Hints of the Past...

I love fearless design - those who use antique building materials, or those who choose to try and keep the integrity of an old home.  Below are images that capture texture and contrast of decorative elements previously overlooked:

via 79 ideas

images via Pinterest & Cote Sud

Friday is here - hope you have a wonderful weekend!

More Inspiration from Provence!

One of my favorite weekly activities is hanging with my aunt Christie while our kids swim at the pool.  While trying to keep a close eye on our kids, we drool over images from our favorite magazines!

Simple moments with family and loved one's can be such a blast!  It's what I live for!

Christie... I love ya!!

Here are some of our favorites:

All images via Cote Quest

I hope you're having a wonderful week!

The Perfect Bastide

I was flipping through a recent issue of Maisons Cote Sud and came across this gorgeous Bastide!

Everything about this charming home speaks to me... the gorgeous shutters, the cream rock, the chalky grays and white washes.  I could go on and on...

The aesthetics are so timeless and simple.  All I can say is, "I want to move in!!!"

I told my husband I want to move to the country and build this home to its exactness.  He just stared at me with BIG eyes thinking,
"Are you ok?"

... I could sit at that table all day

... loving the shower

... funny little sitting area

After looking at these pictures wouldn't you want to build a Bastide in the country?

I know... wishful thinking, but it's fun!  

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!

Maisons Cote Sud

I was flipping through the French magazine Maison Cote Sud and I came across some gorgeous pictures of homes/rooms in Provence.  As you all know, this magazine has been around for twelve years and pays tribute to the Mediterranean and Provence region.  It has been said that the contributors are among the most important photographers and interior designers around.

My husband was laughing and shaking his head while he watched me sigh and giggle at every picture.  He said, "You're obsessed..." I absolutely agree!

via Cote Sud

What a gorgeous door; I'm curious if that is Bouvet hardware?

via Cote Sud

via Cote Sud

via Cote Sud

Can I just live here forever?!  The pale matt tones of the Provencial/Gustavian elements create the most perfect and restful mood.  I love this room.

One word of advice... If it's in your budget, the smartest thing you can do is to invest in a French vintage chandelier.  Everyday it will bring you happiness and joy!

via Cote Sud

Eclectic but beautiful

via Cote Sud

So elegant and rich.  Those rich colors together are beautiful.

via Cote Sud

The perfect office space, and that table with those cabinets...

Sigh...

Via Cote Bastide

via Bout Du Monde

via Cote Sud

via Italian Living 

Have you noticed how the French are able to perfectly combine unexpected elements that create soothing and beautiful rooms?  It's the unexpected I like; they are true artisans.

via Cote Sud

Old planked floors combined with industrial shelving and Belgian linen...Sigh

via Cote Sud

Notice the funny sconce on the wall.  Someone thought..."That's cool, I'm going to make it work."

Job well done!

via Cote Sud

via Cote Sud

It looks like they pushed two bed's together.  The ceiling is amazing!

via Cote Sud

via Cote Sud

Loving the diamonds on the door, and that floor... incredible

via Cote Sud

I have a huge obsession right now with lanterns and vintage chandeliers!  Coupled, they create so much interest.

via Veranda magazine

via Cote Sud

I find this picture so beautiful and interesting...

via Cote Sud

via Cote Sud

via Cote Sud

The rock is the perfect back drop for the soft linen bed.  Are those barrels as bedside furniture pieces?  Once again... totally unexpected, but I love!

via Cote Sud

The editor in Chief of Cote Sud said, "'The good life' comes easy in Provence; it charms, captivates and inspires, not only by its traditions and culture but also by its rich colours and extraordinary quality of light.  We have discovered their interiors, beautifully restored, reinterpreted and imbued with new life. 

It is a region of diversity and surprises, enchanting in its simple, intimate charm."

I am leaving to Newport Beach, California and won't be blogging for a week.  I look forward to blogging about all of my favorite shops and homes.  Hope you come back next week and check it out!