Lovely Links - Bookcases

Recently, a fellow BYW alum and author of Heartfire At Home posted an invitation to join in a Lovely Links party. This week's theme was bookcases, inspired by her love of books. Since I share this particular passion, I thought I'd play along by digging up a couple of my favorite bookcase photographs from years past. Enjoy! (And maybe even play along?)

My Creative Environment


This bookcase no longer resides in this particular spot in my home, but I still love this image. The light streaming in from the dining room, the colors...

An Heirloom


This gorgeous china cabinet is what replaced the bookcase in the first photo. It originally belonged to my maternal grandparents. When clearing out their house after my grandfather's death, none of us wanted to part with this beautiful piece of furniture, though none of us needed a china cabinet either. We decided to part with it, but at the last minute I changed my mind. I'm so glad I did, because it makes a stunning bookcase, and I'm able to remember my grandparents every time I see or use it.

Do any of your books or bookcases have a story behind them?

Inspired by - Michelle of Design Evolution

I've met so many wonderful people through this wide world of the internet. Fellow photographers, artists, artisans, bloggers, gardeners, designers... you name it! Today I'm happy to share with you an interview with the lovely and talented Michelle of Design Evolution. She is a fellow Blogging Your Way alum, and was recently featured on decor8's new "My Favorite Things" series.



Without further ado, let's hear from Michelle!

When did you first get interested in Interior Design?

It feels like I've been interested in interior design since birth but it's probably more realistic to say I got into it sometime around middle school. It was then that I met a friend of my mother who was an interior designer and I learned that you could actually make a living out of making a person's home pretty. At 15 I had what I would assume is a rather strange hobby for a high schooler. I would go through the Ikea catalog over and over pretending I was furnishing my first apartment. I would make lists of everything I needed and figure out how much it would all cost. Other times I would start with a made up budget and see what pieces I would be able to afford. The next year when a new catalog arrived in my mailbox I would start all over again.

How did you get started blogging?

I started blogging because I felt I needed a creative outlet. Though I've I had an interest in interior design for some time my full time job is actually in the environmental consulting field. Working a 9 to 5 in a cubicle maze can feel stifling to a creative person so blogging keeps me connecting to other creative people with similar interests. It's wild that people have actually started to read what I write and that artistic professionals have started to contact me to promote their work.

What one piece of advice would you give someone who's redecorating a room in their home?

Take your time! Resist the temptation to walk into Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn or where ever and just purchase an entire room display because you feel like the room should be done as soon as possible. Instead spend some time flipping through shelter mags and catalogs from different stores. Get a good feel for which rooms make you feel the most comfortable and what individual pieces would make you happy to see in your home. Hold out until you find the perfect pieces. It may take more time to pull the entire room together but the end result will be a place you are happy to come home to.

Do you have any specific advice for someone looking to pick wall art for a room?

No more specific that if you love it will work. If you'd like to have an eclectic mix of art work on one wall the easiest way to make it work is to keep all of the frames similar and simple. It will keep the arrangement from looking chaotic.
Do you have a favorite room in your home?

Right now my favorite room is my bedroom because it's the most complete room in the house. It's also pretty simple and relaxing (as a bedroom should be).



Describe your dream home.

Oh boy, I could probably go on forever and then change my mind next week because my taste tends to be a bit schizophrenic. Currently I'm lusting after one of the older homes (late 1800's or early 1900's) in my neighborhood. I'm not tied to one specific style just an older home with great architectural details still intact but in need of a lot of love. I'm dying for a long term project that would be restoration that renovation. I would also love a home that I could take my time fixing up because I don't plan on moving out of it for an very long time.

Finally, what are your top 5 favorite blog reads?

I read way too many blogs daily, many of those decor/design blogs but I tried to pick 5 with varied content. You probably won't be surprise to here that Decor8 is in my top 5. It's one of the first blogs I started reading and still one of my favorites. Plus Holly is the biggest doll ever. Dooce is absolutely hilarious and I'm in awe of her ability to take any mundane event and make it insanely interesting to read about. The Brick House is so fun and you can tell she is really writing in her own voice, plus her living room is gorg, My Milk Toof is the sweetest little blog I've ever come across, if you've never heard of it please go check it out. Finally Dress, Design, Decor is just fabulousness on a daily basis, love the mix of fashion, interiors, and design.



Check out Michelle's blog, Design Evolution, to see her beautiful product features and room inspirations, or to get help developing your very own custom mood board!

(images courtesy Design Evolution)

Five on the 5th - Bloggers

First off, a little shout out to Puebla, Mexico - ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Up until this year I thought that Cinco de Mayo was Mexico's Independance Day. I was wrong. Mexican independance is celebrated on September 16. May 5 is the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla.

Frankly, this makes me even more confused as to why so many folks in the U.S. (those who aren't of Mexican descent at least) celebrate Cinco de Mayo. But you know, as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, I very much approve. Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's day, so why not be Mexican on Cinco de Mayo? It is pretty amazing to live in such a rich cultural stew as the United States.

Anyway, I'll get back on track. Since it's the 5th, I'd like to share with you five bloggers I've gotten to know recently through the amazing Blogging Your Way class led by Holly Becker of decor8.


BYW Badge created by Holly Becker

LuxeEarth - http://luxeearth.blogspot.com/
Robin Beth shares tons of eco-friendly tips and information, "green" eye candy galore, and glimpses into her life as a stationery designer.

Saídos da Concha - http://saidosdaconcha.blogspot.com/
Constança (aka Concha) is a talented sewing artist from Lisbon, Portugal. Her blog is full of pretty clutches, dresses, and fabric. Her words are shown in both Portuguese and English, making for a rich cultural experience.

When I Grow Up - http://whenigrowupcoach.com/blog/
Life Coach Michelle challenges her readers to look within themselves and grow as human beings. With her cheerful energy, she gives tips and insights on how to get where we want to go.

eLIZabeth Floyd Studio - http://elizabethfloydstudio.blogspot.com/
A talented painter, Elizabeth shares her journey, having taken the plunge and become a full time artist. She also shares images of her beautiful work.

fresh365 - http://fresh365.blogspot.com/
Aside from loving the name of this blog, I love the motivation. The author lives in an area where unhealthy eating is common, and is making a difference through her blog. In a beautifully simple format, she offers mouthwatering recipes using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.

There are so many more talented folks in the class - these are just a sampling. I do hope you'll check out the links and leave a little reader love for these wonderful folks!