Canopy Bed

photo courtesy of Elle Decor

Today’s post is an inspiration bedroom (guest room, in this case…but honestly, who has a guest room this size?) from Darryl Carter.  Textural elements play against a stark white background, but it works.  The zebra rug adds pattern and curves against a mostly linear space that includes a clean-lined canopy bed.  I love the varying wood tones used throughout…so much more interesting that matching pieces (although I confess to having a long dresser and a tall dresser that match–but no nightstands!).  What are your thoughts on a metal canopy bed?  Chic?  Cold?  Can it work in a room with standard ceiling height?  And what color should it be?  Stainless?  Brushed metal?  Darker steel?  I am between this style and a leather headboard for my soon-to-be-new room.

Revere Pewter

photo courtesy of Glitter Guide

I am in love with Revere Pewter.  With the prospect of a new home on the horizon, I have design fever, and am looking for the perfect palette to cool down a home in a sunny locale!  And if you know me at all, you know I am mad for greys.  This is perfect.  It is grey, but not cold or flat…a great backdrop (as we see here) for an art display, cool enough to make you feel like you are not in a super-sunny spot, but warm enough to feel homey and blend beautifully with the wood floors.  It may be the perfect color.  (And how awesome is that ceiling fixture?)

Body Butter

photo courtesy of ULTA and The Body Shop

Living in Florida has resulted in surprising changes to my skin and hair.  I guess they are not kidding about the “salt life,” because my skin has never been drier!  I have never been a big lotion fan, and I don’t like to feel sticky after using products, but I AM a fan of body butter.  My favorite body moisturizers are Bath and Body Works’ Shea Cashmere big tub o’ body butter and Basin Body Butter in Warm Vanilla Sugar or, my latest fragrance, “Therapy.”  And now ULTA is carrying a big line of body butters by The Body Shop, which I will have to check out!  I do have to bank some additional time to let these soak into my skin after showering, but then my skin feels hydrated the rest of the day.  It even leaves a nice sheen on my legs.  And since beach season is right around the corner (or every day if you live by the ocean, like me), check out Basin’s “Sun” body butter…it helps prevent peeling and takes the pain away if you stay in the sun a little too long.  This may be next on my list!

Oscar Fashion

photo courtesy of Perez Hilton

I realize that all the fashion websites have already beaten to death the topic of Oscar fashions, best and worst dressed, and Angelina’s left leg.  But, aside from a brief posting on the “Worst Dressed” list, this particular dress did not get the attention it deserves!  Penelope Ann Miller was stunning in this nude pink Badgley Mischka gown…and the folks who put in on the “Worst” list are clearly blind.  In a sea of boring dresses and dresses that felt much too old for the ladies wearing them, this was a fresh, chic look with all the promise of spring.  Congrats to Penelope Ann Miller and all the cast and crew of The Artist (and a shout out to Uggie the Jack Russell Terrier!) for a great night and a job well done!

Beach Glass

photo courtesy of Erinn Valencich and HGTV

I have a friend who is enthralled with all things turquoise…and be honest, who wouldn’t be?  But how do you introduce color into a modern kitchen or bath in a home that is largely neutral?  If you are concerned that you may be selling your home in the future, pops of color should be done in a classic manner that will appeal to potential buyers while still adding that pop of color you love.  This is a stunning example.  The sleek white lines in this kitchen are accentuated by sea glass colored subway tiles with an inlay of blues, greys and browns that complement any neutral color scheme.  The look is fresh and beachy without being “theme-y” or over the top, and the colors are timeless.

Mixed Media

photo courtesy of Michael Baxley

Do YOU own a Michael Baxley original piece of artwork?  Well, you could score one at a brilliant price if you act quickly!  To help raise funds for his new studio in Kansas City, Michael Baxley is offering this stunning mixed media piece entitled “Dogwood” on eBay with — wait for it — no reserve!  You can bid here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220961795057#ht_500wt_1287…or not…I don’t want you to outbid me!  This would be incredible in my (hopefully soon to be) new dining room.  Or bedroom.  I can’t decide…

Owl + Mouse Organic

photo courtesy of Owl + Mouse

If you are looking for the perfect accessory to transition from winter into spring, check out the fabulous shawls from Owl + Mouse, a Kansas City based textile company run by two KCAI grads who do everything from fabric patterns to custom dyes and custom, limited edition designs.  Recently, Owl + Mouse expanded their offerings to include organic cottons and dyes.  I own several Owl + Mouse shawls and love them (and a few of their other products, as well).  Add a fun pop of color to your wardrobe!  Check them out online or at Etsy.