abode love: a man's home is his wife's castle

april is wedding month III: happy anniversary to me!

2013-04-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hello abode lovers, I know, I know, long time no see huh? Well, my brain is still being consumed with pregnancy-- so I'm just about useless in all aspects of my life, especially anything creative! Why is it that my sweet Lochlan is zapping my creativity and motivation? WHAT is that about? I'm hoping that I'll go back to normal soon, I'm basically a couch potato as of now, and that's really not my style.

Anyway, April is usually wedding month here at Abode Love but since this month I am pregnant and super lame, it's just not happening. (Just FYI, many people told me, including Super Mom that pregnancy would make me hyper creative... I guess I missed that boat, big time.) However, it IS still my 4 year anniversary today, so let's reminisce a little.....

Thank you to Stephen DeVries for my AMAZING photos that I still love dearly 4 years later!

For more details on THE DRESS, check it out here, it's a good story...

Super Mom and General Dad

Mister Husband with my baby brother

Michael + Laurel-Dawn from Kinora Films on Vimeo.

I am making some serious headway on the nursery and can't wait to share all of the details with you! I am hoping to get a few photos taken over the weekend of my progress. I hope all of you abode lovers have a great day!

irish hunt nursery plans

2013-02-27T06:21:00.000-08:00

Hello abode lovers! I'm still alive, I swear, I'm just pregnant and totally not myself. I'm this uncreative, tired zombie person who can't make a decision.... I hope I go back to normal when I have this baby! I'm missing my old ideas, complete decisiveness and personality!

Today I wanted to share the design board for Lochlan Patterson's little nursery! I'm calling it the Irish Hunt Nursery... You see, the wallpaper is clearly a little English fox hunt, but since we are having a "McBaby" with a super Irish first name, I'm changing the theme to an Irish Hunt... Also, green is the main color I'll be using, so, you know... it all makes sense in my super weird preg brain, if it doesn't make sense to you... then don't worry, it's me, not you.

The entire plan for the nursery is centered around Anthropologie's Lady of the Manor wallpaper that is no longer being sold. Do I have this wallpaper already? Nope. I wish. So, since I've been obsessed with this wallpaper for YEARS, I'm going to try my best (with a TON of Supermom's help) to make my own version by changing a few things to customize the print and make it my own. I'm going to add our dogs (King & Lady) to the wallpaper, take off a few horses and add leaves and tiny shamrocks instead of using the roses that are on the Lady of the Manor Wallpaper.

I was devastated that this wallpaper was no longer available, but my mom and I are going to do what we can through Spoonflower's new custom wallpaper option and this way, it will be custom, which is pretty fun! Spoonflower's wallpaper is also removable, which is great for resell purposes! We are also now toying with the idea of getting Spoonflower's printed fabric option and hanging fabric on the walls-- (also removable, and perhaps much cheaper!) More on this subject later...

Here is the design board for the nursery space:

1. Pottery Barn Silk Dupioni Drapes (from Pottery Barn outlet, had these for years) 2. Augusta Iron Canopy Crib, Restoration Hardware Baby & Child 3. Mobile, Sheep Creek Needlecraft 4. Marlo Serena & Lily Nursery Bedding 5. Drum Side Table, Restoration Hardware Baby & Child 6. Mirimar Chair in Turquoise/Putty Diamond, Serena & Lily 7. Deer Wreath Pillow, Coral & Tusk 8. Julian Apothecary Floor Lamp, Ballard Designs

Where will the nursery be located? The office of course! Mister Husband and I are going to have to do some serious finageling to move his entire office to his Man Mountain... You see, we never thought in a million years that we would still be in our little abode when we had our first child, so I didn't plan very well for the future when buying and placing furniture around our house. The booming housing market has kept us in our little abode, but we love it, so everything will be fine! (It might just look a little cramped, ugh, skank.)

Another nursery detail that I've been obsessed with for years for a boy or girl is the Marlow bedding from Serena + Lily.... which is also no longer available, but I purchased it before finding out the sex of the baby on CLEARANCE! Wahoo for me! I was able to snag the bedding at HALF price... major high five. Major. I'm honestly not usually a fan of any "bed in a bag" but I loved how neutral it was and all of the embroidery is so lovely. The price was also a major selling point and it's really hard to pass up a bargain when you have other big ticket items in the same space.

Another item I'm BEYOND pumped about is the mobile. I swear, this is going to be my favorite part of the entire space. I'm commissioning Andrea from Sheep Creek Needlecraft to create a custom felt mobile of King (our lab) and Lady (our cocker spaniel) that is reminiscent of the mobile seen above. I LOVE the colors and cannot WAIT to see our pups made out of felt! It's a splurge but it's the only thing that will hang above the crib and I see it as a piece of art... so it's totally worth the cash to snag such a beautiful piece. I still need to get on the ball and send Andrea photos of our pups so that she can get started... one of many things to cross off my "to-do" list.

There are TONS of other items that I'm in love with for this space, and I'll discuss the decisions about each piece as they start to be delivered...

So- what do you think of my vision for Lochlan's Irish Hunt nursery? I have been so excited to share this plan with all of you, and also nervous-- I can't wait to share the progress with you as we get started on changing the office to our sweet baby's space!

I hope all of you abode lovers have been well, I have missed all of you!

our little lad...

2013-02-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

Hello abode lovers! That's right, I guess Mama's intuition was RIGHT! (and Daddy's intuition for that matter) We've decided to name our sweet baby boy Lochlan Patterson McBurney-- it's super Irish, and we love that since we are a McFamily after all...

Super mom made the ombre style blue cake... loved it! She also rigged up the "babykins" sign and hung the mobile that she made well over 20 years ago for me before I was born!

Mister Husband and I couldn't be more thrilled... we were so happy to see our sweet babykins kickin' like a champ (a soccer champ that is) and waving to us with his tiny fingers... sweet Lochlan melted my heart! Way to give your mommy and daddy a show...

So... now the planning begins. Our little lad will be here at the end of July and he needs an amazeballs nursery... so I MUST get on it ASAP! Here are a few pieces that were already purchased before knowing the sex...

The Augusta Canopy Crib

This puppy was certainly a splurge, but I'm confident I'll use it for every baby I ever have... all 8 of them... or maybe just 3? Anyway, I snagged this bad boy right after Christmas when they were running one of their deals... I got this crib on sale, thank God! It's not due to arrive until April, good thing I ordered it so early!

I am planning on placing this beautiful crib in front of a large window, so I knew that I wanted a crib with some visual weight OVER the crib... I love this piece!

