Shape: Moorish Arches on Curtains

my wool semi-sheer panels from the company store

For several years now my wool curtains have needed replacing. Moths have eaten them through. It isn't noticeable since there is seating in front of each panel now. But when I go back there the holes are shocking. How dare something eat my beauties! The search for the same curtains has been fruitless. I got them on clearance in 2007. Nothing like them has really surfaced: both sheer enough to let the light in and with that exotic flair until recently.

But they're missing one important factor...

State of the Blog

lotus & fig: the scarf. my new calvin klein score from marshall's

During the holiday break I'm taking some time to do a bunch of posts that have been on my mind for quite some time. So there will be a slew of new posts that feature film and tv screencaps, though the topics will be slightly different.

Color Texture Pattern: An Exotic Livingroom

home office/guest room from architectural digest india

This room is a dream, impressive in it's balance of elements which manage to be both eclectic and rich, colorful and serene, rustic and sharp. Everything is grounded on a brown/wooden base found in the architecture and case goods.

Single-Girl Style: Studio Living

photo: ngoc minh ngo

For the umpteenth time I was considering this delightful room that has been floating around Pinterest for months. How beautifully the colors blend with the patterns and textures. Yellows, reds and pinks grounded by whites and tans. Wools, silks, canvas and crackled ceramics. Paisleys, swirls, dots, geometric florals and African mixes against stripes. Wouldn't it be nice to see the entire room?

And then it hit me. We already have.

Color Story: Chic, Sleek & Saturated

Here's an ad that fairly blows my mind. The image is arresting: simple, spare and yet full of so much movement. The colors are complimentary: yellows to reds to purples. Everything - from upper right down and across - is round and flowing: the hairstyle, the ruffled color, the lines of the dress, the legs, the variations in the wall stain, until the eye arrives at the bottom left corner with the spike of the stilletto and the flower petals. 

And the richness of the colors is offset by the paleness of the model's skin and the depth of the shadow behind her.

Retail Odyssey: Target's New Modern Morocco

Looks like Target is ringing in the new year with one of those things it does so well: a mini collection of Moroccan-inspired home decor. The 'Modern Morocco' collection combines traditional patterns with modern color schemes for a very crisp looking line. 

Here are some of my favorite pieces:

The navy pillow seems particularly strong between the colors and the nailhead trim. Very chic and gender-neutral. The bone-colored inlay picture frames are very earthy and subdued. The pattern on that lamp shade is a personal favorite. I need a new lampshade like a I need a hole in the head, but if the embroidery was a nice brown... Poufs are always great and this on seems to be a sturdy canvas with embroidered pattern. Expect it to sell out. And really, that table is fantastic! Light profile, shapely, and a good size at 24"h x 18"w.

I might stroll over to my neighborhood store and check this line out in person.

Gray Days: Summer's End

Today was a tough one: cold and overcast. It was 48 degrees outside this morning and my windows were still open. Actually, one window was open about five inches. That's enough to freeze my whole apartment. Living on street level, I refuse to open/close windows without being 'presentable' to passersby. (This one time, when I had just moved into my first place and didn't have curtains yet, I came out of the bathroom in a shower cap and towel. The bathroom door was next to big double windows that overlooked a highway entrance. I made eye contact with a lady in the passenger seat of a minivan. Then I got curtains.)  

So, it was a long day of trying to get properly warm. At the office and even hours after having closed the window tonight, I still feel vaguely chilled. Just a little bit shy of comfortable. A hot bath would certainly help with that. But my tub is so tiny, and the grout so old that I never, ever take baths at home. Instead, I'll settle for a good cup of tea and dream of a warm, relaxing, summer soak...

Source: Elle Decor     Photo Credit: William Waldron

Dream Palace: Time Enough at Last

One of the key reasons I decided to move from Flickr to a proper blog is that I got a little tired of seeing the same rooms come around time and again. Don't misunderstand, a lot of those rooms from domino, Livingetc, Better Homes & Gardens, etc are my faves too. But they've been circulating and recycling for several years and a new room is more of a surprise now. 

So I started fishing around for other publications we don't normally see in North America. Bless the internet for closing the divide between hither and yon. Not only can you grab a look at mags from almost every continent, I now subscribe to House & Leisure South Africa! (And uh, they seem to be livin' pretty swell down there.)

So, you will be seeing some gorgeous, familiar rooms, but also you will be seeing some new stuff (depending on where you live) like this room. The homeowner's name is Mario Fortunato and he's a writer of many sorts. This house is his retreat and this room is his...office. Everything I can dream of to be happy writing is in this room (except maybe a jar of homemade sour cream cookies). Daylight, a fantastic view of lush greenery + open sky, books books books, huge work surface, cushy furniture, bright accessories and a stereo system within arm's reach. 

What is not to love? I ask you!

writing retreat of mario fortunato (pictured)

Source: Io Donna magazine  Photo: Barbara Corsica