Inspiration Thursday: Kitchen Design

My Mom is currently remodeling her kitchen. I have been helping her a little along the way, but recently we discovered that we really do not share the same taste when it comes to design. Which is fine, because I would rather her choose things she likes so she will Love her kitchen, which when it comes down to it, that is really the most important thing.

All of this kitchen talk has got me thinking about what my dream kitchen would look like if I owned my own house and had a little cash to spare.

Here are some of the kitchen designs I am currently loving...

In conclusion my dream kitchen would include, concrete countertops, subway tile, hardwood floors, simple cabinetry, rustic lighting, simple wood designer bar stools, and banquete seating.

What would your dream kitchen include?

Inspiration Thursday: The "Tie" Chair

In lou of Cinco de Mayo, I thought it would be fun to take Inspiration from Mexican design. I Love the simplistic design of The "Tie" chair by Mexican designer Moisés Hernández. The narrow leather straps were aesthetically designed to mimic a tie, or suspenders. 


It truly amazes me how beautiful and timeless designs can be when they are kept simple. This piece has definitely inspired me to de-clutter my home and consider more simplistic decor and furniture for my home. 


Photo Credit: Espacio Blanco.

Fabric Gift Wrap

Fabric wrapping seems to be the new up-and-coming way to add a special touch to gift giving! 

I started doing a little fabric wrapping about a year ago, not because I thought it was cute, but because I almost always have scrap pieces laying around the house and thought it was a great way to save a little money. 

It wasn't until recently that I discovered this idea really is genius! Not only is it super cute, using fabric can also be very eco-friendly! The fabric wrappings can be used as bandannas (photo shown below) or can be tucked away and re-used for future gift wrapping (because it doesn't wrinkle and tear like regular wrapping paper).  

Here are some of my favorite photos and tutorials for fabric gift wrap...

DIY Fabric Gift Wrap Tutorials...

Poppytalk

Chewing The Cud -1

Chewing The Cud -2

Giverslog

Dujour

Plus, A Great Place to Buy...

Chewing The Cud

Photo Credit 1. Ohjoyblogs, 2. Martha Stewart, 3. dujour, 4.Giverslog 5.The Haystack Needle via Handmade weddings 6 & 7. Chewing The Cud, 8.Poppytalk via Arounna of Bookhou 9. Chewing The Cud, 10. Chewing The Cud.

Inspiration Thursday: Living Small

Is your home feeling a bit cramped these days?

Well, mine is.
Our current rental home has got adequate square footage for 2 adults and 1 baby, but the lack of storage space, missing garage, and tiny kitchen makes things a little chaotic sometimes.

With that in mind, I am on a mission...
a mission to find inspiration for creative space planning and home organization.

Good news I found some...

How creative right? And the best part about it is when the day is over, you can simply slide in the chair and close the doors (perfect for hiding messes)!

Although this idea is genius, my biggest problem area is the kitchen...whats yours?

This brilliant home office idea was spotted on Say Yes to Hoboken via Country Living.

Inspiration Thursday: Out Of The Box

I have a thing for ultra modern "out of the box" architecture and design. I find it quite fascinating but can't decide if its a look I could pull off in my own home. This house called "Never Never Land," was designed by Madrid-based architect Andrés Jacque. This home is not only unique for its architecture and design, it has many sustainable features as well. For example, no trees were cut down to build this home. As you can see, the trees were actually incorporated into the house.   

This home may be a little too "out there" for some of you. But, you can still take inspiration from it's individual design features. 


For example... 
1. Don't be afraid to use your favorite colors (like the turquoise and green used here), and paint your whole house with them!
2. Forget the window coverings and flood your space with natural light. Its amazing how a glimpse of nature can change your mood and brighten your day.
3. Keep it simple. Although this home has many contemporary furniture pieces and a bold color pallet, it's not overcrowded with "stuff" making it a more calming environment. 
4. Bring natural elements into your home (like the trees incorporated into the kitchen area). You may not be able to use the same concept as this home, but you can take inspiration from it by using re-claimed wood for interior columns, light fixtures, or bed frames, There are so many possibilities! 


Fore more photos visit House of Turquoise and The New York Times.

oh so charming...

Isn't this little outdoor table setting just charming? 

I love how the various colors, fabrics, and textures work together to create a perfect spring party setting. My favorite part is the mason jar glasses filled with pink lemonade and the colorful straws add a subtle whimsical touch, perfect for a spring garden party.

When planning decor for birthday parties, baby showers, or lunch-in's, it's important to remember to have fun with your designs! 

Try mixing different patterned fabrics and adding fun quirky touches, like colorful straws, fabric wrapped party favors, or handmade triangle banners (all shown below). The key to good design is simply to have the final product be eye catching and pleasing to look at, don't worry too much about everything being 'matchy-matchy!'

