Bold Texas Duplex

Good morning! I have so much I want like to discuss but will have to save until there is more time. For now what about some images from one of the latest home tours from Martha Stewart Living. For some reason the black and white striped wing backs remind me of Bryn. Did you happen to see her awesome chairs that were recently upholstered in black...pretty snazzy if you ask me.

Go here to read more about the above home tour.

Claire Forlani

It's hard to find people who share the same appreciation of the very long movie "Meet Joe Black". I love it and that is when I formed a liking to Claire Forlani. I think she is beautiful and was delighted to be reminded again about the fact that I think her home is very lovely as well.

{photos snagged via Escapade and Mimi & Meg as featured in Domino}

Phoenix Homes and Garden {Berkley Vallone}

Now why would anybody want to boycott Arizona after they saw this gorgeous home in Paradise Valley..ha. The above is home to Berkley Vallone, owner and operator of Vallone Design. I give major props to Phoenix Home & Garden for publishing the above spread in the June issue. Not only is the decor amazing but I am a sucker for all of the windows and doors..oh and who wouldn't want to hang out in that backyard...I am taking notes.

{all photos via my copy of Phoenix Homes & Garden}

moving into neutral ground

{via here}

A little Veranda-ish I would say....

easy on the eyes (Angela from TPC)

The only thing better than looking at pictures of a beautifully decorated space is looking @ pictures of a beautifully decorated "REAL HOME". Let me introduce my friend Angela. I am in awe at what she has been able to accomplish on such a budget. She is a DIYer and an artist with an incredible eye. Anyway, you really do need to go check out her blog because this week she is giving us the tour of their cottage in Appalachian Mountains and you will not be disappointed.

A few key notes to the above:

*Artwork was done by Angela

*Craigslist

*Garage sale

*Antique malls

*IKEA

*Home Goods

*Outlets

*DIY Painting

*DIY Reupholstering

And all of this while handling her bustling children...my kind of girl. Of course, she points out that she is still not finished and has many more things she wants to add to the above room...sound familiar to anyone? Well I think it looks smashing.

Ok fine one last picture to serve as a sneak peak to what's going over @ Angela's blog as she gives us the tour of the cottage...only because it inspires & I liked it extra special. In fact I would post more pictures from her home because I love it all but alas I better let you hop on over to Angela's blog to see more.

To see more of Angela's work visit her blog here.

Thanks Angela for letting your talent grace this blog.

{above photo by Matt Odum}

Yep in case you were wondering the above is Angela and she is as easy on the eyes as her home is.

Angela - I hope you don't mind that I posted the above picture...can we still be friends?

{Santa Barbara dreamin'}

My Mom came home from a trip to Santa Barbara, CA and declared that she would love to retire there. I didn't get it until a year or so later when I was staying in Santa Monica and decided to take a little drive up the coast to check one of Mom's favorite places out. I had lived in the Bay area and had been to southern CA many a times but never Santa Barbara. I can now attest that I fully share my Mom's sentiments. I think Santa Barbara tops as one of the prettiest places in CA and ranks in the top 10 of all places I have visited (not that I declare myself a travel expert but I have been to some very beautiful places). Anyway I love the botany that abounds amongst the Spanish cottages, the Missions, mountains and ocean.

I think that is why the above home located in Santa Barbara sent me into a very happy daydream....the succulents, the warmth, the textures and let's not forget the comfort.

{all images via Martha Stewart}