Truly fresh and inspired spaces

FREE IMAGES I strive for a home that is thoughtfully decorated and put together, but at the same time not so styled and polished that it doesn't look like anyone lives there.  It can be a hard balance to strike though, but if you take the time to pick out pieces, colors, and textures that are meaningful to you and fit your lifestyle, your home will feel beautiful to you even if there are shoes left by the door and mail piled on the counter.  Here are some spaces that I think are really beautiful, but have enough personality to shine even if someone really lives there!

via Rue Mag

via Bungalow

Even though this space is small, seating is ample for a family, just scaled down to fit in the space.
via Rue Mag

I don't iron my sheets either, though this be is prettier than mine with the gorgeous emerald shams and quilt!
via Bungalow

This space reminds me of the courtyard rooms in Morocco.  What a treat to have that skylight!
via Rue Mag

One of my favorite looks is well-worn books mixed in with family photos and travel souvenirs.
via Bungalow

via Bungalow

via Rue Mag

Walls that Make A Statment

FREE IMAGES Lately my eyes have been drawn to some great rooms that are making a statement and I am loving it! Whether they are bold, classy, or just downright elegant, it is nice to see someone take a chance and make something beautiful out of it.

via stylemepretty

This wallpaper would not be an immediate first choice for me but it definitely does make you stop and stare! Seeing it in this room really makes me love it more!

via jaquelynclark

A wall of windows is always eye-catching. The bold choice of black makes it stand out even more and I think it was a great choice. 

via designsponge

Another non traditional wall paper in a room you wouldn't expect! Since bathrooms are small I tend to do with less is more in these areas but since the wallpaper has a lot of white space it really works here! I also like the simplicity of the color scheme. 

via houzz

Upholstery tacks are often seen on furniture, seeing it as a wall decor statement is something I've never considered.

What about painting the trim to match the walls?
via Pottery Barn

Or making a small space really pop with a graphic wallpaper?
via Martha O'Hara

Do you have a different idea for a wall statement? 

Glamorous, gorgeous, and unexpected spaces

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Those blues and that pink?  Genius
via ID Interior Design

via Pinterest via Houzz

Less is more when you have a home with such amazing bones
via Sweet Home Style

via Sweet Home Style

via Erinn Valencich
I would never pick that wallpaper, and I do not like zebra rugs, but all of these elements together are so pretty.

Brick wall and an unashamedly girly bed? Love it.
via unknown

Wallpaper I Wouldn't Mind Having

FREE IMAGES The trends of wallpaper come and go but there are some styles that I feel like stick around really well and I could imagine having in my own home:

If the pattern is busy, I'd say go with a neutral color way or only one wall.
via Pinterest via BHG

Classic patterns, like the diamonds above or the stripes below, are a surefire and chic way to go.
via Pinterest via Apartment Therapy

via thedecorista

Going with neutral colors or a simple print like stripes is a great choice for something that can last a a long time in a home and potentially resell just fine!

via Pinterest via Real Simple

Prints that seem to stick around are another option. There are always those few that don't seem to ever go out of style. Floral trellises are one example.

via pinterest

If you know you are going to be in the home you are in go with something you love! My suggestion would be to pick something you know you will still love years down the road, like a print you've always adored, since changing up wallpaper isn't as easy. 

via indulgy

Have fun with it, because after all - it is your home!

Inspiration: Using color in the bathroom

FREE IMAGES If you need a little change in your decor, the bathroom is a small, less intimidating space to start.  Sometimes I get my fix just by changing out my shower curtain and bath mat. Or, you could brighten up your bathroom with some color. Since most bathrooms are the least amount of square footage in a home, it's an easy weekend makeover that won't leave you regretting the time you spend.


via designsponge

There are so many way's you can liven up a room. Paint, tile, curtains, rugs, wall art, and accessories are some options you can start with!


via decorchick

You can start small with a spot of color by painting your cabinets and accessorizing to match! Or simply choose one wall to paint if you are afraid it might be to overwhelming to paint the whole room a bright color.  I can't decide if I like this peach or not - I'd have to see the rest of the room.  I love the rug though!


via prepaganda

Go wild with a wallpaper, stencil design, or maybe even stripes! Pick a color that makes you smile every time you walk in the room.


via bhg

Can't choose one color? Find two that work great together and keep it simple with the rest of the accessories. Let the paint color be the decor..

Gray and yellow are two of my favorites.


via Elle Decor

Nervous about a big change? Stick with the accessories! You can still brighten up your bathroom and your day with a little accessorizing.

A Step in the Right Direction: Ideas for Updating your staircase

FREE IMAGES Although stairs aren't something you would think would be part of your home decor, there are ways to bring it to life! As much as I'd like a second floor, we don't have stairs, but I do have plenty of ideas for when I do!  Changing up the stairs to fit within your style can really finish off the view and create a focal point.

via houseofphilia

I love the subtle gray stripe on these steps that tie into the room beside it. A painted runner can add a little something extra to your steps without the cost and installation process of an actual runner.

via houzz

Two toned steps really make this staircase so elegant. I love the dark and light that flows throughout the house and making the stairs match really ties it in with the rest of the decor. 

via Adore Mag

via Southern Living
A staircase is a great way to showcase art too.  Gallery walls have an especially big impact.

via bhg

Another option would be to change out the railings for something new! This can really change your view of the stairs depending on what you choose like these thinner railings above really make the stairs feel more open.

via Lonny

If you're really ambitious, consider wallpapering the stair risers.  I love this look, but I wonder how durable it is.

Spaces I'm loving right now

FREE IMAGES My tastes in interiors have seemed to change in the last year or so. More and more I'm liking a sophisticated eclectic and transitional look over a shabby chic and country look.

What are you loving these days?

via 1. Milk and Honey Home,  2. Bolig Magasinet 3. Coco and Kelly, 4. Interiors Porn , 5.  Coco and Kelly, 6. House Beautiful

House Tour: A gorgeous island house full of pattern and texture

FREE IMAGES Taylor Borsari's Coronado Island home isn't your typical light and airy, white-washed and pastel abode, it has depth and soul.  All the same, it's use of eclectic pattern and texture keeps it upbeat and inspiring.  I've got a bit of a crush!

This family room is where I would read at night.  The wood and seagrass keeps adds warmth, but the cream upholstery and white walls still feels fresh.

How can you not smile in this kitchen?  Makes me feel like I'm back in the Alhambra!

ADORE this bedroom - the wallpaper, the bed...all of it...

I'd like to refinish my dining room table to look like this blonde wood.

The living room.

This bedroom is fun and pretty, but I'm not brave enough for that wallpaper!

Read more and see it all at TradHome