Dear Debbie,

Please keep this Apartment Therapy post in mind if you ever do decide to buy a vacuum and get some rugs. You think it's a fantastic idea and will probably have forgotten about it. That would not be a good thing.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/how-to-make-a-block-print-rug-using-a-rubber-mat-138526

Kisses,

Debbie

current fave - this kitchen

I really, really like this kitchen and wanted to put it somewhere better than my big folder called "Rooms I Love."  So here it is.  It's from Houzz.  I'm not redoing my kitchen anytime soon (probably never), but if I did, I would use this one as inspiration.

traditional kitchen design by philadelphia architect Felhandler/ Steeneken Architects

I think I'd go with white, black or dark gray counters, but I do like the concept of these (supposedly they're as sturdy as granite but look like glazed pottery).  I also think I'd go with stainless or black or white handles and drawer pulls, but maybe it's funkier IRL.  And I'm not crazy about the yellow & white combo on the solid cabinets.  I would have them all white.

But I'd definitely keep that fantastic copper hood, the glass-front upper cabinets, the brass/gold pendants (love that there are two different designs!) and the cool mosaic-y backsplash.

I found it! I found it!

source

 I found my inspiration room!  I can see myself living in this room.  I can see myself entertaining or just hanging out on the couch.  You know, my actual life, not the one I dream about.

And I can see my living room looking this way.  Not exactly.  White walls won't work in my living room - there isn't enough natural light.  But the graphic green curtains, the mix of turquoise and green and brown.  The overall calm of the room.  It's a room that is a good backdrop to the owner's personality.  It lets YOU shine instead of taking the spotlight for itself.