Stylized China

I have been working on my china hutch. As I mentioned in this post, I am not happy with the finish so more tweaking is in order (pictures to come). In the mean time...until the stain is dry...I thought I would get some ideas on how to style a hutch. Styling a hutch or bookcase is a true art. I am so envious of all the people who make it look so effortless.....I am not one of them. Here are some china collections that I find inspirational.

Country Living

Lexington

Country Living

Country Living

Southern Living

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Do you display your china? Is it stylized?

House Hunting in Cotswold, ENGLAND

Just another cold winter day in New Jersey. It seems like it has been a while since I went house stalking hunting. I usually look in "The States"; Santa Barbara, New Jersey, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard to name a few. Today, I feel a bit more International .....across the pond I go...to Cotswold, England!

I'm not sure if the hens come with the place? Since I am not ready to make an offer, no worries! Did you catch some good ideas to copy?

A New Year

It's 2012! I am excited for the unknown.....how will the year unfold? I am not going to give you a long list of things I want to accomplish or achieve this year. I don't believe in resolutions. Instead, I want to go forward with an intention. Knowing that nothing feels better than a job well done; my intention is to focus on the task at hand. Giving it my best energy at that moment.

These quotes (via pinterest) are my intentions for the New Year

Do you have a favorite quote? What inspires you to do your best?

Which would you choose?

This is a beautiful beach house on Nantucket. For me, this is perfection! It is for sale...

It has a wonderful Great-room with v-groove paneling, gorgeous hardwood floors, and a lovely fireplace.

The office has an amazing ceiling treatment

The kitchen is my favorite room! 

Another area for lounging

Custom moldings and trim-work that make my eyes water

An all white foyer....

A perfect pool with stunning views

AND....all this could be yours for the 8.8 MILLION dollars!

OR

YOU

COULD

HAVE

THIS

Elizabeth Taylor's 33.19 carat diamond. It just sold for 8.8 Million dollars! Which would you choose?



Button Brooch Bouquet

I have a pile of buttons just waiting for the right application. I decided to click around Etsy for some inspiration....or maybe a quick purchase or two before the Holidays! I don't know about you, but for me, I always begin my search by sorting the highest price first. I want to start with "the top of the line" and then decide where I should actually land. If you're going to dream, you might as well dream big!

Well, I have not been in the bridal market for quite some time....so, if you have seen these around or are familiar with the concept....I apologize for being late to the party. These are Bridal Bouquet's made from brooches and buttons! I have never seen such amazing eye candy. I am simply in awe of the craftsmanship and attention to detail. Not to mention the fact that I just want to know....HOW DID YOU MAKE THAT? 

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I think this is a fantastic idea. It is something that you would have forever! What do you think?

Inside Ideas

The weather is getting cold....so there is not much time left for outdoor stuff. I'm starting to think about my indoor projects. It is a dream of mine to have one room FINISHED entirely. You know, every last detail in place. Apparently, many of my friends have this dream as well.

Here are some possible fun ideas I found from House To Home, that I might try during hibernation...

 Find a pair of Living room chairs that offer a pop of color or interest.

 Check out the chevron design on the buffet! I would love to try some interesting (show stopper) idea on one piece of furniture.

 A very cool painted lampshade. This looks like such an easy idea...nothing straight, precise, or tailored about it...pure whimsey!

Finally, a painted detail around a door (although I would probably do a window) this is only paint and a small glue-on wood cutout that they sell in crafty and home improvement stores. Very cleaver!!

Do you have one (or more) room(s) finished? I would love to hear about it and how you stayed focused enough to do that.


Now head on over to my early Halloween post, and see if you can find the ghost!