It has been a long time since I went rummaging through the website pages of my favorite designer Mariette Himes Gomez of Gomez Associates. Thank goodness, I had this random urge to see if the site had been updated because I discovered some beautiful new projects. In particular this beauty, known only as Candela Duplex, which I am going to assume is somewhere in New York. 

This is really Gomez's signature style; crisp white and the warmest almost golden woods. Don't even try to mimic this yourself, because it won't work. There is genius behind the paint finishes, the trim details, the placement of art and and antique furnishings and the styling of shelves. It's layers and layers of hand picked simple and elegant style. The living room above actually has a paint application on it designed to look like wood, how brilliant.  Below, in my dream dining room,which of course, should be used as an office, a beautiful dining set.  Anywhere else, it might look tired,  but here it sits perfectly with a crisp and clean backdrop.

 This kitchen is everything! In a world where everyone is painting cabinets navy blue, and yellow and green.  Gomez opts for rich walnut, a fresh take on the all white kitchen. A few images below, the most delightful master bedroom. Staying true to her paired down roots, all white, nothing overstated, but a beautifully crafted iron canopy bed, and antique chest and standing clock.  

I will leave you to explore the rest, but I tell you, I have got some serious home envy.

We are planning the most incredible trip this summer, and I am completely overwhelmed and excited about it. We are taking a full 4 weeks to travel far off to the other side of the world.  We start in Japan, rest in Maldives and wrap up in Spain. I have been planning itineraries, making lists of things to do, what to pack, where to eat, and how to manage it all with a family. But you know, something tells me it's all going to work out.

Since we aren't really city folk, one of the highlights for us is spending a week in Kyoto. It has all the charm of an ancient city, it's surrounded by lush greenery, and it won't be nearly as packed as Tokyo.  There is a bamboo forest to explore, beautiful temples and gardens, museums, and theatre, and food, so much food to eat!  So here is a little Kyoto teaser, for me and for you. I am sure I will have plenty to report when I get back. 

Happy Friday. I have got a mid-century inspired furniture fix to kick off the weekend.  I have been obsessing over green and gold of late, especially when it comes to sofas.  It's no surprise that green green is my favorite colour, wherever it falls on the spectrum. But lately,  it's been super exciting to see green make a comeback, in cabinetry, painted furniture and upholstery.  So here is a little living room inspiration.

1. Lacuna by Sarina Diakos

I love a great abstract painting, and artist Sarina Diakos has a collection of the most colourful paintings, originals or prints. I selected this particularly moody one for it's organic and earthy feel, to compliment this mid-century inspired room. 

Hold Course

Stumbling on a painting by Tracie Cheng is like falling in love with the opening paragraph of a new book. Only now, the story is yours to dream up. I am not sure if the images are those of a life unraveling or coming together. Is it a beginning or an ending?  I only feel an organic transition, and the cusp of change. Either way, what perfect inspiration to kick off a New Year.

Naturally,  I had to dig into this artists life, and I was lucky enough to find a blog called Canvas, and a feature called Inside the Studio, that answered some great questions. I wasn't surprised to learn that much of Tracie's inspiration comes from natural phenomenons. However,  I was delighted to read that this all started with a love of topographical maps. Yes, maps! All those beautiful intricate lines, creating depth and dimension.  

Hop over to Canvas if you care to read a little more about Tracie, but more importantly, hop over to Tracie's site, to explore some more of these beautiful works.

Always Waiting