Random...who me???

You know in all those personality tests that you take, where they put you in groups with funny names or colors to cateogize how you think? 

I'm always in the random group.  I'm not a straight-line thinker.  Some people are more kind and say I'm "global-thinking".  I think that's a nice way of saying I'm all over the place! 

I think it just means I like things to be more asymmetrical than symmetrical. 

Asymmetrical arrrangements are so much more interesting, don't you think? 

We all know the odd number rule in grouping objects...3...5...7  etc....It's anything goes for the most part.  Things in an asymmetrical arrangement don't have to line up or match or hang straight. 

Asymmetry is full of angles and geometry (Not my favorite subject, BTW)

But when I see pairs of things....

....I feel like I need to stand up straighter, check my manicure and wear pantyhose.  Symmetry is just so much more formal!

Debra Geller, Interior Designer

This is a beautiful room, great design, contemporary colors and a little stiff for me.  I'm having a hard time seeing myself hanging out on these chaises. 

Me in one.....Big Henry in the other?

I don't think so.

Eventhough the materials in this foyer, like the distressed wood, worn basket and the painted finishes, are more casual, it still presents with that more refined feel. 

I surprise myself at times by loving matching pairs.  Two beautiful antique settees....sigh....aren't they wonderful?   How many other pairs do you see here?   (It's like playing "Where's Waldo")

This really is a mirror image!  With the exception of the accessories on the nightstand, symmetry is EVERYWHERE !  and how pretty it is.

But don't you  just want to mess up the bed a bit?

Single objects and a few accessories break up the symmetry a little bit, making this great room feel a little more friendly and casual.

I just love these turned wood lamps....I'll take two!

Two, Two, Two of most everything, and then throw in all the squares and it's a symmetrical wonderland.  Are you seeing double yet?

I love the color palatte of green and lavender.

I know everyone in blogland has presented this photo, but it's just a perfect example of a balanced arrangement.  This REALLY is a mirror image....down to the small florals on the nightstands.  Thank goodness for the hat!

So, random or linear....where do you fit in.

You artsy types, don't lie!

What a girl wants

I have a bad habit of going to sleep with the TV on, and the other night, I woke up and the movie "What a Girl Wants" with Mel Gibson was on. 


 I began to think about what I want....I'm still a girl after all. 

I like to visualize my ideal house and what I would want it to look like, so for now (because you know it might change later!), these are some must haves for me in my dream home.

Space!.....I want space...inside and out. 

This would do. 

Hey!  I'm dreaming here!

I need trees.  I want to look out my kitchen window and see a rolling hill or two.

or a canopy of beautiful trees.

After all.......

 Henry-Big Dog needs a great yard to run in.

I want a glorious lanai for spending time outdoors with friends and family.  It will have all the amenities of indoors...ceiling fans for the Texas summers and a fireplace for chilly fall evenings. 

Of course, it will be stylish and chic!

Design by Garden Structure

An outdoor kitchen is a must complete with a pizza oven for the grands....

...and the privacy of this saltwater pool and hot tub for me!

Where's my glass of wine??

Are you dreaming with me??

Let's go inside.

I want a great room.....and I mean a GREAT room!

Interior designer, Cathy KIncaid for House Beautiful

I love this room.  The stone work brings the feeling of history to the space...so warm and inviting.  I'm not usually a "blue" person, so I might choose a different decor...like this...

Riverhills showhouse for Southen Accents - Library

or this......

Anchor woman, Jayne McGarry's great room, photographed for D-Magazine.

Ken Blasingame, Interior Designer.

Or even this.

I find this room inviting too.

Image courtesy of Elle Decor

I think this is very eclectic...modern, yet elements of traditional styling.

I like that the sofas are dark because of this....

Like most of the clients I design kitchens for, I want an open concept greatroom/kitchen combination.

The Southern Accents Riverhills Showhouse had the most wonderful kitchen and keeping room.

I might prefer something a little more open to the  family room.

private client, Sally J. Designs

private client, Sally J. Designs

Stay tuned for more dreaming in my next post.  I think I'll dream about dinner parties and dining rooms.  Won't you be my guest?

I want it ALL !

I guess those of us who go into design as a full time occupation (obsession) are going to be conflicted.  After all, if you love "design - the process" as I do, you can appreciate good design in any room style.  I have decided that I need at least 3 homes, maybe 4, to design for the schizophrenic that I am.  I have settled for being "eclectic"  because that's the only way I can live with all the things I love.  I am lucky that I have a studio space as well, and I have been able to design it to suit my more transitional tastes.

I thought it might be fun to dream about the other spaces I'd love to live in.

There's the Sally who loves a French country kitchen, resplendent with the colors of Provence...rich reds, oranges, bold yellows and pumpkin shades....filled with chic, well-loved-over-centuries-old "stuff" and even a chicken or two.

Then there's the cabin in the woods that I dream of.....just a precious place to go for a weekend to relax, do a little gardening, and maybe knit a new hat for the grandboys.  It's a place where Henry can go outside without scaring anyone and find rabbits to chase while I watch him from my hammock.  Anyone want to join me!

This one's in Vermont...a little far for a weekend retreat, but lovely!

  This is Heny, Big Dog.

When I'm feeling more "designer-y"  I go for a much more edited space.  I really love the spaciousness of high ceilings, restful colors and clean-lined furnishings like this living room designed by Jack Wettling and featured in Metropolitan Home

One of my favorite styles is really the process of design.  I love to build things, rebuild things and be responsible for a whole project. 

Take it down to the studs and I'm a happy girl.

Well, that's four, and I still have several to go....shabby chic, whimsical, maybe even a little Moroccan influence....guess I'll just have to do another post!

What's your favorite mix of design styles?  Please share because it might jog my memory of something else I love.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.