Style Inspiration-Utilitarian Chic

*images from FFFFound.com, JJJJound.com, and Lookbook.nu

European Design Inspiration & Quote of the week

(Here are a few shots I took at a home store in Paris. I just love these. )

The very air in which you live is an inspiration.

William Henry Moody

Take me here.

If I had all the money in the world. I would be somewhere like this. All of these amazing buildings get me daydreaming...one day.

All images from: http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/architecture/

Wooly Pockets!

I saw these awesome flower pot alternatives on a design show a while back and was reminded of them by a friend yesterday. I just love them. They are so modern and eco friendly! I am moving to a new place in a few weeks and I definitely want one of these Wooly Pockets to add to my decor! Check em out! http://woollypocket.com/

Zen in the midst of chaos

*all images from design sponge

Sometimes life feels like a series of chaotic events that crash into each other, well at least that's how my life feels. In the midst of this chaos I find some "zen" at home. There is something so calming about a place that is mine. My home design style is eclectic, I like everything from modern to shabby chic. It changes with my mood, but the one design aesthetic I always incorporate into my suurounding is Asian design. I like to keep pictures of my travels to Asia, of temples and statues. I also love hand carved wood pieces from China and Thailand and handmade tea sets and sculptures. There is something about the Asian culture that I have always connected with. I love the images above, because they are all great examples of bringing an ancient Asian element into a modern lifestyle.

To add some Zen to your life, try these items:

Provencial Perfection

Last night my mom and I went to the book store to buy travel guides for Paris and the South of France so we could start planning our French vacation. We spent the evening daydreaming of flea markets, patisseries, and museums. I even practiced my French, which my mom did not hesitate to point out, is atrocious.

All the talk about France had me feeling the whole Provencal vibe, so here is an inspiration board to bring the South of France to you.

To achieve this look try these pieces:

Industrial Delux

I love modern interiors, but I am always afraid that in executing a modern look it may come off too cold and stark. I love these inspirations from Design Sponge. They all have an industrial quality that is made richer with lux accessories and hints of natural materials and warm tones. This is a great way to approach thrift store and craigslist finds like these:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/fud/1616031534.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/fuo/1611284127.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/fud/1616685381.html

White Hot

For my home, I love to collect white trinkets: milk glass, ceramic vases, etc. I love all the white home accessories and furniture that are out right now. White is the perfect way to add modern and romantic touches to a home. I particularly love the contrast of a collection of crisp white vases against a dark painted wall. Here is an inspiration board with some examples of how to do white right for the home. Click on the images below to purchase some affordable options to accomplish this look.