Serena + Lily's Marlo bedding. (I've loved it for years for a boy or girl) It's no longer being sold, but again, I snagged this bedding right after Christmas when it went HALF OFF for the first time EVER and is now GONE for good! We won't be tying little bows on the spindles... I will be tying very masculine knots so that Lochlan knows that he is in fact a boy :) Although, I don't mind the sweet touches of flowers and little bugs... babies are babies, and I love this bedding!

No worries abode lovers... there will be plenty of masculine touches in the room and color that will help "boy up" the space... this is just what I have so far! I can't wait to share an inspiration board soon!

Thank you so much for all of your kind comments and well wishes-- this is such an amazing time in my life and can't really wrap my head around the miracle that is happening within me, but I know that I'm excited! I hope all of you abode lovers have a fantastic day and Hip! Hip! Hooray! for BOYS!

little lady or little lad?

2013-01-29T06:49:00.000-08:00

Hello abode lovers-- I know, I know.... it's been a while, again. I am SO disappointed in my lack of blogging as of late. I mean, who knew pregnancy takes it out of you like this? I'll be 15 weeks Thursday and have been feeling much better. Thank you all for your kind and super encouraging messages! This gal has been in skank-town-USA without any clue of how to get the hell out of there! But after nausea, sinus infections, and er, other.... infections.... (thank you pregnancy) I finally feel like I'm coming out of the woods.

I didn't mention this in my last post, but it's SO exciting. My sister, Nene, not her real name, that lives in Atlanta with two boys is also expecting a sweet baby 8 days before me! We're 19 months apart, so we've always been super close and I feel so blessed that I get to walk through this experience WITH her! She also found out last week that she's having a GIRL!!!! I die. I literally die of excitement.

This Friday, Mister Husband and I are taking a little trip down to a 4-d ultrasound place to find out what we're having EARLY! Why are we doing this?? Easy. Two words. NURSERY PLANNING!

Now, some of my long-time followers might be thinking.... "WAIT! You already designed your nursery, like, years ago".... and you would be correct. BUT things change, AND unfortunately, some items stop being sold. So, while I still adore my original nursery plan... there have been many fun and inspiring changes that have made me SUPER excited to get started!

Here is my plan from way back in September of 2010. It's gender neutral and I still think it's super sweet... however, I have had some major changes going on in my head that I cannot WAIT to share with all of you! (But I've GOT to know the sex before I really start diving in)

So, truth be told, I'm positive I'm having a baby boy. I mean, positive. Mister Husband also thinks he's a boy as does my amazing OB. So, what do YOU think it is??? I LOVE wondering about it and would just explode with happiness with either sex-- but I do have that "motherly instinct" that I'm dealing with a super tough boy in my belly. (He's given me a lot of hell... so I'm just thinking it's a boy that's hard headed and full of passion and life- just like my precious Mister Husband!)

Now, I know that wives tales say that being sick=girl, but that's never been correct with my family and friends... so I just don't buy that! Chinese calendar says boy on one version and girl on another.... so, a big thanks to the chinese, you're of NO help. Heartbeat has been fast both times we've heard it (which is by the way THE most amazing and magical sound) but again, I don't buy that theory either! My super mom brought home her first daughter to a blue nursery and airplane sleepers because my sister Nene had a slow heartbeat!

So--- I need predictions. We can only guess and wonder what it will be for a few more days (although it feels like an ETERNITY)! So abode lovers.... lady? or lad????

oh babykins!

2013-01-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

Mister Husband and myself have been blessed with a BABY! That's right abode lovers, I'm pregnant with a precious little babykins! I know that I've been absent from the blogger world since well, Thanksgiving (eek!), but that's because this baby is making a statement. "How so?" you ask.... well, babykins' mama is sick, sick, sick.

I am almost done with the dreaded first trimester, this Thursday will be week 12! We are expecting this sweet baby to arrive July 25, 2013!

Here is our little babykins at almost 8 weeks. Isn't he/she just precious and perfect?!? Mister Husband and I are already in love with our sweet babe.

The photo says 6 weeks 6 days, but come to find out I was a bit further along than I had expected! Which was a relief for how terrible I was feeling at this point!

So, I'm sorry I've been absent for so long, and I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to paint a bit more before the holidays, but I felt as if I could hardly function!

I'm now battling a cold- which is hopefully just that, a cold-- and not something much worse like strep or a sinus infection. But I sure am ready to feel better and a bit more motivated! Anyhow, I've been so excited to share the news with all of my abode lovers out there! A nursery will be in the works soon!

little-bitty mini originals

2012-11-26T05:39:00.000-08:00

Hello abode lovers and welcome back to reality! Did anyone else enjoy their time off as much as I did? I spent time with family, Mister Hubbs, saw movies and painted! Fortunately, since I was able to do some work over the holiday weekend, I now have a few little mini originals to share with all of you! I wanted to introduce a new item to the shop, Laurel Dawn, just for the holidays and these are my answer! A little-bitty original painting. They're small enough that they can sit nicely on a table top like a picture frame.

Bowtie Mini 5"x5"

Peachy Mini 6"x6"

Gold Gilded Mini 5"x5"

Silver Gilded Mini 6"x6"

Rose Gold Mini 5"x5"

Spring Mini 6"x6"

And to follow up last weeks sneak peek, here is the new Abode Love 11"x17" print!

I hope all of you had a fantastic Thanksgiving break- these mini's will go fast so make sure if you have your eye on one for Christmas that you snag it quickly! Have a great Monday back at work abode lovers!

new things coming!

2012-11-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

Hello abode lovers, we're only a few days away from Thanksgiving! Wahoo! I mentioned yesterday that I've been super busy with paintings and other projects and today I'm sharing a few sneak peeks of new things to come in the shop, Laurel Dawn!

I'm working on a new print that will be released right after Thanksgiving-- here's a little taste of what I'll be offering!

... and these pint sized originals will also be available after Thanksgiving in the first few weeks of December. I have several more that I'm working on, but these are just a little preview. These tiny babes are just as bright as the large originals but super compact and super affordable. I'll let ya'll know when they're available for purchase at the shop, Laurel Dawn!

I'm excited for these new projects to roll out in time for the holiday season! I feel so blessed and beyond thankful for the opportunity to paint for my readers, it's been the BEST! I've had quite a few commissions in the past few weeks since the launch of Laurel Dawn and am excited to paint more large pieces in the next few weeks after I tackle all of the commissions!

If you're interested in getting a commission completed by Christmas, contact me asap!

thanksgiving inspired spaces

2012-11-19T06:08:00.001-08:00

Hello abode lovers and Happy Thanksgiving week! I am SO excited to relax for a few day and stuff my face! I painted and worked all weekend (and saw the new Twilight movie of course), and this Thanksgiving I'm planing on putting my feet up in a big way. Here are a few gorgeous spaces that make me feel like Thanksgiving. I imagine these spaces smell like apple cider...

