Vignette in Bloom

Dreamy Spaces

2009-11-06T13:32:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday everyone! Yesterday was killer at work, so forgive me.

A home should embrace harmony, peace, tranquility. I was strumming through Canadian House & Home and found these truly dreamy living spaces. Can't you just picture yourself floating through these gorgeous spaces?

I picture myself wearing white slippers with a hot cup of tea...

Shifting through this romantic hallway...

Add a little blue and it works too. White accent pieces blend into the other spaces...

Have a lovely weekend. We are off to St. Louis for a little trip...see you all next week. xoxo Karen

Make an Entrance

2009-11-04T14:23:00.002-06:00

Everyone loves a good entrance. If you have a foyer in your home I completely envy you. My home is a little cape code and the front door opens right into the living room.

One day I'll have a foyer and when I do, it may have some fun popping feature in it. I absolutely love these lighting figures in each of these entrances.

Cottage cute!

Dramatic!

images via: House Beautiful

Shimmer!

Chair Amore

2009-11-03T12:53:00.002-06:00

Accent chairs, armchairs, comfy chairs...it's chair amor. Check out these fab finds I came across when researching chairs for my upstairs room. I'm looking for something super cozy.

Maybe not these chairs from House Beautiful, but I sure do appreciate their fun feel...perhaps better for a living space?

I adore these chairs that have been recovered in fun fabrics, all found on Lonny Magazine. However remember, I need something comfy, cozy...

I think this is it! A PB Square Upholstered Armchair. Maybe in a pure white or even a warm honey color. I will keep you posted on what I end up buying.

White Sofa Project

2009-11-02T12:21:00.002-06:00

I love this white sofa project! So many ideas with just one sofa....

I'm really starting to get into the eclectic look these days. Here is a living space I designed that eliminates this feel.

images via: Bayside Sofa, Crate & Barrel; Chunky Cotton Mist Fabric, Williams Sonoma Home; Arbre sconces from Z-Gallerie; Mustard Side Table, MyHomeIdeas

The mist fabric would be idea for an accent chair or curtains. The scones would look stunning behind the sofa. The yellow table would be perfect for a glass of wine or hot cup of tea.

Bring a little eclectic feel to your interiors...it can be fun.

Friday Shopping Trip

2009-10-30T11:38:00.000-05:00

I love antique malls. You never know what you are going to find! There is a great one in Kansas City called the Rivermarket Antique Mall. Sometimes when I have family in town, we rummage through the mall and find all kinds of vintage treasures. Check it out if you are ever in town.

If you are not the rummaging type, there are options to buy antique inspired pieces online. I recently came across Garden House Decor and I simply love items available for sale.

Check out these fun and eclectic lighting fixtures...the chandeliers are my very favorite.

One of my other favorite pieces is this rustic vintage wrought iron piece. This would be a really fascinating headboard. I would use this in my guest bedroom.

I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween weekend! Take a little time to relax (maybe shop online even) with that extra hour we get Saturday night.

Paper Cuts Inspiration

2009-10-29T13:49:00.000-05:00

One of my new favorite indie bands is Paper Cuts. They have such a soft and mysterious sound. Their tranquil album art for Mockingbird inspired me to mock-up a little design of my own.

Soft, sensual, tranquil if I do say so myself...

images via: Presidio Loveseat in Robin Blue & Abstract Leaf Rug, Williams Sonoma Home; Louisiana Tanager, Art.com; Natural Willow Bunch, Crate & Barrel

Listen to "Future Primitive" and other sample tunes on Paper Cut's MySpace Page

Enjoy friends.

Because I Like It

2009-10-28T13:56:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I just pluck pictures because I like them. No theme, just random acts of likeness. Don't worry, it's okay to like random things.

Unexpected surprise...love the wool on the chair, the books, and of course the roses and how they pop.

image via Lonny Magazine

These pillows are just fun. I adore the shape and the pattern. I'll take the roaring fire too.

image via: Nuevo Estilo

Dining in a library, what? That's so different...I like it.

image via: House Beautiful

Kitchen Wall Art

2009-10-27T12:00:00.001-05:00

I went to a friend's house for dinner last week and she had this super fun kitchen utensil holder on her wall. Purely kitchen wall art! She said she found it at Lowes.

