Inspiration 6.8

It's funny. I've always loathed the term "granny chic," and yet, it seems some prime examples of the genre snuck their way in here on my blog. While I can't say I love everything about these spaces, I think there are some very glamorous old world touches throughout that can easily be applied to more contemporary settings.

For example, the top photo where gorgeous floral fabric is paired with white-washed walls and floors, or the mixed floral patterns in the middle photo.I also love the tiny bit of wit in the bottom room, where the damask pattern in the wallpaper so subtly matches the fabric on the chair.

Photos from This is Glamorous and Portland Mitchell

Inspiration 3.11

When I am dreaming of what my future English countryside estate will look like (don't laugh guys, it's totes going to happen for me!!), this is pretty much it. Perfectly.

Via Coco + Kelley

House tour: A Casual Seaside Estate

I received such a positive response (online and off) to this photo of an art studio designed by Robin Bell, that I thought I'd share the rest of the house. (Trust me, you'll only get more envious from here on out). That sweet studio resides in a rambling 1880s seaside estate, that was once owned by Gloria Vanderbilt. Everyone's favorite silver fox, Anderson Cooper, grew up here.

The house is shingles style, with arts and crafts touches throughout. Bell downplayed the grandness of the house by stripping it of the floor-to-ceiling decorating preferred by Vanderbilt and giving it a more laid back cottage-y look. I love how Bell broke out of the typical seaside palette of blues and whites, in favor of creamy neutrals accented with hot pinks, candy purples and rich marigold yellows.