La La Land

I just downloaded almost a thousand photos this morning from our vacations over the last two years and as the pictures were whizzing by, I remembered how amazing the architecture is at Disney. Now, I'm not really a fan of Disney (they are probably blacklisting my blog as you read this) but they absolutely know what they are doing when it comes to the buildings they erect and the gardens they construct. Here is a tiny sampling...

I'd turn back if I were you

I just wanted to post a few pictures here today as a reminder of this "holiday", seems like such an inappropriate word for a day that creates anxiety in little kids and reminds us of ghosts of the past. Please don't get me wrong, it's one of my favorite days of the year.

Be careful out there tonight...

Where to get the good stuff on Halloween!

I think Halloween is simply amazing. Ringing doorbells at the home of complete strangers and threatening them with a nasty prank unless they hand over a yummy treat is really bold. At the turn of the 20th century and especially later during the depression, people were actually asking for a little morsel on this night, a little pity in extremely tough times. So, it makes sense to hit the biggest and most unique homes. With this in mind, check out some of these incredible historic homes. What the hell would these people be handing out on Halloween?

Happy Halloween Darlings!

Bring on the wild

The amazing variety of wallpaper available today is astounding. There is no way a little blog can even scratch the surface of this design element but I can share a few favs.

This "Deer" paper is exquisite. From afar it probably looks like a beigey abstract but upon closer inspection you see the herd in a kaleidoscope of movement.

This one kills me..."Yeah, so I'm looking for something with Iguanas." The diagonal print, the strangling and wrapping of the flora around him and the insects buzzing about. There's even a bird trying to subdue him. It all just makes it even weirder, which I love.

A little more traditional and I really love the black and the peacock green. I bet this wall really pops.

I love the color combo in this but the fish almost look a little prehistoric to me, a little creepy but from afar the design has lots of movement.

Gorgeous, graphic and Asian = First Place! Thanks to Walnut Wallpaper for these incredible finds. Check them out, you will be wowed.

I'll take the stairs

I always said my last home in life will be a ranch, completely flush with the ground outside. I don't want to have to haul laundry, groceries or anything else over three pounds up or down any more stairs. Retirement is at least 30 years away but I've already had enough of the up and downs. But I know already that I will really miss having a beautiful staircase.

Yeah, in my wildest dreams this is my staircase.

Okay, not my staircase either.

Alright, a far more down to earth staircase that is really cute. A pop of color or pattern that is really fun. I'm guessing this is wallpaper, bet that was fun to install.

I love-love-love this shot. The zebra runner is fab, the "mural" on the landing wall is so clever and you can never go wrong with a creamy and black color scheme.

The floor to (I'm assuming) ceiling gallery combined with the lively pattern of the runner provides so much interest and movement. Not to mention the linear railing, super mod.

This is my favorite. It's like a genuflect on the way up and a curtsey on the way down.

Breaking the rules...you're so naughty BLUE

I have always understood that blue is an appetite suppressant. I know it is a calming color and one of my favorites but using it in the kitchen was considered, for years, to be a no-no. To hell with the rules ~one of our mantras here at Zoe~ and bring on the blue in your kitchen.

This is one of my favs so far. The domestic bliss in this shot is stunning. The blue seems to vibrate or hum with a quiet intensity. Maybe that's where she's getting all that energy from.

Blue and cherry are an amazing combo. It's kitchy, country and mid century mod all at the same time. The tulip chairs are the perfect spot for the pop of cherry. This should give you proof that you should not be afraid to mix complimentary colors.

Again, complimentary colors do the trick here. The wall adds a textural interest and the wooden countertop warms it all up. Now, these chairs...Tolix (I believe), a french company has been making them for years. Beautifully industrial and will outlast you and your family. Worth every dime.

This wall color is a fabulous navy, which is constantly overlooked on the color wheel. The portrait brings a little seriousness to the room but the white, crisp cabinets tell you this kitchen is all about getting the job done. I really like this room but I think it would bring me down after a while. I'd rather see the navy wall in a living room with a white marble fireplace and a gallery of gloomy portraits there.

This kitchen has that whimsical and goofy feeling that keeps moods light and happy. Who wouldn't want a black crystal chandelier in their Tiffany Blue kitchen? Maybe I would enjoy being in the kitchen more if I had one, too!

All Hallows Eve

I love-love-love Halloween! But I'm very particular about my decor. Nothing with blood, nothing that screams, nothing cutesy and nothing gory. I need the Victorian era decorations. They were so caught up in it all, that's why it's so charming. I also like the realistic... skeletons, ravens, pumpkins and tombstones. One of my prized possessions is a paper weight with a black and white photo of a tombstone of the Fox Sisters in Salem, Massachusetts. Amazing. But I want to take the opportunity to share my love of (creepy) taxidermy. OOOH, look at Royal Tennenbaum in the picture below, now that's taxidermy! If you can stomach it, I suggest you get some in your home. It brings nature in and is a daily reminder of our own mortality.

This is an amazing room and I love the shot. A little Goth, a little traditional and a lot of unique crammed into one room. The charcoal wall is a fantastic backdrop to all the animals and antique pieces. The tufted leather sofa also cinches it for me.

Tenenbaum Musings

I was inspired this morning by a piece on Designsponge.com about the interior stylings of the movie The Royal Tenenbaums. It's been described as preppy chic, old school traditional, Victorian bohemian and top drawer mess. I love it. I even devoted a column here called "Movies to watch for the set design" and Tenenbaums is right there.

One of my favorite rooms in the home is the game closet where many family meetings are held. You can almost smell the cardboard. The house is such a predominate player in this movie, standing up to it's brilliant all star -and I mean all star- cast.

Thoughts on purple?

How does purple make you feel? Wealthy? Sexy? Secure? Or is it a little off to you (like it is to me)? Does it make you feel immature? Uneasy? Antsy?

However... I love this room! Taxidermy and the settee...delish. I also love the large scale wallpaper, so top drawer.

Okay, this is way more pink but there are lavender hues. I adore this for a girl and nothing's better than a pretty powder room. Now I really want a high gloss pink door! Plus my life's mantra is on the wall... Thanks to Elle Decor for the fab pics!

Distracting Office!

How's this for an amazing office space?! I love all of it, especially that light fixture. Extremely creative and functional. The bookshelves are slightly askew and that would drive me out of my mind but besides that, I think it's very impressive. I love the repetition of objects in the room, almost rhythmic. The brushes, the lamps on the ceiling, the books and the "circles" on the wall. Over and Over and Over. Also, pay mind to the mirror in the center as it expands the space and gives you even more repetition with the image of that amazing light fixture. Thanks to the peeps at Trendland.com for the pic!