Kids and stuff

When you have kids, you have stuff. Especially when you have 2 very active kids. I have sports equipment in every corner of my house. This mudroom by Suzanne Kasler is the perfect solution to a busy family. Everyone has their spot so it's super functional - but the design is so simple that it's unexpectedly gorgeous and at the same time calming. A mudroom full of stuff calming? Really? In this case, yes.

The master, Suzanne Kasler, has done it again. Taking the everyday and making it jaw dropping.

Still Crushing Hard

on Suzanne Kasler. I know I'm not alone in this, since loving her is as unique as saying I think George Clooney is the bee's knees. But, I am what I am, and what I know is that her rooms make me want to crawl right in to that photo. A friend lent me her copy of "Inspired Interiors" and after I promised not to let anything spill on it, I've been pouring through the pages.

What makes me love her is the restraint with colors and how conscious every decision of her's is -- It really feels like every piece is there for a reason, while still being traditional and warm and refined. None of that "don't you want to curl up on this 2x4 and watch a movie" thing, because I'm convinced people really don't LIVE in some of those rooms we see in the contemporary magazines. I'm all for layered rooms (it's usually what I live and breathe by), but the restraint that Kasler has is like a big sigh of "ahhhhh".

Those stairs just make me want to cry, they are so gorgeous.

Seriously. Beautiful. Kitchen.

I've got a thing for bookcases and these are the design equivalent of the aforementioned George Clooney on Oscar Night (Sans Italian girl with the armband tattoo)

I mean really, that sofa and seating area combined with the bed is out of this world.

*All photos courtesy of Inspired Interiors, Suzanne Kasler, (c) 2009

Last to know

I must be the last person in blogger land that hasn't already seen or commented on Suzanne Kasler's office that was featured in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

It's times like these that I realize I need to keep on my on daily blog reads. Lately, I've just been trying to keep up on laundry. Yes, it's true and here's a story to prove it. My kids and I really want a dog. My husband and I have been telling the kids that they can't have a dog until they become more responsible around the house - sleeping in their own bed, putting their clothes in the laundry basket and not on the floor. Basic, expected things. Well, yesterday he told me that I can't get a dog until "I" learn to be more responsible. Code for "until I figure out how to work, shuttle the kids and, yes, do the laundry!" It's true so I couldn't be angry. He's just stating the obvious. So until I figure it out my blog and others have been falling to the back burner. Guess it's time to start getting up a couple hours earlier to try and fit everything in.

I read about Suzanne's office on Nest Egg's blog. While I died over the pictures, I laughed at Rachel's post. If you haven't seen it - check it out. I love her candor about her office space. Anyone who knows me personally will get a chuckle out of it.

All pictures from Nest Egg and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle Magazine.

Great functional (meaning washable) chairs paired with a stylish work table, seagrass, and gorgeous oversized drum shade. Sigh.

The always chic, Suzanne. Her work table sums it up. Classic.

Dying over the organized baskets. I will be dreaming of these for years. Not kidding.

Dreaming of a crew too. A girl can dream can't she? I was excited when I put a flat screen t.v. in my studio. I might have a heart attack if I had a crew. And a crew all dressed in black!

I'll also be getting a subscription to Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles. There's nothing better than clean, simple designs that come out of the South.

Loring

I'm dying over this Loring Cocktail table by Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair. While I love her style and her furniture collection , this little piece just speaks to me. It's the perfect transitional piece for a living room, study or family room. The lightness of the base makes it so versatile. The patina of the gold leaf makes it special without shouting for attention.

Now, if only they offered it in silver leaf. I'd be one happy girl.

One of the best from Traditional Home...

Usually, Traditional Home is a little too formal or old "traditional" for lack of a better word for me. But this month's house by Suzanne Kasler left me inspired. It's beautiful, simple, approachable, and best of all, livable for a family. Something that you don't see very often in shelter magazines.


Beautiful neutral living room. Sophisticated, yet casual and inviting. I could curl up in here an read a book or have a glass of wine with friends.


Family dining room off the kitchen. Love the nature inspired chandelier - it's an incredible, casual focal point. Too bad it's been discontinued.


Chic, young dining room. I'm in love with the aqua grass cloth wallpaper.


Kitchen is perfect blend of classic and contemporary. This kitchen will age beautifully.

My favorite part of the house. The bluestone patio and pool is resort worthy. I would love to spend my nights around this pool with friends and family.

This house also has a great kids wing and bunk room. A must if you have a large extended family like mine. I will include it in future posts. Right now, I just want to dream about this pool.....