{console tables}

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Aren't these console table displays just gorgeous? I'm dying to find a place for one in our home, but am at a loss with no real wall space. Plus we've got those annoying baseboard heaters that make it so nothing can be flush with the wall.... so for now I'm filing these under "someday"!

bed.

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I'd love to crawl into that bed every night.

More nursery inspiration

 Loving these rustic accents, including barn doors, deer sheeets and more re-claimed wood. I'm leaning toward a "Rustic Route 66" theme, and I'll explain the route 66 part later!


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First image Source: bohobedlove.tumblr.com via Channing on Pinterest

Second Image Source: frenchbydesign.blogspot.com via Sumati on Pinterest



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Renovations!

We closed on our house Wednesday night, and Bran started demo last night. It went from being all put together and move-in ready to a mess! But it's a good thing! He's already torn out the two closets we wanted to get rid of in the living room, and is working on tearing out that wall that makes the kitchen a galley tonight. By tomorrow our living room, dining room, and kitchen should all be one big open space and I can't wait to see it!

Due to the amount of concrete dust and nastiness in the house while they're demoing, I won't have many during pictures (I've been doing my best to stay away - gotta keep myself healthy for this little guy!) but I'm going to try and have Bran snap some tomorrow. Of course we don't have any before photos because we're lame and forgot to take them. But we'll definitely have durings and afters.

In the meantime, check out this beautiful mudroom. It's my current inspiration for the addition off our kitchen:

Isn't that door incredible! And I love the built-in bench. We could totally do this in that room, and I think it would really add to the function of the room. I guess I should let Bran finish with the current renovation first though, huh?

eat.

Here's some of my latest kitchen inspiration... Galley-be-gone! I'm seeing open shelves, a nice u-shape and a dining area.

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: inspirationfordecoration.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: kitchen-interiors-design-ideas.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: sarahrichardsondesign.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: traditionalhome.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Gallery wall...

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We have a big blank wall above our couch in the living room that's been dying for some attention, so I've been browsing the interwebs for gallery wall inspiration. My favorite so far is this post from Design Scouting. I'll try to post before and after pictures once we get everything hung!

lighten up

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On a dreary day like today I can't help but dream about having a kitchen like this.  From it's white subway tile to those gorgeous floors... I'm swooning. 

pretty packages

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I love the detail that went into wrapping these gifts! I might like gift wrapping more than gift-getting. It's so much fun! 

These arctic animal wrapping papers are a new favorite. I love the colors! 

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d*s house tour

{all images via}

I know, I know - I'm supposed to be furiously working on my holiday budget. But that's boring, and Emma's having a hard day, and since she's sleeping now I'm giving myself a break! Plus this house tour from design*sponge is too cute not to share. Enjoy!

They built the headboard themselves. I love it!

The house came with this tree house already built. How cool is that?

I am so envious of this beautiful platform bed, built-in by the previous owner. 

New Favorite

{from West Elm, via}

This photo is seriously making me want to give my bedroom a big makeover. I'm thinking wood floors, architectural detailing on the wall, a new bedspread and lots of white. Yes, please!

oh, hi there!

{via house beautiful}

Ok so I've had a hard time getting back to the blog after our little vacation last weekend. But here I am! In an effort to stir up some inspiration in myself, here are some of my favorite things of the moment:

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This makes me want an iphone {via}

Jonathan Adler ornaments... adorable! I'm thinking I might get one for Emmaline.

whew!

Hey folks! Sorry for missing my normal "party inspiration" Wednesday post yesterday. It was a hectic day that started out happy as I was busy celebrating my dad's win, turned scary when Karen, the amazing mother-in-law I've mentioned on here before, was in a head-on collision, turned happy again when we spent the evening at my in-laws celebrating my sister-in-law's birthday. (Karen is doing well - no broken bones, just bruising.)

It was a bit of a day! But I'm back today with lots of great stuff for you, starting with these awesome prints. I want one for my bathroom - it needs a facelift!

{via here, buy them here}

good things

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The new issue of Covet Garden is out! See the goodness here.

They always do a little product roundup at the end of an issue, and this month's was the best one yet. I was especially happy that they brought these to my attention:

Puffin is celebrating their 70th anniversary with limited editions of some great books. This one is beautiful, and I want this one on my bookshelf.

Did you know moleskine made an ipad cover? They have one for the iphone, too.

Can you believe it's November already? It'll be Christmas before we know it!

I want this laundry room

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Absolutely loving this drawing by Garance Dore.

Edit: A friend pointed out that it looks a little bit like me. If it does, I'm flattered.
Do you agree or say no way? 

yes, please.

It's only appropriate that on my little master bedroom inspiration day I would come across my favorite bedroom renovation to date. Don't worry - I'm getting my room clean. I'm just looking at inspiration photos between loads of laundry and vacuuming! But seriously, how gorgeous is this room:

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The folks over at Rambling Renovators just finished this gorgeous renovation. I love everything about it. The overhead light, the sconces, the (high and wide!) curtains. Even their throw pillows! The whole thing is just beautiful. I want a bedroom that makes me happy like this one does! Do you love your bedroom, or are you in need of a renovation like me?

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My bedroom is currently a mess, so this is me promising myself to clean it today. I love the way my room feels when the bed is made and everything is put away! Now if I could just keep it that way....

Also, I just noticed how high they hung the curtains in the above photo. My husband and I disagree on curtain placement - I say the higher the better, but he would love it if we drilled right into the window trim. I let him have his way in our bedroom and the living room, placing the rods just above the window, but in Emma's room the curtains are tall, wide, and wonderful.  What do you think? Where do you hang your curtain rods?

bold interiors

{via elle decor}

{via elle decor}

{via decor pad}

{via decor pad}

What do you think of these bold lacquered walls? I think the second photo is my favorite (the eclectic office with all the frames on the wall). Could you relax with all of those reflections?

JK Place, Florence

I had the opportunity to travel to Italy a few years ago, and am now severely dismayed that while staying there I missed this beautiful hotel. We stayed in a dump while in Florence (as in, they played Akon over the speaker system and something had died in the a/c unit of the room my Mom and I shared). It was sad. And now thanks to Lonny, I find out that I could have been staying here! Sigh... I suppose that means I have to go back. It looks as though JK Place is a treat from the moment you arrive until you step out the door.  Here are some photos to entice you...

One of the several lounges. They don't have a formal restaurant because there are so many wonderful places to eat in Florence.

They encourage guests to eat breakfast and lunch (which are included with every room) in their dining rooms so they can mingle with other guests.

This is the Master Suite, just one of the 20 beautifully decorated bedrooms available.

This bathroom makes up the second floor of the Penthouse. Its large window offers a panoramic view of the Duomo.

I could spend an afternoon on this veranda!

{all images via lonny magazine}

I could go on and on about this hotel! But I'll spare you, and instead direct you to their site, where you must read the descriptions of their room packages (one includes a trip to a local market with a gourmet chef!). Put in a random date and tell it to check accommodations. It will give you a list of rooms and packages. 

Ciao!