Photography // Steve Back, Hutt Lagoon

Just.

Completely unreal.

Steve Back Photography

Sidenote: Did anyone else see that Google Reader will be no more after July of this year?! What the whaaaaaa? I am going to have to start preparing now. If you don't follow BIA via Facebook, Bloglovin or Twitter (dah - you obviously should be), how do you follow? Please share since many of us will be seeking out and/or accommodating new methods!

Home Decor // Loving Lately

rug // chandelier // bolster pillow // lamp // sofa // horn tray // cocktail table // dining table

Monday Blues // 26

Apologies for the little hiatus last week. Things be gettin busy around here! This week is shaping up to be much the same.

You may have seen out there in the blogsphere that one of those things keeping me busy (mostly praying to Mother Nature for some actual spring weather) is the upcoming Home Depot Patio Style Challenge. I'm excited to be participating this year, and have lots of plans for pulling our patio together at lightning speed once we're able.

Since right now our patio looks like a lotta this, we have a way to go. I'm excited to see what these other fine folks put together as well! You can see our collected inspiration on the Style Challenge Pinterest board.

As I've been pulling inspiration of my own, I've realized that I am very much about the casual, weathered old world garden look. (A la half of Arch Digest's outdoor gallery.)

Architectural Digest

But I'm also all about bright, lively and modern outdoor rooms like these.

1 // 2 & 3 // 4

Ultimately, my recipe for success is comfort, style and lots of potted plants. Probably some turquoise.

Now if we could just get the weather to turn so we can get the patio furniture out, we'll have a good start.

Happy Monday!

Monday Blues // 25

Eric Linebarger Photography for Because It's Awesome

Dining room snippet. Woop!

Happy Monday!

Color // Play with Your Food

For those of you that need an afternoon pick-me-up, I couldn't help but repost the fun when I came across dschwen's Pantone food pairings. What a clever idea! This reminds me fondly of a bridal shower some of our dear friends threw when Eric and I were getting hitched. Each guest was prompted to say what we "go together like" on their very beautifully designed invite. All of the cards were read aloud, which made for some fun and also raised a few red flags for our chips and salsa obsession. Guess we aren't very good about hiding our dinner choice of champions (still going strong, too! we ate it last night). ha!

dschwen's instagram via designlovefest (Bri always find the coolest stuff, doesn't she?!)

Care to share your favorite food combo?

Monday Blues // 24

Happy Monday, party people! We're coming off of a brutal winter storm, the second phase of which is fast approaching later today. Mother Nature and I are going to fight. Enter transition . . .

Today, we should talk about John Legend. Did you guys know that I'm pretty much obsessed with his music? Coincidentally, Eric and I listened to one of his albums on repeat in the early stages of our relationship and even had our fist dance to one of his many spectacular songs (it was I Will Stay With You, if you're curious).

Turns out, Mr. Legend has bragging rights on his gorgeous Hollywood Hills abode as well. Just as smooth, laid back and uncomplicated as his sound (and looking mighty fine in anticipation of spring, I might add!).

House Guest // Mimosa Lane

I've never actually met her, but I feel like it's pretty safe to say that today's House Guest, Albertina, is one of the sweetest girls you'd ever meet. And I'm not just saying that because she said the nicest things about BIA in her intro below. She also has super great taste and can decorate a guest room like a boss (yes, I'm using Kid President's lines like nobody's business). And, clearly, she knows a thing or two about color. Without further ado . . .

. . . . . . .

Morning!  I'm Albertina from Mimosa Lane.  I can't tell you how excited I am to be Tobe's House guest of the week.  I'm truly honored as I am and have been a huge fan of Because It's Awesome for quite some time.  My home is surrounded by color, from pink fuchsia curtains to purple walls.  But for color to look its best there has to be some rhyme and reason to the color combinations for them to look right and beautiful.  This is why I want to talk to you all about coming up with winning color combinations.  I'm no interior designer but do know my way around a color wheel and can tell you it is very helpful.  By using different color schemes you can come up with that perfect palette you have been dreaming of.  It just boils down to the relationships between colors.  Here we go!

These are just some color schemes.....there are quite a few more.  To some people it might seem random that a designer adds a throw of a certain color, but most of the time its all perfectly planned.  What are your favorite color combinations?  Do you have a go-to color formula?

[ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]


Thanks, Albertina!

* Come back later today for the Annawithlove giveaway winner! *

Want In Every Color // 04

Pretty sure I'd be okay with a stack of these on my desk at all times.

Urban Outfitters

Last day to enter the Annawithlove Photography giveaway!

Art // Leif Shop

Came across Leif Shop's new art section recently.

It's a really beautiful collection overall, but I am especially taken with these Britt Bass pieces!

Monday Blues // 23

I post a lot of blue dining rooms. Truth be told, I gravitate towards blue for just about everything. It's my color, I suppose. Remember those built-ins in the formal? I've been thinking about painting those out, and guess what color pops into my head again and again? And I can't wait for it to warm up so we can paint the door to the garage a bright . . . blue.

Except not. I'm trying really hard to get away from this, as I know that we can't live in an entirely blue house, but it's just such a great color!

At least Monday Blues lets me live in all of the blue spaces I want. ha!

Design Sponge

Does anyone else have a go-to color that won't quit? You know I won't judge.

Monday Blues // 22

It's been two weeks. Cue obnoxiously gorgeous blue dining room.
Do you not want to lick those walls and ceiling??

