Another sad thing...

I was going through my favorites and was deeply saddened to see that Shabby Chic (http://www.shabbychic.com/) by Rachel Ashwell has closed it's doors and their online store. She is still operating her blog and the Simply Shabby Chic products will be available at Target, but will no longer be operating outside of that. Personally I love Rachel's style and am very sad to see that Shabby Chic will no longer be around.

This economy is really driving me crazy - all of my favorite things are ceasing to exist!


In honor of all things Shabby Chic here are some photos to leave you with:

More Sproost Results

I had the man in my house take the Sproost test and I was pleasantly surprised at his results! He scored 40% Cottage Chic, 30% Classic, & 30% Modern Elegance.

You can read the full description of Cottage Chic in the post below mine, although here is another photo to summarize 'Cottage Chic':
Here is the full description of Classic style:

What's old is new again! The beauty of Classic style is how well it takes all of the beautiful forms, colors and textures of the past and reinvents them in a way that feels both fresh and inspired.

The style itself is a mix of European influences and French, English and Italian antiques and replicas are often used together. Furniture is well proportioned and comfortable and the rooms give off an air of sophistication and grace. Oil paintings depicting still-life or nature scenes and emphasizing symmetry of pairs helps maintain the traditional nature of the room. Windows are often covered with opulent fabric shades and/or drapery.

Traditional rooms give off an air of history that seems to say "I was here long before you, and will remain long after you've gone." And yet, even with this level of sophistication, the rooms are soft and inviting.

Lastly here is the full description of Modern Elegance:

Variety is the spice of life! And nowhere is this truer than in the design of your home. You may love contemporary, but wish it wasn't quite so cold and austere, or perhaps you're drawn to traditional rooms but you'd like to create a less cluttered and busy space. Transitional Style is here to marry those apparent contradicting designs.

And guess what? It's the contradictions that make the mix of contemporary and traditional so successful. The result is an elegant room that appeals to young and old alike. A sofa with modern lines blends seamlessly with a pair of traditional chairs. New fabrics work so well on antique pieces. It turns out that modern art looks even more exciting above a collection of traditional pieces. The room feels simple and sophisticated, elegant and hip.

Very Interesting!

I was on Sarah's blog {http://somedaysarahbeth.blogspot.com/} and she had a link to the Sproost {www.sproost.com} style quiz. It was pretty fun and quick to take, if you've got a few minutes (or want to waste a few minutes} check it out!

I have taken the test twice now and scored the same both times, so I guess it is as accurate as an internet style test can get. I scored 33% Nantucket Style, 33% French Eclectic & 34% Cottage Chic. Here are the descriptions with the photo inspiration for each one:

Nantucket Style:

Oh how you love the beach! Who doesn't, right? And so your dream home is either perched in your favorite beach town, or you've brought that favorite beach town into your house.

Your art and accessories speak directly to the activities that are found at the beach. Pieces of driftwood you found here, pictures or paintings of the amazing views there. Things that remind you of the coast - surf boards or fishing boats - are found throughout the house. The feeling of the seaside is both abstract and literal in the design of your space. The fabrics are natural, cottons and linens and are light in color and touch. Much of the furniture is wood or wood framed (the lighter the better, think driftwood!) and wicker, when done right, is a must.

And since your true inspiration is the sea, the colors and textures in your home are the same that you would find at your favorite beach: white, light beiges and grays of the sand and driftwood, a variety of blues for the ocean and sky, and greens and vibrant blues of the sea glass- but the key is white! Your space should feel light and airy and give off the mood one has when at the beach: laid back!

Your furniture is comfortable and the layout is cozy. The more it reminds you of actually sitting on the warm sand, the better! And what do you do at the beach? Hang out with family and friends - and your home is just an extension of this play place. And though the space is filled with large white furniture, it somehow manages to feel both durable and casual



French Eclectic:

Parlez-vous français? Even if the answer is no, you can confidently say your home does! French Eclectic somehow manages to be both formal and casual, classy and unassuming at the same time. You like your spaces to feel inviting from the moment you (or your guest) opens the front door and this feeling should continue even after you've entered your most formal room.

Even though there are French antiques here and gold details there, the rustic country elements provide a balance and warmth that seems to say, "come in, relax and stay a while." Your love of antiques leads you to flea markets, garage sales and hours of eBay hunting.

Cottage Chic:

Who says that cottages can't be modern and chic? Who says that they have to be floral and cheesy? Not you!

You love the carefree spirit that the cottage interior inspires, but you are also serious about your appreciation for modern art and hip treasures. You love old and new alike, and love to highlight them all to expose the uniqueness of each. What better way to show off these treasures than with a light background?

--

I have to say that I really do like each one of these styles and can see how a little of all of these do reflect the things I like the best. The one thread that I think it really key to me throughout all of these is the white/light color scheme - how funny!

Clever thinkin!

So I was checking out the old MSN homepage earlier today and came across the link 'No-Money Home Makeovers' {http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-home/room-design/staticslideshowrs.aspx?cp-documentid=17178114&gt1=32001}. I was intrigued and had to click. There are a couple of cute ideas, but I thought this was kind of fabulous.


Repurpose Your Bracelets as Napkin Rings
Colorful plastic bangles are great for a casual table, while metal ones complement a formal setting. You can also pin brooches down the length of a table runner and lean a place card in front of each one.

Since braclets have a larger opening than standard napkin rings I really like the idea pictured in the middle with the flatware included in the bunch.

Spring placesetting

This morning my camera finally had batteries with power so I was able to photograph my spring table settings. I picked up the majority of this (minus the silver chargers) from Target on sale. I am still working on a centerpiece, but so far I'm pleased with the individual placesettings.

Spring has sprung!

Spring is here and I've caught the urge to lighten up my indoor spaces with splashes color! I was going to take a picture of my current dining table placesetting, but alas my camera batteries are dead (again) and I will have to wait for them to recharge. In the meantime I thought I would share some inspiring dining pieces and tablescapes.

Here is a very fun and springy serving platter from Pottery Barn (currently on sale!)

These acrylic ladies from Target are perfect for an outdoor event - croquet anyone?

This lobster fest photo from Toasts & Tables {www.toastsandtables.blogspot.com} looks super clean and fresh. I can almost feel the brisk air looking at this picture.
Wouldn't these plates from Target be perfect for a lobster party?

Spring tabletops are bare without newly emerged flowers. Isn't this an adorable way of displaying them? {Martha Stewart}

These are adorable and fresh place card holders from beau-coup. {www.beau-coup.com}

Isn't this breakfast table from the Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon inspiring? This reminds me that I need to pull out my beautiful vintage tableclothes for the seasons ahead and throw some life back into my house!