Stings Like A Bee

Hopefully this summer the only thing you will get stung by are these black + yellow rooms!

Finding Inspiration

I have this thing for design boards. Must have started from back in the days of design school. I found it to be the most creative part in putting a project together: flipping thru magazines for pictures, cutting up tear sheets, finding great fabric swatches, paint chips, etc. So much fun! (Then came the dreaded presentation - even though I hated getting up in front of the class - I loved seeing my classmates design boards and listening to them explain the thought process.) Still today, I am, of course, pulling together boards for each and everyone of my projects. No longer in design school so the opportunity to view other design boards isn't as convenient, but FlickR has a group dedicated especially to inspiration boards. Call it what you will: inspiration boards, concept boards, mood boards, design boards - many creative people in all aspects of design feature their inspirations in some sort of format.

This board is by bubbo-tubbo for Decor8.

Mood board by Daily Inspiration.

By Petrified in Pink.

By mel829.

By Acorn Tree.

By Paulabirdy.

By kelly_rose.

I couldn't feature all the many boards here so if you are ever looking to find inspiration, check out FlickR!

The W* House

Wallpaper* magazine has just launched a great new tool for browsing resources called "The W* House." You can browse by room or products. Definitely yet another great tool when on the hunt! Check it out!

A Book CAN Change It's Cover

An associate of Kelly Wearstler sent me an email this past week with the newly shot cover for her upcoming book "Hue" after seeing the blog post I had written last month featuring the original cover (below). I was happy to feature the new book cover - which I like a lot more!

Which cover do you prefer?

Step by Step

Stairs, like people, come in all shapes & sizes and can be "dressed" in many ways:

These dramatically wide steps taper off to a more narrow staircase. The border of the runner creates a pathway.

Very graphic railing and I love the black and white contrast.

Knock Knock

Doors. Let's face it, we all go thru them day in and day out. Whether it be the front door, the back door, the office door, the closet door, or even the revolving door (for good or bad). A door is like "hello" - it's the first impression one makes. Why not make it the right impression?

I love this door (both doors!) - it's so clean and bright and I love the paneling on the front door with the single digit and the door hardware.

Bunker Up/Bunker Down

I never had a bunk bed growing up, nor did my brother, cousins, or friends...I find the idea intriguing but always feared the stability of them. However, having a customized or built-in bunk bed made - structurally sound is peace of mind. Bunk beds are certainly a great space saver and as many of these pictures depict - stylish, thematic, traditional, modern - very creative and inspiring!

Such a great idea - this appears to be a "great room" that includes bunk beds - whether for guests, a reading nook, or an extra room for kids to sleep - this sure is a multi-purpose room that is well coordinated.

American Spirit

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

On Neutral Ground

{Inspiring rooms that are neutral, natural, and monochromatic.}