I did a little searching and was able to find some unique ones for you to ponder...

My friend had one that looked like this orange one. She got it at Lowes. Obviously you can paint it any color you would like.

image via: Lonny Magazine

Make your own on a wall! Paint it a fun color...so easy.

image via: House to Home

Looking for something a little more elegant? Love this one and it's a perfect alternative to a pot rack that typically hangs on from the ceiling.

image via: Elle Decor

Wallpaper Bloom or Boom?

2009-10-26T08:55:00.001-05:00

Has anyone else been noticing the wallpaper boom lately? Carefully chosen and placed in a space, wallpaper is making a comeback, especially in dressing areas.

I adore these photos from House to Home.

Purple is just perfect.

Charcoal is so sexy.

Powder blue is very sophisticated.

Mod and fun.

Have a Romantic Weekend

2009-10-23T11:33:00.003-05:00

I was strumming through House Beautiful and came across an article on romantic spaces. Here is a collection of some of my very favorites.

Beveled mirrors are absolutely stunning. I've had some luck finding offbeat ones in antique and small town shops. And, I adore this antique dresser.

Such a romantic headboard.

It does not have to be pink to be romantic. Cozy up with your special someone in this dreamy blue bedroom. The sofa in front of the bed is a very popular look these days.

I hope everyone has a delightful weekend! Cheers, Karen

Make It Your Own

2009-10-22T12:19:00.002-05:00

Bookshelves and a unique way to showcase your treasures, photos, and yes of course, books. Check out these fab finds from Lonny Magazine.

This bookshelf appears have some good old stories...

Show off your artful portfolio...

A mix of everything appeals to everyone...

I adore this look...black, white and silver. It would easy to pull of this look by attending garage sales to uncover vintage plates and silverware.

White Sofa Project

2009-10-21T13:12:00.001-05:00

The white sofa project is all about designing a space around one common theme...obviously a white sofa.

I love the radiant reds in this space. The red fabric would be ideal for a accent chair found at a garage sale or pillows for the sofa. The console table can house black and white photos of friends and family.And the lantern is just a wild touch, perfect over the console table.

images via: Bayside Sofa, Crate & Barrel; Lantern, HGTV; Campton Smart Console Table in Desa Ming Red, Pottery Barn; Ava Red Fabric, Ethan Allen; Italian Green Ice Paint, Benjamin Moore

When in Doubt...Paint It

2009-10-20T12:10:00.004-05:00

I adore painted furniture--it is such a clever way to revive finds from garage sales, flee markets, and even the trash! I've restored a few pieces of furniture myself by painting them. It is such an easy and inexpensive way to transform a room.

A great place to get inspiration is the site Leporello. It features furniture designed and painted in the UK. Here are some of the treasures from their collection...

Lucian Colonial Middle Bed painted in Misty White

Lucian Middle Bed with Low Footboard painted in Dove Grey

Two Door Painted Glass Cabinet

Five drawer Classic Painted Chest

One Drawer Painted Chest with Shelf

If you are interested in painting furniture, you have to make sure to sand down the orginial finish, put on a good coat of primer, and then paint. I also recommend using a higher quality paint, such as Benjamin Moore, as it is less likely to chip and peel. Plus, the people working in the store can help provide advice on the type of finish you are seeking for your masterpiece!

Touch of Gold

2009-10-19T12:11:00.000-05:00

I recently had the great pleasure of discovering Kimberly Ayres Interior Design. Kimberly's designs often have touches of golden yellow that truly brighten any space.

Here are some of my favorites from her portfolio...

Classic living room. This space has such a rich, yet comfortable feel. I love the black accent chair that pops among the yellow hues.

I would absolutely love this to be my dining room. The zebra rug is such an unexpected, fun find.

Get ready to dream...

I crave this comfy chair!

A big "thank you" to Kimberly for allowing me to share her beautiful portfolio.

A Fresh Take on Dining

2009-10-18T19:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday. Almost ready for another week of work. But first, sit back and relax and check out these yummy dining and kitchen spaces from Homes and Gardens.

