Sweet Elegance...

All these rooms are simply gorgeous. Sweet. Soft, classy and very expensive. I know many whom read this or come across the images think "who can afford that!" Well some can and some can't and some wouldn't spend the money on decorating even if they did. However.. I find inspiration in these photo's and I'm hoping you will too. You can very easily get these looks for so much less if you take the time to shop. It doesn't have to be exact but the concept is there. The colors, classic, not TOO much, no THEME just pretty things. Pieces from all over.The painted pieces from things around your home or junk stores etc... Having a monotone color scheme and simple touches of elegance can make all the difference. Can't afford window treatments.... get fabric from local stores, even Joanne fabrics, wall mrt type IF you can not afford it. Just getting enough length and ironing with fabric glue adhesive stuff... YOU can make your own. So you cut holes anyway you can. Using Hot glue,fabric paint, ribbons and whatever else trims... YOU can make a Magical retreat for you or your little ones. Hide your mistakes with sweet ribbons and pearls and yummy details you can find everywhere. ~ even your old ear rings that are missing the match. Get creative how you hang them. Use coffee hooks in ceiling. 2 on each side of a window to hang down from ribbons and look Fantastic. Get White denim/canvas wash it first, paint Pink dots all over & use Pink french ribbon. Not expensive but sure super pretty. Tar get & Martha have very inexpensive sheets, Buy everything in white! Great to keep clean & Bleach away! then add sweetness to it all with your favorite trims: ric rac, buttons, ribbons, scalloped trim, eyelet,gingham etc... Or dip die in very pale Pink YOU created & get sweetly creative! & buy tons of ribbon, roses/flowers in that color. Your color! Get extra fabric in coordinating color & if YOU do not sew, get someone or get out that Hot glue gun, iron on adhesive & play around. HIDE boo boo's with yummy details.

recover lampshades with your creative ideas & favorite trims.

Well girlie's... I'm off to paint a few goodies for Lollishops and I am using these Photos for inspiration! And what may that be..... Well, I have heard some say, ohhh those rooms are too perfect or not enough child friendly & fun for little ones... well that's when you get some fun artwork from ME! : ) Take bits & pieces of elements YOU like for your children and have the BEST of both worlds. Your children learn to appreciate the good things in life by learning from you at an early age. Stylish things do not mean they have to be TOO stuffy, TOO elegant or not fun for little ones... they can be, just find wonderful fun Magical artwork & unique decor pieces that NO ONE else has. Need help ask me. Have a sugar plum Vision but do not know where to start. I'm right here. Dream some incredible yummy ideas and let me know what your thinking and I would LOVE to create a magical piece for you & your loved ones. Dream away ~

I'm off to get creative. Maybe a Magical sweet picture frame with sprinkles of glass glitter & French Gilded leaves with Sugar plum berries touched with magic? Its Happy Holiday Times & we all need some Sparkly things surrounding us, right?

Bonne Nuit ~ Joelle XO

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joelle06/3011341423/in/set-72157594320647764/

Monday Madness...

Hi everyone... It is really not Monday Madness, but it is Monday & I figured since im going to TRY to "FOCUS".... on what I do best & Dream, Design & Create.... I would start my week off by showing you a few tips. As I show you pictures and ideas remember the whole point is to be Inspired. Get what you will from the pictures. Be it for yourself, your children or for getting ideas for WHATEVER your create... Use the images to be inspired. When YOU see a picture of a OVER the Top nursery or Display case full of soaps... It might not have anything to do with YOU, but make your mind Think. Get creative. Not for the picture or with the picture but from the picture. Color, texture, lighting, height, art, basket on the floor, look at EVERTHING in the Photo.. the WHOLE picture.
I just came across these photo's. and have some ideas. Actually for me, & one for of my daughters. Just a few ideas & thought I would share the photos.

* From "BHG" ..... 3 old hollow doors painted black.hung up for a headboard. Bold, Vogue, stricking & fun. ideas are endless. I did something similar for a client along time ago using "3painted shutters" in the shabby chic days. but LOOK at the chandelier, columns, artwork, fabric treatment & pillows... just look at it all. What do you see?

