Lego Decor

Lego is a big part of my life. Namely, my kids are obsessed with it. I love Lego. I love the creatively it inspires. I love how well my kids play together when they are building a city or staging some kind of battle.

The dark side of Lego is that I regularly injure myself on small pieces lying on the floor and I seem to have random mini-figures scattered in every purse and coat pocket.

Check out a couple of ways I could make Lego an even bigger part of the decor in my house:

I could have an entire wall dedicated to Lego:

as seen on Design Milk via HGTV

Or, I could create a key holder out of Lego.

as seen on Design Milk via Felix Grauer

Kind of fun don’t you think?

Kitchen Stools for a Busy Family

As in many homes our kitchen is the hub of the house. Our kitchen counter eating area in particular gets a ton of use. Unfortunately, our kitchen stools have seen better days. Basically they are falling apart. They are kinda crap – and that’s using my nice words!

So …. I’m on the hunt for new stools. They need to be durable (like, really durable). And they need to look good. Hubs isn’t convinced it is possible to find something that is both durable and looks good. I beg to differ.

I love the idea of mixing materials and textures. I want something more industrial but not too modern. And, nothing espresso coloured. Given the space it needs to be backless and tuck under the counter when not in use. And, I’d like it to have visual weight to it. Not bulky looking but not flimsy either. Check out some inspiration ….

Here are some options that mostly meet my criteria …

via 1, 2, artefac, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

So many choices! I am strongly leaning towards the last option. Although I like the second last option too.

Which would you choose??

all kitchen visuals via my Pinterest

Office Space: Which would you choose?

I’ve just finished a complete re-organization of my office. It started with buying a new printer and then I realized that everything needed to be overhauled. Let me tell you this project wasn’t about the pretty – it was all about the practical and functional. Now everything has a place and I actually know what I have too!

So … with that in mind I’m turning my thoughts to office spaces …. here are a few that have caught my eye recently:

I love this eclectic, whimsical home office space in Paris. It’s a perfect mix of light and dark combined with bright colour.

via Carlos as seen on Desire to Inspire

Or … Ana Atunes bright elegant office space.

via Home Styling

Or what about this space? Not as glamourous or eclectic as the previous spaces but pretty and functional.

via here and Simply Seleta

Which would you choose?

 

David Mikhail Architects: Additions that Wow

I was recently introduced to the work of London based David Mikhail Architects through Desire to Inspire.

The examples below show how they have created a modern space by adding on to an older home. I really like the floor to ceiling windows that bring in a ton of light and create an open, contemporary living space. The windows are framed in a variety of materials ranging from wood to aluminum and in wide ranging colours as the design dictates.

Check it out …

Even though this isn’t an addition to a home check out this Suffolk poolhouse.

I love how unique each addition is. It doesn’t necessarily blend in with the existing structure but is more like an art installation – except art you live in!

So, what do you think?

all images via David Mikhail Architects

In the Shower: Full Size Slabs

If budget is not an issue and you want an amazing feature in your bathroom. Check out what installing a full slab of stone looks like.

Would you choose this one ….

via Houzz

Architect: Tom Cole
Interior Designer: Robyn Scott http://www.rsidesigns.com

Or this Azul Mazauba Quarzite?

via The Granite Gurus

Or … a large slab of backlit onyx in this Kiawah Island home …

via Houzz and Charleston Home & Design Magazine

Or what about Calcutta Marble …

via The Granite Gurus

I’m personally a fan of the backlit onyx.

What would you use in your bathroom?

Things I Love

I haven’t written a post in a while as I lost a dear friend earlier in October. My faithful and loyal dog moved on the doggie heaven and I miss her dearly. Her passing has made me refocus my energies on those closest to me and I hug my hubby and kids tight – a lot. You never know when life will change in an instant.

But it’s a new month. I’m ready to be inspired and awestruck by the world around me again. So to get back into the blogging mode again I thought I would share with you some of the things I love …

I love fall hikes. This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago and even though the leaves were past their prime the day was near perfect in my mind. Even on a day when the sun isn’t at its brightest the colours of the leaves make the woods a happy place. Add to that the sound of leaves on the ground underfoot and the shrieks of kids running around and this lady has a big smile on her face.

My boys … especially when they are acting like goofs!

I recently celebrated a birthday (my 29th, again) and my darling husband gave me a vintage Miriam Haskell necklace. I’ve drooled over her designs before but was so surprised that he remembered. So … for next time I’d like one of these:

via

Or, this …

via

I love my husband dearly but what’s not to love when he gives me jewlery!

And, finally, my girl. She was the best pal ever.

I will be back next week in regular blogging mode – how I’ve missed writing!

Have an excellent weekend.