GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAFY

. . . every year at this time, always and irresistibly drawn to dusky neutrals and rich textures -- exposed ceiling beams and washed floorboards, luxe velvet and stacks upon stacks of firewood, always perfectly paired, of course, with glittering chandeliers; and while always quite adored wicker in the summertime, had not imagined how lovely wicker ottomans and armchairs could be in the colder months, next to fireplaces and perfect for apéritifs on chilly & cozy november nights . . .

{p.s.} more wicker:
* summer to autumn
* paint-dipped baskets
* afternoons in the park & here & here
* breakfast in paris

{images: all linen & lavender: 1&3; 2; 4}

. . . far too warm outside to be thinking about fireplaces, but must confess have never really stopped -- {the coziness! and pure romance} -- and this corner fireplace {in the kitchen} is perfect in its rustic elegance and particularly charming . . .

{image: photography by niklas rudfell via solid frog}

. . . nearly time again for transitions, and while the closets are still filled with white and light-as-air summer dresses and strappy sandals, and the heavy blankets are still tucked away, soon there will be soft sweaters and boyfriend blazers -- but for now, still in in love with summer wicker, carefully woven market bags beneath mirrored tables and shell chandeliers in the entryway, warm and rustic dining chairs for sunday brunch, or perfectly stylish baskets and cases with leather fasteners alongside a single ruffled and pooling panel -- and when it's time, pair wicker with stacks of freshly cut wood or vintage wool and mohair blankets to welcome the blustery days of autumn . . .

{p.s.} more autumn inspiration:
* fallen leaves
* countryside picnic
* mustard & gold -- one | two

{also:} more wicker:
* summertime
* paint-dipped baskets
* afternoons in the park & here & here
* breakfast in paris

{images: country home via décor de provence; credits to follow; photography by francois halard for house & garden, june 2004 via the adventures of tartanscot; photography ditte isager for day birger mikkelsen AW 2010 via the style files}

. . . much like cranberry milk, tokyo-based cinq design not only has beautiful photography & styling, but also happens to be positively filled with charmingly rustic things fit for long summer days in provence: lace tablecloths and straw hats, cheese boards, enamel teapots, cookie cutters and wooden spoons, and wicker baskets perfect for those sunlit afternoons among fields of lavender . . .

{p.s.} more at the shops:
* the society inc.
* crucial trading

{also:} more wicker:
* summertime
* paint-dipped baskets
* afternoons in the park & here & here
* breakfast in paris

{images: cinq design via the style files}

. . . already imagining leisurely sipping fizzy drinks poolside, but for now, inspired by the idea of creating a rustic italian martini bar for summertime guests with crisp white linens, antique glassware and charmingly tarnished sterling silver bowls of ice . . .

{images: sunday suppers via the sweetest occasion}

{two lovely things}: time-worn wood tables and ornately carved chairs, smooth driftwood and bits of coral -- always come back to the rustic elegance of warm and woodsy things . . .

{images: 1 - elle decor via greige; 2 - roman and williams via greige}

. . . an undying adoration for the wonderfully ornate -- crown moulding and carved wood, panelled walls and glittering chandeliers and, most certainly and always, all enveloped in soft and hazy spills of light . . .

{image: homes & gardens magazine via brabourne farm}

. . . utterly captivated by the beautiful arrangement of cheeses, baguettes, pears and honey by sunday suppers for martha stewart weddings' the bride's guide and its perfect mix of city sophistication and country charm . . .

{images: photography by karen mordechai for sunday suppers; via snippet & ink}

The beautiful thing about vintage and perfectly rustic pieces is that the chipped paint, tiny dents, and worn places all hold the secrets and stories of another lifetime . . .

{images 1, 2, 4 - marie claire maison; image 3 - via classic style in the city; image 5 - photography by james merrell}

{photography by claire richardson}

Painted the sitting room an elegant gray in early summer, and almost immediately missed the pretty and chalky buttercream walls before the new paint had time to dry . . .

{via flickr}

Of course, am now adoring the new, sophisticated and saturated gray, but every once in a while think about the warm and woodsy tones . . .

{via hoping for happy incidents}

{first published in ideal home july 2008; via house to home}

{via flickr}

{photography by james merrell}

{maison-rêve}

{photography by james merrell}

{via flickr}

{photography by polly wreford}

{Fall 2008 Couture - Anne Valérie Hash - Runway; Irina Lazareanu; Photography by Marcio Madeira; via style.com}

{photography by james merrell}

{via flickr}

{photography by Patrick Van Robaeys for Coté Est}

Never imagined falling for a wood interior, finding the overuse of wood to be, at times, dark and a little out of fashion . . . That is, of course, until I happened upon this beautiful ancien hôtel particulier, a home overflowing with French style in the English countryside, where everything feels comfortable and inviting, and infused with warmth and a wonderful mix of French glamour and English country charm . . .