hooray for color!

Love the color and pattern surprises here (Convoy). When in doubt, start with white...

bathroom of the week

A delightful-sustainable project by Michaela Scherrer. Check out this close-up....tire mirrors!

on the market: the gate lodge

Well, goodbye everyone! I'm moving to this English cottage. Not really, but I wish. It's like something out of a fairy tale: A late 18th-century restored property with thatched roof, elm floors, Gothic windows, and breathtaking vistas. It's located at Hogbens Hill in the village of Selling with in-town railway service to London and Paris. Oh, and it also has a separate slate roof garden studio with an additional bedroom and bath.

See more of this perfect little space, listed by James Best-Shaw, at Strutt and Parker. For further inspiration, check out one of my favorite design books, English Country Interiors: Inside Cotswold Homes.

an attic space

A cool, country attic space with a nice milk paint look (The Architecture Blog).

bathroom of the week

Subway tile awesomeness from Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

the smithy

The c. 1800s Smithy House started its life as a blacksmith shop; since then it's been many things including a Gulf station and television repair shop. The restored home is in Schoharie County, NY, and shares a beautiful landscape with a creek and one-room schoolhouse. Homeowner Jesse James, of design "think tank" Aesthetic Movement, brought the cottage to life with clean lines and a reverence for its past.

Have you fallen in love? Don't despair--this property is for sale. See more photos and inquire here (via The Diversion Project). Note: Furnishings and accessories may also be purchased!

a farmhouse workspace

I love this corner--especially the slipcovered chair which adds a softness to the space. Such a nice blend of neutrals! See the rest of this Holland farmhouse here.

chocolate inspiration

I once knew someone (a design magazine editor, actually) who took a chocolate candy bar to the paint store to color match it. The result was yummy: her deep (but not too dark) brown bedroom walls were artsy and comforting at the same time. This cupcake brings to mind a fresh color combination of chocolate and parchment with white trim and a pop of green.

Click below for the cucpake recipe and to see more from Honey & Jam:

Chocolate Buttermilk Cupcakes with Mint-Infused Whipped Cream

{Find the fun striped straws-in nine colors including red & white-at Sweet Lulu}

virtual antiquing, part 2

More finds from my browsing trip to 1st Dibs! Top to bottom: c. 1820 settee from Kocian DePasqua; Old Imari bowl from David Reed Weatherford; Late 19th-century sconces from Michael Donaldson Antiques; c. 1950 bicycle with rattan baskets from Foley & Cox; c. 1900 Khotan rug from Nazmiyal Collection.

virtual antiquing, part 1

Here are a few finds from today's virtual antiquing trip to 1st Dibs. Check back tomorrow for more great finds in part 2 of my online browsing report!

Top to bottom: c. 1950 tole lamp from Spurgeon-Lewis Antiques; late 19th-century tribal rug from Nazmiyal Collection; late 19th-century English bamboo lift-top writing desk from Coco House & Company; pair of suzani and linen pillows from Susan Wheeler Home; English Regency-era arm chair from Blithewold Home.

roost

Here's a peak at the Birmingham, Alabama, home of Caitlan (aka Coco) who produces the delightful blog Roost. See more of her wonderful home and get the recipe for the Alabama Peach and Blackberry Cobbler--pictured above--here. Find the fun red post box here.

isn't it romantic?

Romantic dinner party inspiration....flowers, vines, and breezy curtains in a simple space (photo: Yan Photo for Snippet & Ink).

ready for cozy

The age-old cycle: When it was cold, I couldn't wait for summer. Now, in this blistering heat, I'm ready for cozy winter nights...exactly what this photo brings to mind (copper stew pots and stacked firewood). And I love those doors--better than a wall as you can close off the space or open it up (The Design Traveller).

bathroom of the week: future project?

While house hunting this past weekend, my husband and I visited a great old house that was truly a blank slate. It was painted soft cream and white throughout. Of course I couldn't keep my imagination from getting to work on redesigning the powder room (love of design or  inability to focus on the task at hand?)! See the current bath below (already a great space). Supposing an imaginary-unlimited budget, I might start with these elements. Thinking more realistically? I'd start with dove gray paint above the wainscot; add in some colorful, vintage linen fingertip towels; and, eventually, change out the flooring.

Shown above: Washstand, Urban Archaeology; Astier De Villatte candle, Barneys; Savon de Marseille olive oil soap, Amazon; Monogram for guest towel, Embroidery Arts; Carrara marble hexagon floor tile, The Builder Depot; Cabebe shell dish (as soap dish), Jayson Home & Garden.

floral friday

Colorful, bountiful flowers to inspire you this Friday.

Above: Frolic; A Country Farmhouse. Below: Poppies & Posies.

jennifer causey

It's easy to feel inspired by photographer Jennifer Causey's captivating images. Find more inspiration and contact her here; visit her blog here.

{More}

Visit Causey's delightful foodie blog, Simply Breakfast.

Buy prints at her shop.

ruby red design studio

Wouldn't these charming notecards look great framed in a kitchen? The foldover cards feature early 20th-century images flat printed on eco-friendly paper; they come in sets of six with kraft paper envelopes. Find them (along with nautical-themed cards and fun calendars) at Ruby Red Design Studio.

chaise love

So relaxing! A pair of slipcovered chaises makes for a great sofa alternative. Unframed paintings create a headboard look in this carefree space.

Looking for more painted floors images? Try my previous posts here and here and here...and here!