PINthritis

Pinthritis:  a self-induced condition marked by a sore index finger after a long pinning session on pinterest

I've made this term up (or at least I think I have since I didn't get any google hits) to capture how my index finger felt this past weekend.  My husband and daughter told me to stop whining. They're right, I did it to myself.  My son at college is happy he didn't have to hear about it…

collage images, above and below, from recent pins on my pinterest boards  :)

head there for the original sources

Ikea's New Sektion Cabinets - Interior Design Show 2015

It's becoming an annual event on this blog where I lament not going to Toronto for the Interior Design Show.  Ikea doesn't unveil its Sektion cabinets to the U.S. public until February 2nd but visitors to the 2015 Interior Design show got to check them out first hand this past weekend.   Looks like Ikea went all out with 3 kitchens, 2 of which were created by House and Home and Style at Home magazines. (Images from Ikea Canada Facebook page)

Ikea's glossy white and yellow kitchen, feature

This kitchen is by House & Home - a take on their British Eclectic trend prediction for 2015.  The Zoffany Peacock wallpaper in the pantry is fabulous!

This close-up image via the instagram account of Wendy Hicken

This bistro style kitchen is by Style at Home.  They've also featured amazing wallpaper - one of my favorites, Fornasetti Nimbus by Cole & Son.

Ikea says one of the major difference between the old Akurum and Sektion is that Sektion is modular with many more size and configuration options.  I think this kitchen gives a good sense of that - especially with all those shallow depth drawers.  Looking forward to being able to check them out here in the States soon!

Instagram Love: Vicki Archer's London Flat

I'm a huge fan of Vicki Archer, her blog, and most recently, her delicious images on instagram.  I love to follow her back and forth between her beautiful homes in Provence and London.   I mean,  isn't this just the quintessential London townhouse in every way? Gorgeous moldings, plump down-filled cushions, books, interesting accents - I could go on and on.

Vicki has already written two beautiful books on her French Life. Now I'm hoping she'll decide to treat us to another book - her Life in London!

My French Life

French Essence: Ambience, Beauty, and Style in Provence

Long Lasting Winter Bouquet

Here's what my flowers looked like after 8 days - not bad for a $14.99 bouquet from Whole Foods, including a simple glass vase I'll definitely use again.  In the end, the bouquet made it 11 days before it started to look too faded.  My favorite bits are the thistles (assuming that's what they are?) and the mini-cabbage.  

Finally Found It!

Years ago I purchased this doormat from the now defunct Martha Stewart Living catalog. When the catalog was closing, I bought one more on sale and later on regretted not buying a few more. They said the pattern was based on a sea cucumber.  I've always wanted two more for other entryways to our house and finally found something so very close to the original!

Entryways Circle Chains Recycled Rubber Doormat

Not exact but close enough!    Have you even been looking for something and then finally find it years later?

DC Designer Series: Anna Matthews Interiors

It's been a few years since I put up a post under my DC Designer Series but when I saw the work of Anna Matthews of Anna Matthews Interiors I was inspired to start it up again.  Her work is smart, fresh and versatile as you can see when you look at this spot-on black and cream living room and the vibrant color palette in her more traditional interiors.  These images are gathered from her portfolio and instagram account.  Looking forward to seeing more of Anna's work in the future!

For a client that loves color - saturated green and beautiful details.

Love what's going on here with all these fabrics!

Her talent also extends to these fabulous tablescapes - striking neutrals and vibrant color combinations.

Liberté

One of the memorable things we did when in London this past summer was to visit Banksy - The Unauthorized Exibit at Sotheby's.  My son, the art student, turned us on to his work.

Wikipedia succinctly describes Banksy's work, "His satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humour with graffiti executed in a distinct stenciling technique. His works of political and social commentary have been featured on streets, walls, and bridges of cities throughout the world."

Freedom of Thought 

Freedom of Expression

liberté

Instagram Love: Kapito Muller Interiors

Sharing a little Instagram love today from Kapito Muller Interiors.  This gorgeous window scene is from then NYC Holiday House.  Isn't the ribbon treatment on the pillow below really interesting?  Haven't seen that before.

A gorgeous laundry room with walls of subway tile.

Beautiful rift oak shelves before the installation.  Seeing alot of rift oak lately, it's gorgeous.