Retro-chic spin...

Where's the beach?

Colorful cooking...

Headboard Bloom

2009-10-17T16:46:00.000-05:00

I am so sorry for 2-day hiatus...work sure beat me up this week. But I'm back with new and fun content. Friends, thanks for sticking with me.

I've been collecting headboard pics for some time now and here are a few of my favorites...they really can pick up a room and make it unique.

images via: Lonny Magazine

Can you believe this is wallpaper? Unreal!

image via: Martha Stewart

Artful piece...

image via: Point Click Home

I'm a sucker for toile...

image via: Anthropologie

Cookie cutter cute...

Low Down

2009-10-14T21:23:00.000-05:00

Feeling a little low tonight. Maybe listen to a little Ray LaMontagne. It reminds me of my good friend Eve which puts a smile on my face.

And maybe I'll sit in a trendy chair while I listen.

image via: Savory Chair in Lentil, Z-Gallerie

Listen to "Trouble" and other soft tunes...

Orange you glad it's fall?

2009-10-13T21:06:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the late post tonight...work is kicking me in the you-know-what this week! However, I was able to check out Martha Stewart briefly today, and came across a great article regarding the use of orange. Who would have thought?

These bedrooms are so fun--I could curl up right now in bed (yes, if I didn't have to work).

And wake up to have your coffee here...

Prrr...soft orange accent chair

This hall reminds me of my homemade pumpkin bread...yummy!

I strong encourage you all to check out the article on Martha Stewart. I hope it inspires you to get in the fall spirit. It worked for me!

Home Office Please

2009-10-12T13:02:00.000-05:00

I would kill to work at home today. It just just a yucky day here in KC and it would be nice to be at home working away with the dog by my side.

The key to a home office is color and even an unexpected style. If the home office is drag, you will not want to work. If it is a fun and inspiring environment, work will be the best thing since sliced bread.

I love these colorful home offices from Point Click Home.

Almost like working at "Mode" magazine...

An unexpected desk and art work to inspire new creations...

A space that would brighten up any gloomy day...love the use of bright and bold colors. The white walls allows these colors to not feel overwhelming, but rather cozy.

Cozy Sunday

2009-10-11T16:49:00.000-05:00

I do not always post on a Sunday, as it is a good day to rest. However, I came across this fascinating remodeled farmhouse in Dwell magazine, and I felt compelled to share.

This farmhouse reminds me of those chilly fall weekends, like the one we are having right now.

The living room has such a cozy feeling. The high ceilings and old fashioned stove generate a sense of warmth and openness. You can just picture yourself curled up on that soft sofa with a good book and a cup of tea.

What a spectacular view.

images via: Dwell. Pictures and Architecture by Chad Everhart

Hope everyone is having a lovely, cozy Sunday.

Music Inspiration Project

2009-10-09T12:43:00.000-05:00

I love listening to indie rock at work. Call me a hipster, I don't care. One of my very favorite bands in Camera Obscura. Their new album is My Maudlin Career and it is a hit.

The album art is a perfect depiction of the song's themes. I love the classic, french feeling it portrays.

Designing a space around this album art was a true adventure. I tried to make the space feel sexy, mysterious, and a little surprising.

images via: Presidio Settee in Tuscan Leather Wild Berry, Williams Sonoma Home; Textured Damask Rug, Williams Sonoma Home; Constaletti table Lamp, Z-Gallery; Feather Mirror, Crate & Barrel

The lighting is sexy, the couch is mysterious, and the rug is surprising (slight velvet feel). This would be ideal of a library or a cozy sitting area. Just pour yourself a glass of red wine and you are there!

Listen to this: French Navy by Camera Obscura

Flowers in Bloom

2009-10-08T20:36:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love fresh flowers in any room. They are essential when a house guest arrives. Beautiful bouquets can be a wonderful focal point in a living space. Check out these prime picks from Martha Stewart...

I just want to pick up this basket of yarn and start knitting...

Take a little break on this big wood bench....

Need I say more?

