Catalog Heaven

I often think about gathering the catalogs that clutter my mailbox and shipping them back where they came from. Just like the old Seinfeld episode when Kramer boycotts the post office. But! This week, the new West Elm catalog made me rethink that plan. The colors and patterns are wonderful, and I love the photos too!

Jason Polan Drawings

So much cool stuff! The catalog feels so fresh and so fun. Much of that comes from West Elm's collaboration with outside designers and artists, (including several Etsy artists). In the spirit of collaboration, the West Elm site features some interesting articles written by artisans from around the world in the Hand/Eye section. 

Shane Powers collection

Etsy artists

I think I need these glasses! Another cool feature in the catalog and website is the list of recommended paint colors. Yeah! All of you who are scared of paint colors, go here and get some help:) Have I conveyed my excitement, well enough? West Elm, I'm sure you are holding your breath until you hear my opinion, so breathe easy now. Props, for a job well done!

Eclectic Christmas

Via Escapade 

Merry Christmas! I would like to say that before I write the rest of the article. You may be wondering why. Well, again we find ourselves at a time of year, I don't really like. Ahhhhh! How do I convey my feelings? As a Christian, I most definitely observe the meaning of Christmas and am grateful for all it includes. But, I DON'T LIKE THE DECORATING! Pretty much every year I say the same thing on this blog. So some of you may have heard this before. Sorry for that. For some reason, I always feel pressured to write something Christmas-y, even though; I really don't want to. So, as a way to deal with that dilemma, I write about small details that I do like. (You may also notice that I tend to put this off for as long as I can). 

Via Knock Knocking 

I haven't figured out why Christmas decorating disturbs me so much. I think its because it often seems tacky or forced. I don't like doing things just because it is "expected" of me or because everyone does it. Perhaps I need therapy? 

Okay, enough! I really don't like being negative, so I am concentrating on what I do like. Here are a few details that are very beautiful and unique.

One of my favorite parts of Christmas, is the gift wrapping. Every year I try to think of some new and unusual way of presenting gifts. I found these adorable pom-poms via Bugs and Fishes, here.  She includes a tutorial and many more gift wrapping ideas. 

Via Bugs and Fishes 

Via VT Interiors 

Yay, I may have a little Christmas spirit after all!!!

P.S. If you are looking for my Eclectic House  articles, they will be back after Christmas.

Industrial Beauty

(Via Rue Magazine)

This morning I was drooling over these photos from Sfgirlbybay. Finding metal lockers like these, is the sort of thing I dream about. What is even more beautiful is the harmonious way this industrial furniture fits into a soft and serene room.

Love all the small details!!

The top photos reminded me of this photo of Sarah Jessica Parker's home in Elle Decor. That little blue cabinet takes away any feeling of generic design. Its such a unique touch.

Some of the most fantastic industrial pieces I have seen are from Obsolete. If you have never seen their website, go immediately! I'll wait for you:)

Feeling Tipsy

Hello, all! I had to share this video of an unbelievable house that is now on the market. It is space-age fabulous!!! Designed by Richard T. Foster in 1968, the Rotating House is ingenious. Once inside, you can rotate the house to face any view of the beautiful property it sits on. Love it! 

P.S.  Monday's post didn't appear here because of problems with Blogger. I did post a link on my Twitter and Facebook sites. Be sure and check out another amazing home there. As for the explanation of where I've been...still to come, I promise.

I Know, I Know...I Should Have an Explanation.

Like where have you been for a couple of months? Ahhh, I'm almost scared to go into it, but I will explain in a couple of days. First, I had to post these photos I found today. Check out these incredible fixtures from Redesign Technologies!

Yeah, they're paperclips!!!

Oh these are so delicious, I could eat them up!!

(Back in a couple of days. Thanks to those of you who have been patient w/ me)

A Gentle Beckoning?

Is someone trying to tell me something? I've been lacking anything to say and desire to be very creative....it just hasn't been working for me. Something funny has been happening though, everywhere I look; I see lovely camera related details. So many pretties that I would love to have! First, I fell in love with this classic preppy looking camera strap. So awesome! Next, I found a classic camera bag by Leica, while reading through Lucky magazine. There aren't many things I love more than beautiful stitching in leather. Does that sound crazy? I just think its such a beautiful detail!

