Creating a Home

Creating a home is at the core of my life and work philosophy, a home filled with warmth, beauty, whimsy, style and humor. There are many out there who share this passion and one of them is the interior and textile designer Kathryn M. Ireland. When I heard of her book signing at Brooke Gianetti's store a few weeks ago I was a bit sad, that I was unable to bridge those 2462 miles...


But in my mind I was there and since Brooke was graciously enough to think of people like me far away, she agreed to have Kathy work overtime and sign a book for me to be mailed.
A few month ago I posted on this book here! I just adore her style. The mix between bohemian chic, country elegance and bold patterns is irresistible to me.




Creating a Home is not new on the market, I had cast my eyes on this book for awhile. But this chance to have it signed was one I did not want to miss! Click on the book to go to amazon.com for a look.

Kathryn was also featured in December 2010 at The Skirted Round Table, go listen to her, she is marvelous!

Her book arrived today and I am happy to call it my own. Brooke's office send it in the most stylish manner. I am writing this year about details and after receiving the slim package in the mail and opening it, I knew I had to share it with you. Look at it, isn't it lovely? One of the many examples of how a little detail like that made my day!




A natural colored tissue paper was wrapped around the book, with some string and complete with a starfish! So simple, and yet...How did they know that I am a beach comber? That little star sits now on my window ledge and whispers of sunny shores and the cries of the sea gulls, while I sit next to it and wait for the next winter storm. A lovely reminder of summer!

Thank you Brooke and Kelly! And thanks to Kathryn's creativity...

xx
Victoria

A bedroom

I looked through my pictures for evidence of great details and this is one of the images, which came to my mind. I had seen it a couple of month ago in Lonny magazine and I truly love it.
Analyzing what makes it so enticing are a few things: The symmetry and the contrast between the light walls and the modern bed on one hand and these lovely antique chests, functioning as side tables, one the other.
I adore the popping coral red of the blanket at the end of the bed and the small vases filled with roses left and right next to the head board. The wall mounted reading lamps blend in and do not draw attention. But I become aware of the nail trimmed headboard. And I notice the smaller leaning prints along the wall behind the books. Please click on the images to enlarge and to see ll those lovely details!


There is a lot going on a in quiet way. Looking at the picture I realize how the large classic prints add height and definition to a small and rather boxy room, leaving space for the white monochrome painting in the center. The carpets almost mirrors the scene. All the patterns work well with each other, enhancing the effects of sublet elegance. The longer I look, the more I discover the details. There is a blue and white duvet, striped pillows, sheers and softly gray patterned curtains. And love sits right in this bedroom's center! I love how the light streams in from two sides. This is unique.
There are three layers of carpeting: A wall to wall sisal, a softer larger mat, perhaps a woven wool and again a smaller one right under the bench with a yellow frame inside...
I love the books staples, large colorful ones, perhaps of travel designations or beautiful interiors? Maybe gardening or fashion photography? This place makes me dream and in all its intimacy it opens a world.
On the opposite site is a fireplace. And an armchair with a history. Notice the red piping...And another popping pillow!
I can not see a TV! How divine!


Did I tell you it belongs to Lulu De Kwiatkowski?
It is beautiful!

And a happy weekend ahead to all of you!
xx
Victoria


Images via Lonny magazine.

Chain link carpet

Finally I scored high and found not only an incredibly affordable, but also stylish carpet solution for my living room.
Looking through eBay I discovered a new PB navy wool chain carpet. For- get this - $299!
It ended my search and all I needed was to order it and put it in place...after convincing my better half that NOW was the perfect time to buy a carpet!!! As you can see, he was ready too.


I love the graphic element it brings to the room, counterbalances all the red from the leather sofa and chairs.
It is super soft and warm.
Please click on images to enlarge.




We were expecting delivery not before Dec 1, but got it a day before Thanksgiving...and I am so happy with it!
It adds so much to the room and right before the holidays it is an early gift!

To see my post at House & Living about it go here.

xx
Victoria

Random places of delight

A few clicks and I am in dream land. My travels take me to far lands, distant shores or just around the corner. I browse web sites and online magazines and I have spend hours at night checking out all my blog friends. There are many things I love to learn about in this big world, which is my lifelong university. I find books and pictures, poems and artwork.
In random order I take you around the places which made into my favorite list...
There is CocoCozy, her blog is elegant and full of beautiful pictures. At the time when I worked on my kitchen improvements some of the kitchens on her blog made me swoon.


And this view is just ahhhh...


Then there is Marissa from Roost
Her pre - holiday decorations made me smile.



And have you ever dreamed about staying in one of the locales which make a movie a success?
At Efford House you certainly could.
Featured in 'Sense and Sensibility', Efford House is a beautiful country house, set in its own grounds bordered by mature woodlands. With wide views across the higher reaches of the River Erme the garden reaches down to the edge of the estuary. (Quote from the website..)




I am a movie lover and to read about sets, stars and stories is a passion of mine. And at CinemaStyle I find all that.
Do you remember?



When I first laid eyes on Emilia's blog I couldn't help but notice many shared design sensibilities...she picks what I am picking! And yet, different!
I love those colors!



I discovered this little treasure box a few weeks ago: Maison 24! Great for the little extras in life....



A lovely discovery was Nina from the Netherlands! Her blog is so happy! She has a wonderful childlike attitude and creates beautiful china!



This lovely site makes me want to travel to England again...Royal Apothic I love beautiful scents at home.



And when I read about My dog eared pages my fondness for all things printed was alerted and I found another blog of delights. She has an unfailing eye for all things pretty!


I could go on so much longer, but I know there are many more blogs waiting to be read, right? So, alas, for now that's it. If you would like I'll take you on another tour next time. I have travel destinations, Etsy destinations and many lovely things for the holidays in my virtual store!


XX
Victoria


Pictures all from mentioned blogs and sites!

Today I love

Light filled rooms. As the days get shorter and the sun doesn't shine these long summer hours anymore I appreciate light filled rooms even more.
I have been exploring artist spaces, these ones fit right in.
In Toronto a painter accustomed to crashing in his studio created an airy artistic haven with both working and living quarters for a more balanced and polished picture. Kent Monkman's
industrial style work and living space connects all the dots.



Modern living room in the Infiniski Manifesto House, Curacavi, Chile. James & Mau Architectura



This last image is a home in California. Build originally by the late architect David Boone for himself, it is now the private residence and work space for Primo Orpilla and Verda Alexander of Studio O & A.





Pictures from dwell magazine