Bring in the Color

2009-10-07T19:40:00.001-05:00

Sleepy fall days makes us all forget the bright colors of summer. Bring rooms back to life with fresh colors--reds, turquoise, and orange. Check out these fab finds from Canadian House and Home.

Wall WOW...

Pair of poppy bliss...

Unexpected pillow power...I so want these black mirrors and this orange headboard. Gorgeous!

Ahh, I could go to bed right now...

New Baby Annoucement!

2009-10-06T17:33:00.000-05:00

No, not mine! My sister-in-law had a baby last night. Her name is Elanor, or Ellie for short, and she is a super cutie. What better way to celebrate than to go shopping...I just adore Pottery Barn Baby and Babies R Us nurseries...

For the "Hot Pink" mommy...I just love the wall of baby pictures...babies love other babies.

image via: Katie Nursery, Pottery Barn Kids

For the mom who isn't 100% sure it's a girl...or just hates pink!

image via: Peter Rabbit Nursery, Pottery Barn Kids

For the sophisticated mum who likes a raspberries on her sundae...

image via; Rasberry Truffle, Babies R Us

And finally, my favorite. For the ultra-hipster metro mama who wants it all...style, class, and complete props.

image via: Metro in Pink, Babies R Us

So many fantastic options...and so fun for a new baby.

The White Sofa Project

2009-10-05T18:37:00.000-05:00

I adore white sofas as they are so versatile. Check out this Real Simple room...the white sofa is a staple and allows the other colors, especially the lavender, to appear clever and well accepted.

This living space has inspired me to create my own designs with the white sofa as a stable. I hope to do this every week or so...let me know what you think!

images via: Bayside Sofa, Crate & Barrel; Starburst Mirror, Williams-Sonoma Home; Batik Bird and Branches Pattern Fabric, Williams-Sonoma Home; tan curtains, Williams-Sonoma Home

The pillows will pop as the sunburst mirror gleams. So many possibilities when using a blank canvas!

When Feeling a Bit Blah...

2009-10-04T17:21:00.003-05:00

Pick yourself up with a warm soak in a beautiful tub full of bubbles. I am dreaming of dipping into this scrumptious tub right about now (compliments of House Beautiful)

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!

Happy Friday - Wood Appeal

2009-10-02T14:22:00.006-05:00

I was strumming across interiors on Nuevo-Estilo and noticed a theme of wood within many of the spaces.

The wooden cabinets and counter tops make this such a special kitchen. Image a pot rack above the counter and it would be a chef's dream!

The wood floors in this living space truly give the white sofas and gorgeous mirror a more dramatic feel.

A wooden truck not only makes an eye-catching coffee table for this bright white study, but it is also great for extra storage. Yes, I sound like I've been reading Real Simple, don't I?

Lux Living - An Inspiration

2009-10-01T09:26:00.006-05:00

I think blues and browns go so well together. Whether it's a mocha mixed with blue bird, or a light cocoa mixed with deep sea blue, it works well in bedrooms and living spaces.

Take this cute living space from Real Simple. The sofa works perfectly with the lighter blue hues. The walls incorporate a more bold feeling.

Get a similar look but make it your own!

images via: Flowers, House Beautiful; Canterbury Sofa, Crate & Barrel; American Artisan Round Table, Ethan Allen; Wallpaper, Wallpaper Wholesale

Chair Envy

2009-09-30T21:15:00.003-05:00

Accents chairs are a fun must in any creative home. Absolutely love these fantastic displays of chair affection from Fine Living...

Sophistication in the corner...

Welcoming vintage luv...

Diverse patterns working together...

Nap Time

2009-09-29T14:15:00.005-05:00

Sometimes I could really use a nap, like today. Someplace peaceful, please.

Pretend to take a nap in these delightful sleeping quarters...I know I will be doing so myself right now.

This the ideal dark and cozy room--perfect for a nap time retreat.

Love this little sofa idea for the bedroom! Makes it a true living space.

Bringing the outdoors inside. Love the tranquility of this bedroom and the step up to get into bed.

images via PointClickHome (Metropolitan Living & ElleDecor)

2009-09-28T12:21:00.006-05:00

While listening to one of my favorite alternative bands, M83, I decided to do a little inspirational designing.

