Rare and Beautiful Treasures: March 2009

Design File: Phoebe Howard

Today's inspiration photos are of rooms designed by the talented Phoebe Howard. I stumbled on Ms. Howard's site and had a hay day looking through all of her beautiful rooms. Turns out, she also has a blog too! And also a "rare and beautiful" outlook on design, as her personal quote on her website reads:

"You should always be the best decoration in your own house."

I'd say that's marvelous! Now bring on the beautiful rooms . . . click any image to enlarge.

Good Morning World

When was the last time you made fresh squeezed orange juice just for you? I normally reserve that indulgence for house guests, but this morning made juice just for myself.

Bliss.

When was the last time you got up in the morning to enjoy even just ten minutes of quiet before your day starts? My summer-time resolution is to wake up early enough during the summer days to have coffee outside on the deck, in the morning light, just me and God.

As I read this week, "take time to enjoy the silence each morning, it will be evening before you have silence again."

Ahhhh . . . morning.

Good, Great Morning.

All photos, House Beautiful

At Long Last

I am back from lovely Oak Island, North Carolina.

Where it was warm enough to stick your piggy toes in the sand and enjoy God's beautiful creation.

And gawk at the lucky little beach houses in a lovely rainbow of colors.

But mostly, I enjoyed the company . . .

Because, you see, I have these two boyfriends.

And it is true love.

And I dare say that the love is mutual.

And deep. And everlasting.

To my dearest A and B:

I carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)

I am never without it. (Anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling.)

. . .

And it's you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you.

. . .

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart: I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)

-e.e. cummings

Simply Delicious

OH! This subway tile!!

Robbin's egg blue hutch adds a perfect dash of color

Beautiful island matches beautiful hutch!

Thank you for the eye candy, House Beautiful.

Spring-Inspired Decorating

Friday's post of beautiful flowers had me aching for some spring-inspired rooms. These images did not disappoint!

Happy Monday, friends.

All images, House Beautiful

Beautiful, Beautiful Spring

I'm already itching for the spring re-opening of our local farmers' market. I still have another full month of waiting and wishing . . . do you frequent your local farmers' market? While I love to pick up fresh fruit for pie and veggies for salads and the grill, my favorite thing to pick up at the farmers' market is fresh flowers.

From the first peonies of spring to the last sunflowers of Indian Summer, the famers' market is the perfect place to pick up seasonal flowers to make beautiful centerpieces like the ones below. These photos are so inspiring. I'm already dreaming of a lovely spring dinner party.

Be inspired!