Monday's Office Space And The Journey To Find It!

I hope everyone had the most amazing Thanksgiving holiday weekend!  Mine was filled with spending time with my family, cooking, and getting the house ready for Christmas decorating!  O my gosh, we went to a Christmas tree farm and cut down our very own tree!  We've not ever done that before and it was totally a lot of fun!  I may upload the video I shot!  Hmmm, I don't know, I hate the way I sound on those things!  Anyhoo, lot's of fun was had by all!!!

 

Before we get to the actual images, I would like to be forthcoming and say that often times I am somewhat lazy, yes lazy, when it comes to searching for the original credit for photos.  Not that I am trying to take credit for the beautiful images that I post, that's just wrong; but sometimes finding who shot them, the publication, or the designer is a daunting task.  I do feel like everyone should be given credit for their work!  It's only fair and it's the right thing to do.  Therefore I will always cite my source.  With Pinterest being so huge right now and being able to capture the site an image was pinned from, it makes it a lot easier to find, as well as the use of Google Image Search.

 

 

So, I first saw this image on Pinterest, of course, and pinned it to my Work Spaces board from Ashlina Kaposta.  The Decorista, herself pinned it from The Dust Jacket, a blog much like my own, edited by Debra in the Australian countryside, which led me to The Rag Rug blog, edited by Saani and Joona in Turku, Finland.  This is their studio, where they work, entertain, and live.  I love, love, love the desk!  It takes up so very little visual space and is very clean and modern!

 

 

I wish I could have an all white space, but unfortunately I would need to clean daily (maybe a couple of times daily) in order to not be overrun by dust bunnies, unsightly marks, and God only knows what else!  A large mirror leaning against a wall is never a bad idea!  It was recently brought to my attention that I have mirrors in every room in my house.  I really had not ever noticed that before.  Really!  Isn't it funny that someone who notices details did not notice this in her own home?  Interesting... I will analyze this later, for sure! 

 

 

I really need to get some of these lucite organizers!   It makes it so much easier to see and grab whatever is needed without wasting precious time going on a scavenger hunt... Always a fan of having things like books, magazines, photos and posters in plain site to become apart of the decor.  Speaking of organizers, I am such a Container Store fanatic!  I could spend hours in there planning an efficient and organized work space, pantry, laundry, kitchen, etc.  Oh, and they have some of the best gift wrap!  No, they didn't pay me for this plug (I wish they had), but they do have some great stuff for wrapping lovely gifts!  You should totally check them out this holiday and let me know what you think.  I know, I seem to wonder off topic sometimes!  I did say this blog was about my "random musings", didn't I?

 

I am very grateful I do!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images  

 

P. S.  For those of you who have voted for me on Modenus.com Top 100 Interior Design Blogs; Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!  Great Big Hugs and Kisses for you all!  For those of you who have not and wish to, voting is still going on and I would love to have your support!  Just click here and scroll down until you find me (STYLISH SPACES DESIGNED FOR LIVING)!  At last look I was #40, but with voting constantly happening, that can change in an instant!



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Happy One Year Blogiversary!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 *Images

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Sunday Special

There's something about a beautiful Sunday... I can't really place my finger on it, but it has a feel about it like no other day (for me).  There are scattered, puffy, white clouds against an icy blue sky that are moving by at a snails pace; which lets you know the wind isn't high.  Just being outside and gazing up, and enjoying the quietness of it all is at this point for me, indescribable.  Do you have those moments where you are able to quiet your mind, enjoy the silence, and be at ease with who you are and your place in the world?  I try to go to this magical place whenever I can.  It can be the dreariest of days, just listening to rain.  Have you ever really listened to the rain?  I think of it as God's lullaby, telling me to be still and take in all that He is.  Anyhoo, if you don't think you have time for moments like these (Daddy, hint hint), then you really don't know what you're missing...

 

 

The first thing that attracted me to this space was the window.  I thought to myself, how odd it was and I could totally imagine a homeowner not knowing where to begin when considering a window treatment! 

 

 

I would love to think that I would have thought of this; and I'm fairly certain after a little bit of time and sketches I would have!  The entire space is just so comfortable.  The light finishes of the floor, walls, furniture, and upholstery all come together to create such an elegant environment that doesn't take itself too seriously.

 

 

I think this space has feminine touches, but allows for a masculine sensibility through the rustic quality of the floor and the minimum linearity of the stairs.  I want this mirror!  The frame is gorgeous and is positioned just right, on a wall that gives the illusion of more depth and spaciousness.  It is so important for a mirror to reflect something lovely to look at!  The reflection in this mirror makes for a wonderful picture!

