Things I Love ... Parisian Bistro Chairs

One of my favorite things about Paris is the plethora of charming side walk cafes.  And one of the best things about cafes (aside from fresh croissants) are the bistro chairs.  Anywhere you go in Paris they, the same chairs provide a comfortable perch to people watch.  I've been noticing some kitchen interior designs that feature these chairs (and barstools!).  I would definitely love to take this little bit of Paris with me and make my kitchen my own little Parisian cafe.

Bon weekend!

(images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Iron Clad

I am obsessed with iron-paned windows.  While I've been slowly noticing this lately, a flip through the newest Pottery Barn catalogue cemented it.  My tastes overall can be extremely classic and sometimes I worry about that I'll have difficulty making an entire house seem young and modern.  But in my opinion, this kind of window is both classic and modern.  It makes any space open and bright without being so modern that it borders on out there.  It's the perfect balance.

Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate iron paned windows that I will be saving for inspiration...

So amazing inside! I would have never thought of that!

The most amazing exterior at Tabitha Simmons' home

(images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

Comfy Cozy

It's dreary here in Atlanta today, with temperatures staying around the 50s.  And while I love this chilly, fall weather, it would be the perfect today to extend my weekend and be cozy inside.  It's days like this that I miss having a fireplace.  If I could I'd curl up in a nook someplace... but instead I have to do homework and go to school so I'm unpacking all my sweaters.

Here are cozy spots I'd rather be in...

(images via 1, 2, 3, 4)

Light Up Your Life

If you have ever seen my apartment you know I have a love for any and all things Pottery Barn.  I can't help it, it's all so wonderful.  In fact, every time I get a new catalogue (which is more often than not) I tear pages and pages of inspiration to save.  However on the rare occasions that I actually look through those tear sheets, I realize I've cut out the same rooms over and over again.  One of the recurring items I covet is their iron and bronze chandeliers.  While these have crystal embellishments, they seem more down to earth and less fussy than the average crystal chandelier.  I love the idea of these lighting fixtures in entry ways and dining rooms or kitchen nooks.  I think it's a great way to add elegance without going over the top.

Which is your favorite?

Bellora Chandelier

Camilla Chandelier

Celeste Chandelier

(images via Pottery Barn)

Wall of Windows

If you haven't noticed, I have an affinity for breakfast nooks.  I love the idea of creating one in any kitchen simply by using a banquette.  I also love mixing the other side of the table with beautiful chairs.  This breakfast nook is complete perfection.  Not only is the seating spot on, but the wall of windows (one of which doubles as a door) is breathtaking.  I'm obsessed with these large, iron-framed windows, especially when looking out onto a beautifully lush patio.  This is the perfect spot to have breakfast and a cup of coffee with morning light peaking through.

(image via Studio William Hefner)

The Shops at Target: Part Deux

This Sunday Target is debuting it's second installment of the Shops.  Much like in May, Target has chosen four boutiques that have created collections specifically for Target customers.  This go-around will feature SoHo fashion outpost Kirna Zabete for women's wear, New York's Odin, a high end boutique for men, The Curiosity Shoppe from San Francisco which features home accessories and gifts and Patch NYC, ironically from Boston, with more home accessories.  The collection has a decidedly fall feel with much warmer colors than the summer collection.  While I am less familiar with these shops, I am excited about the opportunity to explore a different aesthetic this time.  Here's the promo video, enjoy!

Kitchen Chic

I'm still visiting friends and family in Dallas so I'm spending less time on my computer finding inspiration.  But I found this image on Pinterest and it's too good not to share.  It includes some of my favorite elements - seating nook, big window, white cabinetry, black and white decor, oh and an amazing little chandelier over the nook! It's flawless.  It's also a great way to utilize what looks like a smaller space.  Yet the colors make it look bright but the pillows, shades, lighting and tiny table next to the nook create a comfortably cozy vibe.

(image via Elle Decor)

Reese's Pieces

Of course for all of my complaining about how unbearable August is and how terrible the summer heat is then it rained here in Atlanta almost everyday last week.  Which, has made being outside almost pleasant (if not for the mosquito bites I continue to get because everything is so damp).  And honestly, considering how much I hate August, I can't believe it's flown by so quickly.  I mean, we're already more than half way through!  While I know there will continue to be hot, unbearable days, I am hoping to have a few that are just right.  And wouldn't this be the perfect place to sit and enjoy one?

This is actually an image of Reese Witherspoon's Ojai, California home's terrace.  Here are some more shots of her interiors which are beautiful.  Supposedly her former co-star Rob Pattinson spent a couple of days at this home recuperating from his break up with Kristen Stewart.  I wouldn't mind spending a few days here at all.  Enjoy!

(images via Elle Decor)

Things I Love ... Hermés Avalon Blanket

I have a love for throw blankets.  I think they're a great way to add color or texture to a room.  Plus, no matter the temperature outside, I always like to curl up on the couch with a blanket.  I have a warm and cozy blanket for winter and a lighter one that I've been using all summer.  But no matter the season or the room, the quintessential throw blanket, the one that I am truly in love with, is the Hermés Avalon blanket.  It's cashmere, it comes replete with H's, oh, and it's a few grand.  Hence it's a bit of a dream.

The Avalon blanket makes any room look luxe and pulled together.  It's definitely something I'm coveting for one day.

Here are some Avalon inspirations.

(images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)

Gallery Life

A few weeks ago I got the itch to redecorate my apartment.  Now I don't have much free space left because I have quite a bit of furniture, and really, stuff in general.  So a complete overhaul was kind of out of the question.  But I did decide to paint an accent wall in my living room bright orange.  I painted the wall that my couch is up against which had also previously showcased my favorite art - black & white photography prints.  I have one large print that I had on another wall and decide to move over the couch to showcase more of the orange wall.  But then the question was, what to do with all my art???

I moved every thing over to the other wall (where my print had previously hung) and created a great gallery wall.  Gallery walls are something that take time (to make sure everything lines up and looks great) but make such an amazing statement.  They are without a doubt one of my favorite design elements.  Especially because they can be done in so many ways.  They can showcase all kinds of art, feature many different frames.  Personally, I love when everything has a theme.  My art is all black & white landscapes (some that I've taken myself and had printed in black & white) framed in black frames with white mats.  I think it makes everything more uniform and you can really focus on the images.

Leaning is a great alternative

This is a little intense... but still amazing. 

One of my all time favorites... (I've pinned it at least 3 times...)

Interior designer Mary McDonald's office

(images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)