On occasion, I actually enjoy being girlie. I know its hard to believe isn't it?! Ha, ha! Anyway, on those rare days, I would love to own one of these gorgeous bags by Epiphanie. As hard core as I am about photography, I often leave my handbag behind in order to carry my camera bag. Its not very pretty, especially on formal occasions. Finally, there is a solution for that dilemma. Anyone else ever have that problem?

I'm starting to think my old friend (my beloved camera) is calling me to pick it up again. Its been a while...but perhaps its time.

Links found via:
Diary of a Mod Housewife
Lucky Magazine
T Spoon of Sunshine

Ode To The Table

By Pablo Neruda

I have taken up poetry reading:) The beautiful photos can be found on Flickr:
1. Vesna 1962
2. Decorology
3. Soleil is Me
4. Missionpictures
5. Moxiee

Favorite Portfolio: Blacksheep Architecture and Design

Hello all! I wanted to share two of my new obsessions. First, a very cool site called Houzz. Have you seen it? Its a blogger's dream come true. Basically, its a site where you can bookmark your favorite images, or post photos of your own work. Also, you can create your Idea books from all their images. Its so fabulous and inspiring!!

My second obsession is Blacksheep Interior and Architecture, found via Houzz. Their design is so crisp and creative. I had a hard time narrowing down the amount of photos I posted.

I'm developing my own ideabook. If any of you create one, let me know:)

Friday Favorite: Restoration Hardware?

So, I'm kind of a snob when it comes to furniture from big chain stores. I'm usually not impressed. This week I got the Restoration Hardware catalog in the mail. I like to search through it, just to keep up with what's new and what accessories they have. I was pretty surprised to find these dining sets. They really are good looking!

The new line of furnishings is made from reclaimed wood, which gives it such a warm feeling and patina. As a disclaimer: I haven't actually seen this furniture in person, so I can't vouch for its quality. (That is my biggest issue with furniture from chain stores). I do like the prices, though:) What do you think?

The Blogger's Dilemma

Hey, I'm finally back! Yesterday was a complicated day for this blogger. First, I couldn't post pictures. I'm pretty sure it was a Blogger problem, but I'm not certain. Second, when I was finally able to post photos, I couldn't find the sites I needed to link too! I sat looking through my computer for almost two hours, searching and searching! I finally gave up in disgust and thought, "I'm going to have to start over in the morning". So this morning, as I looked at the photos again, I couldn't bring myself to delete them. So here is the dilemma. I know its protocal to always give sources and links, but could y'all forgive me for not sharing these with you? I mean come on!

So, I'm throwing myself at the mercy of the blogosphere that I may be forgiven for posting these without credit.
I really racked my brain to remember where they came from. All I remember is that this is a restaurant in Hong Kong...it blows me away! Soooo gorgeous!

Well, I hope you enjoy these. If anyone has an idea of their source, please let me know. Now, on with your Thursday:)

Beautiful Portfolio: Phoebe Howard Home

I am passionate about wonderful details. I often admire a handbag because of its beautiful stitching or a painting because of a bold brush stroke. The other day I ran across the portfolio of Pheobe Howard Home, and loved their attention detail. So many of even the tiniest things are done so beautifully. Of course, the challenge when you work on the details is to still keep the big picture in mind. (I know because that is my number one struggle EVERY day!) I think these spaces manage to balance both of those factors.

Marble, marble! Still loving it!

The Fabulous Flea And A Fabulous Sale.

I don't often get to write about a furniture store in houston that I've never been too, but this is one of those times! This weekend The Fabulous Flea opened its doors to the public for a rare sale. I decided I needed to jump at the chance at seeing this place, and it was worth it! I was ready to move into this beautiful space. Its so quaint and romantic:)

(This little doorway captivated me. I imagined the curious places it might lead to)
Mary Daly along with the fabulous folks at Found For the Home, put together a beautiful collection of antiques and unusual objects. P.S. If you are reading this, live in Houston, and its before 5:00 pm on Saturday....go check it out for yourself!

This beautiful carved horse head was my favorite piece! Why am I so into horses now?
I grew up in West Texas and didn't care about them then...oh well.

Ooh, I even got to take a peek at the pool house, behind the studio. I tell myself that this was special treatment,
but I'm not really sure if it was. Anyway, just had to share. Don't you just love it?!