These warm, copper drapes are such a nice contrast to the upholstered dining chairs. I also really love the amber toned bottles in the window-- don't you want to sit under this shaded chancy and eat a turkey leg?

This wallpaper also feels like Thanksgiving to me. The warm auburn background with creamy flowers and birds is simply gorge. I love, love the soft brown branches in this floral pattern. I also really love the slick, black lamp base in this space. It's a great contrast to the soft, upholstered headboard spotted with nail heads. The side table is the perfect marriage of elegance and masculinity- I love a good two-toned piece of furniture.

I love a well styled nook. This little area is so warm and rich. I love all of the black accents in this arrangement and I'm loving that lampshade!

I just LOVE what a copper, hammered pendant light can do in a space. Can you imagine this kitchen without them? I think not. They're so warm and feel rich and super glam-- they really elevate this space and make it so much warmer.

Holy hell. How do I get a bathroom like this? As if a claw foot tub isn't gorgeous enough, they added a tufted bench and a gorgeous marble-topped vanity to make me super jealous. (or totes jel as my little sisters say)

I have always loved this space-- there's nothing like a gallery wall of fine art. Look at those landscapes! I also love the warm, mocha wall color and the pale gold chair and lamp shades. Anyone else dying over that sconce? So dreamy right?

Wowza. Check out the wall treatment! Grasscloth with nail heads-- stop it. The walls really make this space feel warm and special. I also love the wood and glass cabinet in this space-- it adds a timeless quality to the room. I'm also dying over all of the green velvet tufting- geeze. The oversized lantern is a really nice touch- and the abstract art elevates this space to a younger look-- without it I think this space would feel completely different.

I'll never get enough of this living space. I love it. This room may be one of my favorites of all time. I LOVE the symmetry and all of the antique touches mixed with the super modern, furniture. I love all of the clean lines mixed with the gold, gilded pieces throughout this space.

Check out that mirror detail. Wowza. I love the layered mirrors and all of the trim details. The wall treatment is SO lovely and is paired so well with the burnt orange area rug. The mint and orange color combination is so nice and totally unexpected. Ya'll know I'm crazy about mixing patterns and infusing a ton of color into spaces, so this space really speaks to me. LOVE it.

I really love this living/dining combination. I love the color is the painting over the fireplace as well as the traditional mirrors flanking either side of the fireplace. The light fixtures go really well together but aren't matchy-matchy which I appreciate. Also, those chairs are gorgeous. Don't you want to have Thanksgiving dinner in this space? I do.

This space feels like Thanksgiving to me because of all of the family photos climbing the wall. Nothing says Thanksgiving to me like family. It's the time to treasure every person in your life and take note of how much you have to be thankful for... when I do this, I think of my huge, growing, crazy family.

In a fabulous and pretend world, this is totally my dining nook. That tufted banquette, the floral pillows, the lanterns, need I say more? Nope, this totes has my name all over it.

I'm pretty sure I've blogged about this kitchen/dining space at least 5 times. I love it, that's why I keep revisiting it! I love, love the antique chandy, the french styled chairs, the warm color palette and the kitchen pass through.

This seems like a great place to finish up Thanksgiving day... sitting out here by a fire with family and a big glass of wine. Doesn't this outdoor space look heavenly and totally perfect for the fall season!?! I think so.

I hope you guys have enjoyed my Thanksgiving inspired spaces-- they're all so pretty and warm. Which space speaks to you? I hope all of you abode lovers have a fantastic Monday!

emily a. clark giveaway

2012-11-14T06:02:00.004-08:00

Hello abode lovers and happy Wednesday! I am so excited that Emily A. Clark is holding a Laurel Dawn print giveaway on her blog-- it's open until FRIDAY! So go get your comment on... you might just win a free print!

Emily framed the Flowers for Reese print and it's now living in her kitchen! I think it looks GREAT!

I hope all of you abode lovers have a great day, and don't forget to enter Emily A. Clark's Laurel Dawn print giveaway!

mister husbands dream room

2012-11-13T06:19:00.002-08:00

Hello abode lovers, today I'm sharing a space that I was scared to show Mister Husband. "Why?" You ask... well, because I thought he would never be able to let it go. The space that I speak of is the perfect man room... I mean, perfect. It's from the 2012 Ultimate Beach House. This gorgeous abode is designed by Erika Powell of Urban Grace Interiors. I am sure all of you have swooned over every every detail of this gorgeous home, but I keep revisiting this particular space. This fellow Auburn girl got this space right!

Mister Husband would love nothing more than to host his gang in this space. He told me once that he wanted more places for his friends to put their feet up. Double wide orange chaise lounges would definitely do the trick!

Goodness gracious... I would want to host a girlie slumber party up here and watch Pride & Prejudice on repeat... with Mister Husband's blessing of course.

I love the drapery door panels. What a soft and lovely touch!

As if this space isn't fabulous enough... there's a friggin' candy bar. That little detail certainly won over the Mister.

If you haven't checked out this GORGEOUS home, you're missing out. Do it. You will die. It's totes gorge. I hope all of you abode lovers have a great Tuesday!

a giveaway brought to you by S+S!

2012-11-09T06:01:00.000-08:00

Hello abode lovers and happy FRIDAY! We made it ya'll. SO-- today I have exciting news... Sadie + Stella by blogger Lindsay is doing a Laurel Dawn giveaway! Run on over there and enter to win a FREE PRINT or $65 gift certificate to go toward a commissioned piece or an original painting! Wahoo for Friday giveaways!

In other news... Here are a few fabulous pins that I came across this week.

Wow. I love this little nook. Usually, leather sofas don't speak to me-- don't get me wrong, I love leather, and I love sofas.... but most of the time they don't look super comfortable or inviting. This sofa breaks the mold for me. I want to sit my behind on that sofa and read a book. I also LOVE the painting and the picture light makes it feel even more special than it already is! Also- don't you just love that flirty, feminine pillow paired with the tartan throw? Yes sir.

This room makes me want to have ~~a set of twin boys~~ well behaved twin boys that are always clean and love design. (I am aware that my statement above is much like creating a space for a purple unicorn, but hey, a girl can dream!) Anyway- I adore the scale of the jenny lind syle beds and the little loft space is really special and really well done. Don't you just LOVE the two doors that flank the small staircase? Those porthole mirrors are delicious.

This is a GREAT DIY that I ran across on the blog, Gorgeous Shiny Things. I got totally sucked into this blog last night... so many great DIY's! I LOVE the fringed look of this oversized convex mirror. Ya'll know I'm a sucker for a convex....

