Happy, happy holidays!

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season filled with 

laughter, friendship and a little bit of sparkle.

I hope that this New Year's sees you optimistic, hopeful and excited for the beautiful adventure that lays ahead.


xo

{Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 }

At Home: Aerin Lauder in Aspen

Undoubtedly one of the most popular holiday destinations would be Aspen, Colorado. Breathtaking views, powder soft snow and beaming bright sunshine overwhelm your senses in this dramatic and picturesque landscape. Aerin Lauder's Aspen retreat is quite striking in its simplicity. Its neutral colour scheme and dramatic contrasts blend perfectly with the surrounding environment. The simple and almost primitive decor allows the emphasis to be put on the spectacular view which engulfs the home through the large, unadorned picture windows which surround it. Warm wood and plush hides create a cozy retreat from a long day on the slopes.

{All photos: Francois Halard for Vogue}

Simply beautiful

Quite often, there's no need for fancy displays or expensive props, simple glass pieces and candle light can completely transform a space with a magical glow. Just perfect this the darkest time of year.

{Photos: 1- Tom Manion for Elle Decoration, December '09 via thisisglamorous;

 2- via Sarah Klasson on Pinterest}

{hello!}

Hello there!
 Just wanted to apologize for the bit of 'dead air'on the blog over the past week - I did something I haven't done in a very long time - a little bit of nothing at all! We just spent a most wonderful week in Mexico relaxing on one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen.   I had an amazing time and am looking forward to sharing some photos in the new year. I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things -which includes tackling the mountain of emails which had accumulated, so if I have been delayed in replying to you, I apologize and will be in touch shortly. I hope you all have had a wonderful week as we enter the festive season and that wherever you currently find yourself, things are looking merry and bright!

xo

{Photo of Audrey Hepburn taken by Mel Ferrer in St Moritz, Switzerland, 1958  via All About Audrey}

Inspiration for the new week 19.12.2011

{All photos: Victoria Pearson for Martha Stewart Living}

In the mix

I love the blend and mix of contrasts in this bright and airy Swedish apartment. Warm wood and formal antique pieces stand out against all white and mid-century modern. Warm gold juxtaposed with industrial steel, mismatched lamps and a beautiful collection of carefully curated treasures create a quirky blend that really adds alot of personality to this space.

{Photos: Magnus Selander for Elle Interiors}

Bringing in winter

Art is one of the easiest things to switch up in a home to create an entirely new atmosphere. I'd love to incorporate some of these beautiful wintry images by Allison Trentelman to add a little seasonal charm to my home. Isn't that little red squirrel adorable? I think he'd be a happy hello at the end of a dreary day.

You can purchase Allison's photographs at her etsy shop, Rocky Top Studio.

{All photos: Allison Trentelman}

Turebyholm Castle, Denmark

A home is one's castle and for this Danish couple, a castle has become their home. Living out a real-life fantasy, they have painstakingly reinvented a 1754 rococo castle with a refreshing modern twist. While the exterior retains its original form, the interiors have been updated to include a beautiful mix of sleek modern furniture, classic antique pieces and hand printed silk wallpaper. The result is a (rather regal) serene and calming retreat boasting stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Love the updated personalized monogram!

{Photos: Kira Brandt for KML Design via Desire to Inspire}

Inspiration for the new week 5.12.11

Hello there! Sorry for the extended silence, the pre-vacation workload seemed to come in at a dizzying pace and I ended up being away from here much longer than anticipated. Lots of lovely things coming up soon, but for now, hope your week's off to a lovely start so far + a belated Happy December!

xo

{Photo source:}