The Pink Pagoda

Last Wednesday, I introduced my new series, Purposeful Design . This series focuses on the importance of interior design as it relates to how we feel in our homes.  The design choices we make all work toward setting a tone.  The highest priority of interior design in our homes should be to create a setting that makes us most happy. Beth, from Chinoiserie Chic , is here today telling us what she's done in her beautiful house to create her perfect surroundings. For me, nothing establishes the tone and feel of a home like your choice of color. It is always where I start. I am definitely not a white walls kind of girl. There is nothing white in my wardrobe and there is not a white wall in my home. Tony Duquette said "Coral is my neutral" and that is definitely me. I use color in my home to reflect my personality. I would describe myself as - *feminine *glamorous *sophisticated *happy, upbeat, high energy The feminine side of me is reflected in my love of

Are you as ready for spring as I?  We had gorgeous sunny days here this weekend, though the temps weren't warm.  I want to be here, wearing shorts, and reading a good book. These incredible images are all from At Home in Arkansas .  Diane Carrol was the stylist, and Nancy Nolan took the beautiful photos.  I've seen a few of these before, but I'd never seen them all until yesterday. This house is in a beautiful area of Little Rock, AR, that I used to visit frequently as a child.  Read about this lovely outdoor space here .

Jonathan Adler says your home should be an antidepressant. He's referencing the psychological impact our surroundings create. Our visual environment affects our mood, and is something to consider before embarking on an interior design project. In looking at the paint colors above, some appeal to you more than others. It's about how the colors make you feel. The psychology of color should be applied  to our interiors.  The design process is most successful when it begins with specific purpose, and that purpose should be optimal enjoyment of our homes. We think about what we like, which actually may not correspond to how we'd like to feel in our houses. For example, I like this room below, but the mood it creates isn't what I'd be happiest living with. via Lamps Plus As you scroll through the following images, identify the tone each room conveys.  If you were to walk into each space from the front door, what's the mood that would gr

 The Watermark Collection from Cle´ When I ran across these tiles recently, I fell hard.  The colors are beyond gorgeous, and the watercolor effect is dreamy.  Watercolor anything is just so hot right now.   Anthology Magazine So, after thinking about The Watermark Collection , I realized it had been awhile since I shared blue and white tile with you.  What fun I had collecting these lovely images -- hope you enjoy : )   Veranda  Michael Smith from Elle Decor  Mark D. Sikes from House Beautiful   Attic Mag Paint and Pattern  via Lisboa   via Style Me Pretty   Mark D. Sikes  via Remodelista Southern Style

via La Dolce Vita I've been thinking lately about how drawn I am to photos featuring dark walls. I prefer to live with very light and white walls in my house. It's interesting that we can be so intrigued by images that are so different than what we want to live with. I'll be sharing more about this here, Wednesday. Meanwhile, enjoy this gorgeousness. via One Kings Lane McGill Design Group via indulgy Georgica Pond Bar Palladio via Sarah Lederman Design Studio Verandah House Interiors