Tray Ceilings

I have to admit, I never really got it when I was younger. Why put all that time and effort into something that people might not see. Ah, how times have changed. I really have come to love incorporating the ceiling into an overall design scheme. When we moved into the 1920s house that we currently live in, one of the first things we fell in love with was that every room had a different ceiling. None of them as nice as the one pictured above but nonetheless - it showed such character. Soon after we decided to paint the ceiling of our home office to be a much lighter shade of what was on the walls. It made such a statement. Ditto for the bathroom we just redid. Now the building of a tray ceiling is obviously much more intense that picking a paint color but someday - I will get there. In the meantime, that light fixture is calling my name.

Shoe Envy?

I am not sure what to make of this closet. Half of me loves it and the other half wants someone to call Goodwill. I do know one thing however, I am quite impressed with Jenna Lyon's organizational abilities. As creative director for J.Crew she might know a thing or two. Shoes are color coded and stacked appropriately. Front to back - front to back - front to back. Nice. Flip flops live in piles of 3 or 4, same with sandals and ballet flats. Imagine? And the boots are all happily in their own vertical space. Oddly enough, I don't see any sneakers. And she only has ONE pair of purple heels. So disappointing!

Feeling Gray

Lately I have been obsessed with the color gray. Restoration Hardware recently revamped their look partly by using a slate gray backdrop - I was digging it. But the question is - where to go gray? Our dining room is at the top of my hit list. I think with a little love it might work. In the image above the moulding is popping so nicely off that silvery gray floral wallpaper. (Floral wallpaper. I make an exception here for some reason) And I have always loved the mirrored furniture, am secretly plotting to get some into my daughters room. Pier 1 has the Hayworth collection thats just gorgeous and isn't too pricey. The silver rotary phone however, I can do without.

The Great White Pumpkin

There is something about a white pumpkin...the decorating possibilities are endless (Shown here-fun with a black sharpie). When I see them with all of their imperfections and varieties I feel like buying them up in tens. There are the bluish white ones, the pinkish ones, the grayish...all so beautiful stacked together and only enhanced by their good friend the gourd, who is often found nearby. More to come on him in a later post I'm sure! In writing this I learned that the pumpkin... is actually a fruit. News to me. I am just happy it has a longer shelf life than my organic bananas.

The one and only Martha Stewart was channeling her dark side here with repurposing the pumpkins to have somewhat disturbing personalities while occupying a carnival truck. It's as if the pumpkins themselves are dressed up for the holiday - complete with white face paint and all. Wonderful vignette. If only I had the time Martha.

Heavenly Nursery

How pretty is this nursery? I just love those pom poms, they are available at Michael's note: will have to find a place that needs some in my house! This is the kind of space that can be easily adjusted to your child's growth *great bones* as they say. Dark wood flooring with white walls = blank canvas. The peacock details on the armoire are such a stand out - they really jazz up the space and pull the blues all together. Almost makes me want to have another baby...Almost.