Nicole over at a little sussy took these amazing photos for an ACME Party Box photo shoot. I hope they will give you a few ideas for any upcoming parties or special events you may be having.  

Head on over to, A Little Sussy and ACME Party Box to view more photos!

Balloons

I just had to share these gorgeous pictures, which I found via Pinterest! 

I love the artistic style, and location of the photos. The models outfits are super fun and chic too (especially the top one)!

Hope your having a good weekend!

Photo Credit: photo1- via, Photo2- via

Inspiration Thursday: Easter Table Decor

Egg cups have become my new favorite Easter obsession. They have such a simple yet charming design and as I have discovered, can have many more uses then just holding hard boiled eggs. My mom sent me these egg cups last week, I can't wait to use them for my easter table setting!

Here are some creative ideas on how to use eggcups that will hopefully inspire you!

Ps. I found the history of egg cups pretty facinating! Did you know...

The earliest record of eggcup was found in 3 A.D. in the ruins of the city of Pompeii. 
The eggcup was not used again until the Elizabethan period of the 1600’s. During this time, the ruling classes of England would often eat their eggs in silver eggcups. Since it was fashionable for commoners to mimic the styles of the aristocracy, many English families began eating hard boiled eggs in wooden eggcups. (via) 


Photo Credit: 1,2,&6 Martha Stewart, 3&5. Better Homes & Gardens, 4. Southern Living

Inspiration Thursday: A pop of color

Using dramatic colors in a space can be a little tricky and scary to attempt. But, its nice to know that you don't have to design a whole space with bright overpowering colors to make a statement. Sometimes, using bold accents like furniture pieces, art work, and area rugs can give just the right "Pop" of color to add plenty of interest and character to a space.

I stumbled across this photo the other day and it has definitely inspired me not be afraid to go bold. The color and style of the sofa makes such a dramatic statement. Yet, the overall look is simple and chic. The rustic pendant lighting is also fabulous. I love how it hangs a little offset from the sofa. I just wish I could find more pictures so I could see the whole space!  

Photo credit: doityouself.com

Inspiration Thursday : Natures color pallet

Choosing a color pallet can sometimes be the most difficult decision when designing a space. I will usually look through books and magazines for inspiration. Yet, I sometimes fail to notice the natural color pallet right in front of me.

This photo was taken from a blossoming tree branch in my backyard, I love the soft pink and champagne hues, both sophisticated and chic. Perfect for a little girls bedroom, perhaps?

Anyway, you get the point right? Next time your in need of a color pallet don't forget to look out your window, you may just be surprised at what you find!

Get Inspired Thursday : Spring

Spring is in the air, and that means those gorgeous colors that somehow got lost through the winter season are coming back! With the weather starting to turn around, I have been thinking a lot about outdoor spaces and wishing that I had some outdoor furniture to enjoy or use for entertaining. Good thing garage sale season is starting, hopefully I can find some!

Here are some charming outdoor spaces and lovely table settings, that will hopefully get you inspired to start re-decorating for spring!

Photo Credit: Top begbicycles 1&2 decor8, 3,4,&5 housebeautiful, 6 westelm, 7. lanaloustyle, 8 housebeautiful, 9 decor8

Get Inspired Thursday!

I often find that gathering inspiration from things like photos, fabrics, magazines, knick-knacks, and art work is the best place to start when trying to design a space. I often look through books, magazines, and of course blogs to collect pictures and ideas of things that I love. That way, when I'm trying to select a color pallet or need a decor idea for one of my stark white walls, I have a starting point or a look that I would like to re-create.

So in honor of this concept I would like present "Get Inspired Thursday" where I will be posted my favorite inspirational finds for the week!

Charming Baby Nursery...

This week I stumbled across the most amazing nursery I have ever seen over at Lay Baby Lay. It makes me want to re-do my little man's nursery entirely! This oh so charming room was designed for a girl, but with a few accessory changes (mainly switching out the pink for blue or green) I think it could work perfectly for a boy too.

Photos by laybabylay.com

Wall Decor: Chalkboard Walls

Looking for an inventive wall decor idea? These chalk board walls are amazing! I mean how awesome would it be to simply jot down recipes on your kitchen wall and have it look like art? I absolutely love Anthropologie's chalk board headboard, and am considering trying to create my own...if only I could move the rather large window that currently sits directly above my bed.

After seeing these ideas I immediately wanted to go buy a bucket of chalk board paint and get to work. But unfortunately, we are currently living in a rental (the job my husband is on should only last about a year so we didn't want to get stuck trying to sell a house in this market). So for now I will be improvising...look forward to seeing some sort of chalk board project soon!

Photos: 1&2 Anthropologie, 3 Knack, 4 Apartment Therapy, 5 Elle Decor,  6 home-designing.com, 7 Wicker House.