{Swoon}

Stunning remodel of an architect’s Seattle bungalow by Bosworth Hoedemaker Architects

images via Houzz

An Ode to My Posse

This is my visual ode to you.

Thank you lovely followers, all 23 of you, for following my little blog.

In your honour, I've posted 23 unique and beautiful images. I would love to know which one resonates with you.

Stay sassy.

Images via here, here here

Scotland, anyone?

I offer you a visual escape today to Callakille Cottage just 50 yards from the beach on a scenic stretch of the West Coast of Scotland. I am so there.

Are You There God? It's Me, Black Rooster

This is what I imagine heaven to look like (but with a beautiful garden featuring lavender, peonies, lilacs and hydrangeas). And I imagine myself very happy here, in this heaven, reading the paper at the dining table, warming my toes by the fire, entertaining my friends under the splendor of these crown mouldings and sparkle of the crystal chandeliers. And a few times a year, I would add some colourful pillows and maybe change the art around (oh, and bring some fresh cut flowers in from my garden), but otherwise, I would be quite content in this little heaven of mine.

Heavenly images via houzz

Loft Lovin'

I came across this loft listing over a week ago and haven't been able to stop thinking about it. It's the window. Just look at that beautiful, huge window taking over the dining area. This penthouse loft is just down the street from my office in the historic St. Lawrence Market area of downtown Toronto and it could be yours for $524,900 Canadian (or $500 sq.) Notice the (round) cut out on the back of the dining chairs.. someone put a lot of thought into the interior.

Check out the stunning arched cutout on the terrace.

A round mirror in the foyer reflects the view from the round window. Delightful!

Toronto Lofts

Art Wall:Salon-Style

I'm completely obsessing about art walls, salon-style. The more eclectic the better. And I love mixing styles as long as there's some cohesiveness -- could be the matting or frame. I'm eyeing every wall in my home at the moment wondering which one I should attack first. Watch out walls!

Images via Living etc., Southern Accents,

Country Living, Ma Belle Blogspot.com,

Stonahem

Refreshed and Delighted

There's no love like blogger love. This isn't an intimate, gushy kind of love that one feels with another human being, but the kind of feeling one gets when, out of the blue and complete surprise, someone in cyberworld notices you. They post comments on your blog and even start to follow your posts or get this - they tell others they think you're swell. So imagine my delight when I checked in with one of my blog loves today, Desire to Inspire, and learned that Black Rooster was... I'm still too overjoyed to type this.... Black Rooster was listed as a wonderful blog they've just discovered. Or something like that -- no matter; it's an honour. So there you go; this is why I am delighted today. The refreshed bit is thanks to my long weekend away. We stayed at a beautiful B&B, which is being sold this very minute since the owners are relocating to Loire Valley, France to open up a B&B there. I know - what a life! So here's where we stayed, should you be so inclined to check it out one day. And thanks for finding me!

My boy with Jimmy and Roxy, the homeowners black labs.

Churchill's Drive B&B

Off the Beaten Path

A wee chapel among the vineyards and orchards in Niagara on the Lake. A lovely discovery, if I do say so myself.

Am Outta Here!

Taking a long weekend trip to Niagara on the Lake for some r&r and birthday fun. Will post when I get back. Happy Easter.

Today's Obsession: Me!

It's my birthday -- holler! -- so this post is all about me and a few of my favourite things. Peonies. My boys.

Attending trade shows.

My scooter (it's electric!)

Smokey the dog.

Hanging out in the backyard.

Outdoor lights in the summer.

Coastal towns.

Old towns.

Older villages.

Sitting outdoors.

Old, French villages.

Nice, France.

Beautiful, intricate architecture.

Colourful buildings.

Yay me!

All images via Black Rooster.

Feeling Blue

I've always loved blue interiors; turquoise, navy, robin's egg, cobalt - I love them all.

Pale blue walls, soft grey, gold accents - stunning

Blue art

Blue and white, Moroccan style

Blue with violet

Coral and Blue

Seaside Chic

Coastal or city living- so clean, so nice

Blue and Crispy White Dreams

Blue Glam

Peaceful Drama

Today's Obsession: Round Mirrors

Q: What`s round and sexy as hell

A: I have a fascination with round and oval mirrors. Most furniture is square or rectangular with harsh edges, but look how a round mirror just softens the room and envelops it - hugs it and embraces its surroundings. Sexy.

Southern Living

House to Home FuseIdDesign

Angela Free Design

Ingrao

Wandr Design

Homes and Gardens

Fuse Id

David Loftus

Stacey Bradford

Location Works

Living Etc.

How I love this library. Thanks to Isuwannee for posting this on her blog.

Isuwannee

Architectural Digest

Its not really round but its my blog, therefore it stays. And it's yellow...

Redmond Aldrich

Architectural Digest

Foxnahem Design

I see a face...

Ingrao

Winter Cozy

Come on in and stay a while. Although Spring is in the air it's still nippy out there. Grab a throw, curl up in your favourite armchair with a good book or settle into a hot bath and enjoy what's left of your weekend. I know I will.

Images via here and here

Today's Obsession: Walls

Dear Walls, Whether you're painted, wallpapered or textured, you make me happy. I even like you when you're in need of a facelift because I get to think about what I'm going to do with you -- and that excites me. You're important but you don't take yourself too seriously. You're supportive and laugh off cosmetic accidents. Nothing fazes you, not even permanent markers.

Yours,

Black Rooster Decor

I LOVE this room. The blue wall and red accents (my favourite combo right now), the Buddha, wing chairs with nailhead trim, side table, area rug, curtains. This is my perfect room. See what colour on the walls can inspire?

Mauve wallpaper goes so nicely with blue and gold. Stunner.

Cream's a colour. So is white. The red dresser just pops.

It's not a wall, but I couldn't resist posting this photo of a sunroom with painted floors.

This has to be the most elegant pink room I have ever seen (and the peonies have something to do with it also).

If I ever open up a B&B, I will copy this room.

Lovely.

Taupe makes a statement paired with white furnishings.

Images via HouseBeautiful and Country Living.

Today's Obsession: Mixed Seating (While You're Eating)

I have a friend who's looking at buying chairs for her dining room and said that she wanted unmatched chairs. Say what? Actually, I think she's onto something and could pull off the look. Could you do it? Or would the mix drive you crazy? I think I would find it attractive in someone else's home but not in mine, which is why obsessing over it today. You either couldn't or could. Which type are you? bonne weekend! Mismatched chairs are definitely suited to outdoor rooms. This one's a keeper.

Stunning slipcovers.

Images via here and here

Family Day Interiors: Dining Rooms

Dear Family,

Wing chairs at the dining table! Oh, how luxurious. I'll make some duck a l'orange with a simple salad and meet you back in the dining room in 90 minutes. Pick which dining room.

Images via here, here, here, here and here

Family Day Interiors: Living Rooms

Dear Family, I will gladly live here (not that I don't enjoy my current space, which I do, it's just that this one is, well, nicer). Image from here

Dear Family,

You know how much I love red and burgundy, but who would have thought they'd go together so nicely and still look fresh? We may have to move in here.

Dear Family,

I know its wicker or resin in the living room, but it looks comfy, non?

Today's Obsession: Skins

Images from here and here

Today's Obsession: Romantic Eclecticism

Images from here