House built out of Recycled Shipping Containers

Original design using recycled or up-cycled items holds a place near and dear to my heart. I have already posted the Starbucks location that was made out of recycled shipping containers here but this house, located in Graceville Australia, is the first of it's kind. Designed and built by Todd Miller of Ziegler Build, this house is Todd's own house and has a wide range of advantages such as being cyclone proof. Check out his interview on how and why he built this house here. 

    

all photos  via 

White + Wood Kitchen and Dining room

There's something about white combined with wood that I just love. I can never get enough of it.

via

Indoor Outdoor Dining room

I love rooms like these where you see as much of the outdoors as you do of the indoors. Makes me feel like I'm outside even though I'm not. The oversize black pendant light combined with the natural wood table and white chairs is simply divine as is the original artwork and tribal patterned fabric. Quite the mix but a good one. 

 via

Blast from the Past

I came across this picture (this place is gorgeous by the way) on desire to inspire and recognized the chairs but I couldn't believe it. They were the exact chairs that I had in my very first apartment. I didn't have much money and so I didn't have any living room furniture. One day the superintendent came to see me and said that someone had split and left all their furniture and would I like to come and see it. Well there it was, an entire set of foam chairs like the ones above. Of course mine were nowhere near as sexy as those in the picture, they were brown tweed if I remember correctly but they were awesome. I covered mine in red and they really rocked.  

Jim Datz Prints of New York

 

I love these Jim Datz prints of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Since I visited both of these places during my recent trip to New York, I only wish that I'd seen these prints sooner so I would've known where I was going! I think I may pick them up for my Studio as a nice reminder of my trip.

Gray and caramel bedroom

I am totally on a gray + caramel kick right now. 

via

Industrial meets Rustic: Kitchen

I fell on my butt when I saw this photo and immediately pinned it to my Rustic Pinterest board - yes, I admit it, I'm a pinaholic! I just can't get enough of these beautiful images......

This kitchen has all the elements I love; rustic beams, industrial accents, whitewashed wood floors, a stone wall, a concrete island and black & white artwork. Did I mention that it is also Gray! 

Diamond Light

A light shaped like a diamond and completely clear is a light I can get into. I'm still trying to track down the creator but here is where I found it.

Photographer Lucas Allen - Part 1

I absolutely love big windows especially when they are loft like and black. Photographer Lucas Allen has captured the mood and the outdoors perfectly in this bedroom. I don't know if I would be able to have the bed positioned that way though. I'm sure I'd want to see that awesome view!  

Just around the corner we find the dining room with an even better view if that's possible. Talk about bringing the outdoors in! I absolutely love it. I had wanted to do something like this to my home but was unable to so now I live vicariously though photos like these! 

Christmas Cookies

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is baking cookies. I dig out my mothers old recipes, put on some Christmas music and bake until I run out of butter. Another favorite Christmas tradition of mine is eating those same cookies. I mean who can resist right? Last year a few of my friends got together to bake cookies and made gifts out of them. Each friend baked a different kind of cookie and then they were all put together in a gift box. Let me tell you I was one happy camper when I got one of these cookie laden gift boxes as a present. What an awesome gift! Cookies can also be used as decorations. Check out this Christmas cookie wreath......sorry I got distracted, those tarts are calling my name!

Photos via my Christmas Pinterest Board.

backyard movie night

I used to love going to the drive-in but now they are all but obsolete in my corner of the world so this idea is right up my alley. Nothing better than an evening with friends, home made popcorn, and a movie outdoors. Easy to set up and even easier to enjoy!

all photos via Kinfolk

DIY: Mason Jar Oil Candles for Christmas

I took one look at these and had to post the DIY! I can't wait to make them - what a great idea for a Christmas decoration. Here's the how to:

You will need:
One 1/8 "Nipple" (available in the Lighting Section of Home Depot or Lowes)
Two 1/8 Couplings (also in Lighting)
Two 3/8 Washers
100% Cotton Lamp Wicks
Your Choice of Oil: Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Peanut Oil, Lamp Oil, Liquid Paraffin Oil
Mason Jar and Lid
Decorative Elements (Optional): Pine Cones, Shells, Coffee Beans, Stones, Vanilla Beans, Herbs, Spices, Fruits

Instructions:
If the lid to your jar is a regular one (no hole), drill a hole using a 3/8 drill bit. 
Push the nipple through the hole.
On each side of the lid, add a washer and then a coupling.
Make sure the nipple and coupling are flush with the top of the lid.
Thread a cotton wick through the nipple; it will be loose at first, but will expand once it is soaked with oil.
If you want your candle to be decorative, add pine cones or other elements.
Add the oil to the jar.
Attach the completed lid to the jar.
Wait for the oil to soak the wick before lighting.

photo and instructions courtesy https://www.facebook.com/TheSmartWitch

Gray Kitchen

I am totally loving this gray kitchen right now. So cool with the white accents, pendant lights and trees. 

via

Great Display

I love the way color plays such an important role in the decor of The Stables of Como café. The pops of green and orange/red really make the café come alive. Not to mention the amazing display of colorful bottles along the back wall. I love using multiples of one thing as a decor element especially when it's done right and I think it's pretty safe to say that this wall is a winner.   

Click here for more photos of the café.

Lap Pool Among the Trees

I know that this is not the time of year to be posting this picture but when I saw it I just had to. Talk about having a dream come true - a lap pool among the trees. 

via my Pinterest

DIY: Pendant light Chandelier

I love pendant lights and so this DIY from Design Sponge sure made my day. Perfect for over a bar area or studio table, you can mix and match the cords to blend with your decor.