I saw this space and was jealous immediately. I would LOVE a studio like this to paint in.... wowwie zowwie ya'll. Also- love that juju hat... I've had my eye on one of these guys for years now... will I ever bite the bullet and buy one? OR will I copy Gorgeous Shiny Things and pull off a great convex mirror DIY that is reminiscent of this juju hat!?! Decisions, decisions.

As usual... dogs are part of my post. I love dog art. I mean, love it. I have painted one pup in my day... but I really want to paint my doggies one day. I love the wallpaper in this space as well as those gorgeous chairs. The slipcovered seat is SO pretty-- Don't you just love the whimsical quality that the pup painting brings to this space?

and speaking of dogs.... I added this amazing coffee table book to my Christmas wish list. Maddie on Things MUST come to my abode. She would fit right in.

And of course I pinned this... of course. Who knew this kind of cuteness even existed!?!

I hope all of you abode lovers have a great Friday and an amazing weekend! Make sure to stop by Sadie + Stella today to enter into the Laurel Dawn Giveaway!

getting your vote on

2012-11-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

Hello abode lovers and happy VOTE FO YO MAN day! It's a big one-- regardless of where you stand-- this is a big and exciting day for our country (hopefully it's just a DAY and not a month of counting and recounting). I admit, I haven't been sleeping well after watching the news for ~~just a few minutes~~ entirely too long before I'm supposed to be getting my much needed shut-eye. Anyone else feel like Anderson Cooper is your new husband? Is it just me? I'm ready to get back to my regular life of watching E! News instead of the real stuff. I'm ready for normalcy people... please don't judge.

Here is some super 'Merican eye candy for you today in honor of your vote! Love of country is cool in my opinion. Growing up a military kid, General Dad always made sure a flag was flying in our front yard. Get. Your. Vote. On.

This is my favorite patriotic moment in my little abode. This american flag seen in my china cabinet in my living room was a gift from General Dad a few Christmases ago. He made the display case and this particular flag flew with him in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. It's a piece that is very dear to my heart. My dad came home after months of being gone the DAY before I graduated from high school.

Here are a few great spaces that just scream, "I LOVE 'MERICA!"

Don't you just LOVE this flag!?! It's gorgeous. If I had a flag like this I would display it like it was my job. I love the gold fringed trim.

CUTE! This sweet boy room knocks it out of the park- I adore the color palette and the obvious love of country in this household. Isn't the upholstered daybed so rich and luxurious? I also love the super classic and simple drapes in this space. The gold hardware, sconces and lantern really elevate this kid room to such a lovely and sophisticated level. God Bless America.

Here is another precious boy room rocking out the American style! The plaid walls are precious and here again, the upholstered daybed will have a long life. What a great piece! I'm also kind of dying over the star carpeting... perfection. I wonder if you stick your kid in a room like this, he or she will grow up to be the President of the United States? Hmmmm....

Pretty. I love the simple drapes with the touch of red trim that compliment that gorgeous red chair.

Now, this is a GREAT space from Peppermint Bliss. It's AMAZING. The light fixture, the cornices, the RED BUILT-INS AND ALL TRIM--- who does that?!? How the heck did she know it would work SO WELL!?! Amazing. Also, are all of you abode lovers dying over the mini Eames furniture? I mean, stop it.

Best kid play room in the entire world.

Since we've seen a few boy rooms in red white and blue- I thought I would share a perfect example of how to pull of this color combination for a girl! Don't you love those drapes? The pop of pink is welcomed in this color palette-- I also love the robins egg blue that's used here. I think I love this room so much because of the super layered patterns in the space- I'm crazy about patterns.

This is just lovely. Really, really lovely. I love the swag of the flag and the simplicity of this hallway.

Again with the layered patterns... love it. I especially love the small velvet looking pillows displayed on the bed. Also, isn't that chandy just gorgeous?

So- are all of you abode lovers voting today? Have you already voted? If you have or will-- do you wish that after you voted you could sit yourself down in one of these spaces and sing "Independence Day" by Martina McBride? Is that just me? Again? Wow... I think I really need some sleep. Hopefully we will have a president announced soon-- for all of our sanity! Have a great day abode lovers!

craving kantha

2012-11-02T06:51:00.002-07:00

Hello abode lovers and hooray for making it to Friday! Go ahead, give yourself a pat on the back... I am. It's been an exciting week over here at abode love with the opening of the shop, Laurel Dawn-- but I'm excited for the weekend! It looks like I'll be working on a super big commission this weekend, I can't wait to share more about that! Anyhow, last weekend I had the pleasure of going to a baby shower for Mister Husband's sweet cousin Kim from Modern Austen.... after the shower I showed all of the girls my paintings and Mister Husband's super stylish aunt had a ton of kantha textiles--- she brought them out to see how they looked with my paintings and we all kind of loved the combination!

Kantha is super hot right now... thanks to good ole wikipedia, I learned that Kantha is a type of embroidery popular in Bangladesh in West Bengal, India. The use of kantha is popular for saris-- love that. If you are like me and LOVE layered pattern and bold color, you will LOVE these kantha pieces. Since drooling over them last weekend I've been stalking all kinds of kantha tapestries and quilts online....

To me, this bedroom is pretty close to perfect. I adore the mix of patterns on the bed. The kantha textile at the end of the bed is really nice with the glamorous pink, tufted headboard. This is an eclectic space at it's best!

Here is another great use of a kantha textile... LOVE the calm serene space and bedding with a pop of color. This is a GREAT way to use kantha if you're a little more timid about mixing patterns.

Here a kantha textile is used as a runner for the dining table.

Another space with a gorgeous kantha bed covering...

Here are a few combinations of Laurel Dawn originals with gorgeous anthropologie kantha chairs! Anthro is typically pretty pricey, but these chairs are on SALE for a limited time-- they're 30% off and you get free shipping if you spend $100--- so the chairs are $138.60! I think that's pretty darn good.

I love the Flowers for Hannah original with the Overdyed Terai Chair, Turquoise $138.60 I love that the blue of the kantha chair is pulled out in small touches in the painting. As you can see-- this mix of pattern is not for the weary... you've got to love boldness and color (and ya'll KNOW I do!)

This combinations speaks to me... big time. So much so that I'd love to go out and buy a set of those chairs to sit in my dining nook! Goodness.... furniture is such a ridiculous weakness of mine. Anyway, I love the mix of the gold metallic and spots of deep plum and pale purple in the Flowers for Katie original... Am I crazy or is this combination just crazy good?!? The Overdyed Terai Chair in purple is a really great look- I love the touches of periwinkle in the seat of the chair.

