Bright doors in Brooklyn

Ever since I heard Hugh Grant describe the blue door that marked his flat in the film Notting Hill, I have thought about how charming and distinctive this design choice really is. Enter Brooklyn, and my new neighborhood there. Somehow it seems that there is a colorful door to be found on every block! I love it, and look forward to spotting one while walking around. 

When I do find a brightly colored door, I'm instantly transported back to that opening scene in Notting Hill. I can't help but think how fun it must be to describe your address with a simple statement: "It's the one with the blue door." :)

PS—Colorful apartments in Brooklyn.

(Image 1)

Would you wallpaper your apartment?

Since my Brooklyn apartment is completely unpacked, I've been starting to think about little design flourishes that won't break the bank. I love this temporary wallpaper from Hygge & West. It's so brilliant! Every time I go to invest in something nice for my apartment, I hem and haw—mostly because that's the problem: It's most likely a temporary spot. But this pretty wallpaper is the perfect solution. A way to add color and style—without messing with my security deposit.

What do you think? Would you try this out?

(Images via Hygge & West)

Rainbow panorama

I can't stop looking at the photos of the Rainbow Panorama by Olafur Eliasson, a new installation on the rooftop of the Aros Museum in Denmark. How incredible is this design? I love the entire concept — what an amazing idea to showcase the beauty of the world in different colors. It would be great to spend a whole day there. Just imagine what it looks like peering out on a sunny day or in the rain. So inspiring and surreal! 

(Images via Black*Eiffel)

Wallpaper accents at home

Are you partial to wallpaper or paint? Whenever I've moved apartments, I've opted to prime, paint and trim, but after seeing the perfectly wallpapered walls in the launch issue of Heart Home magazine, it's decided: I'm ready to switch things up. These photos in particular feature the home of the duo behind the British brand Mini Moderns. This couple definitely knows how to make wallpaper work! I'm obsessed — and plan to place an order from their site very soon. :)

(Images via Bright.Bazaar)

Framed shopping bags

What do you do with the limited edition (or classic) shopping bags you take home after purchasing something at your favorite stores or boutiques? I always hold onto mine, but this brilliant idea gave me a new and creative way to feature every artful design. After all, most shopping experiences are usually marking an occasion. To me, framing each bag is a lovely reminder of that outfit, that memory, that style.

What do you think? Would you try this design idea at home?

(Image 1, 2 via Style Redux and Pinterest)

The color purple

Lately, I can't get enough of the color purple, which is exactly why I love the design accents at Hotel Le Crayon in Paris. Sometimes subtle, sometimes not, this deep, vibrant hue instantly changes the vibe of any room. I especially love the sketch/work of art on the bathroom tub. Did I mention that Hotel Le Crayon is the place to stay if you're a budding artiste? :)

(Images via Hello Lovely) 

Kitchen humor

This illustration made me smile — Marc Johns is not only a talented artist, he has an amazing sense of humor, too! Can't you just picture this hanging on your kitchen wall? :)

(Image via This Isn't Happiness)

Herb Lester's NY

See New York through Herb Lester's eyes with this gorgeously illustrated city map and guide, designed by Manhattan's own Jim Datz. It contains info on all of the city's most classic spots — from McSorley's to the Paris Theatre, this guide will help you re-discover "old" New York.

Interested in finding the same info on other major cities around the world? London, Paris, and Glasgow are all available now, with more international locations on the way.

Such a creative representation of New York, don't you think?

(Images via Aqua Velvet)

Photo wall

Who needs to paint when you can decorate your walls with an enlarged photograph that fits the size of your room? I love the soft, black and white image above, and how it almost blends into the background of this cozy-looking home. That said, I do think it would be tough to choose just one image that would work, especially given the permanence of it's display.

What do you think — would you try this design idea at home? 

