only the best

I have the simplest tastes.

I am always satisfied with the best.

Oscar Wilde, Irish Poet & NovelistWith the holidays behind us and most of the boxes unpacked, I am going to start sharing my home with you. The rooms are cozy, but there is much work to be done. Because I love to make a house a home, I am completely inspired by this challenge. Yet, I am waiting and watching for only the best. Why wait you may ask? I am waiting because over the years of redecorating rooms, I developed quite a habit of looking for bargains...great deals whether I needed them or not. When we moved, I realized just how many "bargains" I had collected...many no longer worked in my space. My "bargains" added up to more than one really good piece would have cost.
When we moved to Pennfield, I made a conscious decision to do it differently. Despite the great challenge to start changing and rearranging, I am taking time to learn this house in order to find exactly what needs to be here. It is the type of home that needs more than just the usual. Taking steps rather than "a room in a day" approach is going to create a home that respects the history and feel of this place.
But even with great restraint, there are things that cannot wait. First on the list is to paint all the trim...I can live in any house so long as the trim is in a beautiful soft shade of white. Historic colors are often mistaken as only these dark, dreary ones...but that isn't my style. As we make up the rooms we will show the progress, and I invite you to share your ideas.
And remember long ago when I wrote about my dream of a black and white checkerboard floor in my house? Voila!! Ask and you shall receive! Anything is possible...especially as you seek for the best!

i've got the blues

The blue bus is calling us.

Jim Morrison, American Poet & Musical Artist

Those of you who have read my blog for a while know that I have an adoration for the color blue...perhaps it is because I was raised on the deep blue Great Lakes or maybe it's the color of my aura.  However you slice it...I've had the blues ever since I can remember.  But who can blame me when you see these beautiful designs from Jim Howard appearing in the current issue of House Beautiful.  I adore the subtle blues accented with the deep pink and the stark white...harmonious!  This is what my dream home looks like.  Check out this bedroom! Subtle, graceful and playful...

Although if I had my druthers, I would pick this one (there's a tiny blue blanket on the bench so it works!)

This gathering room is airy and yet formal...a deeper navy blue paired with grey.  I can barely see the skyline out the windows...but I am sure it looks fabulously romantic on an over-cast day.

Finally, this living room is from an LA home...blending various blues in a great concerto...inspiration at it's best!

Do you ever have the blues...send me your best!