OBSESSION: A good soak!

 Katie Ridder Design ***

I have been frantic! Completely obsessed, to say the least......I have been trying to design my hideous bathroom and I am all over the board.  {as you can see, from the many different images}

I love the green on the walls in the first interior by Katie Ridder. (minus the flowers) completely adore that black framed mirror!!! and the yellow vanity.... but is it too much colour???

   torn!

Then I saw this lovely blue bath with the simple glass mosaic tiles and all white fixtures. 

  love the little pop of colour of the flowers.

Katie Ridder Design ***

then this beautiful tile just knocked me over.  How pretty is that shape and the colour! sexy!!!

Katie Ridder Design ***

Then all the photos below are from waterworks.

   so many ideas and too much inspiration!!!! my head is spinning! HELP!!!

Okay, I have to say that this photo with the simple fixtures and the elegantly curved tub is just down right sexy. Not to mention the fabulous 2x4 marble tiles, *swooning* big time.  I think this is my favorite and it up there on my list.

Which is your favorite?  would love to hear your idea's.  I really need to get my bathroom done soon. My mum and dad are coming out in August and I need to have the bathroom done at least..... then it will be the kitchen

xx

callie

DESIGNER: Katie; Sutton Place

Katie Ridder

There are some designers who just rock my world with such brilliant spaces. Katie Ridder is one of those designers. Her projects have a sense of comfort with a simplistic thought and a beautiful blend of colour. 

                    Here is a project from her portfolio, Sutton Place.

I love the living room carpet! and that wing chair, sigh!! I am looking for a perfectly cosy wing chair for my living room and this one looks to be the one I need to get for my house.  

and how sweet is this bedroom, with the white and crimson red.  So elegant and fresh, then the black drapes just makes it all work together brilliantly.

    The dining area is fresh with the rounds elements all white, black slab for a table top strengthens the palette of purples.  Oh so pretty! Loving the contrast with the bowl of fruit!

What designers are rocking your world lately? Whether is an Interior Designer, Architect, Graphic Designer or Fashion Design, do tell!!

Have a wonderful day!

xx

callie

all photos from Katie Ridder website.

Happy Weekend!

living room
Originally uploaded by jennifer_hagler

Today starts my long weekend. I am happy to have a day off tomorrow. Thought I would chair this image, don't know where it's from... found on flickr.

I love the contrast of the creme sofa with the greenish walls.

Have a lovely weekend all!
hope to catch up on my blog reading. (and awards, that need posting)
xx callie

PHOTOGRAPHY: It's a circus out there

All photos above taken for Harper's Magazine, Malaysia

on Coney Island

Coney Island, a peninsula formerly an Island on the Southern most pint of Brooklyn, NY. Once a major resort & site of amusement parks, reached its peak in the early 20th Century.

Want a good read? try this book on my circus theme: Geek Love

I love the circus! and these images by photographer Amanda Pratt make me smile!!! I hope they make you happy too!

xx

callie

Taken for Joy Magazine

taken for Karen Magazine

all photos, Amanda Pratt

OBSESSION: Outdoor lighting

What night scape would be complete without fireflies? 

                            or do you call them lighting bugs? 

 The kids on my block have been catching them nightly, reminding me of my child hood obsession of catching lighting bugs when I would visit my cousins in Texas.   ahhh,to be a child again, carefree and having fun! Running around barefoot and enjoying the freedom of summer.

What is one of your favorite childhood memories?

Have a wonderful day, and watch the lighting bugs/fireflies tonight.

xx

callie

image: Judd Patterson found here

can you believe his photograph, he captured the paths of the fireflies, amazing.  

Please check out some of his other work, it's beautiful!  He has a way of catching the light at the right moment!! Beauty of the earth at its finest.

DESIGN: Black, White, Grey = Inspirational!

I need to find a pretty console table like this one!

I have a mirror that I think I will paint the frame and flank with two pretty sconces.

