Kate Forman's English Country Charm

I discovered Kate Forman's designs a few years ago while travelling through England.  The first piece I saw was a sofa and it was a standout!  

A former antiques dealer, Kate took up textile design about ten years ago, and since then has established her brand by broadening it to include painted furniture, upholstered furniture, wallpaper, cushions, lamp shade covers, etc.

As you will see, she uses a lot of creams and rosy pinks with an occasional dash of soft blue or green thrown in.  All of it combined makes for a very warm and homey feel.

To see more of Kate Forman designs, check out www.kateforman.co.uk.

Enjoy!

KateForman.co.uk

Mini Works of Art

I discovered these Japanese confectioneries recently and was truly taken with the colors and detail of the handmade, edible works of art known as wagashi.

While there are many kinds of wagashi, which are made of rice, flour and bean paste, it's the creative process that is so awe inspiring.  They are almost too pretty to eat!  Wouldn't you say?

How about a cup of tea and wagashi?

Enjoy!

I'd swear this was a marble!

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A Room of Her Own

I love these small rooms where a woman can tuck away at a moment's notice - we all need a space that we can call our own, don't you think?

A cosy getaway to write, read a book, listen to music, do needlework - whatever it is that you find relaxing - perhaps to just close your eyes and dream!

And it's no coincidence that these rooms are all in toile - just that much cosier!

Enjoy!

Image 1 Diane Burn

Image 11 Alessandra Branca

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Rooms in Bloom

Good morning, Everyone!

It's a bit overcast here this morning, so I immediately thought of colorful flowers as a pick me up.......which led me to my pinterest boards to pick out some of my favorite rooms in bloom.

Most of these rooms have been done by a bevy of the world's best designers.  Some are from years ago and some are contemporary. Most of these rooms are very, very traditional and some are what is referred to as new traditional.

And all are gorgeous, charming and all enveloping!

Enjoy!

I fell in love with this room back in the 90s when I first saw it in Traditional Home and I still love it!

Designed by Gary McBournie.

The bedroom of Daniel Romauldez.

The New York living room of the late Mark Hampton and Duane Hampton

Since renovated.  Isn't it scrumptious?  Like stepping into a flower garden!

A cottage bedroom!

A contemporary bedroom by Cathy Kincaid......just lovely!

The living room of Oscar and Annette de la Renta.....beautiful!

Anthony Baratta's skilled design.

And Charlotte Moss' bedroom.

What a cheerful living room!  Love the shades of pink!

Traditional Home

Pure Joy!

Hope you all have as great a weekend as this dog appears to be having - pure joy!

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Lillian August's Beautiful Retreat

OK......enough of nurseries for now.  Let's get back to some adult interiors.

I came upon this house in Traditional Home recently and I thought it was one of the prettiest and most comfortable houses I have seen in a long time.  I have followed Lillian August's work for a long time and have loved it, but I particularly love this fresh, light look she has incorporated into her newfound retreat in Carolina.

There are so many adjectives to describe rooms, but my favorite is 'pretty' and while there are lots of beautiful rooms out there in many different styles - modern, contemporary, traditional, shabby, country, mid century, vintage, etc........sometimes it's hard to find 'pretty', inviting, comfortable, charming and low maintenance all in the same home.

This house covers it all!  Pure charm!

To see more of this home and Lillian's story, go here www.traditionalhome.com.

What a lovely room - sisal rug, painted distressed furniture for low maintenance - no window treatments   - just lovely!

A closer view of the living room makes me want to paint, sand and pound all my dark furniture!  That's inspiration!

Love all the symmetry and colors.

Love the colors here, as well - can I say it again - so pretty!

Love it!

Wicker, sisal, birdcage, pink!  This is my cup of tea!

Love all of this and especially the stove!

A cosy corner!

How perfect is this?

And what house is complete without a furry little friend sitting on a bed of peonies?

Adorable!

All images from Traditional Home