small space inspiration {going vertical}

This Cape Town loft is only 59 square meters, which I can't convert to feet off the top of my head (at least not on a Friday) but none the less it is small! They really used the space well by adding a mezzanine level for the bedroom and a sitting area.

The use of open shelves and the ladders eliminates the space that closed cabinets and sraures would take up.

Lastly, the bathroom is quite brilliant as does not have a traditional shower or bath but rather just a showerhead coming from the ceiling and a floor and wall of tile to make the entire room waterproof.

(via house and leisure)

11:45 AM by beemagnet · 0

soothing symmetry

There is something soothing about the order that comes from symmetrical rooms. It is a very appealing and chaos free look. I especially love the cozy feeling that comes from just a few items (a piece of artwork, shelf styling of chair style) are not the exactly mirror images of each other.
(via david tsay and carrier and company)

6:18 AM by beemagnet · 0

{eye candy} bold color cravings

On the heels of talking about there never being to much color in an event palette I think that the same is true of interior design, when done well that is. Which is why I adore this colorful living room by m.design. I love the way the colors, patterns and unique pieces make the eye constantly move around the room.

I think the only thing I would change is the artwork over the fireplace--other than that I am ready to make myself at home!The rest of this house is pretty fantastic too. Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

10:00 AM by beemagnet · 0

luxury gift guide {home decor addict}

If you want to truly make the home decor addicts on your gift list blush then these items will do the trick. And if you are feeling generous you can just purchase all these pieces and provide the makings of a subtly elegant and whimsical living room.

(missoni home stool, madeline weinrib throw pillow, area rug designed by vivienne westwood for the rug company, geometric alpaca throw from pieces, kaleidoscopes by kelly wearstler, provence perfum bottle from anthropologie and french birdcage from pieces)

4:00 AM by beemagnet · 0

perfect blend

Every once and while there are those homes and rooms that are the perfect balance--of light and dark; modern and traditional; casual and glamorous-all topped off with the perfect dash of color. This home, especially the stunning living room, is just that...

(via australian house and garden)
And why have just one chandelier in your bathroom when you could have three!? Hope you are all having a lovely Sunday!

11:05 AM by beemagnet · 0

monday color pop {soothing lavender}

I have never had fresh lavender (although it is one of my favorite scents!) and just planted some in my new pot of herbs. Needless to say the smell is absolutely divine and is instantly soothing. I am thinking that having a little dose of the color of this herb's lovely flower in my home may evoke the same serenity and calm.

(via madeline weinrib, house beautiful, decor pad via dwellings and decor, apartment therpay, shannon fricke, unknown)
What is you current favorite color? Quite curious to know.

6:20 AM by beemagnet · 0

solution by screen

Do you have any empty corner that you don't know what to do with, want to hide an unsightly radiator, cover a messy corner, separate your dining and living areas, add some texture to a room or just need a new headboard? Well, there is one furnishing that can satisfy all of these needs--the folding screen. Such a lovely and versatile piece.





(via apartment therapy, canadian house and home, via real simple, the city sage via homes and gardens, amanda nisbet , apartment therapy via cottage living)
Do you have a decorating dilemma in your home that a screen could or has solved?

8:25 PM by beemagnet · 0

mix and match style

I saw a glimpse of the home of Temple St. Clair Carr in the portfolio of photographer Eric Piasecki and was very intrigued by the warm mix of modern, ethnic and traditional decor. I was beyond thrilled to come across a more extensive tour of this jewelry designers home in the book So Chic by the editors of Elle Decor.






What are your thoughts on mix and matching different styles?

5:00 PM by beemagnet · 0

the softer side of the loft

When I think about loft spaces, the words light filled, warm and glamorous are not the first that come to mind. However, this loft embodies all of those unexpected qualities---from the large windows, warm wood floors and elegant decor touches. It is also well divided with high backed furniture and well placed screens.

I just adore the long curtains that soften the industrial style windows and the light white ceilings that open the space up even more.

And then there is the fun touch of architectural detail at the tops of the supports--further softening the industrial bones of this loft.

(all photos via nuevo estilo)
What qualities come to mind when you think about lofts?

6:09 AM by beemagnet · 0

jade and coral [and perhaps a dash of yellow]

I almost always find that I am drawn to the rooms that utilize at least three colors, even if they are all neutrals. Take coral, which seems to be everywhere lately. A coral room dotted with few different patterns and materials and perhaps a neutral here and there can be lovely. But add a cooling jade or teal to the mix and the warmth of a space drastically increases.


Add yet another layer of color to this palette, such a brilliant yellow, and spaces grow even more inviting.


( via british home and garden, ashley whittaker, nate berkus, April House Beautiful uk)
Are your more restrained when using color or do you prefer many layers of it?

3:00 PM by beemagnet · 0

a few lovely succulents

I was completely enamored by the lovely table (and the overall room design) in the conservatory of the Showhouse that I keep mentioning (promise this is the last time!) I adore succulents and natural materials-making the beautiful table in this room completely dreamy to me. I may have to do something similar at my next dinner party!



Sorry for my poor and slightly crooked photos! Oh and I can forget to tell you that this space is the wonderful creation of Frank Ponterio.

8:00 PM by beemagnet · 0

designer spotlight [michael delpiero]

This morning I once again visited the Showhouse benefiting the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. It is amazing how when you go through a space for the second time how new rooms and new details make an impact. Today it was the room of Chicago based designer, Michael DelPiero. Her work is beautiful, unexpected and exudes an understated elegance. So of course I quickly came home to scour her portfolio and I was not dissapointed. I especially loved this neutral and well accessorized living space.


Isn't the collection of artwork over the mantle amazing? I also love her philosophy that "A commitment to true style (rather than mere taste) ensures the creation of a canvas for living". Do you have an interior design philosophy?

11:11 AM by beemagnet · 0

[mirrored] glamour

This seems to be the week of mirror posts, from mirrored fireplaces to no mirror in a bathroom and now to lovely walls of mirror. These spaces were in the April Elle Decoration and I find them completely mesmerizing for their playful brick like appearance as well as for their placement. They add such a glamorous drama to the living and kitchen/dining spaces of this apartment.


I also went to an absolutely wonderful charity showhouse last night (I was truly blown away) that I will be posting more about later this weekend. Hope you are all having a lovely Saturday.

6:48 AM by beemagnet · 0

a secret garden

The weather has just been just wonderful here the past couple of days and I have had no desire to be inside (hence the sunburn). It leaves me yearning for a room that would allow me to be to be inside while still enjoying the wonders of the outdoors. Perhaps one with a little chandelier?

Or a citrus filled orangery with the perfect settee.

Or maybe a peaceful and more traditional conservatory...


(via flickr, madeline soder , haven and home (via country living), southern accents, lucyina moodie, erik johnson)
Do you have a dream room addition?

8:12 AM by beemagnet · 0