miniature grand house

Do you ever come across something so remarkable on the web and think to yourself, "this person is amazing!" That's exactly how I felt when I found the Merriman Park blog. This blog is the story of a man who set out, as a novice, to create a something of his very own inspired by historic miniatures. Look at his fantastic handiwork:

Photos by and from Merriman Park

inside & out

Did you know that Pottery Barn has a blog? And it is actually cute? Don't get me wrong, they're definitely selling their products but some of them are great and the blog has some lovely visual styling.

Whatever your plans are for New Years, wishing you all the best in health and happiness.

martha visits the elms

I know I've talked about how much I enjoy Newport; happy memories there. At any rate, did you see that Martha did a great photo tour of the Elms recently? Do you read Martha's blog?

unpainted inspiration

One of my favorite blogs is Belclaire House. I find myself pinning nearly everything Jennifer posts! This is a perfect example, I just love this classic and clean sitting room by Knight Carr & Company.

Source: belclairehouse.blogspot.com via Ann on Pinterest

the blues

This color is just perfection in Holly's new mudroom.

Source: hgoeslightly.blogspot.com via Ann on Pinterest

diy mirror by the lettered cottage

This DIY mirror by the Lettered Cottage is just amazing. And have you seen their e-magazine? Very coastal and breezy, perfect for this time of year. They're so talented! I really like this mirror because while it is cost effective, you can enlarge a small rental visually by making this to any dimensions you like.

Source: theletteredcottage.net via Ann on Pinterest

I've been working on a couple odd DIY's here and there (not nearly this elaborate!) I'll have to share soon.

shopping

Like a lot of bloggers, I'll be window shopping Little Augury's exciting OKL sale!

more magnolias

Lately I've been loving the work of Kari Herer since she was shared by Joy at Oh Joy! This is my favorite; still unsure of where I would put it though.

boys room

Cote de Texas is a blog I've been reading for ages. And with the arrival of another nephew this week, I have been admiring the recent Houston real estate listing that had just so many adorable, simple boys rooms. And the last one is from another home but I thought they incorporated such a unique bunk bed so well without looking saccharine. So glad she shared!

Source: cotedetexas.blogspot.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: cotedetexas.blogspot.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: cotedetexas.blogspot.com via Ann on Pinterest

for the girls

I read a lot of blogs throughout my day and one of my favorites is Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper. Recently I saw this touching post where they are looking for one preteen/teen girl to whom Phoebe Howard will offer a bedroom makeover. They're looking for someone special and deserving and if you can think of that someone, please check it out.

This would also be a good time to tell you that I am going to be their newest team member (don't worry, I'm not paid - just there to learn) and I'm quite excited about this opportunity!

resolutions

Ah, the post-holidays clean-up. This time of year always sparks a million resolutions for the next and chief among them - get organized. Especially as I haphazardly toss the ornaments into a bin and pray they make it to the next year. For a little inspiration, Jen Jones literally has me trying to keep up with the Joneses as I believe her house is the most organized ever.

Yes, even her freezer is organized. I know.

decoupage on the walls

My jaw dropped when I saw the wall-covering done by Daniela at Aesthetic Oiseau. How perfect for a rental as I hear these homemade starch-glue "decoupaged" fabrics can be easily removed before moving day. So here is the before:

And the gorgeous after:

Images belong to Aesthetic Oiseau

cooks in the kitchen

I'm a big fan of hobbyist blogs, probably because I am one of them. An old friend, with a razor wit, has started a kitchen blog. I hope you'll check it out, she's a real life food writer in NYC so she really knows her stuff: What You Need In Your Kitchen. And me? I'll leave the cooking to the cooks.

unpainted inspiration

There is nothing quite like a good real estate listing for a peek into home living. I am loving the unpainted design of this Swedish listing via Full House. She just keeps finding great inspiration!

Also loving Aerin Lauder's ski house bedroom from Vogue

unpainted inspiration

I found these inspiring photos of white walls from Nuevo Estilo via an old favorite of blogs, Full House. Proof positive that high design is possible without paint.

ornamental passions

I've been reading shelter blogs for a long time, although I'm relatively new to writing myself. One thing that has always struck me as somewhat peculiar is that I enjoy seeing a variety of tastes in the bloggers out there. I grew up in a very modern interior as I distinctly remember my father's Wassily chairs as a young child. Wonderful for imagining yourself as a mermaid in a net, see...

Available at DWR

Personally, I tend to be more attracted to classical furnishings, techniques and antiques however, perhaps because of the way my parents lived, I understand the appeal of modern interiors. My mother had a Le Corbusier chair that was a perfect little reading nest in that cubic shape. I still remember hanging my feet over the arms. So even though I would personally rather live in a period house museum, I "get" other styles.

The point of all this is that among the blogs I read, some bloggers truly are very modern in their tastes while others are what I could call "strictly classical" and seem to be after my own heart. One of the more classical blogs, which is just a visual treat, is Ornamental Passions. The author, Chris, is a journalist in the UK who profiles beautiful decorative facades and the stories behind them. Here is a peek at his photos, mind you not all of it is very old, but certainly none of it is minimalist.

Photos by Ornamental Passions

Side-note, I've been collecting images of interiors for the past several years. You know, pre-pinterest, so sadly they're not cataloged well with provenance. I hope to start sorting through some for These Walls of White. That will be a feat in and of itself!

roost's roost

I could not help loving the white-walled home of the talented foodies at roost. So charming.

Images are by and from roost.
I love their blog as I follow similar dietary restrictions. But the best part is the sumptuous photography, who knew healthy treats could look so decadent?

unpainted inspiration

One of my favorite organizing blogs is IHeart Organizing. Today, Jen so hit the nail on the head. Check out her nomad-friendly decor inspiration and ideas.

Photos from decorpad and pinterest via IHeart Organizing.

pumpkins at the door

So loving this old fall post by Katy Elliott this morning.

Oddly, Katy was one of my "gateway bloggers" early on. She is an old childhood friend of my husband's family so I've been following her since her first post. My husband even fessed up to bugging her and his older sister incessantly as a boy! I haven't had the joy of meeting her yet since we're all over geographically but I'm so in love with her blog and her beautiful old house. Happy Friday!

my daguerreotype boyfriend

Unrelated to design (or somewhat related) I have to share one of my favorite blogs, My Daguerreotype Boyfriend. After a trying morning where the universe was sending one rude man after another my way; I am reminded that they don't make them like they used to these days.