Bunk Rooms

It is summer and families are gathering for summer fun - not that they don't gather all year, but summer makes me think of camps, gathering and -meandering thoughts here - those delightful bunk bed rooms. Here are a few of my favorites:

Now, I ask you - can you hear the whispers in the night? Mom calling out to turn out the light and the last giggles which are a little scary and full of the promise of a happy day tomorrow? Happy days to all of you - climb into your bunk and nestle down.

so simple ...

Something beautiful is often the most simple thing as evidenced by this display at Bliss:

This eye catching display is made of hand cut vellum butterflies attached with tacky glue. I watched this process for several hours from the flat in the box stage through the glued and upside down all over and during the final placement. This is simple and beautiful ... as is all Bliss.

Checking It Out

One of the pleasures of the High Point Market held every fall and spring in High Point, N.C. is the see what everyone else is going in the world of design. There is the pleasure of visiting with ones vendors, seeing what is new, fresh, popular and well, just what is going on in the design world.

There are certain shops I also revisit to enjoy their outlook.... this blog features one of the best. As you will notice, the rooms tend to follow a color scheme and there is a mis of old and new, serious and just plain fun - including color matched jelly beans. Enjoy.

If the lampshade fits ...

Lampshades can be frustrating. Many come with the lamps or are purchased  at a "lampshade shop" which probably has generic shades ... and, usually a white or cream shade is the proper answer. Sometimes, breaking those pesky rules can add a lot....

This paper shade is available in several sizes and is beautiful when lit. This is especially nice in a foyer or bathroom where a little dazzle is nice.

A solid color can be a nice change but these are a bit more fun!

Makes me want a happy shade!

Coming Home

Spring is coming - even here is the heart of frozen New England we know it because there are Irish daffodils at the market and maybe even a hyacinth  and colorful bunches of tulips. Soon we will see our lawns and wash the windows. The birds will sing and gardening will begin. Now that the days  are longer and our driveways clear we are looking forward to open windows and spring cleaning - a refluffing of the nest. We will remake home as all creatures rehabilitate in spring.                                      

"When you think about it, much of the hustle and bustle of our daily lives comes down to making our homes. Nothing more and nothing less. When we turn our thoughts to how our houses should feel, we're doing something that our mothers and fathers did, and their parents before them. We are acting on the desire to get home. To a haven, a place to protect ourselves and those we love. A place for sadness and celebration,for despair and love. A place that gives us strength to go out and embrace the world. A place that is its own world.

When we make a home,we honor life and we honor its blessings." (Dominique Brown)

So, all of you in design, in life - welcome reawakening of the world, of our abilities to embrace and love all we have, love and are. I am happy that there are buds - it eases my heart.

Front Door Colors

A fresh coat of paint on your front door is a small and happy making spring project. This group of doors is from the latest issue of Southern Living featuring doors of Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is well known for its Southern charm, private gardens and welcoming entries. Maybe one of these doors will inspire you.

Notice that most of the doors have a planter which compliments the door color and greenery. The lanterns at this door are great.

Blue planters.

I  would add a second lantern.

This green is nice for a warm climate. There is also a very dark green often used on doors and shutters 

called "Charleston Green" which is 50/50 black and green. It first appears to be black but  the

 green is subtle in sunlight.       

A nice clear red is nice also. Legend has it that a red door means your house is paid for.

Just a few more.