What Just Happened?!

I'm not quite sure what has happened over the last three weeks but it's all a little fuzzy. It's not even December yet and I'm behind already. Time to make a fresh master list, brew a big ass pot of coffee and get crackin'.

Paint it all!

Today was a rainy, gloomy day and it reminded me that a long winter lies just around the corner. I get very antsy in the winter and I desperately need plenty of projects. One of my favorites is painting furniture. A new coat of high gloss paint, some new hardware and you have a brand new (to you) piece. I love the idea of applying molding to furniture and it works wonders on a plain door or hell, even a wall. Start thinking about some of these projects now because after the Holidays are over, you'll be ready to take on a new project that does not involve a Christmas theme. Check out some of these...

My absolute fav! Don't paint the piece, paint the wall. I love the dimension it brings and it's so unexpected..

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!