September 25, 2009

Inspirational Spaces of the Week

Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason to the spaces that inspire me. Often times they are not even resemblant of my own style. But there is something in them that reaches out to me, and so I tuck them away into a little file. Each time I refer back to those spaces, that same special something brings a smile to my face. 

This sunny image comes from the webpages of one of my favorite places for interior inspiration, Swedish magazine, Skona Hem. I personally couldn't do yellow. But, perhaps that is precisely why I like it. Because I can live vicariously through the boldness and charisma of others!

Now this is more along the lines of my personal aesthetic: sparse objects and furnishings, muted tones and neutrals, and a rustic undertone. There's something about this little nook that reminds me of home, Seattle. I have the feeling that if I were to peer out those windows, I'd find a landscape of evergreens and the Cascade mountains in the distance. Nostalgia in design is a powerful tool. 


In my own life, I tend to purge and de-clutter to the point of almost having nothing left. If even one thing is off for me, it's better to get rid of it than have something that doesn't accurately reflect me. This can be bad, I know, and I am often a slave to my perfectionism. So that is why I admire a kitchen like this - almost kitschy in nature - because a part of me wishes I could live with it.


This one here makes me swoon! It's always those muted space with the wood elements that are kinda old, kinda new that make me just melt. I still have yet to figure out what emotional string it pulls to give such a power over me, but will let you know when I do. 


Pretty pretty pretty! I just love this one! The composition of those stunning, gaudy-in-a-good-way, picture frames is just wonderful. Add a sea of throw pillows to dive in, delicate nesting side tables, dark herringbone floors, detailed molding, and a wide open white space, and you have perfection, my friends! 

Wishing you all a beautiful and restful weekend. Be sure to check back on Monday as I have a very exciting giveaway to announce! Fashionistas and lovers of interiors alike will adore this one!! xoxo Crystal

*images via skona hem, marie claire maison, domino

24 comments:

afternoon sequins said...

how lovely!!! thanks for sharing these images. i'm obsessed with the last one!!! :) have a fab weekend!

Pretty Lovely said...

I think we have similar taste. Can appreciate fun and whimsical - but our idea spot would be the last two photographs...

I really like how the wood planks are positioned.

Have a great weekend!

xx,
Samantha

M said...

I love Skona Hem too! Do you know Swedish or are you just admiring the beautiful photographs in the magazine?

A Perfect Peach said...

I love the random instrument in the top photo! And the shelf with all of the mismatched plates. So pretty!

Sarah Klassen said...

These are all lovely and unique spaces! I can totall see what you mean in regards to having something about each capturing your attention.

The first image really gets you with the unlikely balance of the instrument, light fixture and mirror -- somehow, it works! The nook is soo lovely! That round window is particularly intriguing...my favorite room, though, is the soft one, with the slipcovered sofa and herringbone flooring. Everything in this room is so dreamy and beautiful...the patina on the walls and floor, the double candelabras and tables, etc.

I like this post -- there's something to appreciate in each space :)

Unknown said...

I am IN LOVE with that last photo--makes me want to re-do my pop sitting area and make it just like this one--those pillows look divine and the herringbone floor is exquisite. LOVE!

xo

Anonymous said...

that floor in the second-to-last image makes me wish that I owned my apartment so I could do that... absolutely stunning! And the yellow in the first image--I love yellow so much, and I love that the designer went bold and did a whole wall of it! It's so true that there are such different things that capture our attention. Sometimes I think I am less compelled by a particular style so much as I am compelled by ANY style done well and in surprising ways! Have a great weekend, Crystal!

Chic Coles said...

Thank you so much for sharing your photo files. I really like the rustic ones and the herringbone floors.

::levina:: said...

loving the 4th image. like the distressed look of that white wall w/ that chandelier. and that wood floor is to die for. have a great weekend :)

Verdigris Vie said...

Definitely and assorted gallery, and each beautiful in their own way! The last 2, old French Interiors, really inspire me!

Paula Grace Designs said...

Wow, great picks!

Julie at Belle Vivir said...

love all these images. You have a very lovely blog.

My Passport to Style said...

I adore the mustard yellow and the mish mash of plates so delightfuly eastern european! Sharon xxoo

ruthpclark said...

Thanks for the comment on my blog, Crystal! I absolutely love the photo of the kitchen--I feel like you really can't go wrong with slanted ceilings. I'll be sure to check back, thanks!!

Robin said...

The 2nd image up from the bottom, I have that pic in my archive as well. I think I pulled it out of Elle Decor... how funny. It obviously struck a chord with me too! I am gaga over chevron styled wood floors, so that’s the first thing that grabbed me... but I also adore venetian plastered walls and ethereal (that is my fav word, I use it excessively in my blog) color palettes. I would have to add a jolt of character to the room if I were living in it; it’s a bit ghostly for me, but nonetheless, stunning.

TheBeautyFile said...

These are such beautiful photos! I love the sharp contrast between the dark floors and the white room. Glamour glamour glamour!

Chichi and Luxe said...

i love your take on these interiors and what inspires you. i'm very similar - sometimes it's the finest detail that draws me to a room, even when the overall style is not reminiscent of mine!

great post :)

Leslie @ A Blonde Ambition said...

So beautiful! I love this style...a little ecclectic, whimsical and still modern...perfection!

Andrea said...

I love those colorful plates.

Noble Beeyotch said...

OMG!!! I love the last room....so classy yet attractive...i hope to decorate my bedroom on that lines as soon as i have enough $$$

Hot Cover Girls Central said...

just dropped by, very nice posts, i love the rooms that you posted here. :)

-cathy young
http://celebritydaringhot.blogspot.com/

Lana {lanalou style} said...

Great choice of pics, I love the rustic kitchen!

ps I have tagged you!
http://lanaloustyle.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-love.html

Fee - Makeup Savvy said...

I know what you mean. I look at so many images and then you just find one that you just love and its not really your style but it just impresses you.

There is so much inspiration out there and your blog is always on my list.

Fee x

Jenn @ Dear Heart said...

Gorgeous -- I've been especially in love with more rustic spaces like the second and third pictures. So comforting.

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