Nice Room

My friend Sarah sent me this tumblr link the other day and I thought I would share some of this eye candy with all of you! Thanks Sarah!

Cozy Thoughts - Interior Designer Anne Boa

I love the snow we've been getting in the Seattle area this week! Everything is so quiet and beautiful. Unfortunately along with the snow I've come down with a bit of a cold, so my thoughts are turning to rooms that are cozy and warm. Anne Boa, an interior designer from West Vancouver BC, Canada, has designed some spaces that do just the trick.

Style Watch: Seattle-based Interior Designer Nancy Burfiend

Lately I've been loving the work of Nancy Burfiend from NB Design Group, an interior design company based in Seattle, Washington. When I saw the private library she designed, my heart just stopped.

 After watching Beauty and the Beast for the first time as a child, I fell in love with Belle's library and have since sought out countless design ideas should I ever be fortunate enough to have my own library someday. I love reading and while most of my reading has switched from books to blogs, there is nothing more perfect and inviting to me than to sit in a cozy chair by a fire for hours with my nose buried in the pages of a favorite book.

The use of black in this space is perfect. I love the time-worn look of the fireplace mantle and those wing-back chairs are gorgeous. The burnt orange touches are both cozy and luxurious, and what is more fitting in a library than a book page chandelier?

Her portfolio is full of beautiful design work:

Something about this painting below really speaks to me. 

Karen Templer: Design Idea Book

I was looking around at the library when I stumbled upon a book by Karen Templer called the Design Idea Book. I was hooked by the gorgeous colors and ideas on the cover and the page after that, and the page after that...

Here are just a few of my favorite inspirational images from the book, I highly recommend it if you need to jump start your imagination!

Inspiration: Speed Decorating

Good afternoon! It's overcast and chilly here in the northwest, a perfect day for finishing up a few small things for the projects I posted about almost two weeks ago, and I'm happy to say things are wrapping up nicely. How are your projects going? I'll be posting the link party tomorrow at 6pm PST and I'd love for you to join in the fun!

Two weeks ago I also mentioned a book I read called "Speed Decorating" and I thought I would share some of my favorite photos from the book. When I'm stuck on something (decorators block?), I look at inspirational photos to jump start my mind. Sometimes the photos can lead to even more projects, which is fine with me!

Below: I love how dramatic this black fireplace mantle is! The teapot on the tree stump turned side table is adorable too.

The fresh flowers are such a pretty focal point here:

I'm tempted to use these red shelves as inspiration for a smaller project of mine, every house could use a bold splash of color!

I love wood counter tops for the element of warmth they add to a kitchen.

What a cozy place to sit down and write! I once found a metal desk lamp like the one below at a thrift store (in an oil rubbed bronze finish) and I was kicking myself for not buying it, until I found a way to add lighting to my office area for $0! I'll be showing you tomorrow, can't wait!

Houses: What can you buy with 1 Million in the Seattle Area?

I love hopping over to the local real estate sites now and then just to see what kinds of swanky houses are up for sale in my area. It can be a great place to find inspiration photos for decorating ideas (as well as not so great ideas), plus it's fun to dream right?

Here's a magnificent house in Kirkland that's currently listed at $1,050,000.

I love those doors, and the hardwood floors are so pretty!

I've always wondered how it would be to have a fire going while you are taking a bath. Would it be too hot or cozy and romantic? I love the idea of having a fireplace in the bathroom for those cold winter days. What do you think?


Having a covered patio area with a fireplace would be so fun for BBQ's and other get-togethers.
I can just see billowy curtains and cushy dining chairs pulled up around a table full of delicious home cooked food out here.

This house even has separate living quarters with a full kitchen for friends and family visits or to rent out.

And for those of you who have an extra $250k to add to that million dollars lying around (couch change right?) here's a house in Redmond that has jaw-dropping craftsmanship throughout.

I love the old world effect of the glass doors on these built-ins!

Another covered patio with a fireplace! Love it!

{all images via zip realty}

Someday... someday...