GAME MANIA

I took a quick business trip to Chicago last Friday for my Ace Hardware design expert gig! We filmed a short studio segment. It was fun! I always take the opportunity to catch up on some magazine reading while I am traveling.. Like you, I'm tiring of the frozen tundra that I call home!  I rely on a bit of escapism to lift my spirits. I was thrilled to see in the   March issue of HGTV Magazine ,   an article featuring home owner Natalie Lea's colorful Houston ranch. Natalie worked closely with designer Bailey McCarthy on the project. The overall inspiration of Natalie's home pays tribute to her mother, who passed away of cancer. Natalie's abode brightened my day. I hope it does the same for you. Just look at all the beautiful design details! Natalie's interior designer, Bailey McCarthy, is also the creator of Biscuit Home . - be sure to check her great shop and bedding line out! xx This front door and wall paper are fabulous. I need a front door with so many glass...

It's funny how quickly purple comes and goes, but I'm loving this color moment for Fall and Winter of 2012-2013! Buying a small item like a scarf or a throw is a great way to mix this hot shade into your home/closet!

 I will forever be drawn to this sharp color palette of contrasts! It's wonderfully perfect when thrown off with another color like camel, blue, green, pink, gold..etc. etc.  On a side note: I am DYING to go to Europe soon!! I'm so inspired by their street fashion and how amazing pinterest has been at bringing the images to my home/laptop

So I mentioned this week that my house hunt is officially "ON".  It's pretty exciting actually. I think change is a constant and that is a good thing! I'm not sure where I will land yet but I guess the fun part is that I'll need to get creative either way because I of course have a budget buying this place solo. I looked at one home last week, that is truly a cottage, and I don't mean that in a charming way at the moment. It has wood paneling on the interior, I would change some out but would also need to retain some of it. I think wood paneling looks clean painted a crisp, warm white shade. It may seem obvious, but it just works so well. I also love that you can mix virtually any color with it. I thought this beach home designed by Joel Snayd was sweet. Isn't it? Okay, this is a great beach shower idea and I may just have to use it. I've always wanted an outdoor shower! The open second floor concept is beautiful here as is this little bedroom below wi...

Here's a little visual journey of what I would LOVE my new (yet to be found) home to look like. I know my place won't be perfection when I find it. (my budget alone will dictate that) but when it's done, I def. want to use black and white details on the exterior as a starting point. Wonderful outdoor seating spaces will also be a must! 

NAVY MILLWORK   This shade is perfect! via Betsy Burnham. and if you're not up for painting the millwork navy, paint the shelves behind your millwork navy!

I say playing it safe is a bore, but that's just my opinion. My home isn't crazy but it's def. not safe. I like when I stumble across a design or work with a client that isn't afraid to take a few risks in their home. As I've said before it usually always pays off. I'm not sure I could live with a bright turquoise kitchen (like Veronica's Swanson Beard's pictured here) but the oversized mirror, turquoise dining room, fig trees, deep navy lacquered, and striped den walls are a def. WIN in my book and in this space! Also, how beautiful is her outdoor patio? Amaze! It's dull and rainy here so I needed to be inspired by a dose of dare and color this morning! Take a design or fashion risk today, I dare you!  ;)  These navy walls are perfection!   Images: Harper's Bazaar