Now, the chair above would certainly work beautifully with the maroon & mint flowers original- but I really love the Overdyed Terai Chair in Orange with this piece! I love the soft pumpkin orange used in the seat of the chair as well as the touches of deep maroon in the ikat pattern.

Here is a gorgeous vintage kantha quilt via Etsy. I LOVE how different each side of this piece is... the contrast is just so darn pretty and completely unexpected.

Here's a pretty kantha pillow and little baby blanket that I would totally use as a throw in my living room....

If you are all of the sudden diggin kantha as much as I am, search Ebay and Etsy for KANTHA and you will get eye candy out the whazoo at GREAT prices.... you will die. So- is anyone else loving all of this bright and bold pattern as much as me??? What are your thoughts on this Indian textile? Have a GREAT weekend abode lovers!

and the laurel dawn print winner is....

2012-11-01T06:09:00.000-07:00

MORGAN HUFFMAN! You are the WINNER of your very own Laurel Dawn print! Here is the print that Morgan will be receiving!

On a side note, I am blown away and feel completely blessed after the outpouring of love and support from all of you yesterday! I am so glad that my abode lovers are digging my work-- best. feeling. ever! Also, a big thank you to Kim from Modern Austen for posting a Q&A today with YOURS TRULY, head over and check her out abode lovers!

flowers for wende print 11"x14"

Here is a close up of the image...

So Morgan, give me a shout at laureldawndesigns@gmail.com and we will get your print in the mail to you asap!

As for all of you who entered, thanks again for all of the amazing support! If you're totally bummed that you didn't snag the giveaway, go to Laurel Dawn and buy a print or painting-- I'm sure your abode would love it! I hope all of you had a GREAT Halloween... gobble down that candy and hooray for Morgan!

laurel dawn grand opening and a giveaway!

2012-10-31T05:03:00.001-07:00

It's live! It's live! Laurel Dawn, the shop, is live and I couldn't be more excited to share this ever-growing body of work with all of my abode lovers! I have been painting for months now and couldn't be more excited and relieved that I'm finally sharing it with all of you!

Now for the fun part... giveaway time ya'll. So, if you are interested in winning a FREE 11x14 or 11x17 print of YOUR CHOOSING...

You must be a follower of Abode Love {if you already are, thanks! If not, just click the little "join this site" button near the top, left column}

======THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED======

1. Hop on over to Laurel Dawn and pin 4 of your favorite prints OR paintings to Pinterest.
2. Leave a comment below THIS POST with the PRINT that you would like as well as where you plan to hang your new Laurel Dawn print!
3. For an extra entry, share your favorite PRINTS or PAINTINGS on Facebook and link back to this post or to Laurel Dawn the shop.
4. For another extra entry, Blog about the giveaway and link back to this post.
5. For another extra entry, Like Abode Love on Facebook.

*Be sure to leave a comment each time you do one of the above! This giveaway ends at midnight Wednesday October 31st!

And now.... here are A FEW of the paintings/prints that are currently being offered at Laurel Dawn to see them all please go check out Laurel Dawn today!

flowers for alison 24"x24"

flowers for hannah 36"x46"

flowers for katie 46"x46"

flowers for lady print 11"x14"

maroon & mint flowers 46"x46"

abode roses print 11"x14"

nook flower print 11"x17"

rain 36"x46"

flowers for wende print 11"x14"

So- what do all of you abode lovers think? I have been so nervous and excited about this new venture and I am so thrilled and blessed to have such an encouraging group of readers! Go check out Laurel Dawn, I'll be adding more originals and prints every few weeks and DON'T FORGET TO ENTER INTO THE FREE PRINT GIVEAWAY!

like me, poke me

2012-10-30T07:14:00.001-07:00

Can you poke a page on Facebook? If you can't, oh well, like me instead! So, I officially have a FB page for Abode Love! I would just love it if all of my dear abode lovers would go find me and like me! I will be posting new artwork from Laurel Dawn as well as giveaways and fun updates!

I am working away and making finishing touches on the Laurel Dawn shop.... as I mentioned earlier, this is the week that Laurel Dawn will be launching! If you like me on Facebook, you will know as SOON as the shop opens and you'll have first dibs on all of my new artwork! Thank you all so much for your amazing support through comments and emails about my upcoming opening... it's been scary-- but ya'll have eased my mind! I love you guys for keeping me somewhat sane this week despite my crazy skanked out brain attacking my confidence! Thank you abode lovers and have a GREAT day!

laurel dawn... it's happening!

2012-10-29T12:02:00.001-07:00

Hello abode lovers and hooray for the start of a new week. I am super pumped about this week because I have decided to bite the bullet and launch Laurel Dawn the shop THIS week! eeeek! What made me decide to do it NOW? Well, it's ready... basically. I just have a few more things to tweak that I should be taking care of in the next 24-48 hours and then it's HAPPENING. So-- as another little sneak peek of my original art collection, I wanted to share a 48"x48" piece that I made for my dining nook. I love that it's SUPER big and makes a statement on this large wall that's been nakedy for years! I also love that it kind of mimics what's happening in the Glorias Garden rug in my living room!

Here is the space before....

Here's another view of the space AFTER-- I love the way this piece looks next to the bone inlay mirror as well-- the lines in each piece are organic while being very different in size, shape and color-- so they work well together without clashing or looking too matchy.

Here is a close up of the painting. I will be offering this piece as a print in my shop!

and again... I don't mean to pat myself on the back, but I kind of love the way this piece works in my space!

Here are a few details shots... this piece is acrylic and chalk pastel on raw canvas. I love the frayed edging and the metallic spots in each piece are my favorite.

I hope all of you abode lovers are as excited as I am!

Here are the two paintings revealed so far... both will be offered as prints THIS week!

Have a great day abode lovers and be sure to follow Abode Love closely this week as the shop Laurel Dawn WILL be launching!

worldly bedrooms

2012-10-25T07:48:00.002-07:00

Hello abode lovers and hooray for Thursday! It's been a busy week, as usual, but a good one. I have a TON going on and I'm working away to try to get my new art shop Laurel Dawn up and running! Anyway, today, let's talk bedrooms-- worldly, fabulously eclectic bedrooms.

I love this space-- the walls are an unexpected pale mint-- I think the color of the walls allows this space to feel young and fresh even though it's packed with super rich patterns and textiles.

Hello worldly-- this bedroom is too cool. I love that white washed bed and the suzani on the bed...

Oh I love that ottoman!

I've always loved this space-- the tufting and the multicolored kilm rug is an unexpected combination that totally works.

