Love, light, & magic

{via Pinterest}

Here's to a 2012 full of love, light and if we're lucky, a little magic. Of all the nights of the year, tonight comes the closest to bridging the chasm between every possibility and real life. If anything, we can marvel at just that. 

Ah, but there is so much more than that.

{via Pinterest}

Happy New Year.

Bathroom inspiration

Hello my dears! I hope you all had wonderful holiday vacations and are resting up for the new year ahead! I'm hanging at home this week, enjoying time with family, catching up with friends, and reading through some of the new design books I was lucky to receive for Christmas. More on them soon.

I spent some time today daydreaming about how I'd like to re-do our bathrooms if I had the chance (read: the money). Did you know the average American spends $11,000 on their renovated bathroom? Ouch!

On one hand, I'm drawn to the bold. Thick stripes, bright, colorful wallpaper, dark paint.

{Jenna Lyons design via Lonny Mag}

{Antonia Thompson via Lonny Mag}

{Steven Gambrel via Elle DECOR}

{Ethan Feirstein and Ari Heckman via Lonny Mag}

{David Cafiero via Lonny Mag}

On the other hand, there's something to be said for these clean, predominantly white, serene spaces.

{Kath Kidston via Lonny Mag}

{Via Apartment Therapy}

{Angie Hranowsky via Lonny Mag}

{Jennifer Worts via Decor Pad}

{Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar via Lonny Mag}

{Cath Kidston via Lonny Mag}

{Via Pinterest}

I think I prefer the lighter look in my bathroom but the bold look packs quite the punch for a guest bath/powder room. Then there's the use of unusual elements in bathrooms which I just love. Like plants, fireplaces, chandeliers, furniture and other oddities.

{via Inspirations Deco}

{via Elle Sweden}

{via Desire to Inspire}

{via Moon to Moon}

{via Pinterest}

One common theme? Most of my favorite bathroom inspirations feature clawfoot tubs, tiled floors, and pedestal or console table sinks. Serene or bold, I suspect my future bathroom will have some or all of these elements.

What appeals to you in a bathroom? Do tell.

Inside the home of... Benjie Jones

I came across this home of designer Benjie Jones last week in Atlanta Homes mag and have just been itching to share it with you. There's so much to love here, from the colors (an expert use of black) to the architectural elements to the artwork and masterful mixing of eclectic style. But best of all is his Christmas decoration sense. So many subtle, lovely touches, I can't help but be, well, Enchanted.

Let's peek into Benjie's world...

So gorgeous! I can't get over his style. I love this quote from the piece:

"Albert Hadley once said ‘once you hone in on your own aesthetic, everything you buy goes together.’"

Friday design finds: 12.16.11

I'm officially starting a new feature here on design•zealot: Friday design finds, where we share beautiful design-related things we found on the Internet this week.

Ever since Google made it so I can't share stuff from my Reader (it all goes to Google+ now, which I am admittedly not a huge fan of), I've been collecting so many things that I'm just dying to share. Now I can! And you can too. I'll get the ball rolling, then you share links in the comments to other pretty stuff you found. Ready? Go!

Friday design finds

12.16.11

This amazing exterior renovation from Desire to Inspire.

This Marimekko giveaway from Crate&Barrel and The City Sage.

This peek into Jenna Lyons' (J. Crew Creative Director) workspace from My First Little Place.

These nostalgic 80s wooden ornaments from Old Brand New.

Crazy pretty new Nama Rococo wallpaper from Design*Sponge.

Beautiful office inspiration from Interiors Originals.

What inspired you this week?

Tell me in the comments below.

Have a happy weekend!

Black and white and checkered all over

Where do you stand on black and white checkered floors? For a long time I thought they were tacky, but today these photos are convincing me otherwise.

{Decorati}

{Pinterest}

{bloom}

{Seeking Decor}

{Desde my Ventana}

{hello-tiger}

The versatility is what amazes me most. I didn't realize how it can be formal or casual, classic or modern, warm or cool. Lovely in kitchens, halls, bathrooms, dining rooms, offices and more. So bold yet so cohesive. I'm making a mental bookmark on this idea, to revisit in the future... 

Store tour: Blue Barn Trading Co.

This weekend we discovered Blue Barn Trading Company, a new vintage store located right over the marshes on Route 107 in Revere, Mass. These guys just opened a few months ago and are still building their customer base but we absolutely loved their style and their staging, plus the proprietor Ryan seems like a wicked nice, down-to-earth guy too.

Let's take a peek around...

We seriously considered that ice cream sign, but we don't have the perfect place for it right now. That jukebox works, is only $400 and sounds incredible, by the way.

I'm seriously obsessed with that green Hollywood Regency-style Marboro lamp. It was one of the most expensive items in the store (of course) and easily the most gorgeous.

All I'm gonna say is that's an original Danny O and we really want it, so don't go buy it. Mmmkay? 

Hubby is also super in love with this photo.

We plan to visit the Blue Barn often. We had such a fun time looking around and geeking out over cool antiques with Ryan. If you're ever in the area, stop by and check it out!

blue barn trading co.

1330 Broadway

Revere, MA 02151

http://bluebarntrading.com/