Hey there, Herringbone!

My day-trip to the Biltmore House several weeks ago left me filled with inspiration and a notebook of ideas for Luabell. At the very top of that notebook was "HERRINGBONE" underlined and in all-caps. Herringbone has been popping up all over the place as of late and the Biltmore's entry hall has the most incredible herringbone ceiling, so I felt inspired to highlight a more modern version of this classic pattern ~ herringbone floors! Seen in everything from marble to wood to brick, this trend can be accomplished in a variety of mediums and when done correctly, has a truly stunning effect. 

These thin tiles of striated marble are so divine, they manage to steal focus from everything else in this incredible bathroom.  

Dark and polished, with a hint of wear-and-tear, I fell in love with these floors at first sight. 

I'm not sure how this floor would handle a pot of marinara (cleaning anything out of that grout might be a nightmare), but this floor is amazing/beautiful/marvelous none the less. 

I love the unexpected pop color provided by the emerald tile. This courtyard is the refection of an unique designer's eye and the result is extraordinary. 

This herringbone floor takes this hallway from beautiful to astounding! What a great way to spice up traditional hardwood floors. 

Brick floors in the kitchen again...I think I really like this look?

These thick, black tiles make a daring statement against the white grout and marble blacksplash.  

Okay, so this might not technically be herringbone, but I thought this was a great alternative for those who prefer a more modern look. 

This is a kitchen is the epitome of English Country and it's orange herringbone floors compliment the design to a tee!

Sleeping under Chandeliers

The thought of my mom hanging a chandelier anywhere that isn't the dining room or entryway is absolutely laughable. I use my mom's taste as a benchmark for all things classic, so when I do a post that I know goes against her taste, I always wonder if I will regret it in ten years? On that pessimistic note, my inspiration today comes from some very special lighting ~ chandeliers! Chandeliers have moved far beyond the traditional crystal in the dining room and now can be seen in a variety of colors, shapes, designs and materials. (Just look below!)

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I think special lighting (like a chandelier or fireplace) is the perfect way to enhance the romantic feel of your bedroom. If either of those options feel a little out of budget or maybe you need something more temporary, I would go for candles or twinkle lights.

Emerald City!

I just saw the new movie trailer for Oz and I am sooooo excited. The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies of all time (original, right?) and Wicked is one of my favorite books (and plays!), so it's probably not surprising that Oz is going to be a movie I actually go see in theaters. I digress, however, from today's inspiration ~ the vibrant color of emerald! I am born in the month of May, so I have a natural predisposition towards emerald as a gemstone, but I am really loving it as an accent color in decor right now. I'm not talking earthy, mossy green accents either. I'm talking about lush and energetic green. The kind of green that would make Liz Taylor proud.  Hope you enjoy!

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Dalmatians 101

Did you see how I reversed the title there? I've fallen in love with a new animal print that I didn't even know existed in the interior design world~Dalmatian! I feel a little bit like I'm taking Cruella de Vil's side on everything, but it is such a fresh take on polka dots. (I'm also really into this antelope pattern shown on Sadie + Stella as a cute substitute for polka dots ). Only the truly bold will start with the wallpaper version of this pattern, but I think a quick throw pillow in a dalmatian print would a great addition to any couch.

City Lights: Neon

So, neon is pretty much everywhere right now. I just went into Nike to buy my dad a sweatshirt and I actually had trouble finding something that wasn't neon. I used to think the neon color palette was the worst thing in the world. However, I saw this girl (who I always thought was really cool) rocking a neon cross-body when we were out the other weekend and it stuck in my head. Apparently, now I like neon because I'm drawn to it everywhere. I am pretty close to buying my first neon accessory (starting with a clutch or a belt). I feel like the same goes for design when you're incorporating a trend; start small and see how you like it. It might just be the jolt your room needs?!

Toasted

It's January and I'm cold. I do not want to mislead those who are not from North Carolina, because we have had some beautiful afternoons (today was 65 degrees F), but I'm just always cold. I use my gas-log fireplace almost every night during the coldest months. This has resulted in me being particularly fire-focused the last several weeks and I thought I might share my favorite. I don't think I have a common denominator for any of these designs other than they contain fire, but I choose to find beauty in the diversity.

These pebbles are spectacular. The movement in the stones result in one of the coolest designs I've seen for a fireplace. 

This fireplace's luxurious stone and immense stature give it the presence of a greek statue.  

Ok, so this is an absolute dream. I say a dream, because in reality I have NEVER met a guy that would want to sleep that close to a fire. You will both sweat to death. 

Anytime the words "flood to ceiling marble" are used, it's going to be stunning. 

That is a fireplace that hangs from the ceiling. You would think they could better chairs than bean bags? Maybe I'm just not being open minded...

Haha I love this because, a flat-screen has been incorporated into the design. Yah, because this looks so cool and I think most living rooms have TV's. You don't want to be that family. 

Total pipe dream. I'm not even totally sure I know what *pipe dream means but I think this all-glass fireplace describes it. Pretty neat!  

Totally vintage, probably not the most practical. Who else can see soot everywhere? Although, I'll admit this setting has a ton of charm.

This reminds me of a pizza oven, but in a good way. I am pretty jealous of whatever lucky homeowner snapped up this brick fireplace and herringbone hardwood floors. 

We'll end with a mint-green fireplace straight from the Jetsons. The sleek design prevents the fireplace from blocking this amazing view from any angle.

*A fantastic notion or vain hope