happy ditto day! If you are new to ditto posts, the goal is to break down a gorgeous design so that the details become tangible…and do-able. ditto-able.

Enjoy this creamy and restful space, designed by Victoria Hagan. And weigh in on what you would ditto!

DITTO :: {WHAT I WOULD STEAL FROM THIS SPACE}:

1. symmetry perfection. What fully draws me into this room is the calming and firm presence of symmetry. It is the strongest feature in this space, and creates an instant feeling of order and peace. In fact, with such a steady foundation of symmetry, I would use that  base and add gorgeous, interesting accessories/art to take a little bit more risk and add more color and life to this room.
2. reflecting, identical furnishings. This is another successful element of the grand symmetry in this room. The matching, reflecting furniture pieces keep the space uncluttered to the eye and give its visitors a perfect place to rest from the clutter of daily rushing.
3. a strong center. Everything in this room points to the center of the room, which gives a strong focus to the hearth, and is wonderful for conversations. Again, this is due to the symmetry, and the direction of the furnishings. It would be a delightful place for a family or friends to gather around a fire.
4. cream on white. The predominant color in this space is white, and it is given variation using different shades of cream. I love the quiet, bright and peaceful feeling that can only be found in a white room. But, not everyone can do a white, creamy space such as this one – especially not the cream carpet – but there are plenty of other ditto-able creamy elements in this room. The ceiling and the walls disappear into each other, but have their individuality in their differing textures. The creamy upholstery can be done in durable/washable fabrics. The creamy trunk adds another dimension to the color scheme. Even the golds and raffia-tones in the chairs and lamps are a deep level of cream tone.
5. a fantastic floor plan. I first saved this photo because I would love to use this floorplan in my own living room at Fieldstone Hill. I love how two sofas are incorporated into this space, and how it allows two, interesting chairs to take center stage. But my favorite feature is how the symmetry points to a strong center focus.
6. creating height. Several elements in this room add height variation and interest: The floor lamp and the table lamps are placed evenly around the room, adding height wherever they are places. The drapes are hung all the way to the top of the ceiling, which is a fantasic and easy way to add height variation to a room. The vertical barn-siding adds constant height around the room, drawing the eye upward. And a tall, strong piece of art right in the center of the room, which is hung vertically, instantly turns the center focal point into a height-adding feature.
7. a yellow-green centerpiece of nature. I love when yellow-green plant life is added to a room. Plants and cuttings such as these add instant breath and life , and remind me of lush, well-hydrated pastures.
8. vertical barn siding. Keeps this formal room down to earth, so that it still has a casual and relaxed feel. The siding also adds welcome texture into a room that features all natural tones and colors.
9. zero clutter equals breathability: A simple concept that is so rarely embraced by home-dwellers. When clients come to me, telling me that they are unhappy with their spaces, I believe that they underestimate the damage that clutter can do. Besides being a time-stealer, clutter is a mind-clogger, and a space cannot breath unless they eye can easily move around the room without getting stuck. Not everyone would agree, but I personally believe that beauty is strangled when clutter is strongly present. Hmmm… sounds like an entire post unto itself.

WEIGH IN. WHAT WOULD YOU {STEAL} FROM THIS SPACE?

WHAT WOULD YOU DITTO, 1-9? OR SOMETHING ELSE? love hearing your thoughts on this!

oooooh! And, I can’t wait to tell you about a special visit I had with one of my most favorite-est bloggers. I will share my pics with you tomorrow, {you know. can’t miss that Monday ditto!}, but the very cool Angela will tell you more over at her blog-o-creativity.

Suzani has been a decor trend for quite some time now. But I am still loving Suzani.

“Suzani is a type of embroidered and decorative tribal textile made in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.  Suzanis usually have a cotton (sometimes silk) fabric base, which is embroidered in silk or cotton thread.  Popular design motifs include sun and moon disks, flowers (especially tulips, carnations, and irises), leaves and vines, fruits (especially pomegranates), and occasional fish and birds.” – {see wikipedia for more}

For me, Suzani is not so much a trend as it is a way of bringing beautiful, hand-embroidered, world influenced flair into your home. After all, this decorative fabric dates from the late 18th century – which seems rather enduring to me, more so than a trend. The detailing and color in the Suzani fabric makes it a natural splash of life into many spaces. I am glad that the love for this design has come West.

