Feminine Touch

I like my home to be a mix of masculine and feminine elements. That said, it is a treat to see a space that celebrates girly touches. This London home, featured in House to Home, is filled with pretty lamps, fresh flowers, pops of pink and more. I quite like it!

Photos from here. 

Lofty Goals

Are there elements you always love in a home? I can't help but be drawn to big windows, clean lines, black and white and expressive uses of color. Throw in bold artwork and comfy furniture and I'm there -- or at least I'd love to be! This Northern Ireland loft, featured in House to Home, is definitely a place I could spend some time.

Photos from here via 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. 

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. 

Own It

Last night, three of my girlfriends and I got together. We sat outside to enjoy a warm evening, share a bottle of wine and chat. We laughed so hard remembering events from our past and updating each other on recent goings on. But one of my favorite parts of the night was when we talked about how we're liking our age. Now that we're all thirty, we understand ourselves better than ever before. Not that we have everything figured out -- not at all! -- but by and large we know what we like and who we are, and we're more accepting of the qualities and quirks unique to each of us. We're owning them.

This New York townhouse, featured on House to Home, seems to have that confidence. It's eclectic and interesting, and I get the feeling that the furniture, art and accessories all hold special meaning to the person who chose them. When you go with what feels right to you, things kind of work out, don't they?

Photos from here. 

Clearing

I've been thinking about relaxation lately. I'm not sure I'm very good at it! Yes, I do my share of lazing around, but do I ever let my mind completely relax? Do I ever let my body truly unwind? Sometimes I think I should force myself to simply be, just spend a period of time with no electronics or even books or magazines or other distractions and see what happens.

This gorgeous, minimalist home in Dorset, featured on House to Home, seems blissfully free of unnecessary extras. Don't you think you could do some great thinking -- and clearing of your mind -- in a place like this?

Photos from here. 

Opposites Attract

In home design, I love glamorous, feminine touches. But I don't like when things get too girly, so I appreciate spaces that also have strong, masculine elements. This South African home, featured on House to Home, gets that combination right. And it also offers great mixes of light and dark, sleek lines and rough texture. Have a look:

Photos from here.

Chill

Yesterday I had a meltdown. I've been fortunate so far in my pregnancy not to feel very sick, but being tired and emotional and seeing my body change has been a bit tough. I was feeling fat and icky and crabby and decided to go for a run yesterday morning. Just as I was about to leave, my husband gave me a compliment. I realize now that I should have smiled and thanked him for the nice words. Did I do that? No. I blew up at him and told him my body is no longer an acceptable topic of conversation, then bolted off on my run. Nice, huh? I later apologized and he was very sweet and understanding, but sheesh, I need to get a handle on this!

I should try to calm down -- relax, take a breath, appreciate all the wonderful things around me. Maybe I'll browse through this gorgeous, cozy, serene New York country home, featured on House to Home, and pretend I'm lounging there today! 

Photos from here. 

Double the Fun

I love looking through online galleries of homes, perusing pictures for ideas for my own spaces. There's so much inspiration to be discovered. And as I pored over living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms on House to Home, I found two of each that I particularly like.

Photos from here.