Displaying posts from August, 2013

I was sent a book recently that I am really excited to share with you all. It is the creation of one of my favourite stylists/designers  – Shannon Fricke, and one of my favourite photographers – Prue Ruscoe. (That alone had me sold!) It’s called How to Decorate, and Shannon was inspired by the decorating workshops she holds in her cottage studio in New South Wales, Australia that are all about embracing creativity and the basics on how to develop beautiful spaces in your home. Her tips are designed for decor enthusiasts of all kinds, but particularly novices who are hesitant on where to start. From creating your concept (so important!), shaping your backdrop, using colour, choosing fabrics, she touches on all the important areas that are crucial to the creation of a fabulous space. Not only is this book completely useful and my copy is bound to become dog-eared, the spaces featured inside are dreamy and inspirational. You can get your copy on sale from Potter Style.  

If you’d like to send me photos to include in next week’s “pets on furniture” post, please ensure your photos follow my basic rules: First, the pet must be on a piece of furniture. And said piece of furniture must be clearly visible in the photo, so it takes center stage rather than your pet. Think of it more of a photo of a great piece of furniture that you want to show off…and your pet happens to be sitting on it. And second, if the photo is dark or fuzzy then it may not make the cut. Photos, your name, location and a brief description can be sent to desiretoinspirekim@hotmail.comand PLEASE don’t send closeups of your pet! Thanks!

Here are a few pictures of my 6 month old Irish terrier puppy, Spud, enjoying himself on some of my favorite thrift store/craigslist/yard sale furniture.
– Kata and Spud (Birmingham, Alabama)

I thought about your blog when I snapped this picture today. I scored this chair for free by following a Craig’s List post to its curbside location. I intended to feature the chair, but it looks like Argos takes up most of it! This is in our house in St. Paul, MN
– Carrie

Mitzi is our beloved rescue dog from Hungary. On our balcony she really enjoys the sun on our teak bench, in our living room she loves both the Ligne Roset Multy Sofa and the Ikea Stool.
– Lena, Flo & Mitzi (Bad Reichenhall/Germany)

Here’s a picture of our cat Jinx sitting on the sideboard next to the window in the living room catching some rays in Langley BC, Canada. (btw we purchased that sideboard in Warrandyte near East Ringwood when we used to live there)
– Barbara

My dog Sausage loves my new Otami print headboard
– Laura

The porch is perfect, the pool area splendid. The kitchen is to die for. While away the summer days in a purpose built little white cottage. It’s like being on vacation all year round. This Charleston home has me all hot and bothered. Thank goodness for the pool and the porch! The architect is Heather A Wilson with interior design by Jen Langston.

Modern, elegant and invigorating. Family living that is stylish and colourful, special but not at all precious. From the jewel like pops of the emerald green chairs to white on white to opposing stripes, Charleston, South Carolina based interior designer Jen Langston creates wonderful spaces that we’d all love to live in. I want to be five again and have a brother so I can share that knockout kids’ room. Hey might even paint one for myself at my age now! Inspirational.

Yesterday Jo took you to Mykonos. Today I’ll be taking you to Paris, specifically to the Hôtel du Panthéon. It has recently been completely renovated and is now absolutely stunning, due in part to the fabulous decor by interior designer Valérie Manoïl. It’s modernized, bold (the wallpaper selections!!) yet classy and I would absolutely love to stay here. (Photos by Jerome d’Almeida) 

P.S. I worked on a little desk facelift project yesterday if you want to check it out over on my page.