{inspiration board #74} An Elegant Affair

Many of my favorite things make up this wonderfully elegant board. I love the instance appearance and sense of grace when one wears a beautiful shoulder bearing dress, and anyone who has ever visited my humble blog knows that my preferred palette pleasers are pears and French macarons. I have a love of ornate and grand doors and recently I have thought myself a connoisseur of vintage doorknob. Could I have been influenced by the crystal doorknobs on every door in my childhood home? As a child, I thought very little of all those glistening doorknobs. Now, I wish I had every one of them.  And please tell me who does not love twinkle lights…all year long? They can make the dullest of rooms or gardens magical.

It’s funny how all of us have our “things” that make us happy and past memories that shape what we like and appreciate as adults. I sometimes wonder. of my online friends, what little everyday things fills their day with joy. What quirky things make you smile?

Dustjacket Attic, Call Me Cupcake, This Is Glamorous,

{color theory} Prussian Blue, Apricot & Aqua

My initial thought when I came across this image was, “What an unusual palette this would make for stylish wedding". The various shades of blue from aqua to Prussian , with amber, and slate gray creates a beautiful palette, reminiscent of the colors commonly used in the 50’s and 60’s. Yet, for today’s couple, these colors appear modern and unexpectedly glamorous.

Prussian blue serves as the main color. Think of bridesmaid’s dresses in a deep dark blue. On the reception tables, platinum décor accents create an amazing contrast against the Prussian blue table linen. Silk ribbons, in aqua, are tied around favor boxes that are placed on each guests’ dinner plate.

For the groom, a tan glen check worsted suit worn with a cream shirt, and a blue and amber paisley tie perfectly complements the warm tones of the bride’s bouquet. A silk navy blue pocket square completes the look.

Dahlias, mums, orchids, calla lilies in warm hues of tangelo, cognac, and amber are used to create the table centerpieces and other floral elements to complete the look of this chic and semi floral wedding.

{Prussian blue, slate, aqua, apricot, and platinum}

Charcoal, Aqua, Sage and Vanilla – A Bride & Groom Friendly Palette

One of the first things a bride thinks about after being engaged is her dress and of course, the colors! You may change her mind a few times a week even a day but the one thing to keep in mind is whatever color you choose, it is your choice! Never let anyone sway because they do not particularly like that color or do not think it looks good on them {bridesmaids are famous for this}. I do suggest you confer with your partner {not every man is going to want pink tablecloths} so that you both are on the same page.

This leads me to a pretty color combination that is lady and gentleman friendly and happens to be one of my favorite palettes. The charcoal in this palette would be a great color for the groom and groomsmen suits. The creamy vanilla reminds me of a beautiful wedding gown with hints of a warmer white rather than a stark white. The light aqua and turquoise can be used as table linen {think a beachside wedding celebration}, or accents for the table décor. Flowers in these colors can also be added to your bouquet. Use sage for the bridesmaids dresses to compliment the charcoal suits of the groomsmen and groom.

What are your favorite gentleman friendly palettes?

{via}

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 #70} Weathered Gray & Lilac

For many reasons I love the combination of gray and lilac. It is a sophisticated combination of colors that is a bit more subdued than gray with bright plum, or regal purple. If you like plums and purples but want a softer hue, lilac is an elegant choice. Lilac reminds us of romance and sweet, never to be forgotten, memories. The weathered gray adds a hint of vintage with a romantic modern feel. It truly is an elegant look for any season of the year.

boat, place setting, wreath, teacup, mail sign, ice cream, dresses, architecture, spoons

{inspiration board #65} English Garden Pink

This lovely combination of rich magenta and deep burgundy paired with slate grey and ivory creates an elegant and sophisticated palette perfect for any season.

{via}

{inspiration board #63} Behind the Blue Veil

On my travels around the web, I came upon the image you see below of the lady behind the blue veil and without having any idea of when and how I would use it, I saved it. Not only did the color captivate me, her expression behind the veil did even more. Is she hiding something, is she revealing her face or is she covering it. The image evokes mystery and mysteries instantly intrigue me. I usually use more images to create  an inspiration board but for this board the four images chosen are perfect.

Doors and rooms always tell a story even if it is a made up one. Who walks through those doors and what is behind them. Who sleeps in that bed? What can they see when they look out their window? Who collected all those items in the pan and why? Do they have any meaning? My imagination always gets the best of me whenever I create a board. I hope when you view them yours does too.

{inspiration board # 58} Honey Child

Spring will be here soon and I cannot wait.To me, the sun shines brighter in spring than any other season; it’s almost golden. Maybe it’s because we long for it after a cold a dreary winter. The feeling of this board is warm and bright with a touch of sweetness…like honey.

Gold works well with most neutrals and compliments griege and earth tones perfectly. Don’t be afraid to mix similar golden tones together. Gold is best used as a an accent color however it’s such a feel good color you may want to use it as a primary color in your palette. Gold also It helps bring life to a more muted palette.

{bed, ring, gift box, rolls, wagon, room, girl, vineyard, room, pillow}

{the inspired palette} Masquerade

The mood of “Masquerade” is sexy, dark, and exotic. Colors such as these are perfect for an evening wedding celebration in any season. This opulent palette also works well for theme weddings; think Venetian Masquerade or Mardi Gras ball. However, you do not need a theme to pull off this rich palette. It stands alone beautifully.

Incorporate dark blooms such as calla lilies, dahlias, ranunculus, black tulips, chocolate cosmos, and purple lisianthus in your bouquet and floral decor. Add feathers and silvery gray-green dusty miller, and lamb’s ear to add texture and subtle contrast.

{source}

Inspiration Board # 57 – River’s Bend

I am in constant awe of nature. The colors, the textures, the changing of Earth’s canvas with the start of every season. In nature, you can stand witness, right before your very eyes, to the perfect ever-changing canvas painted by an invisible hand.

Colors in nature never clash and unlike other elements in nature they do not fight to be seen or heard…they just are. Like a beautiful flower, or a tree sometimes as in nature, to be noticed all one must do is be still.