My favorite bits of inspiration this week . . . even after over 4 thousand pins (wow!) I am still always surprised at all of the gorgeous and interesting finds. 

Here's to many more Pinterest travels! 

This grand but casually cool entry - stunning front door! 

This amazing looking Thai glazed salmon + noodle salad from A Beautiful Plate

This breezy but cozy summertime bedroom by Amber Interiors

The stunning water of Blue Caves in Croatia (putting this on the bucket list!)

This fantastic pillow collection from Citizenry! 

{images via}

Relaxed Beauty: Interiors by Photographer Paul Costello

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! 

Inspirational Interior: Palm Beach Prep

Just had to share this bright living room by Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke! I love how playful and vibrant the space is but still with a traditional bent! 

What is especially wonderful?

1) Fabulous broad striped painted floor in sage and white

2) mix of both soft and bright shades of color 

3) lots and lots of pattern

4) traditional furniture forms and antiques - like the mahogany secretary!

What do you think . .  a bit old fashioned or vivacious and fun?

{Image via Domino}

Artistic Loft in Paris!

Leave it to the French! I am just in love with this artist studio turned petite apartment in the heart of Paris, which I spotted in Marie Claire Maison. At only 530 square feet, the space is divided into three small open levels and is united by creams, grays, and soft lavender! I think the casual elegance of this loft is so inspiring! 

So airy and bright - one trick to making small spaces feel large is not to overfill them with furniture.

The lavender painted garden chairs and beautiful iron sliding door create an inviting seating area in a tight space! 

The striped bedding and three potted plants give this bedroom space so much charm! 

xo Allison

Coziest Kitchen

Love this cozy eat-in kitchen! Such success creative an inviting space even in tight quarters. This one image is so full of creative design tricks:

1) An amazing use of space - benches lining the wall allow so many more to crowd around the table 

2) The chalkboard wall is so fun and useful

3) Love the petite red shaded lamp! 

4) The three light pendants hung together create an eclectic chandelier

5) A free-standing table with butcher block top adds much needed counter space

6) Piles of similarly hued soft pillows replace structured seat and back cushions! 

7) An inexpensive desk lamp gives the work space lots of task lighting

Certainly going to be keeping this one in my small spaces inspiration files! 

xo Allison

{Image via Decor8}

Small Office Genius!

I LOVE this idea! Turn a standard closet into a home office. The best part is you can shut the closet doors and hide any 'work in progress' when guests stop over. Really genius if you ask me - plus I love the turquoise accents. 

So pretty and practical!

This is certainly going in my Inspiration Files for future use!

{via My First Little Place}

The Beach House Goes Brazilian!

I love a breezy, natural beach house as much as anyone! I love soft blues and neutral linens and light woods. Nonetheless I was so delighted by this Brazilian beach home featured in Elle Decor's April issue! The layers of pattern, color, and eclectic accessories are so refreshing and lively. The home, in Trancoso Brazil, is the work and beach getaway of the talented designer Sig Bergamin. I think the most beautiful part is the lightness he achieves even with all of the textures and ornament! Brazil was already at the top of my travel wish list and now I am even more inspired to go! 

p.s. I especially adore the ikat lampshade and beaded african chair! 

{All photos by Simon Upton + be sure to read the full article here!}

Vamos para a praia! Divirta-se!

xo Allison

Spicer + Bank

Andy + Kate Spade: Monday Morning Inspiration!

I think the best interiors strike a harmonious balance between the 'designed' and the 'lived in'. As a decorator, I am all for carefully and purposefully designed elements but I also just love those pieces which feel accidental and natural. Aren't homes, after all, are to be lived in and enjoyed! That is one reason I am so inspired by the beautiful home of Andy and Kate Spade, as featured on The Selby. I am huge fan of the amazing blog, The Selby, which is written by the very talented photographer and illustrator Todd Selby. The interiors feel so comfortable and real, while of course still utterly stylish! I love that Selby did not over-style the apartment for the shoot, it leaves us feeling like we really got to spend the afternoon with the Spades. Enjoy!

I love the way they hung the picture gallery in their entry - so welcoming!

The electric blue chest is just lovely. 

Love the bright yellow solid headboard and the steel gray seagrass walls

This bathroom is so charming - the paper is beautiful

Fantastic colored matting on the pictures! 

Andy and daughter Bea, so sweet! 

Click here for more wonderful photos of the space! {All images by Todd Selby}

Hope you have an inspired day!