Photographer Lucinda Symons

Before we start let me wish you all a haunting Halloween! May your tricks and treats be scary and sweet!



And now let's get some work done.

How I love to stumble upon talents like UK photographer Lucinda Symons. I love all of the photographs in her portfolio. Here are the ones I like best. What do you think? Enjoy!







































More lovely photographs at her web site right here.

Decorating with plates # 1

How about opening that cabinet where you keep your grandma's plates and put them on display around the house? Stashed away you might only use them once or twice a year and maybe not even then because they're too good to get chipped while washing. On the other hand, plates don't have to be priceless or vintage... everyday plates and tableware are an affordable way to add a custom touch to your rooms.
This is the first of a series of three on decorating with plates.

Here are some ideas on how to display your plates.


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nskwood





decoraddict


trine thorsen


bellemaison


bellemaison


countryliving


countryliving


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bellemaison


bellemaison


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BH&G


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Since we're in a Halloween mood I added this pic.
countryliving

Have a look at this post full of Halloween ideas and inspiration!

Designers Cheryl and Alison Womack

Today I'd like to show you the work of Cheryl and Alison Womack who are a mother and daughter design team based in Atlanta. Their classical style is elegantly understated. They are known for their ability to create an integrated, polished look while maintaining a comfortable, warm and livable environment.

Their work has been featured in many publications and books, including the covers of Traditional Home Magazine and Custom Builder. They also received the "Best in American Living Award" in 2005 for their work on Kiawah Island.

These are the rooms I liked best from their portfolio. Hope you like them too!


They managed to make this huge living room warm and inviting.










Combination of traditional and modern styles. Soft tones and lots of light. Framed intaglios flank the mirror over the sofa.


A custom window seat in an unusual serpentine shape. If you look closely you can see it has a small pullout tray. Actually, it has two trays, one on each side.




Traditional dining room.



I love this bedroom! It has a vaulted ceiling and a half circular window which leads out to a private balcony.


More framed intaglios above the sofa, a glided iron and glass coffee table, and a convex mirror above the mantel which reflects the entire room.

See more pictures of their rooms right here.

Interior Designer Jessica Helgerson

Located in Portland, Oregon, Jessica Helgerson is known for her green interior design and her strong commitment to the environment. . She uses a simple palette of natural materials including reclaimed and sustainably harvested wood, bamboo, natural fiber floor-coverings, pigmented plasters, antique and vintage furniture and textiles, organic cotton and hemp fabrics. Her knowledge of design really shines in all the details.

House Beautiful magazine named her "One of the top 25 young designers in America."
There are lots of residences in here extensive portfolio. I chose the Butterfly Lane Residence which I believe is the loveliest one. The owners wanted a "Swedish Cottage by the sea", so the mandatory light colour palette of pale yellows, blues and white was used.

Let's go to the pics.



Elegant and welcoming living room with a modern touch in the artwork over the fireplace.


The floors are wide-plank hickory


A vintage 50's range with red knobs in the kitchen.



The simple white bathroom with a plexi ghost chair which adds a jovial touch.



A fireplace and a chaise lounge make this spacious bedroom warm and inviting.

Browse through Jessica Helgerson's portfolio right here.

Toy Storage Solutions.

Today's post is dedicated to Martine who left the following question:

"I have a problem... the family room is also the playing room for my daughter who's 10 months, so during the day it's full of...everything, all over the floor . I don't mind of course, we don't live in a museum. At night, I put everything in a corner, trying to organize the space for our evenings with our son who's 16 years old. Now that I saw your post on baskets, [here] I am thinking about using some of those to put the toys & co there at night. Would you have pictures to inspire me on that project?
Thank you"

This was my answer:

"Hi there Martine! Thanks for leaving your question. I definitely think the solution to your problem is to purchase a big trunk like basket with a lid on it. You can not only store all your daughter's toys but once it's closed you can add a cushion to fit the size and use it to sit down. Baskets are quite sturdy and will easily take the weight. I believe it will look great in your family playroom. I've seen pics of this kind of basket but give me a little time to put them together and as soon as I can I will post them."

So, I've put some pics together which I hope will give you some inspiration! Please let me know.



Here's a nice basket used as a side table, I don't think you can sit on it though!
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Two medium sized baskets put together as a coffee table would be another solution.
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I guess the smaller toys could fit in these baskets. Same goes for next pic.
cymax


cymax

There's room enough for big and small toys here.
frenchdressing


cymax


livingetc and justblueandgreen



How about some good old wood trunks? I think they look handsome and there is tons of room in them!
housetohome


housetohome


Or a trunk and a basket!
Kelly McGuill



myhomeideas