{ paris bound & you're invited }

I've had Paris on my mind ever since reading about a new Parisian inspired design and craft book, The Left Bank Look, in a recent post on Holly's fabulous design blog, decor8. The captivating photos have had me reminiscing about my magical, whirlwind tour of Paris eight years ago with my hubby. I remember sitting at an outdoor cafe for hours, watching Parisians stroll by and daydreaming about their seemingly charmed lives–and then, kiddingly (or not) proposing to my husband, "Perhaps we can both quit our jobs and move to Paris for a couple of years!!??" The stylish and simple lifestyle of that enchanting city spoke to me and left a lasting impression that's been with me ever since.

images courtesy of flickr– to see the full size of this image and 

the photographer's portfolio, click on the link below

1. Feeling parisian ? [ Quais de seine - Paris ]

Alas, there are no immediate plans for another Parisian rendezvous any time soon.  But not to worry...I've discovered a Parisian inspired world that's right at our fingertips and I'd love for you to join me as I explore (virtually) this dreamy city and the people, designs, and creations it has inspired. Just have your bags packed and ready to go Monday. I will be finalizing the details of our exciting itinerary over the next couple of days. Until then, here is a sneak peek of the tres jolie Paris as seen through some of my favorite flickr finds...

images courtesy of flickr. Click on the links below to see each of these fabulous 

photos at full size and to access each photographer's portfolio and bio.

1. boats, 2. Paris, 3. Cafe de Flore, Paris, 4. Paris Apartment

: : : : :

images courtesy of flickr. Click on each of the links below to view each fabulous photo 

at full size and to access each photographer's portfolio and bio.

1. image courtesy of Carol gillott of ParisBreakfast, 2. Carousel de Paris, 3. Ferris Wheel, 4. Everyday Montmarte

{ C'est bon, non? }

{ tuesday tips }

Have you seen the new February issue of House Beautiful? It's pages are packed with great design tips for the New Year and a plethora of inspiring interiors to peruse. I especially love their practical and budget friendly "101 decorating Makeovers – small changes that make a big difference" feature and have shared a few of my favorite tips below:

#38 

Paint the inside of your kitchen cabinets a color 

that sets off your dishes and glasses. Everything will 

look cleaner and more finished.

(try this with your dining room hutch too)

***

#35

Buy a big modern shallow bowl, fill 

it with photos, & put it on your coffee table. 

An instant conversation starter.

***

#88

Hang a mirror in your outdoor room.

***

#31

Pull apart a big inexpensive mixed bouquet 

from the supermarket. Group similar flowers and put 

them in small vases. You'll have some for every room.

***

#94

Rearrange your fireplace mantel. Instead of one 

candlestick at each end, mass lots of them on one side. 

Remember: Odd numbers make the best arrangements.

The issue includes many, many quick & simple ideas that can instantly transform a room. We'd love to know...what's the simplest makeover you ever did that made the biggest impact?

Photo sources
Top Photo: S.HOPtalk
Other Photos: Domino

{ whistle while you work }

Visions of a home office makeover have been dancing in my head since the start of the New Year. I can hardly wait...we inherited an ideal work space-a detached studio off of our backyard-when we purchased our home 2 years ago and...it's ALL MiNe! I half expected hubby to realize what a gem it is and swoop in and take it over for himself. Nope. No interest. So it's just sitting there waiting for me to do my thing. But where to start? Do you find the endless possibilities of starting with a blank slate overwhelming too? In my quest for inspiration, I've come across some truly talented artists and designers with a knack for creating home studio and office spaces that are intriguing works of art in themselves.  Take a peek...

First up is the sunny home studio of Sharilyn Wright, creator of Lovely Design. I adore the charming school room feel of the colors and furnishings she's selected. (thanks again Cindy for alerting me to this wonderful space)

What a find...this vintage metal cabinet was rescued by Sharilyn from 

an alley and then repurposed into a nook that houses the delicious 

paper samples she uses to create her wildly popular paper goods.

Next, Cindy from Bluerose Design, treats us to this cheerful workspace she's created in her home.

Don't you just want to eat the yummy Benjamin Moore, Marshmallow Bunny wall color?  

The inspiration board was handmade by Cindy for her husband. You can grab a 

similar style wall pocket for yourself, by visiting Sally Shim's etsy shop. 

Personal, vintage details add to the charm of this creative space.

A visual merchandiser by day, Benita Larsson has a keen eye for great design which she's extended to her exquisitely edited home space in Stockholm, Sweden. 

Many of the creative storage solutions throughout her home are custom creations made by Benita and her hubby. Treat yourself to a tour of her fabulously organized home here.

Do you have a resource or inspiring workspace you'd like to share with us? If so, leave a comment and share your style secerets. In the meantime, I'll be digging into my new project. Stay tuned...

{ new year/new inspirations }

Lots of lovely new design catalogs and magazines have been popping up in my mailbox lately, providing fresh inspiration for the New Year. I thought I'd start by sharing a few 'getting organized' solutions I've come across since my resolutions list indicates that's something I should be focused on right now. :-) 

Check out these fabulous and functional finds to help you organize your life and stash your clutter in style...

Pottery Barn's Smart Recharge Station will help you organize and recharge all those 

new gadgets you acquired over the holidays

I also love their version of a family 'drop zone' with built in cubby 

for the pampered pooch (also great for storing boots and shoes)

Style files and scented pencils from See Jane Work...yummy!

It usually doesn't dawn on me to purchase a new calendar/planner until the New Year has actually started, so I was thrilled to find these functional works of art (psst: they look great cut down and framed when the year's over).

Cavallini wall art calendars available online at Kate's Paperie

Turtle Papers 2008 Calendar available on etsy

Check back later this week for some inspiring work space ideas. ~s