I find inspiration for posts from a wide array of sources. Sometimes a feature in a magazine will prompt me to post about a designer or some component of the room or home at large.
The September 2010 issue of House Beautiful did a wonderful story and provided amazing images about a California beach house, interiors by Carolyn Espley-Miller. It was love at first sight (wait, have I used that term before?…well, where homes are concerned there can be more than one true love!). The house has such a warm and inviting ambiance. Comfort has become of prime importance to me and this house conveys that in spades, possibly due in part to the fact that this beach home is the family retreat where a family (husband, wife and 2 sons) spend quality time.
As I Googled Carolyn Espley-Miller to see if there were other images online, to my amazement I found out that the designer is host to one of my favorite blog sites…Slim Paley. If you’ve never visited this site, I can honestly say, you’ll love it. Her writing is witty and entertaining as well as filled with style ideas for living. Her blog was recently nominated for a Homie award (a blog thing). In my humble opinion she got robbed, she should have won!
Below are a few of the images I admire from Slim Paley’s blog:
Enjoy! …and for details on paint colors and the interview with Carolyn Espley-Miller, visit HERE
Garden, Home & Party 
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
While I don’t like most beach houses because they’re too casual for my tastes, I really liked this one. I especially loved all the weathered and distressed pieces of furniture and decorative elements. Can’t wait to check out the Slim Paley blog!
Karen said:
Linda,
The Slim Paley blog is pretty entertaining. She sometimes shows pictures of her home and it’s really beautiful. She is very entertaining in her writing style. I too loved this beach house.
Karen
Ann said:
Hi Karen,
Thanks for the comments today 🙂 I’m behind on my blog reading from being under the weather. I will check out Slim Paley’s blog. There are so many good blogs out there, it takes me so long to read. I actually read every post so sometimes i get behind on commenting. BTW I love love love this beach house. I don’t remember that from the September issue however, that style would work well with my house. Love it. Hope your enjoying the cloudy weather.
Karen said:
Ann,
I think you will like the Slim Paley site. This flu is the pits from what I’ve heard and has the nasty habit of coming back, so take good care! I’m so happy your read my site and any little comment any time, as you well know, it appreciated.
Have a relaxing weekend, snow maybe? 🙂
Karen
Trish said:
Hi Karen. Glad you are having some sun as well. Lots of great photos…my eye goes to the bits of blue and red, of course! Hope you’re having a great weekend. Trish
Karen said:
As a California native I never thought I wish for spring…this year each time it’s sunny I’m thrilled (since it’s been a pretty cool winter). 🙂
Karen
Gretchen said:
Karen, you know I love beach houses – I even subscribe to Coastal Living. I remember this house from House Beautiful and how much I liked it. It has great style and yet it looks like people really live there.
Exploring Slim Paley’s blog was really fun. I’ll have to check it out again soon.
Karen said:
Gretchen,
I too am a huge fan of beach houses…I especially like the homes that feel relaxed and inviting, not overly formal. I’m with you, this one really tugged at my heart strings! 🙂
Karen
Blooming Rose Musings said:
I am loving this post as I am in the process of decorating a beach house for someone. These are all lovely images. I always appreciate a very relaxed style for a beach house…almost more of the focus on the environment. Fun post.
Karen said:
You are so right, instead of competing with the natural beauty outside each window, just keep it simple, comfortable and inviting! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
Karen