Steel Statements.

When I see design I love, I cannot form words. My pulse quickens, I reach for my phone to snap pictures, then I have a very serious expression as I give the item I'm smitten with a moment of appreciative silence. At the risk of sounding shallow, these steel doors are everything:

I mean. Come on. Gorgeous. 

The Oxford Exchange.

I have been guilty of over-hyping things that excite me. Usually my enthusiasm is towards TV shows: (ahem.... Veep), but I recently went to the Oxford Exchange in Tampa and one would be hard pressed to over-hype this establishment. The Oxford Exchange is a bookstore, restaurant, coffee + tea bar, and a boutique that also offers office/meeting spaces. It was inspired by England's private clubs and libraries. 

Let me tell you some of the details: there is brass everywhere, pine floors in a herringbone pattern, sisal carpet from wall-to-wall in the meeting rooms, dark paneled walls, leather tufted Chesterfield sofas, a retractable roof in the courtyard, and dome chairs (you know my love for those). My heart raced with excitement the first time I visited the Oxford Exchange and it has me awake in bed at night wondering how I could create an establishment with the same vibe in Tallahassee.

Take a look and if you are visiting Tampa, you have to schedule a trip here.

Speak Kindly.

I hope this poster surfaces as often as "keep calm and carry on". My friend Jovanna made it and the simplicity and purpose behind it could not be more succinctly stated.

Feel free to share it, place it around your workspace, home, hang it up in your kids rooms, tattoo it to your arm, whatever will you remind you to use your words for kindness sake!
{this is more of a *note to self for me* than a recommendation for you}

Brave.

I just started subscribing to Elle Decor (gasp, I know. How dare I fancy myself a "designer"?) My latest issue arrived with a brave quote from Ann Gish and it would be a disservice to keep it to myself:

Elle Decor: What would you tell young women starting their career?

Ann Gish: Your fantasy can be your goal. When I was growing up, nobody told us that.

(emphasis mine)

I'm not a young girl starting my career, but I promise you: One day I will take all of these inspiring quotes to action. Right now they dwell in my heart.

Stick around my friends, the best is yet to come...

The Steward...

...is the remedy from a rut.

I imagine the composer behind the Steward to be an English gentleman. Go knock yourself out and spend sometime on his website.

Where do you hunt for inspiration?

The Best is Yet to Come...

Let's kick off this year with style + purpose

Who's with me?

Random.

The theme of this post is unrelated awesomeness.

Belt

One day when I own a store or have a massive butlers pantry my baskets will have casters.

Via Two Ellie

The Paris Market in Savannah. I really enjoyed this picture message my friend sent me while she was on vacation. She knows how I love great design atmosphere.

John Robshaw Textiles makes pretty silk ikat blankets.

Unexpected sink Mr. McApline.

I'm not sure if I like the tub and faucet or the dog more. Too cute! Via The Perfect Bath

Cupcakes in a jar via with this ring

Artwork or Scripture memory cards via Jovanittas Shop on Etsy

I didn't want to keep it all to myself.

Customize It.

Since our massive kitchen renovation is behind us I have been thinking about smaller customization projects around the house that will not break the bank, but will still allow me to do something creative.
In our bedroom we have vinyl roll down shades that allow us to sleep in on Saturday mornings. They were one of the first purchases when we moved in and I until recently I have not thought twice about changing them. Enter this creative blog world.

Hello Gorgeous posted an imperial trellis stencil tutorial that she used as "wallpaper"

Stunning.

Southern Living also provided a stencil shade tutorial.

Now, I have a new projecton my perpetual to do list.

The Spades.

I recently read a wonderfully inspiring and insightful article on Kate and Andy Spade. Inspiring because this couple launched a company by liquidating Andy's 401(k) before they were married, because Kate wanted a simple bag that was not available on the market. Insightful because Andy's creative marketing and advertising genius launched the company into $100,000 in sales revenues the 1st year and $1.5 million the 2nd year. They no longer own Kate Spade and are busy pursuing other passions like motherhood, wine making, film making and consulting. If you have a few minutes to spare, it's a great read.

Here's a little eye candy from Kate Spade. I love cleverness. Check out the phrases printed inside these bracelets. {Bracelets found via simplesong} They'd make for a great gift.

Une nouvelle découverte.

Good morning! I've just discovered a wonderful, new (to me) blog, Simple Song. This girl has such a clean, creative, organized blog. She recently posted about a site which carries unique, French finds; un esprit en plus. I love the industrial, natural, textured, organic-y feel of these items. I love those chalkboard, zinc tags. After watching Man Shops Globe and reading about Mark Sage with his intriguing objects, I am convinced I need to make it over to France for a shopping trip, so maybe I should start playing the lottery.