(Image via Craftzine)

A starry starry night

How clever is this design idea from Color Me Katie? She was looking for a way to let natural light into her bathroom without creating a peep show for her neighbors and voila! A brilliant solution to the problem. I especially love how the stars look at night — what a peaceful room to unwind in at the end of a long day.

(Images via Color Me Katie)

A way with words

Don't you just love the  stationery above from The Black Apple? The designs are so clever, and the expressions — so old-fashioned and sweet! I immediately thought of my friend Jason, who works these words into regular conversation all the time. Both cards are right up his alley! What do you think? Would you send out these designs? 

P.S. Here's another great one!

(Via You Are My Fave)

Rooms with a view

Talk about breathing space — one look at the homes above, and my life instantly feels more peaceful. Can you imagine if these views were your own every day? On that note, here's a silly glimpse of what the view from my New York apartment is like. :)

Do you have a room with a view? What do you look out at?

(Image 1, 2, 3 via The Black Workshop)

Meet Jeffrey

Looks like Jeffrey had the right idea! What a cute idea for a print. I think we all can identify with Jeffrey's sentiments at one point or another. :) 

(Via Lyla & Blu)

You go girl!

The expression above may be a personal favorite of mine, but I also love the look of the letterpress stationery it appears on from Seattle-based designer Danielle Bellert. Such originality and color, don't you think? There's lots more to choose from at BDR Studio, Danielle's online Etsy shop. Do you have an expression you'd love to see on a card?

(Via Urban Scarlet)

By Design: The Bathroom

Think about all the postcards and mementos you've been saving over the years. Now, consider the design idea above from Annemarie Buckley of Scout's Honor Co. I love the way she turns her bathroom walls into art at her Vermont-based home. The collage effect is so cool and entertaining—if your guests start spending more time in the bathroom, you'll know why!

For tips on how to style your own design wall, watch this video here.

(Images via Poppytalk)

A world tour for kids

What gorgeous prints from Sarah Jane Studios! This talented artist is developing a series of prints — one for every month this year — each designed to capture a childhood moment in 12 of the world's most beloved cities. The first four are pictured above. Out of London, Paris, Tokyo and Amsterdam, which one is your favorite so far? I love Emily's idea to frame the whole collection on a child's bedroom wall. What a perfect way to guarantee sweet (and worldly) dreams! 

(Images via Wide Open Spaces)

Chalkboard notes

There's something so inviting about a chalkboard in the home. I love that it's a guaranteed spot to jot down handwritten notes, to-do lists, and colorful doodles while you're on the phone. My roommate and I use the chalkboard outside our kitchen to write down recipe notes, and track how many trips we make to the gym each week. There's nothing like a public guilt trip on a chalkboard to whip you into shape! But truly, there's something sweet and artistic about soon-to-be erased words. It would be cool to keep a photo record of what is written there each week! What do you think – would you hang a chalkboard in your home? 

(Images via Plush Palate)

You are greater than cupcakes

What a sweet note to share! And it certainly does say a lot. To put in writing that you love someone more than a cupcake? That has to be the highest form of praise you can get!

(Postcard by 4four via Etsy)

Something fishy

I'm totally digging these ocean-inspired pillows from West Elm's new summer collection. Designed by Cuban-born artist and textile designer Lourdes Sanchez, each pillow gives off a cozy, beachy feel — the perfect decorative accent for your summer cottage or outdoor porch. I particularly love the look of the blue whales, but the black zebra fish is pretty cool too. Now, I'm day dreaming about a vacation by the water. I bet you are too! 

(Via West Elm)

A stunning (and sustainable) cabin in SF

I can't help but day dream about this modern version of a cabin designed by San Francisco-based architecture firm SB Architects. Located in Mill Valley, California, this custom home is the first LEED for Homes Platinum certified house in Marin County, and one of just a few in the entire state. How gorgeous are the covered decks? And I love the outdoor soaking tub on the master terrace. The vertical design is so unique — what a great place to take in the views of the San Francisco Bay.

(Images via The Pink and Blue Blog)