Did you hear about the close to a million images of New York going back to the mid-1800s that have been made public for the first time on the internet? New York city’s Department of Records (/or go here) recently announced the debut of the photo database. Since NY is one of my favorite cities and I love history, I find this incredibly fascinating.

Among the many historic (and sometimes eerie) photos is this one that I keep coming back to over and over again. It shows Brooklyn Bridge with 10 brave painters (!) posing from suspended wires (perhaps the first time they ever got the attention from a camera). No hard hats or safety ropes in sight!

A friend of mine thought it was a scary and sad image. To me it is totally the opposite! A brutal and unglamorous job back then, I am sure, (and I don’t want to know about how many lost their lives) but I know well paid Wall Street guys who are driven around in safe and fancy cars, who make a ton of money and are a lot more depressed than these guys appear to be! I see humor and pride and freedom in this image. I also feel some sort of camaraderie between those brave men. And then of course the picture itself is stunning. Perhaps it is only me — but I absolutely LOVE this historic NY photograph.

So much that I want it enlarged on a MEGA canvas. I can totally see this take center stage on a wall at my house. I am allowed to enlarge it, right? It is over 50 years old. And as long as it is not for financial gain. I better check the copyright laws with my photographer friends. Or do you know? 

I am also obsessing about artsy ice! Swedes are so good at this and I promise myself every summer that I need to add some berries and herbs to the water for some ice making. But I always forget because our ice comes straight from the refreigerator’s ice machine. Note to myself: Get some good ice trays and add some organic fun to the summer drinks. Easy breezy!

Lastly, I snapped up some chic & pretty, vintage bracelets from my very good & creative friend Michele’s Etsy store.

They will be my summer obsession! Love the look of them all and the sound of the bangles! Will get a lot of use out of them. Just need a great sun tan and a couple of cold drinks (with fancy ice cubes! Ha!). Hop over here and find something pretty for yourself. Vintage jewelry is hot, people!

Hugs to you all.

Images: No. 2 via Matt over Matter, no. 3 unknown (sorry), 2 last images via Splendid Willow.

I love brick. Always have, always will. This weekend I was in ”cyberland” for more brick inspiration when I came across this home. Holy Cannoli! This home has my name on it! Two fab houses connected into one! One white more modern main house and one ”newtrad” brick house to host cars and perhaps a work loft. And both buildings are connected! I am vibrating at the spot over here.

And would you believe that another image I have saved on a stunning brick wall I just realized comes from the very same architect – Hugh Jefferson Randolph. I love a brilliant man who talks brick!

A little bit of exposed brick in the foyer.

Another stunning home by Mr. Randolph. I sure would like to see more of that kitchen I spy to the right.

For all of you following my blog you know that gray kitchens always get my attention but I also have to say that I have seen zillions of gray kitchens that are just plain cold. You can’t fool me with just color, people. A kitchen (or any room for that matter) must be foremost inviting (and functional).

This kitchen has made its rounds in blogosphere – and rightfully so. What a nice & inviting room! And what do I see in the very back? White brick… I am just saying..!

Designer: Nam Dang-Mitchell, Photographer: Colin Way

I read that Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects of Austin, TX received Houzz’s 2012 ‘Best Of Remodeling’ Award.

Imagine my surprise when I was contacted by Houzz, a while ago and learned that I had received Houzz’ 2012 “Best Makeover” Award – for “creative, beautiful and intelligent residential spaces.” It was William’s big boy bedroom makeover that apparently had gotten some attention. Who would have thought!

I am deeply honored, judges over at Houzz! Thank you for the nice recognition.

Houzz (www.houzz.com) is the leading online platform for home remodeling. Houzz features the largest residential design database in the world and has 3.5 million monthly unique users.

What else? Well I have to say (and it always comes with so much guilt) that I have had to step away from blog land (or at least the networking) for a while because I am busy, busy with so many things right now. So to all my blog friends — don’t for a second think that you are not special. You are. I have absolutely not forgotten you — I just need a little time to focus right now. I will check in as soon as I can.

Hugs to you all and Hi & Welcome to all new subscribers!

Images: 1-4 via Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects, no. 5 via House & Home., 6-7 via Splendid Willow.

Ok, that did it. When I saw this happy flower arrangement I immediately trotted over to our great, local antiques gallery, Haystack Antiques, and picked up a few vintage purple glass bottles that I have been eyeing for a while but did not quite know what to do with.