Here are some beautiful uses of this timeless fabric:

 

Dongia fabric is used on the chairs. This gorgeous room makes the most of neutrals and symmetry and therefore sets the stage for a gutsy splash of Suzani color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The same Dongia fabric is used here in a fantastic way. I absolutely love, and recommend, framing fabrics that are special to you, and worthy of being enjoyed every day. It is also a great way to display remnants an expensive fabric; which can often be found at a slashed price.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here a Suzani fabric that is simply draped over a desk/vanity. It adds so much drama to the space, and is a simple, change-able way to add color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Similarly, this Suzani is draped on a dining room table, adding detailed earthy-ness to a very elegant space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those who adore Suzani, and are willing to give it more commitment, this sofa is a stunning upholstered piece.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Again, using a neutral backdrop sets the stage for a dramatic Suzani. The neutral backdrop in this bedroom offers the perfect spot for a Suzani bedspread.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here, two different Suzani pieces are stitched together to make a patchwork of sorts. The sunny colors are divine!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Which one of these uses would work in your home? Do you have any Suzani in your home? How could you add some gorgeous Suzani into your space?

{all image sources can be found here}

It’s “A Room I Love” Day….just a simple hello, from me to you, featuring a Room that I Love, and a quick list of why I love it:

It has been a while since I posted anything that feeds into my love/passion for farmhouse simplicity. I have been on a rather long high-gloss glamour kick, lately. But, count on a simple bathroom to remind me of keeping things pure. Like handmade soap, or fresh towels, or claw foot tubs… the classic simplicity of farmhouse living is right at home in the bath.

Here is a room that I love:

{via elle decor}

WHAT I LOVE:

1. soft gray walls with cheerful, classic paintings that pop, and add brightness and color in a small but lovely way.
2. a chair in the bath!
3. a galvanized bucket waste-can.
4. polished concrete floors!
5. white wainscoting leading to an edge above the sink.
6. no window treatments. wonderful if you can do it!
7. classy, flat and perfectly folded towels with simple gray stripes.
8. polished chrome hardware.
9. horses seal the deal for farmhouse simplicity.
10. fresh roses, in an antique silver vase. perfection. and ah, the fragrance.

DO YOU LOVE IT?? WHAT DO YOU LOVE?

I am excited to introduce you to a designer whose work I admire. a lot.

You may already know her in the blogworld.  She blogs at Live.Like.You., and shares excellent design insights and features a series of posts entitled, Think outside the Box. Don’t you love her already?? The notion of thinking outside the box is essential to good design.

Just warning you: she is drop dead gorgeous {why is it that the Swedes get an unusually large dose of gorgeous-ness from God? just sayin.}

Beauty surrounds Jill. {And you know how I feel about beauty! It is a love affair.} Her designs make my heart leap and I want to immediately paint something orange, aqua, or pink. These two rooms that she fabulously designed, via her design firm Marmalade Interiors, are superb and very ditto-worthy! I am ready to move in…..

When I discovered that Jill has released her first line of her own private label {so amazing. a dream realized!}, I had to share it with you. Take a look at her amazing Greek Key bedding collection. Isn’t it the perfect union of classic, simple and glam?

The bedding is sold here, at her shop filled with many goodies, and comes in black, navy, turquoise, and orange.

Now. I know that you keen things noticed that headboard in the pictures! It is Jill’s custom Pagoda headboard. Pure glam, I tell ya:

The Pagoda headboards are available at her shop as well.

Jill’s design philosophies are beautiful.  and I must say that I agree!:

* Good design should be available to anyone to improve the quality of their lives

* Great style doesn’t mean big budget!

* Your home should make you happy!

But my favorite of Jill’s philosophies is her determination to give an offering of herself to help others. Jill is the founder of Knock Out Abuse Against Women, a charity that supports victims of domestic violence. Many of the items in her shop give a donation from sales to this charity. She was also instrumental in creating Sharing Spaces, a program that with the aid of a community furniture drive redesigns domestic violence shelters to improve the lives of women and children.

I love that Jill is pursuing a dream, and taking a leap, but most of all, that she is shedding grace on others along the way.

Shedding grace on others. Now that is beautiful design.

{all photos used with permission from Marmalade Interiors and the Live.Like.You. blog. Photo credit: Tanya Malott}