Oh my-- I adore this space. I wouldn't typically be nuts over an off centered chandy- but for some reason it doesn't bother me in this space. I love the mixture of patterns and textures in this space and really adore the abstract painting hanging over the bed. Too pretty.

Pretty pink suzani.

This space is so elegant- I love the creamy, metallic wallpaper and the super modern, low profile white bed and side tables. The mustard colored suzani bedding makes this room feel more comfortable and a little more lived in. I love nothing more than an unexpected style combo!

One day, I would love to have a bedroom so large that a sectional fits comfortably in the corner. Isn't this space amazing? Look at that WALL of windows! I again love the mix of textures and fabrics throughout this bedroom.

Um, fucsia suzani? Yes ma'am.

I'm loving the soft texture of the tree wallpaper behind the bed. What a beautiful focal point in this bedroom. The suzani spilling off the end of this gorgeous bed completes the look for me... I just don't think you can go wrong with a little pop of coral suzani.

LOOK at that headboard. I love that the statement in this space is all about the bed-- the bedding is a clean white, which allows the headboard to really shine. I wouldn't have thought that a throw pillow that was so similar in color and pattern to the headboard would have worked in this space-- but it does!

What do all of you abode lovers think of all this rich color and pattern in a bedroom? Do you think it's too much? Do you prefer a calming, serene bedroom? I for one think the more pattern and color the bedroom-- but what do you think? Have a great Thursday ya'll-- Friday is right around the corner!

secret revealed!

2012-10-22T06:23:00.000-07:00

Hello abode lovers and happy Monday! Today I am super excited to share my first piece of art for my new shop, Laurel Dawn coming in early November! This is a piece that I painted for my little abode and I think I love it. I've always painted flowers, and I needed something for this little nook-- which is kind of where Laurel Dawn began...

This piece is an original acrylic and oil pastel on raw, loose canvas. I love the raw edges-- I will be offering this original piece as a print, so get excited!

I've been somewhat taunting my dear abode lovers with Laurel Dawn paintings as well as this super secret project that I've been working on slowly but surely- and today is the day for the big reveal (for one project at least!)

See, I had this nook.... I mean, when we first moved into this abode-- I loved it. I thought this nook was the best. It was the perfect spot to pay bills and store things. Then reality hit. This became a landing spot for SO much crap and it always looked bad. One more thing-- the upper cabinet wasn't fastened securely to the wall and the dang shelves couldn't hold much without collapsing. Major skankfest. So-- what's a girl to do??

Knock that skank-ness out.

And then order something fabulous from Restoration Hardware to fill in the nook!

I caught this guy on sale-- It's the Vintage Industrial Steel Cabinet from Restoration Baby & Child. It was certainly a splurge-- as RH always is... but I NEVER buy anything full price. The great thing to know about Restoration Hardware is that they are ALWAYS running specials. Either 20% off family and friends discounts that I receive via their email mailing list OR my favorite, for every $500 you spend you get $100 back!

I thought this piece would be great for the space because it offers a TON of storage, it's super industrial looking-- and since it's in a gold, metallic nook I figured that the more masculine I could get-- the better.

I also think that this piece has a long life ahead of it. Not only is it great for storage, but one day, I can use it for a tv or possibly even clothing storage in a kid room. I think this piece is pretty amazing.

I then decided to top it with a Laurel Dawn original framed in lucite bolted together with small gold bolts. MY FAVORITE! This adds a bit of feminine prettiness to the now very masculine nook. Can you tell I've been digging flowers lately??? I'm still a bit obsessed with my Anthropologie Glorias Garden rug.

After filling in holes, spackling and sanding like a crazy person then finally painting-- I wanted to bring more light to this nook-- so I added this picture light that I snagged from Lowes on the cheap! I love that it highlights the metallic paint used in the artwork, I also love all of the extra light that it brings to this little nook.

Here's the entire nook, finished! (Please try to ignore the boob light reflection in my artwork... I have big plans for what I'm going to do with the lighting situation in this nook!)

I added some much needed accessories that I collected from around the abode as well as taking a little trip to Target for the mini trophy and white ceramic pup (sorry! I couldn't find the pup online!)

I love having a stash of pens and pencils in this nook because I still store paperwork and bills in this area. I also added a great photo of Mister Husband and his dad on our wedding day and a photo from WAY back in college-- and yes, I was wearing a tube top, those were the days.

Since I was moving this bird lamp (snagged from TJ Max YEARS ago) up in the world... I figured I should fancy up the inside of the shade. I bought this piece of gold metallic paper from Hobby Lobby, cut it into easy to handle strips and glue gunned each piece inside the shade.

See? Much better.

Here's a shot with the lights on-- the new lampshade interior creates a warm, golden cast downward onto the little birdie.

For now, I just have books and boxes inside the storage piece-- I really love the look of the mesh screens and it holds SO much stuff!

So-- now all of you abode lovers know exactly what I've been up to! I have been painting for my Laurel Dawn art shop and creating this little nook! I have a few more things on my wish list to finish out this space, I'll keep all of you posted on any changes! I also can't wait to share a few more sneak peeks of more of my artwork before I officially launch my store!

don't go chasing waterfalls....

2012-10-18T07:06:00.001-07:00

Hello abode lovers! So-- do you ever finish an abode project and then later see something that you should have done different? Ugh, I hate that. I feel like it happens ALL the time-- especially if you're obsessed with home design and the blog world. Today I am posting about one of the things I wish I would have done in my kitchen's face lift. It would have been a bit more expensive, but it's QUITE the statement and would have added a lot of extra interest in my space. What is this amazing feature I speak of? The waterfall island. It's just such a great, seamless and bit more modern look... I'm obsessed.

Upon seeing this gorgeous feature for the first time, I had to refer back to TLC, a trio of women who really had it right.... "don't go chasing waterfalls" is what I must sing to myself as I drool over these images...

I loooovvvveeee this kitchen. It's much more modern than I would typically go for-- BUT the chandelier and the rug really speak to me and it tames down the harsh, start white lines in this kitchen space. I would also display sparkly, fancy things on the top of the cabinets to glam it up a bit, but this kitchen's got it right. Don't you just love the waterfall island?? It's so rich looking and seamless.

Is this waterfall granite?? Is is just an amazing wood-ish/amber color? I love it too. This kitchen is SO warm and yummy. I am loving the wooden floating shelf that features a super romantic and super classic wedding photo-- there's nothing like art in the kitchen! I love the black framed window and the warmth radiating from that gorgeous glass pendant. I think this space is the bomb.

Don't go chasing waterfalls, don't go chasing waterfalls, don't go chasing waterfalls.....

Can you imaging this pretty white kitchen without the marble waterfall?? I think not.