BTW do you know how the bottles got that nice purple color? From sunlight!

 ”American glass manufactured between 1860 and 1915 was made with manganese (an agent that replaced lead), which imbued the glass with an interesting trait; the glass turned purple when submitted to prolonged exposure to UV rays.”

Some more white flowers will go beautifully in them, don’t you think? (Sorry, not many fun flowers in my garden yet. Spring arrived late in Seattle. But at least my trees are blooming!). I plan to get a couple more even larger, vintage bottles and mix them with bowls and vases.

Some Allium flower heads/Garlic Flowers are also a must for these bottles. You know how crazy I am for “round” things.

Speaking of happy displays. Isn’t this vignette lovely? Fresh, fun, stylish and yes – happy. I am clearly lusting for more colors! I also love the mix of a few white-blue plates with b/w art. A nice and unexpected contrast. Once again, simple flower arrangements are always right — at least in my book.

Wishing you all a happy end of the week!

Images: no. 1 + 4 via Skona Hem, no. 2 via Splendid Willow, no. 3 via Netherland Bulb, no. 4 via Depositphotos.

Just glanced through a “special issue” of House & Home (Best Decorating) and I ripped out many pages of goodness. I hope you find them as inspirational as I do!

Make your own driftwood bookends! Well of course! Just find your own beach treasure and attach it (with a screw or with Crazy Glue) to a base that you have painted. Perhaps it will bring good memories to your bookshelf.  Worth a try.

Another “beachy idea”. Put some old twine and rope in clear glass bowls and bottles for a stylish display.

LOVE this wool rug! I can see it in an all white room paired with a white sofa. Classic & timeless with a little Scandinavian folklore vibe. (Can be found here).

I lust for this photo art by the Canadian artist Joshua Jensen-Nagle. Oh my! I immediately went to his website. This piece features the St. Mark’s Square in Venice and you can only see distant dots that must be people. Love the whole composition and the colors. Works in both traditional and modern rooms. Look again – nice, right?

I have my own little miniature portrait collection going on. (Only four portraits so far, so not much to brag about – but all from the 18th c). If you want to add just a little bit of “old world” to your home that is a great way to go. (They do not take up space, they work in all kinds of rooms and there are always collectors out there on the hunt for good miniature portraits).

Before I end today I must say that I was super pleased to learn that two boots from my store, Splendid Willow Avenue, are featured in the US Equestrian Federation Magazine. This is the magazine for horse owners and it will also be given to everyone visiting the prestigious three day Rolex Kentucky Equestrian event (this is a qualifying event for the Olympic Games and World Championships) later this month.

My boots were featured as a good thing to wear in style at the Derby. (Sorry for the badly cropped images).

The classy event is sponsored by Rolex.

And yes William Schatner (actor) is on the cover of the magazine and also featured inside). He is apparently a big time horse lover. (Did you ever watch him in Boston Legal? I was such a fan of the series).

Can’t say that I mind the good company!

Warm hugs to you all!

Images: no 1. via Splendid Willow, no. 2-6 scanned via House and Home (special issue Spring 2012), no. 7, 8, 10, 12 + 13 via USEF, no. 9 + 11 via Splendid Willow Avenue.

The older I get (ha!) the less perfect I want. Perfect is boring  to me. My own home is looking & feeling more and more lived in and that feels good in my heart and soul. Showcase rooms have never and will never be for me. I heart relaxed living.

Rooms with a good vibe and lots of personality always get my attention. LOVE this conversation area with an eclectic mix of furniture and lots of books, personal artifacts and interesting art (the yellow canvas should really live in my house). And the room is not so darn staged.

And did you all see this fantastic New Jersey (!) home in the May issue of Elle Decor? Mighty jealous over here. A whole different style but talk about about relaxed, interesting and personal rooms!

Look closely again and envision these rooms with crackling fireplaces and lit candles and lamps. Very cozy and friendly atmospheres. Rooms that encourage good times and conversations. (And how cool with those French style Bouillotte lamps on the dining table!).

Folks, I had to look up the term:

Bouillotte Lamp (French)

** a table lamp of the 18th century, having two or three adjustable candle brackets and a common shade sliding on a central shaft **

So there.

Another busy week over here. Looking forward to a lazy next few days.

 But first some serious blog visits.

Hugs & Happy Weekend to you all.

Images: 1-3 via Skona Hem, no. 4-5 scanned via Elle Decor (May 2012).