I’ve been in a funk for the last week and I think it’s a combination of too much rain and daylight savings time.  But I decided to thumb my nose at all the dreary weather and create a little bit of spring indoors instead. Over the weekend I brought in a new umbrella plant to replace the wintery branch that once stood in the corner and bright pink ranunculus bring a breath of spring to the living room.

I also added some touches of blue in the form of those paint swirl vases on the mantel, a bold but cozy throw, and some new blue and white pillows I scored at Joss & Main.

Today is spring equinox, derived from the Latin meaning “equal night” so that today (and only once more in autumn) we experience equal parts daylight and dark – the bonus of spring equinox for us in the northern hemisphere is the longer days of spring and summer are just ahead. 

I think I enjoy the spring season even more than autumn now.  Is it age?  Perhaps, but the idea of everything growing again, of nature coming back to life in all its marvelous ways, gives me hope of great things in the days ahead.  

Linking up to Layla’s Spring Mantel Party today!

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I was visiting a local antique shop the other day and saw an oil on canvas with an ocean scene that I loved so much, I had to bring it home and hang it in my living room.  I’d been working on an abstract for that spot for awhile, but it never seemed quite right so I chose this oil painting instead.  Do you see it?  Look to the left!

It’s not by anybody famous and only cost me $120, but it’s a nice original oil painting that fits the space over the loveseat perfectly. 

It reminds me so much of our Northern California coastline.  This is Bodega Head, and it’s breathtaking on a perfect day.  We love to go here to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

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Awhile back, it was my grand idea idea to spruce up the living room walls with some traditional panel and picture frame wainscoting – in fact, it was my specific “please, oh please, honey can we please” request for Mother’s Day.  I managed to catch the Mister at a weak moment, and with a little charm and a lot of begging, he agreed to take on this project. 

We started our adventures in wainscoting back in May, and over the course of several weekends, we were finally able to finish, whew ! (dramatically swiping hand across brow)  There was some intense labor involved, some minor curse words muttered, a few panel do overs, plenty of cutting, a whole lotta caulking and spackling, and then there was all that priming and painting. 

I need to sit down, that was exhausting. 

Here’s the first peek:

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So I’m knee deep in the middle of sprucing up my son’s room.  Poor thing -  I never ever really decorated his room when he was born due to 1) exhaustion and 2) ongoing remodel.  But don’t feel sorry for the lad, he had some cute plaid linens when he was still in the crib.  And pale blue walls.  Yay, I did something. 

Anywho, I recently painted his room a very bold color and am still waiting on a few accessories but I’m impatient when it comes to decorating around my house and I can’t sit twiddling my thumbs to wait for a few accessories, no sirrrrreeeeee  ! 

I have now turned my attention to the living room.  I’ve never really featured this space because it’s a little hum drum too traditional for my changing taste.  Yes, I’m feeling the need, the need for some ooh la la moderne décor.  I’m inspired to start a makeover, just needing to figure out how to do it in a cost effective way !  ‘Diamond style on a dime’ – that’s what I always say.   Hey, that rhymes.

So here are my inspiration photos, and you’ll spot our living room as it is way down below.  Notice the colors I’m drawn to are this cool blue and warm gold mixed with cream to lighten and brighten up the space.  I’m terribly addicted to this color medley right now.  I must have it. 

Loving these botanical prints with moss velvet gold leaf settee. 

 Liz Williams

Here’s what I say to this turquoise lamp.  “Hello lover.”

Thibaut

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