BHG. no Headboard, or need new look? cheap bookcase painted or use something diff. Columns always make me smile... bit of color.it all works. How about a display for your work, studio. home office? any ideas??

I believe I found these curtains from Ditton Hill in the UK awhile back. sorry if I am wrong???

red chrysanthemum. I am liking these. For alot of reasons. Would you ever think of these for your childs room? how about it. small room, not alot of " things", keep it simple. make a statement.Its all about the Color. paint walls simple. Great focus on the window treatments. and some fun artwork.lamp. sheets & simple bedding from target, marth stewart (shhhh Kmart) where ever. simple & inexpensive(not cheap) so spend a little bit more on the Curtains. it draws attention to the room. little ones bunny or f"avorite" animal may take away from the bedding so show off the window treatments. So next time you see great fabric & possibly dicounted designer "grownup" fabric or treatments... think about it.
I just got an idea from this. How about a closet & doing this? Fun little cocoon like. cozy. no need for closet if you spave for dressers & other BIG fun creative pieces to store your things. could be fun! canopy... ohhh the ideas...

RED. simple. clean. fun. unique artwork? create a new lighting fixture... go trash hunting for found object for your wall. paint a square burlap cloth and mark it with an X in distressed black, hang with chunky bolts.need a little whimsy to the grundge ~ add black ribbon puddleing down the chunky bolts. dressers? think of something diff. just THINK! ; )

DREAM * CREATE * LIVE

Polka Dots & Bunnies

I like the way this piece turned out. It must be pretty Cool if my oldest likes it. She is very picky and has her own style. Right now she is not realy into my "Bebe" style. That is to be expected at that age. They want to distance themselves from anything "too cute" and "too sweet"... yes she likes what I do, but wants a bit of Fashion & Vogue style to her "space". and she even took this piece up in her room. To play with it. See if it could work. Yep.. She liked it! Now I have a few more pieces like this to "create" with. I think a few more Bunnies and then not sure what else I am going to do. Does anyone have any ideas? Colors, style: Shabby chic, fanciful, whimsical, soft cottage charm? what comes to your mind when you look at this piece in a diff. way?
This is a look that many teens like, The Victoria Seceret style. Im glad I encourage my girls to be diff. You can still have the same look but add your own style & pieces to it.I could see my little bunnies working well in that room, couldn't you? Hanging all their bracelets, pearls, necklaces etc...
Folkloric duvet by Ditton Hill Kids on the photo. above. http://www.littleeskimo.co.uk/acatalog/Folkloric_Duvet_Cover_and_Pillow_Case_set.html
Just more Pink fun rooms for little ones I thought I would share. Get Creative. Dream.
Bestsey Johnson...... I Love Betsey Johnson and her ability to be a successul business women yet embrace being a girly girl! Fun, Fresh, Girly, Romantic & Pink! I Love It!

Annie Leibowitz.....INSPIRATION

I need to take a moment to dream and think a bit.

Both of the pictures above are from Annie Leibowitz ~ If you do not know about her, please go read a bit & from there are links on her fabulous photo's....Fashion Inspires me.

I was enrolled at ART INSTITUTE OF PITT. and was transfering everything to go to the one in LA. & live with my aunt in Santa Barbra & commute... Annie was at San Fran ART Inst. I like that : ) my path changed, and thats ok.

FASHION, was my First Love. Its never too late right? HA.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Leibovitz

Ohhh the designs I want to do. So hard with new baby, but Im just not one to have her be with anyone else. sooo what do I do? New baby... she will be 2 in Dec. but you know. My baby. ohhhhhhh she deserves the Best. I know I have it in me to design something so much more magical and perfect.

What it is... Im off to dream & be inspired. Thank You Annie Leibowitz! You inspire me & so many more!

Bonne Nuit~

Joelle XO

* Click on the pictures to bigger view! Yummy!