English, Dutch, American, French... Country Styles

Country Style is lovely, anywhere you look:

Elegant Country Style, Brazil

English Country

Dutch Country

Swedish Country

American Country

American Country - Prairie Style

~Check out the holes drilled to hold the wooden utensils!~

An Elegant version of French Country

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10 Unusual Ideas For Windows

Your head can ache trying to come up with creative ideas for windows. 

Inspiration is on the way with these simple ideas:

1- Make a window/window-sill garden:

2-Go Monochromatic:

3-Add Shelves:

4-Add LOTS of Shelves:

5-Go Industrial Chic:

6 - Add a Window Seat 

 7- And Go Country:

8-Go Vintage / Cottage:

9-Go Bohemian:

10-Go Classical / Traditional:

The ruffled curtains and the  wall-sized window with full-scale open shelving 

all across it are two ideas I'd love to try.

 How about you?

Have an awesome day~

xo

Valerie

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Modern Country Kitchen Ideas

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Apothecary Cabinets + Rustic Kitchen Charm

The Apothecary Cabinet:

So many of us are in love with these old apothecary drawers, or we try to imitate the style in our new construction and design. I am not sure I get the Why of this attraction, but I've got it bad...

 I mean, on a practical note, who is able to remember what is in each of those tiny drawers?  

Some apothecary drawers are more or less something like 6 down  by 6 across = 36 drawers! 

For me, the solution is to keep the look of many small drawers, which  actually cover no more than one or two larger,more usable storage space drawers.

These are some great examples:

  

It's a look that everyone wants to have or to emulate. Today's "apothecary"

is the Pharmacist. Hmm...I wonder if we should all gout and stalk pharmacies and other medical dispensaries for more cool design ideas!

Have a great day!

xo

Valerie

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Luxurious Charm

Country-fy the kitchen with wood gingham and beams, add a cozy stone fireplace, keep the appliances high end, and You have luxurious charm:

Fine modern art,  unique crystal lighting, soft shapes, muted colors, bold furniture,

 and the careful use of the richest fabrics:

A lovely, demurely hidden bathroom:

The clock, the shutters, the lighting, the Lucite chair

and  the reupholstered furniture

( and the rug as long as it is imitation...!):

Traditional clapboard house with the rustic shutters

and unpainted beams over the door --

I call that updated, understated Classic Style:

The unusual richness of the materials in the mirror, 

the lamp, and the bar cart ~ wow:

Fresh flowers on a Lucite table; simple, luxurious

 fabric; muted tones; and the indulgent headboard:

Rich, substantial, simple. Solid beauty:

Fine materials made with the happiest of designs,

 charming on their own and all together:

The stern look of the seriously stainless steeled, geometric kitchen,

 is loudly and prettily relieved by the exuberant red pendant,

 like a playful 5-year-old making noise during church ~

Bling, simplicity, calm, and prettiness:

All luxurious.
All charming.
For everyone.

 A touch of luxury that...

• Avoids the pompous, 
• Avoids the trying-too-hard-to-impress look!
• Achieves a friendly, understated richness.

...Looks great, easy to live with,
easy to enjoy.

Have a great day!

xo

Valerie

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Library+Bedroom. Books+Beds. Charming+Smart.

.Bedroom as Library as Bedroom...

Bookshelves filled with books ~

an interesting, worldly and cozy-warm way to design a bedroom.

Everyone should get on this band wagon!

This rustic, sophisticated room with its vintage books is awesome...

You can never have too many books, right?

(If you do, visit your library and see if they take donations.)

Have a great day!

xo

Valerie

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