Wicker - Gray Wicker Chair that is...

Have you ever noticed something for the first time, then start seeing it everywhere? I had that experience with gray wicker dining room chairs! I have to say, I was not a fan of wicker until I started seeing wicker chairs in the gray finish (also called Kubu chairs). And now, I like it. I specifically like the organic feel of the chairs, the inherent texture of the chairs and the fact that they are neutral enough to go with a variety of dining tables. Have a look at some of these inspiration photos:

(unknown)

(unknown)

Lynn Morgan Design

House Beautiful

House Beautiful

The Enchanted Home

Here are a few gray wicker chairs I have found (high to low):
Provence Bucket Armchair from Restoration Hardware $500
Veranda Armchair Indoor/Outdoor from Armoires & More $395
St Thomas Indoor Wicker Washed-out Grey Arm Chair from Overstock.com $244
Byholma / Marieberg Chair from Ikea $95
Kooboo Side Chair from World Market $65

So, what do you think? Would you consider gray wicker chairs for your dining room?

xoxo,

Leah

A Library Dining Room

I'm currently working on a project for a friend, and she wanted to swap her living room and dining room. As a result, her dining room now has built-in bookcases, so we are calling it a "library dining room." I love the look and found some inspiration photos that I wanted to share with you: 

Christina Murphy

Diane Bergeron

Design Manifest

Elle Decor

(Unknown Source)

I love the dual purpose that bookshelves in the dining room achieves, not to mention a nice layered look and a great dinner party conversation starter! What do you think about a library/dining room?

xoxo,

Leah

My dining room - rustic chic idea board

We desperately need a bigger dining room table, and I decided that if we are getting a new table, we need new chairs, and if we get new chairs we need a new light fixture, and if we get a new light fixture then we need new artwork, etc...and voila, a new dining room idea board was created!

Here is what I put together, I call it rustic chic:

I think it is a little bit rustic (table), a little bit glam (chandelier), a little bit organic (ocean photograph and moss), a little bit adult (arm chair) and a little bit kid friendly (acrylic side chair), which all adds up to a simply beautiful dining room for my family and friends!

I will keep you posted on the progress!

xoxo,
Leah
ps - I am happy to provide the sources for this room, just send me an e-mail, simplybeautifulhouseblog@gmail.com.

Accessories - the giant clam shell

I am not much of a knickknack person, my style is simply beautiful. However, my dining/living room is in need of something, dare I say accessories, it is looking a little too plain.  I have been thinking about what might work in this space; a statue, an abstract sculpture, vases, candlesticks etc... nothing I'd thought of was really me or would give the room the right feel. But then, as I was looking at pictures from our last beach vacation and thinking about how much I love summer and the beach, I thought about one of my favorite beachy things, the giant clam shell and realized that's it, it would be perfect for my dining/living room! 

The giant clam shell can be used in virtually any room in a house. Have a look at these inspiration pictures, they are simply beautiful! 

(High Gloss Magazine, Cathy Echols)

(Elle Decor)

(Traditional Home)

(Haynes Roberts)

(Architectural Digest)

I love that the giant clam shell is a natural, organic element, it is sculptural, it has great texture, it has beautiful, understated coloration, it is elegant, a little glam and yet it also has a beachy vibe - just the look I want for my dining/living room! 

I am so excited to have figured out the perfect "accessory" for my dining/living room, now where to buy one of these beauties. Here are a few I have found (high to low).The price range is vast, (I didn't even include the $2,000+ ones I found!) some are real, some are made out of concrete, resin or plaster and they vary a bit in size.  Also, some have a shiny gold interior, that might be a nice extra touch.

Mecox Gardens $695
Shell Horizons $400 (large), $500 (extra large)

Plantation Design $250

Frontgate.com $250 (gold leaf)

Wayfair $242.50

Ballard Designs $129

Pottery Barn $129

Urban Farmhouse $119

Amazon $76.99

Candelabra $72.50 (small) and $147.50 (large)

Zgallerie $59.95 (large), $129.95 (extra large), $149.95 (gold)
Save-on-crafts $49

What do you think about the giant clam shell, chic or kitschy?

xoxo,
Leah

A view from my window - Provence, France

Inspiration can come from just about anywhere! Today's featured picture was taken looking out my window, while I was in Provence, France. I love the subtle variety of pink tones in the roses, and the juxtaposition of the delicate flowers against the hard surfaces of the metal gate and concrete wall. I also like the vibrant green leaves with the sunlight filtering through.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

Leah

Provence, France

Lonny Magazine

A view from my window

Design inspiration can come from just about anywhere. I am starting a feature on Fridays called, "A view from my window," whereby I will take a picture of a view from my window, or please feel free to send me a picture of a view from your window (simplybeautifulhouseblog@gmail.com), and I will find or create a design inspired by that view.


First up is a picture from Amelia Island, FL, where I was recently on vacation, it is a view from my (car) window...


Have a great weekend!


xoxo,
Leah

(A Perfect Gray)