 

 

Is it just me, or can you too see how the ceiling beams adds so much character, balance, and interest?  The beams seem to have a rhythmic flow with the floor planks running in the same direction.  The lighter finish of the floor seems to make the room float a bit; while the darker ceiling grounds you and gives a sense of intimacy with an open and airy feel.  Hopefully that didn't just make sense to only me!

 

 

Allow me to give a little insight behind the making of this posting!  I follow a blog Inspired Design, written and edited by an amazing mother of two named Debbie!  I love reading her stories and getting her perspective on everything that inspires her.  Her blog is where I got the first image of that lovely room.  After uploading that image on Google image search, it revealed other places the image had been shown; but I chose to click on the link that belonged to Christina Colli, an artist, writer, and interior designer living in the UK.  She had a wonderful posting about a Lithuanian online magazine that I'd never heard of called Llamas Valley.  It was in this posting that Christina featured some of the images from the summer 2012 issue of the magazine.  Of course, I had to pop over there and take a look around; and let me tell you, it was filled with some of the most interesting and beautiful images!  I am now a subscriber to Christina's blog as well as Llamas Valley magazine!  All three that I've mentioned in this posting are definitely worth you visiting and subscribing to!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Image credits:  [1] [2] [3]



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Do You Do This? Read On To Find Out More!

I love that my friends share interesting things they come across!  Deirdre knew I would get a kick out of this, and so I'm sharing it with you!  Are you guilty of any of these?  12 Most Offensive Phrases You Could Use in Your Business!  My favorite is #8!  When you read it, you'll know why!  Please click here to read and let me know what you think!  I've also posted a few quotes that I've pinned on my Pinterest board "Words of Inspiration and Humor".  Have a fantastic weekend!  Who knows, I may see you back here tomorrow!  I did say may, so don't hold me to it! 

"People always ask me, 'You have so much confidence.  Where did that come from?'  It came from me.  One day I decided that I was beautiful, and so I carried out my life as if I was a beautiful girl... It doesn't have anything to do with how the world perceives you.  What matters is what you see.  You body is your temple, it's your home, and you must decorate it". --Gabourey Sidibe

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

*Pinterest



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Guest Post: Tara Free of Free Interiors Blog!

Get The Look: 

Hampton’s Show House 2012, Master Bedroom

Hello! This is Tara Free from FreeInteriors blog, where I share original color palettes, design tips, color trends, inspirational finds, and ways you can "get the look" from stunning high-end interiors. Today I am guest posting for Rhonda about the Hampton’s 2012 Show House, and how you can “get the look” of this dreamy Master Bedroom, at a reasonable price!

First thing to consider when re-creating the look of a room, at a lower cost, are recognizing the key elements that make up the room. For example, the green upholstered bed is a strong element in the master bedroom of the Hampton Show House, and that bed is what makes the room unique.

So I will start with the bed, which is the focal piece of the room. Because this bed is so unique, it’s going to take a little D.I.Y. on your part to get the look. I picked out a bed from Z Gallerie, which would work as a great base, and would then need some green velvet upholstery.

http://www.zgallerie.com/p-11802-pierre-bed.aspx

Next thing I will focus on are the nightstands. They are mismatched, with makes the room more unique. I found two reasonably priced white nightstands, one at Crate and Barrel, and another at Z Gallerie. When picking out furniture, especially when you’re trying to match the look of another furniture piece, you will need to keep in mind that you’re most likely not going to find an exact replica. Looking for similar features, though, will help you get the look.

Here are my picks, which I think have similar features to our inspirational room, and match with the original look the designer was going for.

 http://www.crateandbarrel.com/mimic-white-cube/s212795

http://www.zgallerie.com/p-12850-vision-end-table.aspx

Next on this list: lighting.  I picked out a white base from Pottery Barn, and a peach shade from  “Sweet Peaches Bedding”.

 http://www.potterybarn.com/products/gemma-milk-glass-table-lamp-base/?pkey=ctable-floor-lamps

http://www.sweetpeachesbedding.com/product/tall-max-cinamon-lamp-shade/

After lighting, you can’t forget about the bedding! I picked out this simple white bedding set from Pottery Barn, and a yellow throw to match. 

