The LBD - Little Black Door

The LBD makes every house a little bit better in my opinion. It adds architectural detail and glamour all at once. It's a staple for the exterior...

I would be the happiest girl in the world to come home to this front door everyday. Turquoise and black. Wish there were more front doors done the English way and less Northwest hippy dippy.
Or double french doors instead of the standard six panel or craftsman door.

Hello double french doors, pea gravel and topiaries. Heaven.
The door elevates the entire house.

This picture needs no explanation.

But black doors really add drama and dimension to an interior space.

Amazing doors to an even more amazing closet.

Even barn doors look better in black.

These black french doors (instead of the usual white) make the black and white kitchen less predictable and add warmth.

These Windsor Smith rooms need no introduction. Her use of strong dark navy or black makes a statement and adds great architectural detail to the rooms.

So what are you waiting for - grab that can of black glossy paint and start transforming your drab white into the LBD.

It's Summer Somewhere...

Summer Palace Fret, that is.

I had to share this project with you because the wallpaper just went in on a powder room and it's SO pretty. I have to preface this by saying that this powder room has 14-foot ceilings, so even with the wainscotting, this was still 8 feet of wall that got wallpaper. Also, I had to document the amazing crown. With a ceiling height that high, we had to use some massive architectural details-- and with the great white semi-gloss, it absolutely shines. It's one of my favorite elements of the house. I'll have an update later with the mirror and complete shots of the powder. It's been really fun having a client who was game for such a great paper and every time we round the stairs in this new construction project and get a little peek of it when the door is open, it makes me smile.

(If you have questions about this wallpaper, email me!)

Paris Peonies

It's back to the grind after the busy 3 kid filled day weekend. And this week is CRAZY. I have a house that's undergoing a complete transformation with paint and applied panel moulding. I can't wait to see the finished result, but first, it takes a lot of coordination and skilled workers to pull it off. And that's just one of the projects for this week. Phew.

So when I saw this picture of Peonies from the Paris flower market I instantly felt a little more relaxed. They are my favorite flower and the season is so short. I've got to enjoy them as much as possible while I can.

Hope this image helps get your week off to a good start as it did mine.

Crazy about Antelope

I've been crazy for the Antelope rug by Stark for years. While I love zebra, (and you know I think every room should have a little zebra) I'm loving the antelope rug for it's warm neutral background. It really goes with any color and makes a room look current, chic and casual all at once. Best of all - you'd never see any spills on this rug. It's the perfect family friendly accessory.

Here are some examples of it's beauty...

Ruthie Sommers

Sally Wheat via Cote de Texas

Amanda Nisbet

Image via Mrs. Blandings

Todd Romano

Please, clients, will one of you humor me and love this rug as much as I do?

Not Just for Kids - Serena & Lily - Part II

I'm loving the bed options from Serena and Lily. They are all statement beds even without a statement print (I like them plain or with my own fabric) but you can get them in one of their statement fabrics as well.

And how cute are these little side tables?

But I'm really loving the classic bordered sheets and duvet sheets in multiple colors. Start here and then add in some great coordinating fabrics in sham sizes and decorative pillows to give your self a custom bed.

I think they may give Williams Sonoma Home a run for their money in the new traditional category.

Not just for kids - Serena & Lily - Part 1

The Internet has been buzzing about the new Serena & Lily catalog.

They've expanded their assortment and it's not just for kids. It's a great resource for someone who wants a custom room without the custom price tag.

Here are a couple of my favorite accessories.

Unique lighting

A small sampling on their great Dec Pillows.


The rugs are too die for. More colors available, of course.

I'm so impressed that I have to do a Part 2....

Lakeside

As we still wait for the sun in the Northwest, I'm loving this Alabama lakeside house featured in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles by Paige Sumblin Schnell of Tracery Interiors. It's the perfect blend of utilitarian and elegance.

Nothing would make me happier than having a retreat like this one to enjoy with my family and friends.

Sign me up.

The perfect chandelier

A favorite chandelier of mine for a bathroom, kitchen or bedroom is the Visual Comfort Barbara Barry Scallop Chandelier. It's the perfect transitional light.

Design by Turner Davis

Design by Jim Howard

Image via Decorpad

Image via Decorpad

It's chandelier LOVE in my black book. What do you think?

We interrupt this blog...

I'm not fond of tooting my own horn but this one felt like it needed to be put out into the world or it wouldn't be real.

Almost a year ago I had a milestone birthday. If you've been reading my blog for awhile you know that I was running frequently around that time as I was planning to run the Seattle Rock N Roll Half Marathon in June 2010 to honor my milestone birthday. Then in November 2009 I hurt my knee and while I was recovering my running partner moved to Singapore. So, needless to say, I stopped running. It was the perfect excuse. And stopped doing anything else for that matter.

Fast forward to 8 weeks ago. My older sister sent me a text and asked me if I'd run the Eugene Oregon Half Marathon with her and a couple friends. I didn't reply to that text for almost a week as I stewed on how I wanted to respond. Then I remembered that I never completed that big birthday goal, and as this run was on May 1st, it would still count in my milestone year.

So we jumped in and started an 8 week running program of 4 days a week and a long run each weekend. It was brutal but nice to have each other for motivation and daily stress release/therapy. We had such deep conversations over those 2 1/2 hour runs! We learned a lot about ourselves and each other.

Any this past Sunday at 7 am we embarked upon our journey. It was a sunny and cold morning. Perfect running weather. AND....it was life changing.

Never has anything in my life made me feel so strong and capable. As each mile of the 13.1 passed, I felt stronger and stronger. I didn't have to will myself to keep going as I did in my daily runs - for some reason my body just floated that day. Hearing my name as I ran through the finish line at the famous Hayward Field was incredible. The whole mind-over-matter saying of "if you think you can do it, you can" is true.

Christy, Jamie, Me, and my sister Laurie after the race.

We are running the Chicago Half Marathon in September and maybe, just maybe, we'll sneak in the Seattle Rock n Roll just for fun.

Never in my life did I expect to do this, but I'm glad I did.