M83's new album, Saturday=Youth, embodies Anthropologie's interior spirit. These photos make me want to float around in fields all day...

Or float around in a comfy bedroom that portrays the great outdoors...

images via: Organic Forrest Duvet, West Elm; Crimson Foliage and Golden Foliage, Z-Gallerie, Boka Table Lamp, Crate and Barrel

Or float around in a soft and mod bedroom that leaves one to crave more indie rock...

Images via: Rosette Bedding, Aligre Cabinet, Quiet Mist Lamp Shade, Penny Candy Jar, Anthropologie

Listen to Kim&Jessie and Couleurs

Falling for Color

2009-09-27T18:36:00.005-05:00

Have a little fun today. Kick off your shoes, pour a little pinot, and watch the world go by outside.

Neutral colors in this apartment living space allow the sprinkled bold fall colors to pop. The result is absolutely stunning and still comfortable.

image via HouseBeautiful

Passion Pink

2009-09-25T17:53:00.003-05:00

Pink is not usually something I would consider for my own home--my husband would probably move out! However, I do admire those that are fearless enough to try it.

Dip into this passionate pink bed...

image via Metropolitan Home

Lounge round with your cocktail in this sexy little living room...

image via Elle Decor

No one says your pink room has to be all pink. Maybe that is how to sell it through to the husbands...

Hit the Road

2009-09-25T17:19:00.003-05:00

Picture yourself in a cozy cottage for an Indian summer weekend. Whites, blues, and hints of yellow let the light and love shine through.

Martha Stewart knows what I'm talking about...check out these great living spaces. The buffet would be so easy to do...just find a great piece that's used, paint it white and paint the backboard a light blue hue.

Light and Lovely Living

2009-09-24T12:29:00.003-05:00

I just adore light and airy living spaces. You can just feel the breeze coming through these gorgeous living rooms.

Love this chandelier and the two-toned walls in this French inspired living space.

This living space reminds me of the west coast. The orange sofa is stunning.

I barely notice the modern coffee table in this living space, but that makes it work. The vintage-inspired sofa and fluttery drapes take my breath away.

images via Home&Gardens

Take That Break

2009-09-23T11:34:00.015-05:00

When life gets you down, it's time to take a break. Lounge around. Seek a comfy spot. Snuggle, strum through art books, drink a glass of red wine (watch out for the white fabric).

image via Nuevo Estilo

Sometimes even just sleeping in does the trick. I love the nightstands in the bedroom. They give a cottage feel inside a contemporary environment. These could totally be restored from a crafty garage sale find.

image via Nuevo Estilo

Sophisticated Dining

2009-09-22T10:03:00.010-05:00

Tomorrow I am hosting a dinner club at my home. I would love to have a gorgeous chandelier and a new dining set. Since that is a little bit out of my budget range, I will dream up some sophisticated dining for us all.

images: Dining Set - Ashley Furniture. Chandelier - House Beautiful, Parquet Gold Fabric - Ethan Allen

I love the idea of incorporating different fabrics into a dining room to adjust to the changing seasons. Think pillows on an accent chair. This one, "Parquet Gold" by Ethan Allen, is a wonderful choice for late summer, fall, and winter.

This fabric by Robert Allen is another fine choice also for fall.

image via Canadian House & Home

Keep the theme consistent, but switch to airy colors in the spring/summer. This fabric by Liz Claiborne does just the trick.

image via Canadian House & Home

Bedroom Bloom

2009-09-21T21:27:00.005-05:00

French country is one of my interior passions. Give me a cottage, I'll never want to leave.

I just love this HDTV french bedroom in light golden yellow. The turquoise pillow gives an unexpected pop to the bed.

Wouldn't you just love to pull down those shades and curl up in bed with a good book?

And the fun begins...

2009-09-21T21:13:00.003-05:00

Six months ago I was driving down highway 70 towards St. Louis and realized I wanted something to call my own. I started working...well the work is done. Time to toast!

image via Google images

Vignette in Bloom is a new blog about designs I absolutely love. I create some spaces, I show off some spaces, in all, I love these spaces. Best, K