Let There Be Light

I've been married for nine and a half years. During that time, we've lived in six different homes, and by "homes", I mean apartments/condos/houses/townhomes. Every place we've been in, I've tried to make our own, and I've liked most of the places. The one thing I've never had, though, is amazing lights. I want amazing lights. Lighting itself is crucial to the tone of the room. And lights, well, they just make the room. They give the room character. They're like that really great necklace that just makes the outfit. Lights make the room.

image from House to Home

image from House of Turquoise

Image from Florida Modern Furniture

Image from Design Dazzle

Image from Architectural Digest

Defining Spaces: Entries

image from Little Green Notebook

image from House of Turquoise

I love a well-defined entry. It's the first thing one sees when he or she enters your home. It sets the tone for the entire space. A lot of us, however, don't have the luxury of having a formal entry way. That's when you must define the space. Be creative. Think of what you need the space to function as, and go from there. Add a bench, a console, or even a small dresser--something to set things on (then promptly put them away)!

When creating an entry, I do like to provide function. (I know, shocking coming from me.) Here are my must-haves for a great entry: hooks and/or a coat tree; a bench or some type of seating; a shoe basket (the bigger the better); and, of course, a great rug.

A Beautiful Bedroom

images from House of Turquoise

I am in love with this girl's bedroom from House of Turquoise. The shabby chic decor is perfect for a girl of any age as it captures both sophistication and whimsy. My favorite piece? Probably the bed. I also love all of the different shades of turquoise. The palette gives the impression that the room was just put together, a sense of collection and layers over time.Just goes to show, anything goes, and one should never worry about matching exact shades.

Home Libraries

image from Elizabeth Sullivan Designs

image from Home-Designing

image from I Appreciate That

Not Just for the Bedroom

I love these non-traditional daybeds for living spaces. They make the perfect piece for rooms that have more than one sitting area. Basically, if you don't like one conversation, you can just turn around and join a different one!

image from House Wears

image from Decor Pad

image from Apartment Therapy

The Daybed

I remember when daybeds were popular (probably late 80's or early 90's). Of course, I had to have one. Mine was brass with lots of curves and turns. I remember having sleepovers and pulling out the trundle for my buddies. Well folks, they're back, maybe not in brass, but they're back. I am LOVING them!

Image from Ohdeedoh

image from My Home Ideas

image from House of Turquoise

On the Other Hand...

I actually LOVE these black walls! Of course, you'd have to have just the right room and lots of white for contrast. I would so do it, though. I would.

image from Color Buzz

image from Design Sponge

image from Decor Pad