Gorgeous outdoor spaces

For all of those who are itching to go outside like me, here's a little eye candy to tide us over! Our backyard and patio need some serious love, but until we recover from our wedding expenses, I'll just have to live with gathering inspiration until we can start making improvements.

I would be out here all day...though everything would be covered in dirty puppy prints...The throw pillows are amazing.
via Laura McQueen

So private and lush!  I could imagine setting up a temporary outdoor office to enjoy it.
via Decor4All

Love this pond side cabana...
via ghoofie

via lizmarieblog

This country style brings in some of the barn like style I adore. Clever use of a tub as a coffee table base too!

via lolalina

For small spaces, these built in benches might be the best choice! Throw in a cute table and you've got a perfect setting for some outdoor fun. I also love the idea that these benches could double as storage!

Cozy but still stylish - living rooms and dens

I thought I'd bring you some inspiration today to go along with this windy rainy weather. It makes for a great day to curl up on the couch or in a big comfy chair with a good book! Hope you enjoy:

via pinterest

via refinery29

via pinterest

via Angie Hranowsky

Sunwood Blinds

Attractive flooring options when it's all about budget

First I'm amazed by carpet tiles - now I'm looking at vinyl tiles!? Now before you say "yuck vinyl" (because that was my first reaction) take a second look at some of the pictures below. Did you know there is such a thing as luxury vinyl tiles? I did not.

via Houzz

Believe it or not those gorgeous wood floors are tiled vinyl! My mind is officially blown! These water resistant floors are making a huge hit these days because they are so resilient and gorgeous at the same time. Durability is something everyone is looking for and these floors are just that.

via manningtonfloors

We have vinyl in our home that I am ready to tear up the second we get a chance but replacing it with luxury vinyl tile flooring was something I hadn't considered before now.

via sasinteriors

These may be more of the vinyl tile look that you are familiar but there's an added surprise to this one above. They are grouted vinyl tile! This makes it even harder to tell apart from the real thing.

via BHG

If you aren't a traditional floor person don't worry - they have some pretty cool designs, colors, and styles available for you to choose from. They are also stain resistant and don't fade so you won't have to worry about losing their color.

via flooringstudio

If you aren't falling in love with the vinyl flooring like I am, you  just might after you check out their prices! They are really budget friendly, which makes it hard not to add into my must haves for my home.  I would have to see and feel them in person first, before making a decision, and learn about their VOC outgassing, but they definitely look good!  Does anyone have any experience with these?

via Houzz

this post was in partnership with carpetright.co.uk

Luxurious interiors!

A couple of weeks ago I was introduced to NY interior designer Marlaina Teich and Canadian design duo Corea Sotropa. Marlaina has been working on the Mansions and Millionaires Designer Showhouse in NY, and Corea Sotropa have been working in Calgary.


Marlaina's chic and glamorous Virginia Wolfe inspired "room of one's own."



I love the Corea Sotropa renovation above - the kitchen is a nice blend of elegant, with a spritz of farm house.



An adorable peaceful playroom from Corea Sotropa.

Thanks Maggie!

Interior design eyecandy

I'm a happy girl today because my boyfriend finally returned from his seemingly never-ending vacation to Chile. However, since it is rainy today, and, well, it's Monday - why not some gratuitous prettiness? Enjoy!

























images via Design Centre Chelsea Harbour

Look at these luxury linens, and how you can get them cheaper!

Ankasa's gorgeous home decor is top of the line; embroidery, appliques, beading, sequins, luxury fabrics, you name it. Sadly, the prices are top of the line too. But if you really, really have your heart set on the look, I might just be able to help! All you need is a throw(s), pillow(s), or anything you want to embellish. Also, some needle and thread, a little creativity, and some sequins, appliques, beading, trim, you name it - and you got yourself an Ankasa "inspired" treasure.

The inspiration...









Images via Ankasa

So, to make your own, collect some embellishments from a craft or fabric store...


These embellishments are from Albert Zoll, the most expensive thing I found was $28, and a lot of items were cheaper.
Images via Albert Zoll


Choose a pillow or throw you like, these are from Overstock.
Then, just sew on your trim/beading/etc!
Let me know how it goes!