a wedding.

doesn't this look like the perfect spring (maybe summer) wedding. i love all the vintage details in these pictures. the wrought iron chairs look so perfect and the cushions on those chairs make them feel perfect too--what a thoughtful detail. and i love the flowers along the front bumper.

{photography by rachel whiting}

a pergola for dining

I would like a patio under a pergola with lots of wisteria. Unless, of course, wisteria attracts lots of bees. I also like the chandelier and lights hanging about.

french provincial

So many elements of this architectural style appeal to me. Plus, I'm on the lookout for ideas on building a home on a fairly steep slope. Voila. Home designed by barnes vanze architecture.

chalkboard pots

I saw these on snippet and ink recently. These pots used to be available at pottery barn, but I can't find them anymore. So I suppose if you were in the mood for a project (always) you could paint a pot with some chalkboard paint to make your own. Anyway, isn't this a very great idea for: 1. a party favor 2. a guest's place card 3. a christmas gift for a friend, neighbor or coworker 4. an herb garden (each herb labeled on the pot)

i love symmetry

This is one of my very most favorite architecture styles. And I love those urns and the black window against the light moldings.

Next. In response to all you need is love's question: my sources for inspiration often initially come from decorating magazines. A few of my very favorites are Elle Decor, House Beautiful and domino. If you see things you like in magazines, look at the sources listed in the back and then search for the manufacturer or company online to find lots more inspiration. I also keep a binder of pictures I love. I have one of those sticky page type binders (that are really bad for actual photographs) and stick my faves in there. It helped me so much when I was designing our home. It will really help you discover your personal style and whenever you're in the mood for a project, you can pull it out to be inspired.

Also, when I see things I love online and on blogs, I go to their source or to the photographer or stylist's website to find more ideas. There are so many things you can do at minimal costs to customize your space no matter how temporary it is. So don't wait! Your temporary spot just may be your home for the next ten years! Hope that helps :)

daydreaming

In my daydreams, I'm usually in a place like this. . . with a fetching hat. (that's fetching in a good way.)

photos from october 2008 veranda, chateau de christin and rodney smith

formal gardens

I love the look of a formal garden. These two photos from the edith wharton website are some of my favorite. I love limiting the type of plants used and just repeating them. It is so serene.

sandbox on wheels

What a great sandbox idea! You could push it around to wherever the shade was. from june/july issue of domino.

wishing for a misty grey day

with a grass roof house and a lake with a row boat.
Pictures from suzy hoodless.

bicycle baskets

So super adorable on a bike. But they are so cute, I can think of many other uses for them too, such as toy baskets in the playroom (a few mounted on the wall or sitting on book shelves--sans strap) or for all of your gardening supplies or . . .

from zinc details

a little france

I appreciate almost all architectural looks, but this is my favorite architectural style. And the walled garden with the turquoise details is stunning. Pictures from carolyne roehm.

on a midsummer's eve

a party like this would be so lovely. . .

pictures by christina shmidhofer

a summer centerpiece

What a simply beautiful idea for a window box or centerpiece. You could line the middle of your summer table with several of these cans of flowers. Brought to you from the camera of la porte rouge. The photography of this blog is gorgeous.

A European Hotel

Here's my back patio solution, courtesy of a hotel somewhere in Europe. I think it was in France. I love the white panels tied into a knot on a black iron rod. Let them down when you need more shade or privacy.

Outdoor Entertaining

Lovely outdoor spaces from martha stewart. I love the canopy made from a piece of outdoor fabric tied to bamboo poles in the pots--such a great way to make some shade. I'm looking for ways to make our back patio more pleasant during the hot summer evenings. The pool picture is lovely. I am thinking of a less expensive alternative by putting white balloons in the pool for a summer evening soiree. I'll have to see how it looks.

Back Patio

We need a nice outdoor curtain like this on our back patio . . . and I'll take those two lanterns too while I'm at it.

Now doesn't this look like a nice place to relax . . .

photo by claire delmar