Inspiration Spark

I can't think of a better way to start a Tuesday morning than with some beautiful, summery images and thoughtful, inspiring words. Have a great day!

Photos from here and here. 

Black & White

I love a good black and white look year-round, but there's something quite refreshing about the combination in the summer. And if it's carried out in stripes, chevron or another graphic print, all the better! Here are a few pieces, via Pinterest, I'm digging now.

Photos from here. 

Light and Dark

Good morning! How was your weekend? Mine was very relaxed. My husband and I were both sick, so we spent a lot of time on the couch and watched a lot of movies. But with a snowstorm outside, being holed up at home was actually quite nice.

I definitely wouldn't mind spending some time in this space, a Brooklyn home featured on Design*Sponge. What I love most about it is the contrast between the moody dark rooms and the bright white spaces. I also like the mix of materials and textures, and the great collection of art. And that little patio is pretty fantastic, no?

Photos from here. 

Opposites Attract

A combination I can't get enough of is black and white. I find myself lately black-and-white-ifying everything around me -- my outfits, my home decor, my accessories. That's probably why I haven't stopped loving Jason Wu's fall 2011 ready-to-wear collection. The play of masculine and feminine seems perfect for the opposing shades, don't you think?

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. 

Prints Charming

I love the graphic quality of these pillow cases and towels by Branch Handmade. The images are quirky and beautiful and definitely add personality to everyday items. Enjoy!

Photos from here.

I'm Learning

Sometimes, things don't have to be perfectly clear, precisely understandable. When I stop and think about it, I realize there's incredible beauty in the unknown, in letting things simply unfold as they should as they will -- with or without my approval.

It's a wonderful and humbling reminder, one that came to me looking at the gorgeous photography by Bird and Bloke.

See, everything's going to be okay, even if it's not quite in focus yet. 

Photos from here.

Back to Basics

I love color. I fill my wardrobe with it, my art with it, my home with it. I've definitely had to tone it down in my decor choices at times so things don't get too chaotic or bright.

That said, there is a slightly calmer yet more graphic beauty to be found in a black and white palette. Rooms composed primarily of these hues seem more straightforward somehow ... more "black and white" I guess you could say.

Aren't these rooms from Canadian House & Home -- I can't get enough of this site! -- sophisticated? I like how the forms and patterns stand out more when the color scheme is limited.

Photos from here.