Midday Muse

Artist Amy Kligman's painting "Home Base" reminds me of the phrase often used to evoke March's weather: "In like a lion, out like a lamb." I think that this comforting painting is a good reminder that no matter how rainy or messy the weather (or our lives!) might be this month, we can count on some tranquil rainbows after the storms.
How's your March shaping up?


Source

It's hard to think that cringe-inducing, deep-pile shag, a preferred venue for making whoopee in the '70s, could make a comeback in our homes, but it has. Once a blemish on the time line of American interiors, shag is back in the game and kicking butt.
Everyone from Pottery Barn to Design Within Reach is selling the fluffy stuff, and I'm loving it. Here, interior designer Galo Verdesoto has used it to add warmth to a cold Manhattan apartment. It looks cozy, but paired with tailored furniture, it's also not too casual. With a dog in the house, going shagadelic isn't the smartest choice for me: it would be a vacuuming nightmare. But, I absolutely urge you to try it!
Source

I spotted this hallway look over at House to Home and was impressed with the statement the rich coordinating reds make. Most don't take into account the color of their front door when decorating the foyer, but it speaks wonders! The hallway of this 18th century Georgian house is otherwise quite simple, but its neutral backdrop and matching color palette allow for its original features to shine.

Obviously, if you rent, painting your front door to match your decor palette is often out of the picture. But for those of you who own, it's worth thinking about. Would you ever paint your interiors to match your front door?
Source

The Neisha Crosland shimmering aluminum Hollywood Grape wallpaper adds an instant dose of glamour to this petite bathroom from House to Home, and the dark wood vanity conjures 1930s film, ushering you into the alluring Art Deco era, whilst making the most of a small space. As much as I swoon over this glam salle de bains, I think the style should be reserved for powder rooms and half bathrooms.
When the day winds down, and it's time to freshen up with a long bath or hot shower, I want a tranquil, serene space that's a retreat from blinding colors and extroverted patterns. You can introduce small spoonfuls of luxury into your bathing space with accessories like an antique perfume bottle or a Venetian mirror, which will add glam while maintaining a relaxed design scheme.

Do you like glamour in your relaxed spaces, such as a bathing area? Or do you prefer something more relaxing?
Source

Sometimes a garden, such as the manicured hedges at the park of the Versailles castle in Versailles, France, can look even more charming when it's covered with a thin frosting of snow. While our gardens may be hibernating through the Winter months, that doesn't mean they don't hold their own joys and quiet beauty.
What do you find beautiful about a snowy garden?
Source

I simply adore this alternative two-dimensional Christmas tree made by All the Luck in the World out of useless but pretty objects she's collected over the years. It's a work of pure genius, absolutely beautiful . . . not to mention mind-bogglingly precise and free of pesky needles to vacuum. As much as I adore this unusual creation, it's got me thinking about how much I'd miss having a live tree if an alterna-tree were all I had. The smell of the needles, the glow of Christmas lights, the tradition of hanging ornaments, though not necessarily a work of art, are all part of the experience that makes me look forward to Christmas. What are your thoughts? Do you have an alterna-tree?
Source

In Europe, it's very common to use freestanding cabinets in the kitchen and armoires in the bedroom, but in the United States, built-in cabinetry and closets are the norm. In fact, a trend of open shelving is only just beginning to happen here. I definitely see the appeal of freestanding units, though. If your style happens to change, or your cabinets aren't in such great shape, it's much easier to replace a single piece of furniture than renovate your entire kitchen. There's also more of a feeling of openness with freestanding unites. Built-ins offer counter space, though, which is a plus.
If you went with an armoire or hutch, you'd naturally also have to purchase a table or island to do your cutting. Does your house have built-in or freestanding cabinets? If you had the opportunity and the funds to renovate, would you opt for freestanding furniture? Tell me by commenting below!
Source

San Francisco blogger and home decorating all-star Victoria recently offered some mellow holiday decorating ideas, including this pretty rose and candle vignette.

What I love about her holiday style is that it's gorgeously done and unmistakably festive, yet doesn't rely on overdone elements for her decorating ideas. While my holiday style tends to involve more traditional Winter holiday elements (think: evergreen boughs, mistletoe), I also appreciate her more subtle holiday style. What do you do in your house?
Source

Over Thanksgiving weekend, I spent some time in Joshua Tree, CA, with friends who've built an eco-friendly house there. These friends love their peaceful home and amazing view (which goes on for miles with nary a house in site), but they also miss the comforts of city life. While I sometimes daydream about living in a place as remote as my friends' home, I doubt that I would be able to hack the extremely rural reality of this life for very long. Do you ever long for a home at the edge of the civilized world, or are you a city gal at heart?

This year, some friends are volunteering on Thanksgiving Day to cook dinner for the parents of children staying at a Ronald McDonald House. Last year other friends spent time filling boxes at a food bank the day before Thanksgiving for families in need. One of my family members also makes it a point to volunteer during holiday weekends at animal shelters, since the dogs and cats get fewer visitors over those days. While I have yet to volunteer on the day of Thanksgiving, it's something that I am considering more and more. Perhaps next year I'll take time out from entertaining friends and family to volunteer at a shelter, church, or food bank.

Do you volunteer during the Thanksgiving holidays? Does anyone you know? If you have any great stories about giving friends, family members, or acquaintances, please share them below!
Source