Always on the look out for amazing photographers, I stumbled upon Rachel Smith’s interior portfolio, and let’s just say, she takes amazing shots.  Unfortunately I do not know who created these stunning interiors, but at least we can still gush about the photos!

The first group is the “Swedish Summerhouse“.  First off, a summer house!?  I would live here all year long!  Here the design is kept clean and fresh with the use of stark white staple pieces and pops of color throughout.  And that fireplace, wow.

Next up is the creative “Designer’s Home“.  I simply must have that bookcase, and that added built in chair and side table, genius.  A muted color palette, low furniture and raw materials were used to create this modern environment.

Next up is the beauty of “Eero Aarino’s home“.  Can I just say if I had an office like that I would get way more done!  Beautiful views, bright whites and signature Eero pieces are the focal points in this home.  And of course another remarkable fireplace. makes me wish I was curled up with a book.

Moving along to the “Ladbroke Grove Home“, all I can say is, can I move in?  With open spaces and  concrete floors (oh how I absolutely love concrete in homes!!!) this modern interior has the feel of a loft yet keeps it family friendly with the addition of soft surfaces and a soothing color palette.  And I bet the kid that lives there gets to ride that little car all over this place!  The furniture may be more on the retro side, but the new materials and patterns keep this home looking new.

The “Hackney Home” has so much going on I don’t know where to start!  The bathroom, well, what girl doesn’t want to soak under a glamourous chandelier?  Always a fan of small vignettes, this house is filled with little areas to please.  From pops of color to textured walls to fragrant additions, this place will surely please all your senses!

And finally the “Stockwell Home“.  Mixing in new, brighter colors with traditional flair really give this home an interesting look.  That fireplace in the bedroom is heavy and detailed, the addition of the softer blues above is a great way of giving the eye a “place to rest” with so much going on.  And check out that hovering toilet tank on the right!

All photos from Rachael Smith Photography

Its the start of a new week, and what better way to begin a work week then with our giveaway results!  The lucky winner is Karen from South of the Border.  Karen, I will be emailing you shortly.  For all of those that participated in the giveaway, thanks and I hope to treat you guys to more in the future!  And a huge thank you goes out to Shelly at Mystic Pieces for generously donating this lovely little guy!

Wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving today.  Hope you all have a great day and don’t forget to enter the Mystic Pieces giveaway below, there are only a few days left!!

Now that Thanksgiving is only one day away and grocery store shelves are getting emptier and emptier, I wanted to show case a few decor ideas not only your table, but also for small areas around your home to get everyone in the festive spirits.  This first shot is actually my water tray, I got a large bag of red, brown and green pairs and threw them in a circular glass vase.  Its just enough to bring in autumn colors without saying, hey, check out the holiday decor.  For a little touch of  color, I added a deep purple headband around the glass.  So get creative and enjoy the inspiration!  Click each photo for the link.

And who said you couldn’t bring “out of season” colors to the table.  It adds a little flair while still being classy!

I just discovered the loveliness of Laduree and wow, yet another reason I must go to Europe!  Each salon takes on a very whimsical yet sophisticated look thanks to owner Francis Holder.  The goal was to create a space that was reminiscent of the historic Persian parlors of the late 1800s.  The deep woods and lush colors really make it an experience and lets not forget the macaroons!  Amazing.  The displays are simply gorgeous and incredibly inviting… oh how I wish I was a girl in Paris.

via

As you all know I am a huge fan of Twitter, its such a great way to get to know people from around the world and last week, Shelly from Mystic Pieces sprung up in my inbox.  Well, lets just say, after a few clicks through her shop I just knew I had to share her amazing jewelry with you guys!

The Interview

So Shelly, how did you get started?

At the age of 7, my journey began in the art world when my Mother enrolled me into an oil painting class.  As the years continued my art background includes an art history major, traveling to many art events, working in a museum and now my favorite - creating delightful jewelry to adorn.   Jewelry creating started 12 years ago when I had a strong desire to create something.  Since then it has evolved into my Etsy store, local art shows in Phoenix, and selling my creations to boutiques in the Valley of the Sun.In the last three months, I have started creating full time.  I have envisioned this path for so many years and am tickled pink that I have finally arrived at one of my many on going destinations.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Inspiration for me comes in way too many places to list just one.  I am constantly fascinated by what other artist, jewelry designers, writers and musicians can create!  Talent and inspiration is everywhere.  I’m fascinated by design whether it be in an ad, billboard, interior decorating, or clothing.  Composition and materials are always running through my brain.

My current inspiration is to look for the positive in all events.  There is a reason and season for everything.  I’m constantly on the look out for quotes that encourage one to better themselves or to inspire to push the limits of one’s potential.  I think in life as with my jewelry its finding the right pieces of the puzzle to fit together to create something wonderful.

One of my favorite quotes:  ”Life expands or contracts in direct proportion to one’s courage” ~Anais Nin

You mention Steampunk often, what exactly is it?

