Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Yummy dining spaces



There is something about a dining room
that captures my imagination.
Eat-in kitchens are purely functional spaces,
nice for a grab-and-go meal
or a bowl of cereal in the morning.
But dining rooms, spaces dedicated
to the sole purpose of
enjoying food and conversation,
make a meal a work of art.






In terms of design, a dining room offers a
unique opportunity to let one's personality
and style take center stage.
There are an infinite number of options
available for combinations of table, chairs,
and side boards (or hutches, buffets, armoires, console
tables).





In a simple room, bold elements,
like the swan and architectural salvage above,
make an even grander statement.






Natural light and a connection to
the landscape are of uptmost importance to me.





Old wood welcomes, with its dents and dings,
and speaks the language of ease.




Rustic and modern elements
play complimentary roles.




Natural accents and
architectural salvage
often make the
most fascinating accent pieces.
Each item tells its own story
and keeps us connected
to the rhythm of the seasons,
the passage of time.






Set within a larger room,
lowered ceiling heights and area rugs
define the dining space
and create intimacy.




Simplicity of design
and integrity of material
allow the meal to take center stage.
My own dining room is coming along slowly.
The room has been gutted, but no actual
building has begun.
Our carpenter friend has, sadly,
had some other things come up,
and so we wait.
I am trying to be patient and look past the chaos
that comes with any renovation project.
Afterall, I am dying,
not just to have it done,
but to share the outcome with you!
I hope you are having a lovely summer.
It is hard to believe August is here already,
and many of us are looking to fall, when children
(and in my case, spouses) head off to school.
My daughter moves into her dorm,
1000 miles from home,
exactly one month from today.
It is coming so fast, but I am thrilled
for her.
Until next time...
Anne
All images courtesy of Elle Decor

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Inspired by roses (and the occasional peony)

image: Anne Hammett
I am in love with roses! Their many petals are a mystery to me, as is their intoxicating fragrance. And just as with people, no two are alike. There is a David Austin rose bush in my front yard that has some blush-colored blossoms on half of it, while the other half reverted to its parent-type and has blooms that are a bold crimson. In reality, all of us have this sort of dual nature present within ourselves. It takes courage to let it all flower at the same time!
Today you will find some photographic studies of roses (and one peony) that came from my yard, along with rooms that pay homage to this queen among flowers. It is indeed possible to indulge both a longing for floral patterns and a need for calm, neutral interiors, that duality I mentioned earlier.

Come along and see what I mean.




image: Anne Hammett

Late summer roses from my garden in a stoneware pitcher.



image: Anne Hammett

A single stem in a mottled silver serving dish.



image: Anne Hammett
An "iceberg" rose rests on the piano.

Let's see how to translate my adoration of the rose to interior spaces...

image: Better Homes and Gardens

This bedroom shows creative re-use of flea-market finds against a simple, white background. Floral pillows and a floral quilt add a touch of springtime to the room. The florals are tone-on-tone and not abundantly colorful, which makes them quieter.


image: Better Homes and Gardens

A French-style sofa on the front porch is surrounded by pots of blooming plants. The soft blues works well in an outdoor space with the colorful blossoms and it echos the color of the skies.



image: Better Homes and Gardens

This room is warm-toned and comfy, with a nod to roses on the pillow embellishments.




image: House Beautiful

The floral toile on the cozy chairs adds pattern subtly. The pitcher of flowers and tray of fruit provide notes of life and vibrancy.



image: Better Homes and Gardens

These florals are soft and aged. They add depth to the scene without taking control. I love chocolate brown paired with gray.




image: Atlanta Bartlett
This dining room is soothing in pale pinks, taupe and touches of gray. Floral curtains are still soft and quiet enough to look at home in this pretty space.

I hope this has offered you a glimpse into ways touches of floral fabrics can provide some soulfulness to your rooms, while still maintaining the serenity of neutral schemes.

Until next time...
Anne


LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails