Our house-hunting in Dallas continues with over 30 houses to get through this weekend.  For those who follow, my beloved cottage is off the market, but probably for the best as it was probably way too small for us….a soon to be family of 4….and my two step sons (high school and college aged) who visit for extended periods of time from Australia a couple of times a year.

This image, posted by House of Turquoise, actually has me hoping for a master bath in need of fixing up.

Mabley Handler Interior Design via House of Turquoise

I am in love!  What about you?

PS–  Please do not forget to enter my little giveaway…..I’ll draw Wednesday evening and ship on Thursday!

I’ve spent some time browsing real estate listings today (see two photos from the Texas MLS below)….my realtor soon needs a list of the next round of houses I’d like to tour on an upcoming trip.

On paper, this new construction home seems to have it all.  And, I’ve been inside it on our last trip….the craftsmanship seems solid (almost custom) and I like the layout and flow.  It is sadly (for the builder) bank owned….

But, something about the front just turns me off.  (And, everyone else I’ve shown.)  What do you think….what could be done to give this home some curb appeal…..it just looks like a box to me.  One friend used the word prison?

And yet, I am feeling drawn to homes like this that have about 1/3 the square footage that I have today …..

Have you ever heard the Doug Stone song, “Love Grows Best in Little Houses?” 

My husband hums it each time I show him one of these cottages, I am starting to wonder…. Any and all thoughts welcomed!

You may recall that I have the below image filed away for Maddie’s new room inspiration.  I first blogged about it here.

image via Phoebe Howard

Despite not yet having a new home selected, and thus having no idea of the room dimensions (details, details!), I have made some progress on selections for her room.  First, I think I’ve decided on doing twin beds if it works out.  I had a queen growing up but figure this is a better option for slumber parties as she gets older, etc.  So, I am working on the details of these Lee Industries beds, but will wait to pull the trigger on them until I know they will work in her new space.

In the meantime, I recently mentioned that I had decided to add a seagrass rug to our current living room for real-estate staging purposes.  We’ll after lots of testing and research on seagrass and sisal (see great posts from Joni at Cote de Texas and Lauren from Pure Style Home on the subject) I decided to go for the look….but to use a wool construction so it will be easier on the feet.  Why, you might ask….since I won’t exactly be lounging on the living room floor?  Two reasons, really.

First, I wanted a very plain edge.  For the seagrass and sisal options you really need them bound to prevent fraying.  In the wool version I am able to get serged edges for that natural look I am after.  And second,  I am thinking that my selection has a chance of working in Maddie’s new room.  And, the wool will be much more comfy for her to play on than a seagrass or sisal rug.  So, this is a much more practical choice for it’s ultimate destination.

Stanton “Ribcord” in Grain

Ok, so my selection of a rug that may or may not work in Maddie’s room may not be of huge interest.  But, how about this fabric I’ve purchased for inspiration.  It is by Raoul Textiles and I loved it so much when I saw it, I had to buy it.   It was leftover stock from a designer, so I got a decent deal which is always fun.  My current thinking is to use it to make two duvet covers, or perhaps to use on seating at the end of the bed, or even using it on the windows is an option…..I guess it all depends on the space and what other fabrics I find.  I’ve got a fair bit of yardage, so I have options.

Raoul Textiles Ceylon

And then, I found this zigzag Victoria Weymouth fabric via the May 2010 Elle Decor.  I’ve ordered a sample from my showroom and am hoping the colors compliment.  I am thinking accent pillows on beds would look great out of the fabric!

photo by William Waldron, image via here

So, we shall see.  I may change my mind a thousand times before we move….but at the moment this is the direction in which I am headed.  I’d love your thoughts.

In the last month or so, I’ve tagged a couple of images for new kitchen inspiration.  I want our new kitchen to feel open and airy….and have clean lines.

The first is from Better Homes & Gardens and is the home of the CEO of CSN Stores.  I posted a view of the adjoining breakfast area here.

Photo by John Bessler

My second inspiration photo comes via the Summer 2010 Renovation Style magazine.  Do you sense a theme here?

Photo by Michael Partenio

I especially love this second image.  Particularly, I am loving the clean lines on the cabinets and the combination of predominantly white cabinetry with the robin’s egg blue island.  I also love the glass subway tiles.

If this were mine, I’d probably extend the counter over the island to accommodate bar stools.  And, if the budget allowed and the scale was right, I’d have the below lanterns (I blogged about them here) custom painted in the same color as the island.

Brooks & Falotico via House of Turquoise

Of course, we haven’t even decided on a house yet.  But, having these images in my head make me a bit more open to a home that could use a bit of fixing up.

I recently shared an early inspiration item for our eagerly awaited son’s nursery.  And, while our 2-year-old Maddie’s decor could last a while…..she’ll get a new room by default as we are moving cross country later this year.  The July/August 2010 Veranda Magazine featured a Bermuda home decorated by Phoebe Howard.  One room, in particular, caught my attention.  It is now the starting point for “Maddie’s New Room” inspiration file.

image via Phoebe Howard

First off, Maddie is enamoured with butterflies.  I just love the custom wall painting with pink butterflies and dragonflies.    I am not usually a fan of “murals” in rooms as they often lean towards a bit over the top (especially in children’s rooms).  But, I think this design is subtle and perfect for a little girl.

I have not decided if I want to do twin beds or a queen for Maddie’s room.  In either case, I am loving this bed which is available in both options from Lee Industries.  (Fabric on the bed is from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams).  I think the natural fabric would grow with her as she will enevitably have her own ideas as to how her room should be decorated one day.

The textiles on the bed and the Sherrill furniture stools are all from John Robshaw Textiles.  The drapery and bed accent pillow fabrics are by Raoul Textiles.    And, I am loving that I can re-use the rug I am planning to buy for our living room for real estate staging purposes in Maddie’s room once we move.  I checked out new samples on Friday….and am leaning towards a wool synthetic that has the sisal look….for comfort reasons.  Still undecided on that…..but need to make up my mind soon!

I am absolutely loving the Oly Studio mirror (see closer shot below)….and love the bamboo frames on the prints.  So, at least I have a starting point in my mind….need to start searching for the perfect (for us) fabrics, etc.  And, anyone who may know of a good decorative painter in Dallas, please let me know!

image via Phoebe Howard

Any thoughts on the room, pros and cons of single or queen beds, etc. I’d love to hear from you.  In the meantime, like what you see and need help with the sources?   Feel free to contact me.

While house hunting in Dallas last week, I came to the conclusion that to live in the neighborhood I desire, I am going to have to give up my 3/4 acre yard that I have here in VA.  And, I am fine with that to to live close in.  But, I also realized in the sweltering heat that I am going to want a pool…and not every house we looked at had one.

This image was just delivered to my inbox from Elle Decor and I kind of like the look of the quaint little yard with a pool.

image photgraphed by Roger Davies

The image above is from Cynthia Rowley’s Manhattan townhouse.  Our yard would likely be slightly larger….I am picturing something similar with a little pool house with a lovely stone patio with a ceiling fan and comfy seating.  I only wish I were on that chaise with a book at the moment, instead of dashing off to an appointment!

I am not usually a huge fan of Lucite.  My decorating style tends to trend towards a slightly contemporary take on the more traditional.  But, I spotted these chairs in the current Better Homes & Gardens issue that caught my eye.  There is something fresh and casual about this family friendly breakfast room that caught my eye.

Photo by John Bessler for Better Homes & Gardens

As luck would have it the resources didn’t list the manufacturer but less than a minute of googling revealed that they are the “Mademoiselle Chair” by Kartell.  And, another google search brought up some more images of these fun chairs.

Below, I love how the modern chair is mixed into a fairly traditional setting.

image via I am a Domestic Goddess

Here, the chairs complement an edgy Miami home.  Again, a total departure from my personal style….but I love the room nonetheless.

Avram Rusu Interiors via Design Sponge

Here they are again in a garage transformation in Greece, originally published in Maison & Decoration.

image via Apartment Therapy

And, here is one last one…..how would you like this bathroom for your own?

image via flickr

So, despite the fact that I do not “need” these chairs….I’ve got them filed away in my “New House” inspiration file.  I’ve just had an idea of how to incorporate these chairs and a favorite fabric of mine into a fresh kitchen/breakfast area.  More to come.

What about you, do you like these chairs?

Currently, my home office is just off the family room. I’ve got a french door leading to the office….which is not ideal when you are are trying to work with a 2 year old in the house. Despite the sitter’s best efforts it is often too tempting to see mommy on the other side of the door. So, I’ve been known to take up residence in the basement or even in the sitting room of our master bedroom when trying to get work done with the little one at home.

Plus, an open main floor office semi-requires that the aesthetic flows with the rest of the home. So, when configuring the space,  I did not want to stray too far from our decor, which includes various of shades of blue and gray.  Not to mention, I spent a lot less time in that office when I was working full time in private equity….where I was usually at the office!  Now, I want a place where I can feel more creative and organized!  My needs are completely different.

One of the benefits of moving to Dallas is that it seems like nearly every place we look at has separate quarters over the garage. This is perfect for working from home, and to have a separate space to meet with clients and industry reps. It will also give me the opportunity to decorate in a way that may not be entirely in keeping with the rest of our home decor.

This image is in my current inspiration file for the new office.  Specifically, I am loving the bright and cheerful colors. This room feels inspiring and feminine to me.  Perhaps the girly vibe will keep my husband from coming in and taking over!

Palmer Weiss via Decorati

Are you interested in the sources here? I always am when I am trying to organize my inspiration files. The sofa fabric is Dedar – #1037/16, Allure. The chair fabric is China Seas #6310-03, Macao II, Jungle Green Multi. The tables are from Bungalow 5. The Roman Shade fabric is from Cowtan & Tout (#J322F-11, Mina Yellow)

And, doing double duty here, the roman shades are going in my nursery inspiration file as well. We learned last week that we are having a boy….so of course, I’ve already started planning the nursery in my head. I’ve got an awesome wallpaper I’ve found for the ceiling.  More on this to come later…..