A French Manor

As long as I can remember, and before I ever had the pleasure of visiting France, I knew that I would one day have a home there. It is the only place that I have ever said, at first blush, “I will live here one day”. It is not a dream it is living goal that I work at daily.

That dream now includes a French manor. I came upon this amazing French manor on Coco Cozy and had to find out more about this home and the photographer. It also helps that all of my favorite colors and hues have been used to paint the manor. The images are taken by Gilles Trillard and showcase the beauty of French décor, architect, and a finesse for placement that seems inherently French. How lovely would it be to have a home so beautifully appointed and so elegantly designed? I

I cannot help but love the color palette of this manor. Gray, pinks, and black…and of course  gold must be present. The decorative moldings on the doors are simply gorgeous not to mention a marble fireplace.

Pink walls, gray double doors and a black settee make the perfect “waiting room” adjacent to the formal living room. The iron light fixture is perfect.

A collection of hand mirrors decorated a bathroom wall.

I love painted wood floors. They are so unexpected.

Checkered tiles and wood floor, gray claw foot tub, and an architectural surprise perfectly placed to hold guest towels.

If you cannot have an all pink kitchen, opt for pretty details like an unexpected pink trash can. It is the perfect “accessory”.

The perfect place to take a break and sip a cup of tea while enjoying your favorite book.

{via Gilles Trillard}

{inspiration board # 72} The Gold Standard

Black, white, yellow, and my latest obsession, gold. As a child whenever my parents bought us jewelry it was always yellow gold. As an adult, I shied away from yellow gold and for many years white gold and platinum took its place. However, now as a grown up, there are times when I love the allure and the sophistication that gold brings to a palette. Whether it be white slacks, a black shirt, and an arm full of golden bangles or a simple necklace to dress up a white oxford shirt, gold continues to be the standard for many. Gold pairs beautifully with bright and bold colors, however I love gold paired with neutrals and a splash of yellow to make it a bit sunnier. I just love this palette, do you? Yellow or white gold which do you prefer?

{living room, bedroom, handbag, building, headband, dog, bike, stairs, perfume, camera}

{ideas & inspiration} Topiaries & Black and White Stripes

I absolutely love this look.The black and white stripes are perfect not to mention all the topiaries. I adore topiaries! Black, white, and green are such wonderful color companions, wouldn’t you agree?

{Traditional Home via Inspired & Charm}

{bridal trousseau} Ladies Who Brunch

For the months leading up to your wedding you are going to be inundated with wedding related duties, tasks, and errands. Some of your friends will feel a bit slighted. Understandably so because all you have had on the brain since you said, “Yes!” are your wedding plans.

Be sure to make time for your BFFs. Send your girls a hand written note on a fancy card inviting them to get dolled up for a day of brunch, mani pedis, and non wedding related shopping! Have a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” girl day even if the closest Tiffany to you is your little sister and relax…the wedding plans can wait.

{source}

Guest Post by Kate of Ruby & Willow

There is a group of women on Twitter that have become great friends. One of those ladies is Kate of the invitation design boutique, Ruby & Willow. Kate creates some of the most beautiful wedding invitations and boards…ever! If you have not seen Kate’s inspiration boards or her invitation suites, you must do so. Her blog, Magnolia Rouge, is an endless source of inspiration for the newly engaged.

I asked Kate if she would create one of her amazing boards to feature on my little blog and she was so kind to say, “Yes!” I was so happy that she did! What is even more interesting is, unbeknownst to me, Kate decided to use her love of letter writing, which is one of my favorite ways to stay in touch, as her inspiration. I am blown away by Kate’s creativity and this board did not disappoint. It is simply stunning! Definitely one of my favorites and I hope you feel the same…

In Kate’s own words….

“I was totally thrilled, not to mentioned honoured (yep Kiwi spelling going on here!) when Naomi asked me to do a guest post on her fabulous blog. And I pretty much had free will over the subject! Having just designed an invitation suite based on vintage travel and love letters my theme was borne. I spent many years travelling throughout the US and Europe and at every port one of my first stops was to a paper shop to seek out gorgeous postcards and papers to write my letters home on.

With the advent of emails, text message and tweets (and so forth) we have forgotten the art of putting pen to paper and detailing our lives. My letters home were often 8 pages long….. double sided (sorry family). And I’m sure you’ll all agree that there is nothing more thrilling that receiving a hand-written note in the mail…. actually in it’s own envelope, stamps and all!! Not to mention the utter romance in it. So this board is dedicated to all things paper, typography, and for the love of the art of letter-writing. Both giving and receiving. I hope you enjoy!”

Thank you, Kate! xo

Visit Kate’s blog, Magnolia Rouge, for more lovely inspiration!

Inspiration Board # 54 – Coffee &Tea (Just You and Me)

It has been awhile since I have created an inspiration board. Sometimes life just gets in the way. Nevertheless, it is one of my favorite things to create!

I hope you enjoy my latest inspiration board. It is a neutral palette based on my love of intimate wedding settings, neutral colors, French macaroons, and cupcakes. Enjoy!

Coffee & Tea

The Timeless Elegance of Black, White, and Gold

Black and white, together, make for a classic pairing. Add red to the palette and you have a bold statement like an exclamation point at the end of a sentence. Introduce gold to black and white and you have an elegantly subtle way of declaring, “I’m just as bold as red however I do not have to scream as loud to be heard.”

For sources please click on image.

Love this…

Necklace by Anna Locking

image {Anna Locking}

Inspiration Board #51 – The Lion & The Lamb

I, too, have been mesmerized by the story of forbidden love between mythical creatures and mortals. In anticipation of the big premier of Eclipse, the next cinematic installment in the Twilight saga, it is easy to see where I gathered my inspiration for this board. A little dark but all in good fun…

“It is not the darkness that scares me, it is the things that are done in the darkness that does…”  Naomi

Inspiration Board # 46 – Art Deco Elegance

When I think of Art-Deco period, I think of and era of extravagance, decadence, great glamour, and stylish ladies being courted by men in fancy cars. A time gone by, yet the elegance of the Art Deco period is still evident today in architecture, fashion, visual arts, and design. As history has taught us, timeless elegance never goes out of style.