Stolen moments

I do not know about you, but sometimes I sneak in some stolen moments at a small cafe around the corner, which makes me feel like I am on vacation in France. I know, 

I am pushing it here...

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I indulge in a delicious soy latte and unfold a magazine or two, just to browse and to get some inspirational juices flowing.

There is a seat across from me, so why don't you sit for a moment and have a peak?

Truthfully, I have no idea which magazines they are from, I guess Elle Decor, House and Home, House Beautiful?

Anyway, there is something about a white kitchen....

and patterned walls and a sofa with a pop of color....

And ... oh, should we try this perfume? It says here it's unisex (LOL), but I think there is no such thing, really?

And speaking of unisex.... this bedroom just appeals to me, very feminine/masculine

While this one is just girly, wouldn't you say?

And so happy!

Next magazine: Another gorgeous kitchen, in the city I adore??? Ohhhh...

Sorry, the light here.... this turned out pink, but its a lovely off white on white....

 Another glam bedroom! Three pillows....

But this one here is an killer amazing room! I absolutely love the moody feel of dark walls in a library, with the cozy seat.... and a silver ceiling? Get out! Sorry, a really bad photo, but you get the idea?

And this one? Can it get more elegant and fun? 

Turquoise, white and gold with a dash of red!!! 

J'adore!

Shhh, we are way to noisy, the patron over there gives us already the evil eye....

Are we done?

Let's just go home now and put to good use what we have learned here!!!

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Au Revoir!

See you next week darling, have a splendid weekend!

All images via various current shelter magazines, sorry no exact source.

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Today I love...

These soft and romantic interiors. They are neither overly frilly, nor too reduced in style. I like a sofa to sink in, laced with pillows....

I like the garden stool, yes, used all over, but why not? An ottoman to put my feet up and a romantic chandelier! The lightest pink on the walls, offset by the milky sage green.

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Or this garden style room, where large windows invite the outside in. I absolutely love the window casings in a darker shade, while the walls and floor blend gently together! 

This is a very large room, and yet, it feels cozy! Summer calm!

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And this interior has me absolutely enchanted, I love everything about it: The soft colors, the darker paneling and door frame, painted floor and the overall styling, which reminds me of the early 19th Century! Nature inspired wall decor gets me anytime! Again softest pink walls!

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And do I need to explain that I find this girly bedroom utterly charming?

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Lately I love the idea of darker painted woodwork. What do you think? White or color?

Happy Tuesday!

All images as indicated!

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Small and cozy

More often then not many of us live in smaller rooms then many magazines tend to show.

It is the reality for countless apartment dwellers and owners of small suburban or historic homes. 

And although the chances for clutter and the lack of storage can make life in smaller spaces more challenging and perhaps a little more complicated, there are many cozy solutions for comfortable rooms.

Natural tones keep it calm, perfect for the bookworm at home.
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Light walls and a harmonious palette make this room perfect for reading, watching TV and relaxing. 

The L-shaped sofa offers ample seating and the chair creates an extra spot for reading. Notice the small writing table under the window. 

Small does not mean departure from eclectic style. This small living /dining room offers light and comfortable seating. The graphic rug and transparent side chair distract from the fact that there is not much room to play with.
I would perhaps remove the prints above the windows. They compete a little too much with the focal point: The sofa!

The above pictured room is an excellent example for  dramatic effects in a less then spacious environment. The burnt orange wall sets the tone for high contrast and the light classic furniture make it elegant.

The basically two tone  color scheme creates calm. I love the choice of hot pink as an unusual visual kick! The black chair cushion ties in with the fire place.

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I love the nature inspired country comfort. A big deep sofa and leather chair make up for the small space. An ottoman is the perfect choice for flexible seating and feet up for long hours by the fire. 

The wallpapered niches create depth and I love the reclaimed fat beam for the mantle. Check out the wonderful cuckoo clock!

Again, for the color scheme: Less is more.

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This kitchen shows all signs of hip style, yet it's practical and cozy. Light walls and floor keep it seamless and offer the optical illusion of space. The height helps...The bar table and tall stools do double duty as eating area and prep space. The chaise in the foreground transitions the kitchen into the living space. 

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This small corner proofs that there is room under the eaves for a retreat to cozy up or to do some quiet work on the computer. Many Victorian homes have more then their fair share of odd shaped nooks and crannies.

Small rooms need to multitask and there are  many solutions to do it in style. Ottomans with storage, build -ins, open shelving and stylish containers, under bed storage and well laid out closets help to keep things organized. 

There are sofas, doubling as guest beds and dining tables can be used as desks...

And as with all smaller spaces, it is always good to edit your household. The simple rule mainly to buy things to replace others is helpful, as is the idea of less is more.

Images as indicated.

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