I came across this designer and am truly smitten with her clean, simple lines. Oh, and her colour palette is exactly what I am doing in my home.  I am so happy to have found her and am very much inspired by these gorgeous interiors!!  

This bar car is exactly what I have been hoping to find for the small area in my dining room table. The only problem, where to I place all my wine glasses? any suggestions??

 

Love that wall of mirrors, aged and an ever so slight bevel at the edge.  Really adore the graphic pattern it makes on the wall. *sigh* and how sweet is that shell dresser!! 

 I love anything that is adorned with sea shells.  

The rug reminds me of the carpet tiles I will be getting from Interface Carpets for my living room/dining room.

oh, that sofa. Simple profile with white slip cover, just what I want in my living room!!!

 and how pretty is that white chair with gilded frame!

and this bedroom is just pure romance!!!!  

The moody walls, the cosy bed with it's beautiful upholstered head & foot boards.  

The linens just casually tossed on the bed 

flanked by two smartly painted night tables!!

Why am I just finding this amazing designer!! She truly is an inspiration. 

 I was going to paint my living room & dining room a lighter shade (similar to the shell dresser colour) than my bedroom (my bedroom is the same colour as above)  now I am thinking, I should paint the whole house this moody grey!!! and include some black wall covering in the dining room!

What do you all think?? 

xx 

callie

all photos: Veranda Magazine

My Niece is Growing Up!!

Claire gets her ears pierced!

Today my niece declared, "I want to get my ears pierced!"

  "Well", my sister said, "ok, Claire. Let's go"  She drove to the mall and they walked into the store, Claire marched right over to the chair, said to the girl "I would like to get me ears pierced today, please"

notice her hands, somewhat nervous as she doesn't know what to expect.

She was such a brave little girl, one ear at a time. The girl placed the little gun and snap, snap. She now has a pretty, sparkly pink daisy earring in each ear!

 Notice her hands now, after the first ear. Tiny little fists, she didn't even cry!!

once, done she was so happy!!

I just wish I was there. I miss her terribly!!

xx

callie

A Sunday picnic

A Sunday picnic
Originally uploaded by Bеn

Wishing that was me in the photo, walking along a tree lined path towards a beautiful house (Vogelesand Country House)
*sigh* so happy its the weekend.

The weather is supposed to be excellent here in Chicago, maybe I will have a picnic in my back yard!

Happy Weekend Everyone.... What fun plans do you have scheduled??
xx
callie

QUOTE: Well HELLO!

guest room designed by UXUS

"All rooms ought to look as if they were lived in....

.... a friendly welcome ready for the incomer."

William Morris, quote

This draped room is pure heaven! Inviting, cosy and simply beautiful.  I just want to jump in and enjoy the luxury of it all *sigh*

xx

callie

PHOTO for the day: prettiness

Jimmy Backius, photographer

image

This week has been fun, crazy and super busy. With Neocon over and work in high gear, I am truly exhausted and it is only Wednesday! I hope to rest up this weekend. 

Wishing you all a lovely day. 

xx

callie

OBSESSION: Dirt, well really my garden!

I have been over zealous lately and I am exhausted! This weekend, I dug piles of dirt to make trenches to install the flagstone planters in front of my house. It is coming along, I will post photos soon.  My boots wear covered in clay mud, making it quite difficult to shovel.  But I am happy and excited.  My mind is reeling in all directions, I am not even done with the front and I am already dreaming of the back yard and the sweet little patio that I would like to install.  

I went to the Coalesse party last nigh (Neocon Chicago began this week!) Good turn out with lots of food and drink.  I was very excited to see these lovely outdoor pieces!!! 

           How pretty are these chairs by EMU, with the delicate twisting of wire and the simple little cushion. AND the best thing is that they are really comfortable and they are not wobbly but really sturdy. EMU is an Italian indoor/outdoor furniture manufacturer who has teamed up with Coalesse which makes me very happy! I can not wait until I have them in my back yard *sigh* oh, I almost forgot..... they also come is orange! {Christina you would love them in the orange!!}

so, what do you think, Can you image me sitting in this pretty throne of a chair drink a summer cocktail??? 