Steampunk is a genre of time traveling to an era of steam powered engines, Victorian motifs and attire, industrial, and mechanical (thus the watch parts) themes.  It’s a life for some including dressing the part, events and creations.  It completely fascinates me, however it’s a little warm in Phoenix to be wearing all those heavy Victorian clothes.  Steampunk to me is a time of romance and luxurious items.  The Victorian era is rich in details from the intricate Victorian homes to the elaborate laces, dresses and furniture.   I just love it all.  You can see more here.

What is your favorite piece available now?

One of my favorites is the Steampunk French Bee Necklace. (shown above, it was one of my favs too!) I love the composition, the many different components and the uniqueness of this piece.  It incorporates a time that once was from the vintage pieces, plus a little fun with a French bee and flower.  It’s just a delightful piece.

Have any favorite shops around Etsy?

I love The Home Centric.  Love her choice of materials and composition.  Just scrumptious!

Tilly Bloom, love all the unique images.  The black and white themes add to the richness of her whimsical and fun pieces.

A true Steampunk artist, Winona Cookie, features imaginative individuals with Victorian flair, love her work!

And of course, Stiletto Heights, a favorite photographer on Etsy, the richness of colors and romantic themes are gorgeous!

Be sure to stop by and say hi to Mystic Pieces over on twitter and facebook!

And a Giveaway!

That’s right, one lucky reader will be a seriously lucky winner!  Mystic pieces has graciously selected the Delicate Steampunk Crystal Vintage Necklace for one of Our Designed Life’s readers!

How might you enter to win this lovely little guy?  Well, its quite simple, and there are several ways to get entries!

~Hop on over to Mystic Pieces, find a piece that tickles your fancy.  Come back over here and leave me a comment about it.

OR

~Tweet about it, make sure to include @Ourdesignedlife so I see it.  Be sure to come back to the blog and leave me a comment letting me know about it.

OR

~Blog about it, again leave me a comment here on Our Designed Life!

That’s it.  Three possible entries per person!  Be sure to always leave me a comment, I will be picking a winner Sunday, November 29th at midnight, PST.  Winner will be selected using Random.org, so make sure your comments are all here!  This giveaway is open worldwide, so please tell your friends!

Happy giveaway and a huge thank you to Shelly at Mystic Pieces!

Its Friday, and well, its been a long week hasn’t it!?  My to-do list is till a mile long, but oh well, its Friday.  I figured a great way to end a week is with some fun, and a little quirky jewelry from Chocolate Steel. I am a huge fan of anything that will bring a smile to my face, and without fail, quirky and irony always win with me, I was all kinds of excited to get this “Stunning Diamond Necklace” from my then fiance a few years ago.  And all the findings over at Chocolate Steel are so fun, they are sure to make anyone smile.  Designed by the lovely Christine Street, each piece is made from reclaimed silver that she molds by hand and creates these little gems. So do stop by her store and pick up a few things, I don’t know if you heard but Christmas is coming.  And stay in the know with Chocolate Steel, the blog, for more info and what Christine is up to.  Absolutely loving the Eames Plywood chair, hint hint hubby!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Ok, so as you may know, occasionally I have talked about my wedding in September and have been dying to share some of the photos with you.  My husband and I spent hour upon hour looking through photographers portfolios, something all brides to be should really pay close attention to, a little tip, you will forget a lot from the night.  I spent weeks excited to get the proofs back, and lets just say, Shannon is one seriously talented lady.  And today I am picking up the prints!  And its pretty much all I can think about.  I still can’t share all the details with you… yet, but just had to share one, just one!

photo via Shannon Renee Photography

This week I thought I would bring you a Tumblr Thursday geared toward stylized home decor.  What ever you personal style may be, we can always use a little inspiration to make our place even more unique.  I am always asked what my personal style is, and well, I can’t live without color, and lots of it.  I love mixing traditional ideas and pieces with very modern and bold colors (my current fav is teal and orange!), as well as keeping things light and airy with a lot of whites.  So please, take in the color and ideas and enjoy!

via

via

via

via

via

via

via

via

via

I would say about 99% of the time here, I am showing great products that are geared more toward the ladies, but I didn’t forget about you fella’s!  So for today, I wanted to share with you the fun things over at Mister, a company all about tailored accessories.  I am a huge fan of the bow tie and am so excited that they are making a comeback!  For men, clothing is usually a solid color, nothing bright and fancy, till you get to the tie… or bow tie.  These tiny pieces of fabric are the perfect way to throw in some personality and color into your everyday life.  But back to Mister, on their site you will find the bow tie collection as well as get a few style tips from their Style section, that way you are assured it really is supposed to look like that.  And, for all those out there that don’t want to rock the real thing, in the Fun section, you can find a downloadable template to print out your own paper bow tie or even a mustache, creating hours of fun for the office!  So go browse, print yourself a mustache or bow tie and get inspired on how to wear these fun little accessories.  Oh and ladies, you can so get in on the fun too, check out Miss Lorianna rocking the Mister Ginham Classic tie!