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/hadley-ruched-duvet-cover-sham-white/?pkey=cwhite

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/pick-stitch-quilt-sham/?pkey=cwhite

To finish off the room, I would suggest painting the wall behind bed (as an accent wall) with a fresh coat of paint in a peachy shade. These colors I found from Benjamin Morre, and you cant paint your accent wall a softer or bolder peach, according to your taste.

I hope with this post I was able to inspire you to change things up in your master bed room with inspirations from the Hampton’s Show House 2012.  When it comes to decorating, never be afraid to take a few risks, and go bold. –That’s how some of the best designs happen!

That’s all for now!



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Happy Monday! Back To Work...

I hope everyone had a terrific weekend filled with fun, sun, and relaxation!  I did a little bit of work on Saturday and on Sunday, I spent most of my time outside reading.  I only came inside because it began to rain!  I am so glad many of my magazine subscriptions are now available on tablets.  It makes it a lot easier, since I am a magazine hoarder!

I wrote an article, 3 Simple Ways to Increase Page Views on Your Blog, that you should check out if you're new to blogging or interested in making the most of the traffic that comes your way!  Click here and it will take you directly to the article.

Make sure you stop by tomorrow as I will have Tara Free, editor of Free Interiors blog, as my guest!  She will be sharing with you how to get the look of an expensive designer bedroom for a fraction of the cost! 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



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Why Did I Start Blogging, You Might Ask?

The other day while talking with a very good friend of mine, the question was posed, "why did you start blogging?"  At the time, I really couldn't answer the question. But since then, I've pondered it and this is why!  First, I love having a place where I can share images of what inspires me in a creative way, that's all "me".  Second, I love that such a community, the blogging community, exists where people like me, find inspiration from one another, AND for that very reason it inspires us to do more, search for more, and create more, for you our readers! Third, and might I say for me, the main reason is I get to be creative in my writing. It thrills me to no end to sit at my laptop and type my thoughts, in my voice, in a way that gives you insight into the kind of person I am.   However quirky, colorful, or deep; I am who I am, and I do think you get a very strong sense of who I am through my writing!  I  have always enjoyed creative writing!  Believe it or not, I've won quite a few essay writing contests while in school, and was among the highest scores on my sophomore comp examination!  Ah memories...Yikes!  However fond they are I choose not to go back!  Most, if not all, of my inspiration for writing comes from personal experiences or those of my family and friends, with their permission of course!  We all have stories to tell in a voice that's all our own.  It's just a matter of finding that voice and letting the stories pour out!  Think you need a little writing help to get started?  There are writing tutors that can assist you in getting your thoughts and ideas together so that you can make the most of your writing experience!

Anyhoo, this friend that I mentioned earlier, is a phenomenal writer!  I wish he would consider doing something with this most amazing talent that he has!  His short stories will literally transport you to wherever the story takes place!  It is incredible!  There is no time like the present to seize the countless opportunities out there to do what you love and actually make money doing it!  Which leads me to the fourth reason I blog.  Not that I see blogging as a way to make loads of money, however I do see it as an avenue that can open doors and afford me opportunities I've not ever considered.  Nothing ever just happens!  I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason!  That day, back in September, 2011 when I set up my blog and clicked "publish", I had no idea of what journey I was about to embark!  But, I can tell you, four months later, I'm so excited and inspired by all of its' possibilities! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Rhonda

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A Blog Worth Mentioning...

Since beginning my blog in September, 2011, I have viewed countless others.   I subscribe to so many until I spend more time reading them than I do my magazine subscriptions!  I didn't realize what an incredible impact blogging would make on me both personally and professionally.  Every week I will post "A Blog Worth Mentioning" feature that will highlight a blog that I find to be a great source of inspiration for me.  I adore this blog!  I hope that you will visit and be just as inspired by it as I have been.  What blogs do you enjoy or inspire you?

Zsa Zsa Bellagio

Interior Fabulous...Just Sweet Rooms! (Jan. 15, 2010 Posting)

All images from a recent posting

Glamorous and Gorgeous Fashion (Jan. 15, 2012)

One of my favorite images from a recent posting!

All my best,

Rhonda

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I Love It When That Happens!

I was perusing Google Reader checking in on all of the blogs that I follow when I came across Made By Girl by Jen Ramos December 8th posting and was so beyond to be introduced to Ana Antunes!  She is an Interior Decorator/Stylist, who has a phenomenal eye for detail!  Take a look at some of her work that captured my attention and then head over to her spot at Ana Antunes Home Styling!

This is where glamour dines!

All images featured were found via Ana Antunes Home Styling!

Have a lovely weekend!

Rhonda

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