Stair systems can be pretty standard. Rise, run, railing - end of story. But that doesn’t have to be the case. The following images illustrate how a staircase can contribute to the interest and character of a home.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Last but not least, metal is also trending strongly these days. Another classic element to design, metal is great for adding variety, sophistication, and a touch of sparkle to a space. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, but be mindful that different finishes may support or conflict with the character or vibe of a room.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

I love le Tour de France. Honest to goodness, it’s true. I’m not sure my fiance is entirely convinced, though. He thinks I’m merely tolerating his obsession for the sport, but I’m totally into it. Not only are these athletes the definition of hardcore with ridiculous endurance, but the race covers one of the most lovely countrysides imaginable. I love listening to Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen, and the endearing antics of Bob Roll. I love exploring flowering European fields, cobblestone villages, and sprawling estates of incredible architecture. Dreamy… And then there is the excitment and drama of the race!!!! Love it!

Source: here, here, here

There are some qualities to a house that really make you just fall in love with it. Windowseats do that to me for sure. Check out these fantastic snuggle-up-with-a-book-or-maybe-just-daydream places.

Pinterest Sources: Nicole Cammaert, Anne Leonard, Laura Wojtys, Rhonda Stephens, Emily Ketchum, Erika Schick, Patrick Moran

Talk about amazing… Recently I had the pleasure of meeting a very talented woman with a remarkable home. Miss Kandi has a fantastic eye, not just for decorating, but the architectural details as well. Between her creative vision and her husband’s proficiency in carpentry, there is little they cannot accomplish. Perhaps my most favorite feature of their 1904 home is the kitchen’s fireplace (bottom right), followed closely by the second set of stairs, which would have been originally used by the house staff.

Thank you again Miss Kandi!

This is one post subject I will have to revisit again - and soon! I found SO many fabulous fireplace images, I couldn’t possibly share them all in one sitting. Which style do you like best?

Another detail that can add a lot of character to a room or home are the doors. It would be easy to play it safe in this regard, but look how fun it can be to step outside the box!

This is a fun post I started a while back… Stairs are one of those structural details that doesn’t have to be boring. Just see for yourself!

When it comes to Art Deco, the word GLAMOUR says it all. A middle ground for modernism, Art Deco was geometric, streamlined, super sleek and sexy. This style occurred during the financial boom of the 20s-30s, but was short lived because of WWII. Examples of Art Deco architecture include the Chrysler Building, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, and hotels in NYC as well as Miami.

Characteristics of Art Deco include: rounded silouettes, glossy exotic woods, sunbursts, chevrons, zigzags, shiny metals, mirrored furniture, bling, bling, and more bling. Think Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Think flapper girls. Think King Kong. Think the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz.

Moving right along… Art Nouveau. Considered avant garde for it’s time, this style is an exaggerated expression of lines in nature. Nothing slow, straight, or simple here! Art Nouveau is intricately detailed with curling tendrils, stylized flowers, dragonflies, butterflies, peacocks, and women with flowing hair. The whiplash lines common to this style remind me of wildflowers dancing in the wind. Art Nouveau became especially popular in decorative arts such as metalwork, glass, jewelry, etc.

I love the complexity of this style, in moderation. Creating an entire room or house might feel too much like living in Rivendell (Lord of the Rings). What do you think?