Luminesse

The most luxurious of oil-burning sculptures, the Aston releases aromatic essences through its soft glow. Available in the richest woods, including Macassar Ebony, Mappa Burl, Zebra and Walnut. The perfect gift for an ambiance connoisseur.

Diana Fayt

Visit Diana Fayt's website or Etsy shop to learn about her painstakingly gorgeous porcelain creations. I love the simplicity of her hand-etched illustrations and fine glazing.

Come On In!

In addition to the mega-remodel of the bad garage, I'd really like to spruce up our entry. Having a ranch-authentic front door is key. I absolutely love all of the reproductions styles from Crestview Doors. This Austin TX-based company designs and builds custom doors based on vintage 50's and 60's designs.

Crisp and Clean

Hand printed on 100% linen, these kitchen towels by defyra will bring an air of sophistication and whimsy to your kitchen.

PrePub Alert

This is one book I'm anticipating: Contemporary Chic, by Rozemarijn de Witte. Available this May, the book focuses on all my favorite aspects of modern decor: relaxed, cozy and natural.

And Speaking of Change

Since we spent a solid six months gutting and remodeling our ranch in 2006, we thought "why not tackle the bad garage?" So without further ado, we crunched the numbers, visited our banker, and have proceeded with plans to convert one of our detached garages into livable space. When done, the new studio/office will add over 400 square feet of finished space to our home. If we lived through the house remodel, this will be a piece of cake, right?


To put me in the mood for yet another major renovation, I visited Houseblogs.net for more "home improvement stories for the dwelling obsessed." But who am I kidding? This project will be far more difficult. The husband and I can't seem to agree on much so far: get an architect or not, what is the major purpose of the space, what kind of heating system should we use, shouldn't we use some money to redo the entrance to the house? The list goes on, but we need to come to some agreement soon. Now is the time of year to lock in a contractor and we can't still be arguing when they arrive!

Wisteria Delicacies

Bring the warmth of these items from Wisteria into your home this spring.

Plant Paintings

Moorish Chest

Coconut Chandelier

Mercury Glass Urns

Dragonfly Tray

Spring Market

Now through March 8th, visit Poppytalk Handmade's Spring & Easter Market. Here is just a sampling of the artwork that is helping me feel better today.

The lush photographs and paintings by Isabel Ferreira

Vintage-inspired brooches and necklaces by Paraphernalia

The poetic photographs of Thea Coughlin

Down for the Count

Day five of the worst cold/flu I've had in years. I could barely muster the energy to finish this brief post. Back to bed for me.

Ink & Wit

"Ink & Wit is dedicated to creating a functional and sustainable product that is fun and elegant. Many of the original notecard designs have been modified to postcards in order to conserve paper and save on postage. In addition, postcards are great to have on hand and send for any occasion. They tack to your inspiration board or double as a framed print. All of the art is designed and illustrated by Tara Hogan and printed on the finest quality paper with the intention to add more color to your sacred space or give another a special greeting."

Spring Favorite

The Fat Finch: Boutique for Birders will surely become a favorite online shop as spring approaches. Visit their whimsical site for anything a bird lover needs: food, feeders, houses, baths and much, much, more.

Love Greetings, Part 3

Understated graphic greetings from two Etsy artists:

Uccello Curioso

Two Guitars

Architectural Pottery

Vessel USA has reissued Architectural Pottery's collection of garden planters, sculptures and containers. Bring one of these icons of Mid 20th century design into your home or outdoor living spaces.

Pillow Talk

Inspired by both nature and classic architecture, these pillows by Printologie would be a perfect accent to any home. "Designer Elaine Dominguez turns her passion for pattern design into graphic, colorful accent pillows for the modern home. From sketches and photographs, the designs are developed further on a computer and digitally printed onto silk."

Love Greetings, Part 2

Caroline Gardner features cards, gift wrap, gift bags and other goodies for your sweetheart.