tuesday tip: shine a little more light

Lamps are so often paired up, on a set of nightstands, flanking a fireplace, framing a mirror, or on each end of a sofa or sideboard. Design-wise, it's what we expect. And there's no doubt that it works. But when a space offers the opportunity for more light, like over an island, a sink, a table, or a bed, and the designer takes that opportunity by adding three matching lights instead of the standard two, it's surprising and statement-making. Not to mention functional. Shedding more light on the matter is always a good thing.

via design manifest

casa honore

stuart mcintyre

via decorpad

What do you think? Would you do this in your home? Or have you already? 

italia approaches

I finally saw Eat Pray Love this weekend, and it has me craving another read of the book (which, as usual, was much, much better). I want to dig back into Elizabeth's Gilbert's funny, sad, honest mind and live with her through the confusion, the fear, the discovery, the hope. But as for the movie, it was of course visually beautiful and satisfying, and the Italy scenes definitely had me wanting to fast forward three weeks to my trip. For a little of this:

And a little of that:

And while I'm there I wouldn't mind channeling the style and confidence of this woman.

{images via newstribune.com and plush palate}

friday food

Happy Friday, all! If you're looking for something to do this weekend, might I recommend a little time in the kitchen? Any time I spend creating something is time I love—and time creating something wonderful to eat and share is no exception. Last night, I made this and it was absolutely delicious.

It's a peach blueberry galette, recipe from Tartelette, the beautiful, scrumptious blog of French transplant and former pastry chef Helen Dujardin. Her incredible recipes are worth trying, her lifestyle is worth emulating, and her food styling and photography will have you drooling.

Ditto for my other new addiction: Nicole Franzen's blog La Buena Vida. Absolutely stunning photography, excellent recipes with simple fresh ingredients, and just gorgeous eye candy each and every day.

guest blogging today: visit me at walking around

The fashionable Sarah has invited me to guest post over at her wonderful NY-based blog on food, art, decor, travel and fashion Walking Around today where I'll be sharing my top 5 tips for small kitchens. Come visit!

tuesday tip: baskets up high

Most of us have kitchen cabinetry that's not custom...and that ridiculously leaves a gap of dead space between top of cabinet and ceiling. What to do with this emptiness? Two things I know: 1. This space is not for fake plants. And 2. it is not for teensy, cutesy tchotchkes.

It is, however, a great place for texture and large objects—yup, that makes it perfect for baskets.

domino

house and home

Whether you leave them empty or use them for seasonal storage, they add texture and warmth to balance out all the cool elements like stainless, tile, etc. in a kitchen—and add loads of visual interest too.

the art of modern relaxation

It's rainy and gloomy here in New England this morning—a perfect day to laze in bed with an adorable pup or two to keep you company. Heaven!

photo: Peter Margonelli

But what I really love about this room is how it embodies a modern, relaxed mood.

{what's modern}

1. super-long, low-profile custom headboard

2. wide mats, skinny white frames

{what's relaxed}

1. upholstered headboard

2. quilted shams

3. art leaning, not hung

4. pets on your bed!

skipping out today

...to here. My mind needs a day off. And sun, and white sand, and the sound of surf.

crane beach, ipswich, ma

Back Monday. Happy weekend, everyone!

season of color

Is it because fall is coming? And the season of white and light and pale is coming to a close? I feel like we're starting to be surrounded by more saturated colors—specifically on our walls. Are rooms getting more intense? And sumptuously colorful? Or is it me—and the feeling that autumn is on its way?

 First I was blown away by the vibrant red of Cath Kidston's room in Lonny.

Then Pottery Barn announced their Fall 2010 colors from Benjamin Moore.

newburyport blue

hodley red

hillside green

schooner

jalapeno pepper

firenze

kasbah

spanish red

 Isn't the range of colors here so beautiful? From azure and olive to rich lavender and burgundy, I love them all. West Elm has been feeling fall-like and deep lately too.

So far for September I haven't seen too many saturated paint colors in the shelter mags. Are they still feeling summer? How about you? Are you planning to paint anytime soon?

For more inspiration, and a fun little look at what colors you might live best with, go to House Beautiful's The Ultimate Color Scale to explore whether you are warm, cool, deep, bright, or intense—or if you are like me and adore too many colors, some combination of all of these!

tuesday tip: recipes as art

via style-files

I love the idea of using recipes as art. Food photography can as beautiful as any portrait or landscape or floral. And typography is such interesting wall decor too. You don't need a message board or any kind of frame. Just tear and tape. Artfully arranged recipes become a beautiful display and are functional too, if you decide to follow their culinary inspiration.

peaceful country bedroom

Despite having just had two days off, I feel as if I haven't moment to really relax during any of it. There have been too many errands to run, chores to do, projects to complete, plan tickets to book (okay, it's not all terrible tasks!). But I do wish I could run away to this perfectly serene country bedroom for another two days. And leave laptop and phone behind.

Happy weekend! By the way, this room was designed by the truly amazing Wendi Young. If you have not had a chance to peruse her incredible portfolio I highly recommend you check it out. Each space is more sumptuous than the next!

target's stylish seating

Who knew there were so many stylish seating options at Target? On the hunt for an inexpensive chair for a very small home office, I stumbled across a ton of totally on-trend and super under-budget chairs at target.com. You won't see many of these in stores, but at these prices {all under $299} it's okay to take a chance. {The reviews are positive overall, and my sister actually has one of these in her bedroom—it's fantastic!} Put one in your cart and then give it a colorful happy home in a bedroom, study, guest room, or bathroom. Check out these great fabrics and styles {search for armless chairs under living room for the best selection}:

tuesday tip: something better by the bed

west elm

west elm

house beautiful

domino

Nightstands are practical but so predictable. Why not do something unexpected beside your bed?

guest room inspiration

style at home

I adore this pretty room and think it's such wonderful inspiration for a guest room.

You might have to steal this look. Make it happen with 5 easy pieces and for under $900.

1. winslow bed

2. blythe paisley duvet

3. benjamin moore's vienna green (paint for the chest)

4. teal garden stool

5. framed reproduction bird prints