Really random in Rome

I wasn't prepared for this kind of pretty in Rome the Villa Borghese (Rome's central park) took my breath away. After I found it- it was the only place I wanted to be. Near the Modern art museum.
The flora and fauna in Rome was unexpected, to say the least...Seussian, tropical, with a dash of English garden....who knew?
This guy was Olympic level adorable...I'm in love with an 89 yar old man, and I'm not afraid to say it!
Cappuccino 1,9987.. I took almost all their portraits. I have never been, nor will ever be a crazy cat lady, ah ah ah achoooo...but, I could be a crazy cap lady!
Steam punkish, with an early 1960's backyard BBQ edge? Mad scientist or Mad Men? great store...high end recycleables like rubber band earirings and, I kid you not, the coolest Mother flicking purses with wait for it....car visor closures. You simply flip up the flap to get into your purse .You can check your lipstick in the visor mirror! Fantastico!

When in Rome

The volcanic ash forced us to stay a little longer...no matter...more window shopping!

After all the gaudy churches, I yearned to spot clean lines!

Love this modern kitchen and the romantic in me loves these dishes. I might have to take up pottery just so I can recreate them!

See what happens when I chase the chaise?

Le Photique LOVE Etsy! I mean come on! These are so cheeky! They had an Eames chair as well but I liked these...they also had some cute vintage cameras for all you shutter bugs!

Chasing the Chaise

Have you all seen the Unhappy Hipster? The perfectly pithy site that turns Dwell photos into cartoons? I love it.

I think certain members of our extended family see us this way...unrealistic design... is it so wrong that I won't allow a recliner in my home...I know they're comfortable but so are old sweat pants. Unsightly, lumpy, and probably swimming with dust mites and bacteria...

My philosophy is function over form...most of the time. Really, I just don't want to look like we picked up freebies from the nursing home garage sale. I know Todd Oldham did a series for Lazy Boy but they seemed small and only mildly reclining...

My darling husband has back troubles and my Mother thinks it is cruel and unusual punishment that we don't seem to have a really comfortble chair in our family room for him...she's getting to me!

I know he enjoys the following from Restoration hardware...but his birthday isn't until November. hmmmm
The wheels are turning!
This pic looks a little spare, the actual chaise is quite striking in person and lends itself to that Mountain Modern aesthetic we love so much!
This may be a modern chaise, it may even come in black but it's just ripe for poking fun of, right? The red number looks like it's going to sneak up on your guests after dinner...

bloody brilliant!

Banquette Fun!

+ the following pillows done in this fabric

+ the following fabric upholstered on the whole bench - (minus) the kick pleat - I want dark brown wooden legs, simple, thick, clean.

equals fun!

The sky is the... Lindal!

This is a beautiful Lindal Cedar Home that
we are building in Brown Ranch (between Ridgway and Telluride) the views are stunning. Jack, our project manager, took this shot recently. I think it captures the infinite sky and the connection the home has to the it's unique site quite well!

We are looking forward to building one of Lindal's newest Turkel Designs soon!

And this the other night in Telluride....ahhh beautiful sky!

On a very different note....I saw this today on Made by girl and loved all the shots of this home! The chalk board was brilliant!

Love this post!

MadeByGirl: 3 Men & A Lady Blogger shares her home with us....

Leapin' Liepke, I love it!

As some of you know, my favorite restaurant in Telluride is Cosmo...I have fixated on a Liepke painting in their dining room for several years...well, lucky me! Telluride Gallery of Fine Art had a fantastic exhibit tonight of his latest oils. While some of his colors are somber, which frankly, I am always drawn to...his vivid colors really captured my eye. Juicy limes, peacock blues, fushia and red oozed seduction. His subject matter illuminates the beauty of poetic limbs, and dewy skinned youth. Although sometimes older women strike tragic poses...each painting seems to throb with emotion. It was hard to walk away.

The paintings take your breath away but after you manage to break your gaze you notice the fine modern framing. A bold and thick silver leaf that made me wish I had inquired about where to find it!

Moody Textures

Ridgway moody morning shot out our window
Wintry Moody evening shot with alpenglow
Sunday morning dream! Reading the whole NYT in one sitting!
Like the textures/colors...

photo booth obsession mi casa

My Good friend pointed out that I have a magic little application on my mac called photo booth...ya, ya, I know I'm a late to the party!

I took a few shots of our Ridgway house in the special "sketch feature" love it!

Closeups are better- like the top photo...but still interesting to do larger frame shots...and no, those are not robots watching for intruders to come down the stairs! It's just 2 lamps and an orchid. It does prove the squint idea correct! The squint idea is my room editing tool...what stands out and what is harmonious when you look at a project through an Elmer Fudd lens. When I take portfolio shots I do this to help me rearrange a room for pics- didn't do it here though- clearly!

What I might not be able to justify

40% off at NAU- I have a coat problem!
Might be a little too wintry for my Spring trip...
Maybe I'll buy it for him...I'll wear it until I find him in Florence! My husband will soooo not buy my plan...also where in the world does that fit into my "packing light" scheme.....ah decisions!
Dead sexy though, isn't it?

Small? No! Clean and Efficient Powder Rooms

ASK KB!

Someone asked me just the other day if her tiny powder room could look bigger, cleaner, brighter and more modern- all on a tight budget. I shocked her when I said she could replace and reppaint for under $800! Luckily her sweetheart is handy with a wrench!

All modern Lighting has some amazing sales! This little gem is around 100 smackers!

Several space saving sinks like this waterfall number below can be spotted for under $500 This one is under $300! Overstock, naturally!

"I call this the Of Course You Can" Can! $346.59!! Unbelievable!! This type of bargain makes my heart palpitate!!
Love the multifunction with the "imperfection spotter" built into the mirror! Overstock for under $50! I also suggested "Seacliff Green" by Benjamin Moore!

I Felt the need to share

Honestly, truly inspirational design comes when you see an item and think to yourself either 1. I should have thought of that! or 2. I could totally make that!

My daughter would love a very earthy, natural, woodland like bedroom. this would satisfy my zen craving and her "back to the sticks" look perfectly. Now to construct the bed in a tree scheme!

VivaTerra - Felted Wool Stones

VivaTerra - Convertible 3-Way Dress/Skirt

This will be perfect for my European excursion! I am planning on packing lighter that I have ever gone before!!! I will avoid the hippy dippy necklace though! If you are under 30 it's sassy and quirky but then I think long beads start to look like something you hang your bifocals on...am I off base on this?

Love this company

VivaTerra - Convertible 3-Way Dress/Skirt

Vintage do! denver design

This particular day started with perfect little Dutch babies and good, strong French Press coffee at my fave...Beatrice and Woodsley!

ahh perfect patina!

Sometimes the most rustic things look so modern...this was in a Beaver creek hallway... I love the lines, and how specific it is!
I wish I could remember the name of this particular shop on antique Row! Great placement, clean modern stuff thrown in with the vintage!
Another "do" a rare shot of moi...I think blue is rather becoming. Halloween hi jinx of course.
Latest and greatest acquisition! Love The Black Tulip in Denver!

Before and After Arena

BEFORE!

AFTER!

This riding arena and stables-what a fun project to build! I did zip, zero, zilch in terms of Design. It was all Bridger Construction Services via BridgerHill!

Beautiful door crafted by local artisan Scott Rikkers at Coal Creek Studios

Ladies who Lunch

this was taken a few weeks ago at Alpino Vino...I never get tired of that view!