Breath of Fresh Air

I  know I shouldn't complain about winter, especially this year when it's been so mild -- at least compared to the record-breaking amounts of snow we've gotten the past few years. But I can't help it. I'm ready for spring! So I'm going to dream about sunshine and flowers and rain showers, and I'm going to pretend I'll be spending spring in this lovely waterfront Victorian in Massachusetts, featured in Better Homes and Gardens. Doesn't it feel so fresh and cheerful?

Photos from here. 

Chalet Style

I'm not typically one for rustic style, but I must admit the headline on House to Home promising a "romantic Alpine chalet" drew me in. The home -- nestled in the French Alps, no less -- is a nice mix of woods, clean lines and cozy touches like faux fur throws and a roaring fireplace. I wouldn't mind tucking away here for Christmas, or maybe the rest of winter!

Photos from here. 

Playing with Tradition

I used to balk at anything traditional. I thought the style was stuffy and old-fashioned and rooted in rules I didn't want to follow. But I've come around a bit and now appreciate classic touches in homes, like this Montreal house featured in Style at Home. But what I love most about this place is how the homeowners keep things unexpected. The brown velvet tufted ottoman, the glam chandeliers in the kitchen, the pink wallpaper and blue armchair in the dining room -- these things prove a properly grown-up home and a sense of fun are not mutually exclusive. Aren't you glad?

Photos from here. 

Sweeping

I have to say, one of the best parts of a house is not what's inside but what you see from it. And it would be difficult to find a more beautiful views, especially this time of year, than those from this Hudson Valley home, featured in Architectural Digest. Then again, the sleek architecture and minimalist furniture are pretty great too -- not to mention the adorable pups!

Photos from here. 

Personal Luxury

Checking out this fantastic London flat, featured on Elle Decor, got me thinking about luxury and how personal it is. What are the things -- practical or decidedly not -- that you can't live without? For me, it's lots of white, color, natural light and clean lines. It's glam accents and cozy touches. And it's inspiring artwork and photographs of people and places I love. 

Photos from here. 

Nesting

As much as I love to travel and explore new places, it truly is wonderful to be home. I don't have any trips planned for a bit, so I'm looking forward to nestling back into my home. Especially as the weather cools, it will be nice to sink into the couch with my husband, our pup and a blanket and do nothing more than watch a movie.

This north London house, featured on House to Home, seems like a great place to get cozy. I like the Arts and Crafts elements with all those textures and, of course, some pops of bright pink.

Photos from here. 

Black and White

This long weekend was a wonderful farewell to summer. We had sunny, crisp weather, which felt like the perfect melding of summer and fall, and we spent almost the entire time with family. 

Perhaps it's the shift of seasons on my mind, but I've noticed I'm gravitating toward black and white combinations in interior design as well as fashion. It's such a timeless combination that works all times of year, and I'm finding myself adding touches of it everywhere. That's one of the reasons I'm drawn to this home by Sydney designer Greg Natale. I love the crispness of black and white together, along with clean lines, graphic patterns and glamorous chandeliers. 

Photos from here via here. 

Just Beachy

When it comes to interior design, I'm typically not drawn to beachy or shabby-chic style. I like things more streamlined and tailored. Yet I'm digging this Santa Barbara beach cottage featured on Apartment Therapy. It's so sunny and natural but also really feminine and cool. Have a peek:

Photos from here. 

On the Inside

When I lived in California, I'd wander around San Francisco dreaming about what it would be like to live in one of the city's Victorians. They looked so amazing on the outside that I wondered how great they'd be inside. If I'd somehow made my way into this Victorian featured in House Beautiful, I don't think I'd ever leave! I love the black and white with hits of color and a sense of playfulness. Here, have a peek:

Photos from here.  

Naturally Beautiful

I've been a fan of Kerri Russell ever since her Felicity days. (Wasn't that such a great show?) Her style, both onscreen and off, has always seemed to be rooted in natural beauty. So I'm not surprised to see the same aesthetic in her gorgeous Brooklyn home, featured in Elle Decor. What a calm, cozy and sophisticated space!

Photos from here. 

Underfoot

Lately, I've developed a preoccupation with rugs. I think they're gorgeous and I love how they tie a room together (to borrow a quote the Dude). I'm not sure if a rug -- something blue or patterned or both -- is the element missing in our living room. But in any case, I'm drooling over these beauties by Madeline Weinrib:

Photos from here.