Inspired by Springtime in Paris

(Fay St. Marie)

Springtime is a season of rebirth, renewal and romance...

Paris is lovingly known as the City of Romance.

Combine exquisite french design with the historic beauty of Paris in the spring...

And one has an infinite source of breathtakingly romantic inspiration!

(via Eclectic Revisited)

(Brooke Gianetti)

(Meridy King)

(Pamela Pierce)

(VT Interiors)

(via Cote de Texas)

(via BHG)

Ahhh, Paris... C'est tres magnifique, n'est-ce pas?

Printemps Heureux, mes amis!

Dreaming of a Round Dining Room Table

(via Interior Design Ideas)

When we purchased our dining room table and chairs 12 years ago, a long, oval table with a leaf extension was a perfect fit for our family and lifestlye.

The set we chose is ideal for entertaining, with seating for up to 10 people.  I still love its mahogany finish and french provincial lines, and until recently, I hadn't even considered the idea of ever selling it.

But, as I start planning ahead for our upcoming move into an 'empty nester' home,  I keep thinking how lovely it would be to have a round pedestal table in our future dining room.

(via Interior Design Ideas)

Round tables feel more intimate and encourage the flow of dinner time conversation.  I like the fact that they physically take up less space, yet provide substantially more chair and leg room below.  

The spherical shape allows for equal spacing between the chairs, which ultimately creates a naturally appealing sight line.

Here are a few images that beautifully illustrate the simple and stunning elegance of a round dining room table.

(via BHG)

(via BHG)

(via Pinterest)

(via Pinterest)

(Julie Dodson)

(via Pinterest)

(Ashley Goforth)

I love each and every one of these spaces and think they're all beautiful in their own way.

What shape and style of dining room table works best your family and lifestyle?

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Inspired by Beautiful French Design

I'm completely infatuated with the open concept living space in this stunning townhome.  I keep revisiting the images again and again, absorbing and studying each tiny detail.

Softly textured, faux stucco walls create an elegant backdrop for the French inspired decor.  A classic colour palette of cream and ivory is accentuated by light touches of silvery blue and pale pink.  

Dark hardwood floors ground the space and provide the foundation for thoughtfully chosen furniture pieces.  The window treatments and tailored accent cushions are crafted from rich silks and luxurious velvets.

Charming window seats and tastefully styled bookcases surround a beautiful stone fireplace.  Fragrant hydrangeas and a delicate orchid add life and movement to the room.

Lovely arches create a stunning view from the kitchen into the living and dining room.  The beautiful faux stucco wall treatment continues throughout the space, adding a sense of character to this newly built home.

The dining room is a vision of loveliness in soft creams and blues.  A gilded chandelier and crystal wall sconces enhance the romantic atmosphere.

I love the gently pleated table skirt and the exquisite curves of the dining chairs. An antiqued china cabinet creates a sense of height and is perfectly proportioned for the space.

A pretty commode and oversized mirror have been painted to compliment the room's design scheme.  Notice how their lines are repeated in the gilded trimwork on the adjacent wall.  I'm awed by the incredible attention to detail.

Images via Dodson and Daughter Interior Design

The work of talented Houston interior designer Julie Dodson, this is truly one of the prettiest spaces I've ever seen.

When my husband and I relocate as empty nesters someday soon, these images will be my main source of inspiration as I happily decorate our next home.

Are you as enchanted by the elegance and beauty of romantic French Design as I am?

Classic Chic Style with a Touch of Glam

While patiently waiting for Spring to arrive, I've been busy making a few small updates to my great room sitting area.

During a recent trip to HomeSense, I fell head over heels in love with these round mirrors. 

The frames are made of delicate black and silver cut glass, and their round shape perfectly relates to the understated circular motif that already exists in the room.

This is my latest art project.  I added texture to a canvas with drywall compound, and shaded the background with the room's current wall colours.  A few simple, oversized branches and blossoms finish the piece.

It's definitely not a Monet, but, I think it adds a unique, personal touch to the room.

I also found two tuxedo-style accent cushions for my white leather side chairs.  I love the extra touch of glam they add to the space.

And finally, hidden on a clearance rack at Michaels, I found these pretty porcelain birds.  The cut glass pattern on their wings ties in perfectly with my new mirrors.  Happiness!

Even though these are small changes, I think they add a sense of cohesion and flow, and are in keeping with my Classic Chic design style. 

Most importantly, my new decor accessories make me happy, and for me, that's what decorating my home is all about!  As an added bonus, they were purchased on gift cards I received for Christmas which means I didn't spend a single dime!

DEAR READERS: Please take a moment to become a LINKY FOLLOWER. (see my upper right sidebar) Google Friend Connect will be soon be phased out entirely, and I'd hate to lose any of you in the process! Thank you!

Participating in:
Wow Us Wednesdays @ Southern Savvy Style
The Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here

Pretty Wallpaper for the Powder Room

I love a tasteful and elegant wallpaper treatment in a powder room. It transforms a small and simple space into an enchanting little jewel box.

Here are a few examples of how wallpaper makes a beautiful design statement in a guest bath.

So pretty!  Are you tempted to add some lovely wallpaper in your powder room?