It's An Urban Cottage Because...

It features a clean white palette embellished with personal pieces.

On a white room run this week ;) Rachel

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Ombre Decor

By now I'm sure you've all heard of ombre hair.  A big trend trickle down from celebs, this blended gradient is an interesting hairstyle to try out.  I myself am rocking some pink ombre tips for summer.  But what about ombre decor?  I love picking up paint samples because there's something so soft and striking about the transition between similar colors, so I did a little investigating on the subject and wow! There is some beautiful ombre decor out there!

Such a smart and straightforward application on desk drawers.

A very chic way to incorporate some yummy bubblegum pinks.

Dying for ombre turquoise curtains!

You know how much I love all white interiors and here my two worlds collide beautifully.

Had to throw a radiator in there for good measure ;)

And more turquoise based ombre! Because one can never have too much turquoise.

Although this is all bright ombre, you can most definitely do a neutral-based ombre and have it look just as beautiful.  I just thought we might need a few splashes of color in our white rooms!

Have a beautiful Thursday :) Rachel

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Bright White Summer

Don't get me wrong, I'm in love with the bright pastel neons I've been seeing everywhere this summer.  But recently I've been falling back in love with all white interiors (let's be honest, I could never fall out of love with them!).  So here's a little interior inspiration for your Tuesday while I dream of a bright white summer.

Okay maybe a few bright pastels slipped in this one ;)

Foyer with a baby grand...another summertime dream.

In love with the distressed finishes, particularly that broken mirror.  It feels hauntingly romantic.

Beautiful use of texture, taupe, and just a touch of greenery to add dimension.

And yet another obsession:  painted wood floorboards and old fashioned radiators.  

Have a lovely Tuesday :) Rachel

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It's an Urban Cottage Because...

 

The space is a tasteful mix of flea market finds & opulence.

Happy weekend lovelies!

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WC is for Wine Cellar

It's Wednesday! In just two more days I'll be going to San Francisco to have a little reunion with some of my high school friends. It's been more than twenty years! Yes, I'm getting old people. So, it has been a while since I've been to San Fran & whenever I think of this city, three things comes to mind: Victorian houses, bay windows & WC's. So, in London, the WC is the water closet or the public toilet but in the city by the bay, it's the wine cellar. Not that every home in this area have one {although in my mind, they do!} & I'm unsure why I always think of wine when I'm here. Could it be because Sonoma County, Napa is just an hour away? A wine cellar may not be at the top of my list in my dream home but I certainly wouldn't mind having one.

 

What's in the kitchen basement? Why, a wine cellar at the staircase of course!

 

Have an absolutely fabulous Wednesday everyone!

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The Symmetry: Front Door Topiaries

Good Monday morning blogland! Hope the weekend was swell for you! It was hectic & busy for me, to say the least but I'm hanging on.

So, amidst our house hunting, it suddenly came to mind how I adore topiaries at the front door. Although, I'm one who tries not to make my space look matchy-matchy or too symmetrical, the front door is probably one area that symmetry will be forgiven in the design world. I'm fond of just simple ball topiaries {although mine at my old cottage never retained that shape}, because seriously who can shape theirs like an elephant {for good feng shui} & not make it look like a faucet?

So, here are some of my inspiration....

Back to the house hunting, remember my dilemma? Well, the universe & God works in mysterious ways. My Mom is en route to live with us in a month or so. she finally got her immigrant visa. This was something we've been trying to get for years & years but to no avail. So, in  a way, the notice of getting her visa approved was somewhat of a surprise to us. Now, we definitely have to rent a house first since we haven't found our dream home yet & rent out our condo. Lots of things will change {oh, like, we really have to cook now!} but for the better. I can't wait to show my Mom how beautiful Austin is. So, we'll rent a house, still move along with the house hunting. And maybe, just maybe in a few months, we'll find that dream home. Wish us luck!

