I know I said I'd be back yesterday with a real post but I'm pretty backed up right now with work & trying to figure out the childcare situation, so I need a little break.  We toured a couple of daycare/ preschools  yesterday and I'm feeling pretty good about 1 so we'll see how it goes.  For now I'll just leave you with an image I got from one of my favorite reads, Head Over Heels.    It's perfect for the beginning of Fall and I cannot get over that velvet.  So sumptuous & beautifully aged!!  (I'm not sure I've actually used "sumptuous" in a sentence before but could think of no other word!)

And some news/ details about the new store:  The Loudon Design Center plans to open a new trade-only showroom in historic Leesburg, Virginia and I'll have an office at the showroom.  On the weekends, the store will open to the public as Pure Style and we will offer a line of furniture and fabrics I'm currently designing, along with one-of-a-kind pieces and trade-only fabrics & furnishings.    The owner, Elise Seidita, is finishing up negotiations and if all goes as planned, we will open for business in October.  (keep your fingers crossed!!) 

The showroom will need to be totally redone and I'll definitely take you along in the process of designing the new space.  I am so excited to start this new venture!!  As you probably remember, I love shopping at the Old Lucketts Store & On a Whim Antiques (both in nearby Lucketts, VA) and other shops in Leeseburg, so I'm so excited to be nearby and become a part of the growing design community there. 

xoxo,

lauren

Renovated Basque Villa

This house in Guipúzcoa, a province in the Basque Country in Spain, was decorated by Iñaqui Mujika. I love the contrast between the dark grey walls and the white woodwork throughout the house. Elegant but not at all stuffy as some wood and wicker furniture and seagrass rugs were used in some rooms which soften and add warmth to the look.


Beautiful patterned tiles in the porch.


Rustic chairs made with logs.


Grey and white striped wallpaper in the foyer.




Mix of modern and antique furniture.




A wall with windows separates the living room from the dining room.




Rustic table and charis contrast with the modern lines of the kitchen. The doors of the island have benn painted black.


A change to all the grey with light blue and white striped wallpaper.




Nautical feel in the bathroom.


Full length mirror leaning against one of the walls of the light filled dresser.



All images from here.

Taking the Plunge

We're off today to check out a part-time daycare/ preschool for our little guys.  I'm sort of mixed about it, but mostly excited.  It will be 3 days a week and my mom will be watching them on a 4th day.   I'm attempting tp take the 5th day off so we'll see how it goes.  Christian's three years old and is dying for "friends" and loves classes and that sort of thing so I think it'll be great for him.  I worry a little bit about Justin (8 months) but I'm sure he'll be okay too.

We're really hoping that with me moving my office out of the house (and opening a store in Leesburg-  more news on that soon!!)   and with almost full-time daycare, that we'll be able to get a bit more of a separation of work & home.  I hope my expectations aren't too high but I really feel right now that "something's gotta give."  If anyone has any insight out there about all of this, I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

I'll be back today later with a real post!!

 

Summer House on Paros

This house is located near the town of Naoussa on the north of the Greek island of Paros in the Greek Cyclades. An Austrian couple, Martin and Karin finally got the opportunity to buy the house they had rented for several years. They took eight years to transform it from a traditional farmhouse with stables into a comfortable holiday house.

Materials found locally were used for the renovation.


The small windows were kept. In the dining room a spoon lamp adds a merry touch.


The dining area as seen from above.


Karin's portrait hangs above the window. Red painted concrete floor, open shelves and baskets in the rustic kitchen.




Martin poses imitating his wife's portrait in the kitchen.


In the master bedroom the night table and base of the bed are made of concrete.





Mediterranean style bathroom.


This terrace is right outside the master bedroom.


Stunning views from the outside barbecue area.


Shady spot to have dinner outside.

All images from here.

Modern Apartment in Sweden

It's a beautiful sunny morning here. Hope your Sunday is beautiful too.
This apartment is featured on the Alvhem real estate site. A modern, stylish apartment in an 1880 property in Linnestaden, Sweden. Would you take it as it is, or would you add some more colour? Love to know!


Facade typical of Linnestaden buildings.


The entrance of the building with original tiles.


A light under the staircase not only lets you watch your step but highlights the pattern of the steps.


Soft palette and modern furniture in the ample living room. Wooden boards for the floors.


Wallpaper on one of the living room walls adds interest to the room.


There are three Swedish stoves - called kakelugn - in this apartment. The second one is in the bedroom and yet another one in the dining room. Notice how they added a light behind this one.


Reading nook in the living room.





Close up of the Swedish stove.








Some bread and cheese for me please.


Green hues in the kitchen.
















And the third stove in a corner of the dining room.

More images right here while they last, remember this site takes the pictures down once the property is sold. Sometimes they leave them up for a few days.

Have a great Sunday and see you tomorrow!