Luxe Love.

Most people often define themselves by a sense of style.
With interiors, this is often done by time periods.
And lots of time, designers brand themselves by this self-definition of their favorite time period of style and taste. So recently, Ive been trying to self-evaluate my own design style and must to my dismay, I have really reached no definite conclusion beyond what is already known-Im supremely eclectic.
Not that this can really come as a surprise, for I have always appreciated bits and pieces from each time period.
Flipping through volume 20 #1 of Florida Design today, I became highly inspired. And the best part about it was that the photos that moved me the most were each from a different design perspectives.
Traditional, tropical, contemporary, eclectic.
Generally, traditional is too stiff for my liking, but this photo spoke nothing but class and elegance.

The tropical breakfast room photo is AMAZING. I am still dying over it. From the custom light fixture to the drapes and chairs...I just love it.

Also in the tropical design section was this photo of a sitting room that I happened to feel extraordinarily happy over.

I think living in a tropical place combined with my natural love of color is what stirs me about tropical style. But not beachy. I do not like beachy. And YES, there is a difference.
I have a sincere appreciation for the contemporary dining space. Clean lines and simple design speak volumes. This dining area just screamed "David Haugen" to me. Utterly chic and simple, yet a strong voice through the design aesthetic.

And then I flipped another page. And it was as if I was staring myself in the face. Well, if my face was a dining room. But this specific dining room just screamed "Jessica Geisen". Electic. Day in and day out. Everything about it is everything I love.

The best part about having a design job is pulling inspiration from everywhere.
Always remember to keep your eyes open and your feelers intact!
xoxo

J.Elaine

tiny treasures.

Ive been in quite the visual mood lately, especially with the routine evolution from summer to fall.
It truly is one of the most beautiful times of the year and I somehow never realized how blessed I was to grow up in a neighborhood where the change and colors of fall are so readily viewed. and o how nice it was to be back home to see it once more...

o i miss my sweet baby angel zeppelin!! he's the best.

"No Spring nor Summer Beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one Autumnal face."
John Donne

-J.Elaine

Appreciation for the new and old.

I have spent my day in Cullman with my family. Enjoying relaxation and food. Lots of food.
As well as lots of appreciation for my parents ever-evolving home.
One of my favorite things about this home, besides the fact that it was my mother's and my childhood home, is that it incorporates new style with old flavor. Slowly but surely it is adapting a contemporary style with traditional elements. One of the reasons I am so proud of the home renovations is because I played a large role in the designation of colors, style, and adaptions throughout the entire first floor. It's a beautiful work in progress...enjoy!

And while I was moving about the house, photographing things I enjoy throughout the space, I came across some "art" I crafted inside one of my old closets when I was a young teenager. My favorite thing about these photos is that the words I scribbled years ago, still ring true to my mantra today...

xoxo
J.Elaine

the sun is always shining.

you just have to choose to find and see it.
last night was a fabulous reminder of making the best of your situation and always choosing to be happy, regardless.
because happiness is a CHOICE.
i see too many people unhappy and discontent, and i too, at times, feel this same way.
but i choose to wake up in the morning and smile, positively striking forth on my day.
id rather make the best of an unpleasant situation than dwell on the fact that everything isnt going my way.
and ive been spending too much time focused on the fact that im not 100% happy or satisfied with being here. but at the end of the day, i fully admit that i live in one of the most gorgeous places on earth. my sunrises and sunsets dont even compare to them anywhere else. the freedom here is unmatched.
and i have just been too caught up in my own discontent to realize what a blessing i have.
its amazing how a simple dinner and night out with some friends can turn everything around.
but im glad it did.
now im just ready to get busy.

J.Elaine