that wonderful symmetry, the tall entry, not overdone on the landscaping (I'm guessing). I'm also guessing there are mountains close. I think I may have seen this place.

Ahh, the entry. Where to start? The staircases, the ceiling, the doors, lights? You get it. I love everything. I love all of the visual interest without being overdone. And, who doesn't love that fabulous clock? I told you: TO. DIE. FOR.

Aerial views of the living room. Amazing. Notice that none of the walls are painted anything but hues of white. The entire pallet is very neutral (floors, rugs, furniture, walls, etc.), yet it is far from boring. In fact, you hardly notice.

Pictures of the family room. Still, a very neutral palate, very calming. I love all of the random but not random pieces in the room! It really makes me want to stay a while just to take it all in! Love it all! This room was done by Alice Lane. I always love their work. If we ever move to Utah, I am definitely stopping by their store--most likely more than once!