Spring Art

Good Morning!

I am celebrating the warm weather here with botanical art.  It's just another way to bring life into your space..

 (via)

 

 (via)

(via)

(via)

 (via)

(modern earth design)

 or you can add it like I did with vintage tv trays I hung as my art.

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Restoration Hardware : Aspen Collection

Good Afternoon!

If you are looking for new furniture for your outdoor room...

Look No Further.

Restoration Hardware's Aspen Collection

Rustic, simple, and elegant.  I am in love.

Are you needing new furniture for your outdoor space?  Is this something you would consider?

Now Here Is A Before And After

Good Afternoon!

I am officially done with the Byron Forest Preserve lobby and receptionist area.  I hope you like it..

This is when you would come into the space.  Behind that wall was the receptionist area.  Dated lighting..

After..space is opened.  Updated lighting and wall removed, new flooring (wood tile).  We also painted the walls a light grey and added new cedar to posts.

Before.. receptionist area that was behind the wall

After.. new appropriate lighting and wall removed.

brand new counter my husband and I designed

water feature to add calming atmosphere

 adding softness with curtains.

Before...sitting area

dated flooring, lighting and definitely not a place where anyone wants to sit and relax.

After.. Fresh paint, natural log seating, lighting, flooring, and art make the space more inviting to linger for a bit.

Custom wall art of the species you will find at the Forest Preserve..

 

Completely open to the receptionist area..

Before.. heading toward elevators.  Inadequate lighting and just a plain afterthought.

After.. we created an extra sitting area with brochures that you can catch up on the latest events in the area.  Lighting and a mirror were key to add more softness to this expanse space.

 No longer an afterthought..

 

Before.. restroom area and coat "closet"

After.. we thought it would be fun to add these cardboard taxidermy to the area where the kids hang their coats and on the way to the restrooms

I hope you enjoyed this before and after.  The Byron Forest Preserve was a joy to work with : )

BTW..

Thanks for all the prayers for my family in New Jersey in the path of the storm.  They are doing well.

Please contact the American Red Cross and see what you can do to help those that are suffering through this tragic situation.  God bless.

Do You Smell That?

Good Morning!

I don't know about you but when I see pics of beautiful spaces..

(Restoration Hardware)

(Veranda)

I also envision myself in the room and the aromas that might be in the space.  A clean fresh breeze from the ocean, the smell of leather or the smell of fresh cut flowers.

I really believe scent is just as important as design is pleasing to the eye.

I want to share with you a couple of my favorite scents..

This is one who really lives up to it's name.  The fragrance is fresh and not overpowering.  It truly is like opening the window and hearing the seagulls in the distance.  It's what I picture being in a summer cottage.

The next one..

French Oak Room Spray from Restoration Hardware

This spray has a manly rugged tone but is in touch with his feminine side.  I bought one for my husband and he has taken it to his office.  Restoration Hardware hit the nail on the head with this one.

Try these and you won't be disappointed.  Your home will be a wonderful place to relax and take a deep breath in : )

When It Calls...I Can't Help But Answer

Good Afternoon!

I don't know about you guys but I am so enjoying this warm weather.  I personally believe we have skipped over spring and gone right into summer.  I must say it's alright with me and calms down the yearning from my island roots.

Let's talk about calming the beast for a minute..

I was out with my kids to get them summer clothes and I promise I was heading to the clothing store but I just happened to end up someplace completely different.  

I told them we would make it to where we needed to go..

I went in with something in mind because I was tired of seeing this empty wall in my kitchen..

and this caught my eye (kitchen not yet finished..just new paint and knobs)

Yes, it was love at first sight.

I was so proud.

Here it is in the space.

I love the way it looks against the wall color.  Oh..I also walked out with this too..

The wall clock.  I got all this for a steal.  This clock reminds me of this one

from Restoration Hardware.

BTW...I did take my kids to get some stuff for summer.  We were all happy : )

Are you getting spring fever to do some shopping as well?

Our Trip To Chicago: Restoration Hardware

Happy Friday all!  The word "Friday" sounds so good..doesn't it?

I was supposed to have a guest blogger here today but we decided to switch because their schedule got so busy..so I promise you will be hearing from them soon : )

I am continuing our trip to one of the stores I drool over all the time.. Restoration Hardware.  I have to say the one in Lincoln Park is my favorite.  You actually feel like you are walking through their catalogue.

We took a lot of pics but here is just a taste : )

It was more beautiful in person than in the magazine.  I also didn't realize how much volume the pieces had.  I have in mind a couple of pieces for my own home...hmm

If you ever have a chance to go make a trip to the Lincoln Park one..you won't want to leave.

Happy Mother's Day! 

Here's a pic of my beautiful mom and dad on their wedding day.