Another marble waterfall... I know I've blogged about this space before, but it's too good not to add to this post!

These countertops remind me of my granite... which again, makes me really wish I had done this in my kitchen! Anyhow, I love the sleek, white cabinetry underneath and I love the traditional wood chairs and dining table in this space.

Again-- imagine that this countertop doesn't waterfall down the side of the island-- it would be SUCH a different look!

I love everything about this kitchen- I mean, everything. I wouldn't change a single thing about this gorgeous kitchen. I love the horizontal hardware on the black cabinetry and the white floating shelves so perfectly styled are owning me. Also- how about those brass and black pendant lights! Geeze. This kitchen is the best. Also- can you see the entire feature wall of cream and gray tile? Perfection.

I really like this waterfall island because it's made of CEMENT! I've always loved cement countertops, so it makes perfect sense that I would lust after this waterfall island.

This kitchen is super pretty- check out that backsplash and the waterfall island is SO dramatic. Isn't that pattern a show stopper!?!

I hope all of you abode lovers have a great day-- and good luck not drooling over these waterfalls!

secretive projects

2012-10-16T06:35:00.003-07:00

Hello abode lovers and happy Tuesday / debate day! I love a good debate, and I love thinking about how SNL is going to make fun of everyone on Saturday... nothing like a good political sketch to lighten the mood of election time! Anywho-- I spent my ENTIRE weekend devoted to working on the Laurel Dawn project... paintings are coming ya'll, paintings are coming!

So, I know I have been giving all of you sneak peeks lately of some of my shenanigans-- and today, I am here to deliver yet another sneak peek. Can you put it all together to figure out what I'm up to???

This is a painting that I've been working on and it's probably the biggest sneak peek of Laurel Dawn thus far.... I'm pretty sure I meant to blur a bit more of this photo!!! Anyway, I did a little project to finish it up last night-- I can't wait to share everything with all of you!

= MAJOR SURPRISE PROJECT COMING!

I hope all of you abode lovers have a great day!

giveaway winner AND lucite genius

2012-10-12T10:04:00.002-07:00

Hello abode lovers and happy FRIDAY funday! TGIF ya'll.... TGIF. I'm pretty sure Mister Husband and myself will be seeing Argo this weekend (I think it's going to be amazing-- at least that's what Justin Timberlake said on Twitter-- and when has that guy been wrong?? aside from dumping Miss Britney Spears) So-- it's on. Movie night. I'm going to slurp down a large coke icee and munch on butter covered popcorn this evening with my lova and I couldn't be more excited. We're very glamorous.

Anyway, thanks to all of the Abode Lovers that commented on The Last Beholder giveaway post yesterday.... we have a WINNER.... it's..........

CAROLINE, YEAH GIRL!!! Please send me an email (laureldawndesigns@gmail.com) with your mailing address and I'll send your copy of The Last Beholder as soon as possible!

Now-- for some serious blogger inspiration.... I got on today and saw two awesome posts that had one key thing in common. Lucite. I've been all about lucite lately... as you can tell from this post the other day-- I'm framing art in lucite and I think it's the coolest.....

The ever inspiring Decorista, Ashlina blogged about these lucite barstools that are honestly perfection. She decided that she had to find a set and SHE DID! WITH PINK CUSHIONS.... stop it. Too much awesomeness.

Can you even stand it?? I think that brass and lucite chairs will make an appearance at some point in my life... they're just too amaze not to chase.

Who else blogged about a space using lucite today?? The ever so talented Michelle Armas, AKA my super serious artist crush. She blogged about this amazing NY space and let's face it... it's pretty much the most stylish space I've seen in a while. I am crazy about the eclectic collected feel of the space and the pair of lucite + leather chairs are seriously rocking it out in this living space.

Here's another view of the same space. Michelle Armas, thank you for posting such gorgeous inspiration in the blog world. Love this space-- ADORE all of the art in this space. Such a beautiful collection.

So again, congrats to Caroline on winning a copy of The Last Beholder! If you didn't win, you should still order your own copy or download it from Amazon for your Kindle or Kinde App it's $1 people, and SO amazing.... I hope all of you abode lovers out there have a great weekend!

giveaway guest post!

2012-10-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday abode lovers! Today I have super exciting news-- I have a dear friend who is guest posting as well as doing a GIVEAWAY! Erin just released a fabulous book called The Last Beholder that me (as well as my friends) CANNOT put down! Get ready ya'll, and welcome Erin!

Hey Abode Lovers (can I say Lover?)! My name is Erin and I have the joy of working my 9 to 5 with THE Laurel-Dawn of Abode Love. You know what that means? It means I am constantly bugging her and Katie Beth (from The Good Stuff) about how to decorate my house or why they are wearing colored jeans again (guys! it's a thing!) or asking them to point me in the direction of the nearest fancy houseplant. Y'all have no idea how fantastic it is to work next to these paradigms of fashion and interior design. Seriously. I'm essentially a twelve year old boy when it comes to that stuff, so I'm really reaping the benefits of this friendship.

The reason Laurel-Dawn is letting me talk to you today is because I wrote a book. It's a novel about two step-siblings who journey to far-away places and who also happen to have weird powers. It's called The Last Beholder. LD wanted to give away a couple of copies, and I was like...yes. But why would Abode Lovers honestly care about a random book of fiction written by the random co-worker of their favorite blogger?

You bring up a good point.

What does The Last Beholder have to do with all the great interior design that Laurel Dawn posts on Abode Love? Well, let's explore that.

Our characters in the book, Gus and Wallis, are basically filthy rich. Well, their parents are, which, when you're 13 and 11, is basically the same as being rich yourself. I thought it might be fun to show you some of the incredible inspirations that we used for their house in the book, yes? And then, we're gonna give away a book or two, because who doesn't like free stuff?

The Exterior:

Our two main characters, Gus and Wallis, live in North Carolina, where Gus's dad is a fourth-generation banking mogul. Y'all know that's old money, so we decided to base their house on one of the loveliest and fanciest homes we know: The Biltmore. It's basically a castle, because honestly, what could be more fun than having free reign of this monstrosity as a child? Here are some other fabulous exteriors that I wouldn't turn my nose up at:

The Library:

Wallis and her tutor, Mrs. Sloane, are in the library a lot, because Wallis just can't be trusted in a normal school setting. While these libraries are OUT OF CONTROL, wouldn't it be amazing to be in it? It's like Beauty and the Beast, minus all the Stockholm Syndrome.

