How about holiday in a charming English country estate

Well, maybe not this year, but getting a glimpse inside these gorgeously decorated homes for rent is still a treat.

The "Treverra House" in Cornwall, is one of my favorite for rent by Perfect Stays.

I like the sparse, neutral way the house is decorated.  I think it makes it easier to relax and unwind.

What do you think of the harlequin armoire?

happiness is a warm bath

I think the image above is from a different property they manage - isn't it charming?

The view is so gorgeous and the room so light-filled.  If I lived here, I would probably end up bringing my laptop and papers to the table and work from there...

You can see pictures of all of their properties on the Perfect Stays site.

via Perfect Stays

Two awesome shows back-to-back tonight! Design Star and awesome HGTV new-comers the Novogratz!

So - I have a confession to make - I don't really watch much HGTV, but that's only because I don't really watch much TV.   I'm not a TV person, and it is really hard for me to commit to a tv-watching schedule. Luckily, we just got DVR, and two new shows have caught my fancy. One is this season of "Design Star" (I hadn't heard of the show until this season), and the first two episodes I loved, and the other is "Home by Novogratz." I know of the Novogratz via Six by Design and their awesome book, "Downtown Chic" - which I reviewed here.

So when I heard they had a new show airing on HGTV I figured I'd give it a shot, and I really like it so far. The duo's solutions are great for people who love to try DIY projects, shop at flea markets, and find it really important that their home reflects them, not the most recent issue of the top-of-the-line home and interiors glossy.

I have for you a sneak peak at what you'll catch on tonight's "Home by Novogratz," where the couple livens up a rather dull family beach condo into a colorful and whimsical get-away. What's really exciting about tonight is the Novogratz are also guest starring on "Design Star" and then their new episode airs directly after that! So be sure to have the tube on HGTV at 9 for "Design Star", and/or 10 for "Home by Novogratz"

These images below are from their first episode, where the Novogratz team created this awesome surfer-girl home for two sisters.

You can read more about the show on HGTV.

A gorgeous coastal cottage

It has been so dreary and chilly - I'm chomping at the bit for summer. What would be even nicer is to have a lovely cottage on the beach like this one - a little break from the hustle and bustle. What's your ideal escape home?












via KML Designs

A coastal retreat form this harsh winter

I'm definitely experiencing cabin fever being cooped up in the house for 7 days now. Luckily I have a big stack of design mags to get through. I found this tropical gem in the February issue of Coastal Living, and thought maybe you guys could use some eye candy as well. This property is on a small Grenadines island called Bequia.


The neighborhood is called "moonhole" because of this arch, from which one can see the moon set twice a year.
Images above via Coastal Living Feb. 2010 issue


The two homes on the property
image via Burke House






I'd love to be able to sleep with the windows open

Coastal Living Feb. 2010 issue






images via Burke House


I could spend all day out here
Coastal Living Feb. 2010 issue

You can actually stay at one of these houses on your next vaca! Go to Burke House or Tranquility Villa to see/read more!

Two Waterfront Retreats

I am in need of some solace - big time. I've been dealing with a series of stressful situations which even have me considering picking up and moving to a new city. A waterfront retreat with no demands on my time, surrounded by nature and quiet, sounds like a dream.

Would you chose the lake front retreat?...






...or the beach retreat?





via Wish

Peaceful, calming shots from a renowned interior photographer

Let the work of Annie Schlechter help you get over hump day. She sure did help me. This week is stressful because I'm leaving tomorrow for Florida and have a lot to get out the door before I leave. Her pictures help me try and imagine a simpler, less-fuss life. Ohh..one day maybe. Which photo helps you stress less?



I'm not a good cook at all, but I like the ritual of cooking in the evening. It forces you to slow down a little.




You probably recognize this photo from the late Domino.







An artist's dream! A studio not left wanting...





Ah...a perfectly organized closet


A well stocked home library is my idea of heaven

Okay, so is this house...I will have dreams about this house.

This is the photo that first caught my attention. What a beautiful blue. It immediately made me think of my beloved blue merle aussie, Cody. :(

all images property of Annie Schlechter