Couch Surfing

A fun little shot from photographer Tim MacPherson.

Hope you have a wonderful, festive Halloween weekend planned.   Whether you're Trick-or-Treating with your little ones or partying it up at an all-night costume bash, please be safe and be smart.

And may I suggest the following entertaining/intriguing/exceptional bits of Internet goodness for post-Halloween-party couch surfing...

Five Half-Assed Halloween Costumes to Thrill and Impress Your Friends.

House Hunting? You'll know you've found yours when these symptoms set in. 

Yum and wholesome: Butternut Squash 25 ways.

When David Calvo juggles *and solves* a Rubik's Cube, your brain flinches. 

Still need some fall-ish decor for your front porch?  Go on a pinecone hunt and make this.

The Paint Doctor is In.  Her book should be a keeper. 

Organize your cards, envelopes and stationery like Benita in nifty upright containers.

Sugared and Spiced Pecans make a great housewarming/hostess gift during the autumnal months.

Want to live in the pages of Elle Decor?  You can if you want to buy any of these homes. 

Cheers,

Whitney

Feeling Hamish

Hamish Bowles' New York and Paris apartments have been gushed over for quite some time on the blogsphere, and for good reason!  These images of his homes in NYC and Paris provide loads of inspiration.  The free use of colorful fabrics, antique artwork, unusual lighting pieces, tailored furniture and well-curated accessories is wonderfully stimulating.  Recently, I've been freelancing with an architecture firm whose work is deliberately restrained with very quiet décor.  Revelling in these images of Bowles' homes today feels like a happy punch in the face to quiet décor!

via Vogue

via Vogue

via World of Interiors

via World of Interiors

via World of Interiors

via World of Interiors

via World of Interiors

Hamish Bowles, European Editor at Large for Vogue.  Isn't he dapper?

Happy Friday!
Cheers,
Whitney

Walking on Art

Hardwood floors are lovely and timeless by standard.  But sometimes they've taken a beating and no longer look their best.  Or maybe you're bored with the boards and want to give some pizazz to your floors.  A great way to enliven a tired or sad wood floor is with paint.

I've done it in 2 separate projects and had amazing results, using exterior paint/deck paint on old wood floors.  Even better, if you have the talent and/or patience, do a design or stencil on the floor for some showstopping results!

via Cottage Living

via AbodeLove

via Coastal Living

via Elle Decor

by Sue Nader via Our House magazine, AU

great stenciled floors in a Mexican botique.  image via DesireToInspire

unknown

cute.  by Pottery Barn Kids

by Dean Barger Studios for Eric Cohler

This is my favorite.   Does anyone know the source of this image?

What a happy, sunny floor makeover!  See this fantastic DIY tutorial here and here with instructional photos by Marzipan Inc of Paisley Wallpaper

Paint your floor, and walk around on your very own art!
Cheers!
Whitney

RL You Listening?

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Ralph Lauren.  He’s more than just a clothing designer.  He’s more than just the Polo shirt.  He’s more than just Dylan (she of the Candy Bar) Lauren’s dad.  Ralph Lauren has been the master of marketing to every aspect of upscale elegant living for over 30 years.  Every seasonal collection is different but so elegant and of supreme design.  Rarely do you see a high end designer produce the number of different looks that Ralph has delivered.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy Awarding Ralph Lauren the Legion d'honneur in 2010. 

image via Town & Country. I find this photo to be terribly cute. 

Call me sentimental, or typical, or preppy, but I love Ralph Lauren Home.  Despite a few bumps and dips (all that heavy Baroque-looking stuff never did it for me) they consistently pump out lovely, livable design.  And I’m all about livable design. 

Be it masculine pinstripes, feminine French, clean & modern, earthy lacquer, Western smart, coastal or country, the designers at RL seem to get it right everytime.

Elegant and chic. Polished and confident.  For years RL's Home line has been setting the bar of high end luxury.  And, let's not forget, brought themselves into the department stores in more attainable bedding and accessory lines, giving more and more consumers the opportunity to enjoy the signature look and opulence of the RL products.

Ralph Lauren and Polo have a strong alumni, designers who began their careers within the RL brand system. 

Thomas O'Brien

Thomas O'Brien

Scott Sanders

Aman & Carson.  image via Elle Decor

Scot Meacham Wood aka tartanscot

Steven Scarloff

I *still* haven't seen the interview Ralph did with Oprah's crew last week.  Raina graciously covered it for Curbed.  I need to see footage of those teepees!  Heading over to Oprah.com...
Whitney