Secret Nooks and Crannies:
If you're going to live in a house that's essentially a castle, it's got to have secret passageways. And, wouldn't you know it, Gus and Wallis manage to find a couple of those?! Here are some of the nooks and crannies we based our own nooks and crannies on:

Wine Cellar:
One of the crucial scenes in The Last Beholder happens in the wine cellar. I love a wine cellar, y'all. They are so mysterious and full of possibilities. As a child, those possibilities include hi-jinks and adventure. As an adult, they include a 25 year old bottle of wine or two.

General Fanciness Reserved for the High Brow:
There are just some things that fancy people have that the rest of us do not. The 1% lives it up, and we get to pin their treasures on our pin boards.

So now, we're gonna give away some books. All you have to do is leave a comment below telling us the house from a book or movie that you would love to live in. I think for me, I'm going to have to say Uncle Diggory's mansion from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. There's a magical wardrobe in it, so it automatically wins.

I'll let LD take care of the details of this giveaway, but even if you don't win, you can buy the book at thelastbeholder.com/store/ or download it rather cheaply from Amazon for Kindle here. I hope you had fun traipsing through the home of Wallis and Gus!

Thanks so much Erin! I'm telling you what abode lovers, you're going to love this book. I mean, love it. So-- as Erin mentioned above, leave a comment below and one person will be chosen at random by Friday October 12th! I will contact the winners via email! Have an awesome Thurday Abode Lovers!

commission complete

2012-10-09T05:45:00.001-07:00

Hello abode lovers and hoorray for Tuesday! Today I wanted to update all of you abode lovers on a commissioned piece that I did for a lovely client here in Birmingham. I blogged about this a few months ago when I was working on it-- but I finally finished it up with lucite framing (like I did for my DIY Otomi Runner) done by yours truly with a little help from General Dad of course...

I wanted to show it off before I finally gave it to it's rightful owner... I love her. I will miss her. Especially since the past few days she's been hanging out in my striped hallway.

Here is an image of the artwork before I framed it...

Here's another view of her... I love what plexi glass can do for a piece of art... the floating look is really light and modern-- it also allows for the art to really shine instead of the framing taking away from the piece.

Here is a close up of the mini-gold bolts that I snagged to rock this piece... I really love how dainty they are!

If you're interested in a commissioned painting, please contact me at laureldawndesigns@gmail.com

I will be chillaxing this evening and getting my hair "did"-- one of my favorite things to do-- I love a good primping every now and then! Then I'll indulge myself with a session of full on weeping to watch Parenthood... gah that show is amazing! Anyone else love Parenthood? I hope all of you abode lovers have a great day!

get it done, like a college kid

2012-10-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

Hello abode lovers and Happy Monday--
I have been spending time in coffee shops lately, why? Well, people watching is no.1 (obviously) and 2, it really forces me to get shit done, know what I mean? Sometimes I sit and feel sorry for myself as I watch the college kids studying their brains out-- what I wouldn't give to go back to college, geeze. But at the end of my 2 hours of sitting around sipping my latte and jamming out to mind-numbing Mumford & Sons, I have actually gotten some of the stuff on my to-do list checked off. Booya. Is there anything better than checking tasks off a long to-do list? I think not. Maybe being in college, but besides that, nothing.

Wow... these college kids are really getting to me. I know I sound a little cray, but wasn't it nice when everything was laid out in front of you by semester? I knew the projects that I had to tackle as well as the tests I knew I would have to take. I loved the feeling of taking a test (I know, I'm crazy) but I just loved getting a grade for the projects and tests that I took. When you enter the real world, there are no grades. Not one. I mean, wouldn't it be nice to know where you stand in the world? In your job? I hunger for grades-- I am aware that makes me a freak. But are there any other freaks out there that totally relate to my craziness? I have often wondered if going back to school would be good for me, just so I can get a grade every now and then, or maybe a progress report to light a fire under my ass...

Anyway, today as I think about all of the many things that I have to complete-- I find myself daydreaming (not only about going back to school) but about beautiful spaces to work from...

I think I've dreamt about this image... look at that chair. My bum wants that chair. It seems as if I could think of really genius concepts from that velvety blue tufted piece of art... I also love the blue pin board on the wall, I think it's just lovely and unexpected.

This space would be perfect for me right now-- a window to people watch RIGHT in front of my computer. I think a window does more for people in the work place than you can imagine. Seeing the light of day makes you feel like you're still part of the world even though you're peering into a computer screen 75% of the time. Windows = goodness.

I love this space so much-- it's beautiful. Really, really beautiful and pristine. I'm not sure I could keep it this way, but I sure would like to.

That's quite a pin board. I love the overhead lighting to highlight the inspiration, but I also love the pretty little table lamps flanking this extra large desk top. This looks like a very creative work environment while still feeling streamlined and not too busy. Using all white is a really great call to streamline a space that could look cluttered easily.

Here again is a dream office with a view for prime people watching... I love this. I think that this space feels cozy yet open because of the large windows. The lantern is super fun and the floors own me. Can you imagine this space without that gorgeous pattern on the floor? Boring. I think my future perfect office will rock an amazeballs floor like this. Why not?

Fancy Shmancy. I mean, those floors, floor to ceiling bookshelves, the FIREPLACE, the double doors opening to the terrace-- get out. I think if I worked in this office space I would only work while sipping champagne and wearing high heels-- right? I would probably have a butler as well... named Carson.

This must be where design brilliance is born. I can imagine my design bff Katie Beth from The Good Stuff and myself jamming out to Kanye and Of Monsters of Men in this space drooling over furniture and blogging like there's no tomorrow. I love that this space feels like it welcomes collaboration and risk taking... it must be those gorgeous chandys, mismatched chairs and windows flooding the space with natural light...

Here again.. a window. Are all of you abode lovers understanding my need for windows as a part of my work day?? I also love the coziness of this little office nook. The art and oversized botanical hanging add a lot of interest to this small space. I'm not usually a fan of this much wood and brown in one space, but it really works and makes this space feel super warm and cozy.

Wowza- this is so pretty and modern. I don't think I could ever rock this space, but I sure do love it. Look how pretty, shiny and streamlined it all is... I love the chair wrapped in fur. It seems like Rachel Zoe would totally adore this little nook-- I'm sure she would.

Here again is a space that seems like it would welcome collaborative genius. I love the matching yellow lamps, the light and bright walls and furniture and again, the flood of natural light filling the space. I can picture myself in this space blogging, pinning and brainstorming for projects... can't you?

So- anyone else think that these spaces would make you great?!? They sure do inspire me and make me think of how much your work environment can help or hinder your creative juices. Aside from being green with envy of the college kids that show up at coffee shops to cram, I really do love the atmosphere and it puts me in a good place to blog and brainstorm for projects. Where do you work best?? Do you dream of spaces like this?