What summer obsession do you have going on?

xx

callie 

Contact: Coalesse

Sandy Rempe 312.467.1783

or email sandy.rempe@coalesse.com

DESIGN: Black table and a day off

Country Home

Taking the day off tomorrow, but thought I would post this pretty little table.  I so want this table for me bedroom.... if, anyone know where I could purchase this little beauty, please share!!!

Have a great day tomorrow!!!

xx 

callie

Happy Friday!

Originally uploaded by James_at_Slack

I woke up this morning with the sun shinning! It has been raining here for the past few days and It is quite enjoyable to come in from my walk with my pup this morning dry!!

I have lots to do this weekend; more yard work and unpacking {must find my camera cord}
Farmer's market early tomorrow and paint my front door!

What's on your list for the weekend?
xx
callie

QUOTE: Floral Fruit Fabric

In choosing colours.... follow nature's lead.           John Saladino  

   

                                               yummy, Delish!

quote

Image: Victoria Pearson

PHOTOGRAPHER: Gemma Comas

Gemma Comas ***

photographer

I have a new photographer to add to my favorite list! 

Gemma has such an amazing ability to catch the moment and make it last forever.  Whether it is the sunset on the beach, which to me looks like Dockweiller Beach?? right near Playa del Rey in California.  I lived a couple of blocks from there and this looks like the life guard stand...I am getting home sick ...for my family and the beautiful sun sets.  *sigh* 

 

      I am getting side tracked here!

Well, as I was reviewing her work I was completely in awe of her photos in how they catch the light at the right moment.  The colours truly shine clear and give texture to the image.  Even her photos of garlic are beautiful. Just look at all the shades of white!  So earthy

I had to add this photo of the farm boys! She caught each one with their personality shining right through.

Then the texture of this image! WOW! the plaster next to the brick arching over the stacks of wine bottles and all of it in this amazing wash of light!!

Now this interior is one of my favorites!  Again the lighting!!!!! plus I adore that dog portrait in the background:)

Again!! Lighting fantastic! 

I so want to jump into that bed and snuggle up with a good book

Then there is this series of white interiors! JUST LOVE THE WHITES!! with a bit of sparkle and lots of light!!!

Oh, I really love her work.  I loved it before I was even introduced. See here.

   Which is your favorite image??  

Hope you enjoyed the selection of photos by Gemma as much as I did.

xx

callie

all images of Gemma Comas found here and here

OBSESSION: Dirt!

Okay, not only dirt but plants. 

As most of you know I have moved into this cute cottage and the yard was a huge jungle of weeds: dandelions, wild violets, dandelions and dandelions.  

                 Did I mention Dandelions! {hundreds of them!!}

I also had 2 huge juniper bushes, notice I had! See above photo of bushes (this was taken before the weeds grew on the lawn)

  

 When I came home from work last night they were gone..... I was so happy to see the over grown bushes gone! my house looks naked and bare.  Again, I apologize for not finding my camera cord!!!!! I hope to find it soon to show you the progress this weekend. I have been in a frenzy looking up plants, trees and shrubs to plant in the front. but for now I am happy to look at the bare naked front yard!!!

    This weekend i will be working on the planters. Rebuilding and forming a good base to begin planting.   I have been playing with this little resource... Sunset Magazine has this fantastic plant finder for your area!!!  It is fun to find what will grow here in chicago. Being a West Coast girl, this is a tool that I will use a lot!!!

Sorry for the minimal post. I will leave you with these gorgeous images of what I hope to grow in my yard!!

hydrangea aspera

hyacinth

Dahlia

cosmic orange cosmos

{I love chocolate cosmos, I wonder if they grow here hmmm. 

will have to check the little plant finder!}

and if I feel adventurous this summer, I am going to try and install a flagstone patio. They have a step by step guide on the site. 

and I hope to have Jeff (my carpenter) build me a raised bed for my vegetable garden.  I will prep and get it ready to plant next year!!! I am so excited.

xx

callie