Veranda

Monday Blues // 21

Well, it's Monday again. Not sure how I feel about that. I really could have used one more day in my weekend. But since we're here, might as well admire this space designed by Laura of Gracefully Searching, hmmm? I can barely handle the pale turquoise of that rattan etagere! I've been thinking about it ever since.

Gracefully Searching via Sadie and Stella

I'd been feeling gray for G's dresser, but am now considering going with something like this against her dark purple walls instead. How gorge would that be? More lovely shots of this space here.

Want in Every Color // 03

My spring wardrobe (yes, I know we're not there yet) is going to need some serious updates, and I'm all over button down blouses that you can dress up or down with almost zero effort. Casual day? Wear it with statement stud earrings, boyfriend jeans and flats. Need a look that can go from day to night? Pair it with a chic skirt or white flares (love these!) and simple heels. Going out? Get it with some bangin earrings (technical term) or a statement necklace, leather pants (affordable version, dah), clutch and heels that bring the hotness. I mean, a classic top that comes in this many colors should be a staple in any girl's closet, no?

Signature Equipment Blouse

Monday Blues // 20

It's Monday, ya'll! For once, I'm actually kind of ready. Last week rocked, so I'm looking forward to seeing if this week can do the same. Or, hey, if it's in the mood to top the last 7 days, I'm certainly game.

Today's Monday Blues shot is going to shock you . . . Hey! It's another blue dining room! How does this keep happening? I don't know for sure, but I'm going to guess it has something to do with the fact that we just painted ours a very similar hue. Only ours has WICKED painted out trim and is going to look ridiculous once we hang a proper chandy and get things all dressed up.

In good time.

 McGill Design Group

Last Friday, I put together an Inspired By post that apparently didn't save. Here are a few of the highlights without the pretty pics:

1- Crazy inspired by my girl, Meg, and her new Manifesto line!!!! Cannot WAIT to see this collection as it rolls out each month. And, yes, that is her own amazing handwriting. Don't even call that shiz a font.

2- LOVED reading The Everygirl's Jamie Meares interview. I'm not really one to gush over people publicly, mostly because I think it's gross, but I admire Jamie on so many levels and this interview just demonstrates (yet again) how down to earth, loaded with talent and inspiring she is. The ultimate triple threat!

3- Really, Kimberly? First shot at painting since high school? Be serious. Me wants. Also, that bar is too full. I can help you with that. We can drink out of those pretty little gold rimmed glasses and discuss composition like we're sophisticated.


And just a bit of housekeeping . . .

1- If you follow BIA via Google Reader, you might be happily delighted to see that I've decided to enable full post viewing again. Or maybe you don't give a shit? I don't know. While this goes against everything I've learned about improving official traffic numbers, I have to admit that it drives me insane to have to click out and I've given up on a few blogs myself because of it. So, in the interest of maintaining maximum levels of awesome, there ya go.

2- I knoooooooooow that I keep pumpfaking about showing house updates here. I honestly have every intention of doing so. But it is winter and my daylight hours are scarce and the last thing I care about doing on my precious weekends is styling my house to shoot it unfinished. Sooooo if you really want to see shots of mi casa, I do a pretty good job of posting progress pics on Instagram (@tobe_reed) so follow me there. This is not me, trying to boost my Insta following. I'm just trying to give the people what they want. (And my house just got 20 years younger by going from deep gold to a foxy Parisian gray in the family room, and me thinks you want to see that biznass.)

3- Also, I jumped right on that Vine bandwagon. You?

3- I have big. ass. news to share with you guys very soon!!!!!!!!! And I hate it when people do the whole "exciting news but you have to wait for it" business, but I just cannot contain myself. Major news. Soon.

Whew. That's a lot of words. You still reading?

Happy Monday, playas!

Artist // Marcel Christ

Master of still life photography, seems Marcel Christ can make anything look like art.

Check out these amazing pigment explosions!

 Marcel Christ, spotted via Good Design Makes Me Happy

Monday Blues // 19

STILL looking for that perfect set of dining chairs. Damn my poor person budget constraints! Why can't the Craigers gods send me a set of these?? I love the look and durability of that leather (which would prob be vinyl for our house.....)

Maison Luxe

Monday Blues // 18

Doesn't a lazy brunch right here sound amazing on this Monday morning?

via

I think so, too.

Artist // Simon Birch

I stumbled across the beautiful work of Simon Birch recently. Quite smitten.

The Things That Keep Me Alive Keep Me Alone

I mean, who wouldn't want a portrait like this?

Stabbaticalar

Realism with a touch of abstraction.

 Snowblind

Monday Blues // 17

Well hello!

I hope this finds each and every one of you on the backside of full holiday splendor. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! and all of that good stuff. After a little responsibility and blogging hiatus, I'm back in full swing and ready to tackle an amazing new year! I have a feeling 2013 is going to rock my world. How about you?

Nothing like the Monday Blues to kick things off, eh? I've long been in love with this space by designer Ashley Whittaker. I die for the texture of the grasscloth, the coordinating trim, the gold accents, layering of pattern, those lampshades!!!!, and the glorious sofa piping detail. Dramatic, quirky and expertly polished. I would be very very happy in this room, I tell you. Very happy.

Ashley Whittaker via House Beautiful

Monday Blues // 16

Holiday edition, yo! Merry Christmas Eve to those of you celebrating today!!

Aerin Lauder's home, photos by Francois Holard for Vogue

I know most of us have seen this one before, but girl gets it DONE with that bold blue on the walls.