Right at Home

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend. Mine was very relaxing, with lots of time spent reading. Sometimes it's nice just to hunker down at home and enjoy just being there.

I'd imagine it would be quite pleasant to spend time in this Virginia home, featured on Apartment Therapy. The huge windows and open floor plan are great, but I especially like the details -- the black and white elements, global accents and little surprises like a mini disco ball on display.

Photos from here. 

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. 

Square Dance

There's lots to love about this Los Angeles home: the soothing colors, the abundance of natural light. But one of my favorite elements is how squared and angular many of the components are, from the windows to the bedframe to the living room furniture. Have a look!

Photos from here. 

Southern Comfort

When I saw this South Carolina home on the lovely Wishful Thinking, it took my breath away. The use of white, wood and soft, soothing tones is so beautiful, and I love the fresh white flowers in every room. Isn't it a gorgeous place?

Photos from here via 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.

Masculine Appeal

A "Notting Hill townhouse." It sounds pretty nice already, doesn't it? Well, this home, featured in Elle Decor, doesn't disappoint. It's quite masculine with some glamorous touches. I've always been intrigued by curved sofas, I love bold art and I'm more than a little smitten with the tailored garden. Let's have a look:

Photos from here. 

A Breath of Fresh Air

Today, the weather is supposed to reach a record high. I know it's going to be hard cooped up inside at work. Maybe I'll be able to sneak out for a bit for some fresh air and sunshine.

I think those would be two elements I'd love the most if I lived in this incredible New York home, featured on Fresh Home. Then again, the natural materials, minimalist architecture, huge windows, serene pool and amazing decks are pretty great too.

Photos from here. 

Toned Down

Thank you for all the sweet comments yesterday! I can't tell you how much your kind thoughts and well wishes mean to me.

I want to share this stylish studio -- a mere 350-square-foot space in New York City -- today for several reasons. First, I love a makeover. Show me before and after photos of just about anything and I'm there with you on the journey. But second, it shows how a change of paint can completely transform a space.

When we bought our house, we inherited some unusual color choices. Lavender walls in the living room, a sickly sunflower gold in the kitchen, neon orange in the basement and a primary green accent wall in the bedroom (not exactly relaxing!). So as much as I love bold color, we worked our way through the house toning down the hues.

This New York studio started out with baby blue and light yellow walls. But with some gray paint and smart furnishings, it became so sophisticated. Don't you agree?

Photos from here. 

So Glam

Ever since I saw these photos of Jennifer Lopez's home from Veranda on the lovely Just the Pretty Things, I haven't been able to stop thinking about the house. The soft shades of blue, pink, cream and white. Feminine touches mixed with modern. Luxurious fabrics and upholstery. A ball gown in a bedroom! Couldn't we all use a little more glamour in our lives?

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.