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.

Not-So-Mellow Yellow

I used to not care for the color yellow too much. But over the past year or so I've noticed it creeping into my life, showing up in my wardrobe and home accents. I love it! Not to sound completely cliche, but it really is a cheerful hue. And who can't use a dose of that every now and then?

Recently on Canadian House & Home, I spotted several very cool rooms with one thing in common -- great use of yellow.

Enjoy this mini mood boost:

Photos from here.

Green Scenes

Isn't green a wonderfully refreshing color? It makes me feel simultaneously relaxed and energized.

It can be hard to decorate with, though, hard to get just right. But these rooms -- all found on the excellent Canadian House & Home website -- have done it.

Take a look:

Photos from here.

Simple Happy

I am totally digging this giclee print by Blanca Gomez on Poster Cabaret. I love the simplicity, the bold colors and the overall mood of it.

Image from here.

Right On

I can be quite a sucker for quizzes. It's always interesting to learn more about oneself, and the notion that a quiz could reveal something previously unknown appeals to me.

So I recently took a StyleScope quiz on HomeGoods that promised to tell me what my personal home decorating style is.

Here is my prognosis:

You are an EARTHY MODERN. You keep up with culture, style, and trends, but have an appreciation for timeless forms and simple lines. You value good design, quality craftsmanship, and prefer the streamlined to the overly embellished or cluttered. You also appreciate the warmth and individuality of natural materials and handcrafted things and are inspired by colors and forms from nature. This contrast is what makes your home intriguing and comfortable. You love mixing up different textures and are sensitive to the tactile qualities of objects. Your style is grounded and solid, not flighty or frilly.You value creativity. You are stylish and fun loving, and can be an inspiration to others. You have a natural sense of drama, and you know you have to be willing to take risks—whether with colors, finishes, furniture choices, or ideas—for your home to stand out. Your home can be happy and lively and the place all of your friends want to be.

Now, maybe this applies to everyone and I'm just one of many people seeing myself in this ... but I have to say it seems pretty accurate. I love clean lines, simple shapes and bold colors mixed with textures, natural elements and fun.

Kinda like this fantastic bathroom from Metropolitan Home.

Photo from Metropolitan Home.

So Toasty

Dang it! I am trying so hard to enjoy the last legs of summer. But all the adorable, lush and utterly wonderful fall fashion is making that hard. 

I mean, take a look at Toast's early fall line. How can you not start to crave crispy air and crunchy leaves underfoot? 

Photos from here.

"Runway" Ready

I'm so excited that "Project Runway" is back on television. I so much enjoy watching the designers' creative processes and seeing the amazingly diverse clothing they come up with each week.

Last night's season debut was fun, and found the designers creating red-carpet looks. I immediately fell for Irina's dress. While subdued in tone, I loved the combination of lace on top and satin on the bottom. I liked how the sexy the top's plunging neckline was, and the bottom looked like it would feel so good on the legs.

These photos from Lifetime don't even do the dress justice. So pretty!

Photos from here.