Interiors can be so challenging to capture - but some talents, like photographer Paul Costello seem to do it effortlessly. For me his images are able to capture the life and vibrancy of each space while still conveying a sense of calm. I especially love the casual and wild feel of many of the rooms - everything looks stunning but nothing is too perfect, which is so inviting - after all that is real life in the end! Here are few of the images I found most inspiring, and for even more beauty check out Costello's New Orleans home here. . . .

Hope you are having an inspired day! 

Unexpectedly Chic: Black Doors

While most of us shy away from black as a paint option - black interior doors can lend a fantastic hit of style. When done well, black doors are surprisingly vibrant. They can add a rich, warm feel to a space and are a quick way to infuse a rental or new build with personality and charm. I especially like the contrast of black doors with white walls and warm wood toned floors. It is also lovely how well a black door can work in interiors both modern and vintage! So, I have I convinced you to give black doors a try? 

Mini House Tour: Our Singapore Style

A few weeks back my friend and talented photographer Claire, snapped these photos of our current apartment and so I had to share! As a designer, I can't seem to stop arranging and re-styling everything at home, but here are a few images of our home's current state. My husband and I arrived in Singapore almost 6 years ago (wow!) with only two suitcases of clothes - leaving all our furniture and books in boxes at home. One can spot quite a few basic Ikea pieces here, and while one day we hope to splurge on some amazing new pieces, I love mixing high and low. I feel that with the right accessories, interesting objects and bursts of color, even simple spaces can be full of life and personal style. It is certainly still a work in progress but I have had so much fun over the years and all our travels filling in the gaps!

Its quite a modern building and a rental with loads of white walls, so I brought in lots of art and textiles to help warm up the cool space.

My husband will tell you I have a bit of a pillow addiction, but I can't help it, I just love them! Plus pillows are such an easy and cozy way to change up an interior or basic upholstery.

I pulled this nursery together for our little guy when he came along. I love the bold stripe of the rug - and it's indoor-outdoor which is amazing for weathering all the spills and stains babies bring! 

Claire also handmade this lovely abstract dot art piece for us before Wyatt arrived and it was the best color inspiration!

Fresh tropical flowers are one of the best little luxuries of life here - I adore these tiny lemon yellow orchids.

We have no idea where we will land next, but for now, we are loving the journey and life with our little one here in the tropics. Hope you enjoyed our home tour! 

Favorite Sources:

Etsy

Dash & Albert

NuLOOM

Crate & Barrel

Taylor B. Furniture

Society 6 Prints

Ikea

Comfort Design

Land of Nod

FrancFranc
Chelin Co. Upholstery

Designer Tips: Accessorizing with Art

One my favorite styling tips is to add a few small additional pieces of art as a last layer of accessories. After all of the main pieces are installed, adding a couple of small framed pieces or canvases provides a luxe, collected look and lends interest to a lonely or plain spot - this works especially well on a bedside table! It's lovely to see a burst of color and design when one wakes up in the morning and you can easily change out these small pieces as you want. I adore this super easy styling tip - hope I have inspired you to give it a go! 

This last one is my very own bedside - a bit of art can brighten everything up! 

{all images via}