Cozy Cottages: Wood Paneling

Nothing says "cozy cottage" like white wood paneling ... to me, anyway!  These beds all look so inviting that I'm all but falling asleep picturing myself crawling into one after a long day of swimming and lying in the sun!  

Slatted doors act as headboard/room separator.

Pretty windows!

Green light fixture mirrors the outside! 

A bit too white but I love the side table!

Cozy time!  Reminds me of my old bedroom!

Tucked away! Perfect spot to sleep and read!

Very cute and self contained!

Forever,
Amber

Breakfast in Paris?

Imagine waking up and eating breakfast on this Paris apartment rooftop balcony.  Visit Haven in Paris to view this beauty (and tons of others) and you'll be saying, "Garçon un croissant s'il vous plaît," before you know it ;)

Forever,

Amber

Dreamy Whites

Is it wrong that my heart cries out with envy when I look at these pictures?  I mean, I know envy is one of the seven deadly sins, but surely even the heavens would feel a pang when looking at such beautiful and inspiring images, no?

The violin is so beautiful!

A Shabby Chic staple!

Pretty colours. 

Lived in and comfortable!

A better view!

So much light!

Obsessed with turquoise Mason jars!

White wood table with darker bistro chairs.

Perfect for a wedding and cheap, too!

To see more of these beautiful pics go to the Dreamy Whites blog!! It is a slice of heaven!


Forever,
Amber

Dreamy Whites: Bedrooms

Here are some really pretty bedroom ideas from Dreamy Whites.

Love the pale pink of the lamp base

Old wood doors for headboard. 

Cozy with all the throw pillows!

Bistro chair!  Must get one!

Pretty!

Love the pale blue mirror and white dresser combo!

Cute storage containers

Again, to see more of these lovely images go to the Dreamy Whites blog.


Forever,
Amber

Threadbare Oriental Rugs

I'm not a big fan of rugs for practical purposes (the need to both sweep and vacuum) but I think they can really pull a room together.  I really love the look of a really worn, threadbare Oriental rug such as the ones featured below.  It's just so lived in ... you can imagine all the lives that have passed over it.  Threadbare is another word for "shabby" and it's no wonder because these beautiful rugs are the epitome of shabby chic.  Timeworn and elegant.  Precious, but not too precious to be used and enjoyed.  Beautiful!

Thread bare Pakistani rug as seen at Velvet & Linen

Ralph Lauren flagship store at 888 Madison Avenue NYC

Ellen O'Neill's Hamptons home

Great ... even in the kitchen!

Karina Gentinetta's New Orleans Home

 

Forever,

Amber

Happy Saturday :)

Beach Chic

I'm a huge fan of beach chic and coastal decor.  I love the white slip-covered furniture, and the use of natural elements such as wood, wicker and shells.  I think it's best, if it's not overdone, which I think is the case with any one style.  One of my favourite things about the shabby chic look is that it's not supposed to look too manufactured or well thought out.  

All images from www.hgtv.com.

Forever,

Amber

Ellen O'Neill's Bridgehampton Home

I've become somewhat obsessed with the Hamptons as part of my novel takes place there and I have been researching the area.  I came across this beautiful Bridgehampton home of design consultant Ellen O'Neill. She's definitely incorporated the Shabby Chic decorating style using Parisian flea market finds, bold patterns and a limited colour palette, namely white and red.  I definitely could not live with the white and red thing, although I think it looks great.  I really like as little colour as possible to be honest with you ... with just a splash here and there.  However, I'm finding my place a bit dull lately, so maybe I'll try something new!

For the full article and more images go to House Beautiful.  Here's a link to Ellen's blog Wreckorated.  Cute name!

Forever,
Amber