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I was sorry to miss “Favorites on the First” over at The Polohouse. I was on vacation and otherwise occupied with a 21-month old granddaughter…no complaints here! Alison always hosts such fun monthly “favorites”.
I’ve been delivering posts that are more subject-specific since returning from vacation and even I’m bored with that! {I guess it could be argued that all posts are subject-specific, but I just miss looking at pretty rooms, no specific topic or even particular focus}.
It’s time to feast our eyes on beauty, plain and simple (in my humble opinion) and these are some of my newer found “favorites”, and a couple of returning great rooms that I could look at daily and still find reason to be inspired somehow.
I hope you enjoy this frivolous interlude of well designed/decorated spaces and the accessories that inspire me…
This room/space had me at wood paneled walls and ceiling. The chandelier and eclectic accessories create interest.
{Atlanta Homes Magazine}
Old world rooms always draw my interest, don’t you wish they still made arched doorways with this kind of detailing?
Any room with books says “comfortable and inviting” to me. In fact I enjoy finding a library of sorts in unexpected places.
I’m looking for an entry rug similar to this, any shopping tips?
Vintage painting and beautiful furnishings, wow.
This sun room is so pretty, love the windows and doors.
My apologies to those who are put off by antlers. I understand, but I do like the lodge-look, even old European style they impart.
This Jane Moore kitchen has been on a couple of my “favorite” blog sites lately, but I absolutely love the room and it’s non-structured, non-typical kitchen design.
{source and Cote de Texas}
When Southern Accents magazine was still published I became an avid fan of Dan Carithers style…I used to be able to pick his rooms out of any magazine. He’s now retired but his style is timeless and will remain close to my heart.
There are so many features in this smallish space that draw my attention. The little lamp, the comfy chairs and the table are all inviting and great use of a small dining area off the kitchen.
{Better Homes and Gardens}
I would love stone walls in a kitchen!
{Elle Decor}
This tub is a favorite and I like the closet doors, I’d have to work on keeping order to my closet with these doors, but it would be worth it.
The headboards and the chest are appealing, not to mention the botanics above each bed.
Another small space but I really like the transferware grouping on the wall and a wingback in the kitchen is such a great idea…why not really be comfortable when you dine?
I realize I couldn’t really allow the vines on our house to grow indoors, but I like the rustic look for this, don’t you?
{Garden & Gun Magazine}
This is the best ever kitchen chandelier!
{New England Home}
Joan and Dan’s house (for the love of a house) is one I can revisit weekly, they have such a great house and the way Joan pulls her incredible collections together makes it my favorite example of how to accessorize any room.
I’ve always liked this kitchen and the marble counter and back splash.
{Traditional Home Magazine}
If we EVER add a kitchen eating area, this is the image I’ll show the contractor. Love it!
{Velvet & Linen}
I hope you enjoyed seeing some new and returning favorite rooms. Do you revisit certain images for inspiration from magazines, design books or Pinterest?
Garden, Home & Party 
Jenny Mein said:
Such gorgeous inspiring rooms. I love them all especially the kitchens with those huge painted dressers/chests filled with china!
Cheerio
Jenny M.
UK
Karen B. said:
Hi Jenny,
I do like cupboards and open shelves filled with pretty china. I could see some of your designs dressing up the kitchen!:D
Karen
Victoria Elizabeth Barnes said:
The rustic kitchen? With the vine growing across the ceiling? Is from a source called Garden and Gun Magazine??? I am thrilled that such a thing exists.
I see you like white kitchens too. And carrara marble… at some point, I will have to choose a kitchen design. Sooner rather than later. And that’s the style I LOVE. But ugh. So impractical. I’ve been trying to talk myself out of marble for the last year… but some part of me is like, no, no… it will be *fine*. You will magically turn into an entirely different person who does not care about etching, or stains, or chips.
Karen B. said:
Victoria,
I know, the first time I saw Garden and Gun on the shelves I assumed it was strictly for gun enthusiasts and there was a mistake that it was in the midst of the “shelter” magazines.
But on to kitchens…our kitchen was white for the first 20 years, no marble (it was not in the budget) but I really never got tired of the white cabinets. When we remodeled 9 years ago, we* decided to install stained cabinets…and granite. While I do love the way our kitchen turned out I wish I had gone with white and marble. Honed marble shows less stains and I’ve never seen chip in any of the marble kitchen counters my friends enjoy. I say go for it…I’ve heard you can get a good seal and the etching will be minimal?
Karen
trouverlesoleil said:
Karen,
These spaces are GORGEOUS. Love the kitchens, the vintage decor, the blues and whites.. and the cozy spots you showed. Change of season is always a time to edit our homes and these pictures have inspired me. Thanks for sharing!
Kifus said:
There is something to love in every one of these images. The one that especially caught my eye is the Timothy Corrigan entry hall. The carved door is a beauty!
Have a splendid day, Karen!
Karen B. said:
Kifus,
Okay, you take the door, I’ll take the rug. Works for me!
Karen
Gretchen said:
What a great post – I never get tired of photos of beautiful rooms! This was a particularly inspiring group. I really enjoy revisiting pictures of rooms that I’ve saved over the years. Sometimes it reaffirms why I liked the room to begin with and other times it illustrates my evolving taste. I think I need to go get my folder of photos and take another look…..
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Gretchen. It always surprises me when I come across a magazine page in my files that can be years old, and still it inspires me. So much fun.
Karen