Sweet, serene spaces

From time to time I get so frazzled and caught up in my life, the daily to-dos, projects I'm working on, etc., all the while feeling like I am accomplishing nothing, that I wonder if I am living up to my full potential (no), doing anything meaningful with my life, or making a difference in the world... which I think is ultimately what makes us a lot of us feel fulfilled.  I have no doubt that many of you feel the same from time to time.

During these moments I always find myself with the urge to pare down when it comes to my surroundings, and try to create a space that is a little more serene, sparse, and minimal.  I always end up searching my design sources for "zen interiors," "spiritual interiors," "quaker interiors," etc...

Here's what my most recent search turned up:

Actress Keri Russell's living room is so beautiful and relaxing!

A perfectly organized space always leaves me feeling zen

So peaceful.  Looks so much like the farm where I grew up, I can almost hear the red-winged black birds.

What do you do when you need some zen?

1.,2.  via Soulbird 3. via HomeEdit  4. Jon Jensen via Black & Eiffel 5. via Feed my Sole 6. Jon Jensen

Frantic Friday ...deep breath

Holy cow where has this week gone!  I still have unfinished project due today that could definitely use a few more days... A little serenity for you and wishes for a wonderful weekend!

via Pinterest

2 above via Pure Green Living

2 above via TradHome

Finding holiday refuge - perfectly peaceful bathrooms

I really do enjoy getting to see most of my relatives over the holidays, especially my three sister, as we're spread over the east coast. However, ever since I was a child, a room or house full of people can start to leave me feeling a bit suffocated after awhile. Whether or not you're like me in this characteristic, it's still important to take a little time for yourself to recharge. My personal favorite is a hot bath with some candles, because it's so comforting and peaceful.

love this quaint, vintage bathroom.

I don't know if I'd ever pick such bright colors for my own bathroom, but I still think it's really striking.

I've never seen a bathtub at an angle like this!  I love "real" furniture in the bathroom, like the upholstered seat you see here.

*Love* this tile and the chocolate

Okay, so I'm not sure if I actually like this bathroom or not.   The color palette is interesting - maybe it's all just a bit too country for me.  What do you think?  Do you like this palette? Like the style?

so luxurious! I could spend a long time in here.

Which bathroom is your favorite?  Do you use the bathroom as a personal sanctuary?

via BHG

A little zen...

if you are in a frenzy today like me, take a moment to breathe...

zen doesn't have to mean a Buddhist temple or complete minimalism. To me, zen is all about the relationship between beauty, order, and nature.

so peaceful
via Alice in Designland

I imagine working at a spinning wheel is very meditative
via Rue Magazine

AMAZING
via Gemma Comas Photography

via Jayson Home and Garden

A simply made bed is always zen to me
Design Inspiration [SK]

wooden tub...need I say more?
© Richard Powers

perfect depth and proportion
© Eric Roth Photography

What is "zen" to you?

Serenity

It's been a hectic Friday...but at least the weekend is here! I also want to remind everyone to sign up for the great giveaway (click "giveaway" for instructions on entering) going on at Decorology - Design in a Bag.

So, here are some oh so calming images to bring in the weekend.

via Wisteria

via Mindy Miles Greenberg

via Home-Designing

I could spend all day reading in one of these chairs
via Coastal Living

Check out my guest post on Mochatini- featuring some modern rustic eye candy

I'm so flattered that Manvi over at Mochatini asked me to do a guest post for her blog. I've been a fan for a while and it's an honor to be included!

My post featured The Crown - a 21st century inn in the heart of Woodbridge, Suffolk. What really makes this place special is the gorgeous, gorgeous interior design by Bentheim. You’ll see what I mean –






Read and see more at my guest post on Mochatini!

Beautiful, peaceful bedrooms

I'm heading "home" this afternoon after living out of a suitcase since Dec. 28th. It'll be great to sleep in a bed and not a couch or a cot. I have gotten used to traveling and will miss it a bit, but a little time off the road will hopefully be recuperative and prepare me for my next round of travels! So, I thought some gorgeous bedrooms would be appropriate for today's post!

a.
The natural light in this pastel bedroom is amazing

b.
This bedroom is maybe a little more modern than I like but the clean lines make me feel like I could sleep all day -
images above via BHG

c.
I'm a fan of benches or chest at the end of beds - and isn't the headboard adorable?

d.
I'm really into sophisticated grays lately
images above via LivingEtc.

e.
This is one of my favs - a modern retro bedroom with a twist of femininity and coziness.
via Decor8 on Tumblr

f.
via Elle Decor

g.

h.
I'm a sucker for mix n' match bedding - it's just sometimes a lot easier "seen" than done.

i.
I love this sort of vintage elegant bedroom - it's so indulgent

images above via ? (credits welcomed)

Which bedroom would you pick this weekend if you could stay in any?

Interior design serenity for a monday afternoon

Monday's are tough - but looking at these rooms are a good way to relax a little. It is 4pm - so home is not too far away!


Love the blue on the walls, and the folding doors as a headboard are really pretty too.

nice salon style wall - I also love that there isn't too much matchy-matchiness going on.




A nice and bright little home office alcove. *super jealous of the sawhorse desk!!*




I'm not a fan of the cowhide rugs - sorry, I grew up seeing those rugs walking around outside my window as a kid... Regardless, this studio space is really well done. I love the fireplace, and the partition of sliding screen panels.

via Wish