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The Daybed: 10 Style Ideas

I am not a morning person at all, my bed just loves me so much and really, the feeling is mutual. So aside from the bed, my next favorite piece of furniture just might be the daybed. It's a sofa and a bed in one with room to stretch my arms and dare I say, long legs. I just think daybeds are perfect for some spaces. Here are 10 ideas & styles on decorating with daybeds:

1. Caned & Bright: A classic in a neutral palette with a touch of pop. It can be a pleasant surprise in the foyer or receiving room...a succinct way to tell your guests, "c'mon , get comfortable!"

2. Upholstered: It can't get more comfortable than this. Does your bedroom need another bed, a daybed that is? Why not? It may also just be the perfect getaway at your home office.

3. Rustic & Bohemian: An old wooden door, a rigged 4 wheel cart, a mattress & toss some colorful pillows and you've got yourself a daybed on wheels!

 

4. The Low Rider: Just a couple of cushions or mattresses covered with adorable spreads, blankets & throws and you've got your self a Casbah style daybed.

5. Bright in Ikat: This lovely pattern never disappoints and definitely perfect for that cosy reading nook.

6. In the attic: So, I don't think this is an attic but you get the idea. Most attics serve as game rooms or as extra guest room, won't a daybed just be the best seating and lounging option when hosting a get-together with friends?

 

7. In the sunroom: Relax and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while soaking up the sun and yes, stretching on that daybed.

8. Under a Canopy: I think this is an amazing idea for a girl's room. Well, every princess needs a canopy!

9. Swinging: Umm, need I say more? A swinging daybed is just dreamy...

10. Garden-inspired: Yes, I am going a bit frou frou here, but iron scrolly daybeds are always my go to choice for a touch of whimsy in a space.

So many ideas, right? Do you love daybeds?

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Le Chateau d'Uzer

Hello friends! How was the weekend for you? Mine was amazing having spent it with my good friend, Melissa who currently lives in Boulder, Colorado. Spent the day roaming the city, eating great food and ending the night with cocktails & digestifs. I will share pics soon. It seems like these days, my nights have been filled with gazing at hotels, B & B's and lodges that's filling up my bucket list named "Getaways." My next dream vacation....

involves old curved arches with modern surroundings

beehive pattern cobblestone {or brick} floors

eating in a rather rustic kitchen

 

read an amazing book while adoring the beauty of glorious architecture

and relax, maybe even sleep under an Arabian nights-inspired canopy.

Did I mention, it has to be a castle in the Southeastern part of France? I just adored the simplicity, modernity and tasteful surroundings of this hotel. Where is your next dream getaway?


Images: Le Chateau d'Uzer & Tasty Hotels

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It's An Urban Cottage Because...

It features romantic furniture in modern neutral colors.

Visit my shop at http://www.theinglenookdecor.com

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Inspired Spring | Mary of Classic.Casual.Home

Hello folks! And you thought we're done with our Inspired Spring series, eh? Not quite, here's our last installment from Mary of Classic.Casual.Home who always makes me hungry & inspired with her restaurant & travel escapades. Enjoy!

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Thank you, Maureen, for having me participate in your "Inspired Spring" series.

Such a great time of year!  Here's what makes me excited about Spring/Summer...

Bringing out my spring linen pillows in the living room.

 Buying tulips.

 Fresh, light scented candles like this one with apricot and coconut.

New indoor plants.  This one in my bathroom, I just trimmed a regular boxwood
into a topiary and just added some twigs and moss.

I live in southern California...so bare skin comes out early.  A great sunless tanning product is 

"Sun"...it gives you a little color right away and gradually tans.  I always try to wear sunscreen 

and these are my favorites.

 Freshening up our outside plants

sitting outside by the stone fountain.

and barbecuing.

Cocktail cruises on Newport Bay.

 Welcome Spring! 

 

 Thanks for having me visit, Maureen!

classic • casual • home

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