A fresh spin on Christmas decor...

I was so excited when I saw photos of this home for the first time. It's so fresh and coastal, but somehow still manages to be festive and feels like Christmas.The home is a barefoot style cottage in Florida.

The chair was a flea market find, now reupholstered in a modern coral print.

I didn't know there were fireplaces in Florida...

Okay - I love this banquette. It's custom made in faux-ostrich vinyl that's super kid-friendly

Woolen stockings didn't scream beach cottage, so the kids used buckets in lieu of stockings

If you can, use accents from your own backyard.  They don't look like everyone else's decorations, and they're free. This owner took cuttings of pine from her own property. Don't have property? Take a walk in a park and see if there are any fallen pine cones you can gather.

I adore how she did up her stairs with mercury glass candle holders and jumbo pine cones.

The bedroom color palette is so serene.

Does this home still feel holiday spirited to you?

via Southern Living December 2011

my favorite images from my favorite blogs...

Happy Friday! Time to relax and enjoy a little eye candy. Presented in no specific order from some of my favorite blogs...


some beachy beauties from Completely Coastal...

oh my...to have that beach so close by...

The four below are from Providence Ltd. Design

so cool

fabulous kitchen.  who knew a kitchen could be so luxe?

The last three are from my friend Liz's blog(s) Chomp Chow Chew, and Special Delivery.  She's a fellow RISD illustration department grad.

I love visiting with her and her boyfriend because I know that, aside from catching up, I'm in for some great meals.  They always know the best restaurants and markets.

 Liz has an amazing color sense.  Isn't her palette a work of art in itself?

 mm....Real ramen...

My most recent obsession: beautiful bedrooms!

 you had me at coffee in bed...

 gorgeous color scheme

 I love the above bedroom - it's beautiful and considered, but still so liveable.  Whatever this style is called- I'd say it's mine.

 simple and classic beauty

 beach cottage beauty

 amazing wall treatment

This bedroom started with the headboard and grew around it.

Which is your fav?

1. Pinterest
2. Pinterest
3. Pinterest
4. Pinterest
5. Pinterest
6. Pinterest
7. High Gloss
8., 9. Country Living