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I have a fascination with foyers, probably because my house doesn't have much of one. There's a small pony wall and column to separate the entry from the living room, but no space at all for any sort of furniture or even a mirror for a last makeup check before heading out the door. We have coat hooks (very handy this time of year), but I long for a bench or a pretty chest where I could stash a few running-out-the-door necessities, especially a sticky roller for removing dog hair.

Entry No. 3 here makes me swoon, but it's more than I could ever hope for:

Readers' Choice: The 10 Most Popular Entryways of 2012

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Lighting on Houzz- For Example:

Ceiling Fans · Chandeliers · Floor Lamps · Kitchen Lighting And Cabinet Lighting · Lamp Shades · Light Bulbs · Table Lamps · Wall Sconces ·

And, of course, the organization in No. 2 is insane. What's your favorite entryway?

Dining Room Drama

My dining room update is moving along, slowly but surely. I found the perfect curtains. Well, almost perfect. They're a bit short, so I need to either move the rod down or add some trim to bottom of the panels—probably the ladder.

So with that in mind, here are some of my favorite dramatic dining spaces.

Source: sacramentostreet.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: inspirebohemia.blogspot.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: room269.tumblr.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: luxeandlillies.blogspot.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: theglitterguide.tumblr.com via Beth on Pinterest

Animal Skin Rugs: Tired or Trendy?

I subscribed to Metropolitan Home for years (until it went away with other beloved magazines, victims of the Internet and a bad economy). I loved the warm modern style the magazine showcased. But one thing I found maddening was the ubiquity of Saarinen tulip tables. Evey issue had at least one—dining tables, side tables, marble-topped tables. Toward the end there were tulip tables in just about every home tour, three or four per issue.

Now, don't get me wrong: I love the simplicity of a Saarinen table and the fact it looks just as good in a modern space as in a more traditional setting. It just started to become a cliché, and I found myself cringing every time I saw yet. another. one.

Which brings me to the subject at hand: hide rugs.

Decor Pad via The Simply Luxurious Life

I can hardly open a design magazine or read a blog post lately without seeing yet another hide run. Cowhide, zebra—you name it. While I like the organic shape of a hide, I'll admit I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea of decorating with dead animals (my leather Eames-style lounger notwithstanding!). But that's not what I'm objecting to (faux animal hides are all over the place, too). I guess it's just starting to seem rote and unimaginative.

So what do you think: Are animal skin rugs passé or here to stay? Am I just being a crank? And did the person who designed this room want to drive me over the edge?

Dream House in the Hills

I know it's been around for a while, but I just ran across this gorgeous Hollywood Hills home via coco+kelley, and I'm officially obsessed.

                                                                            Source: magazinec.com via Beth on Pinterest

From the neutral color palette punctuated with shots of bold color to the big windows that let in all the glorious LA sunshine, this home has me written all over it. And then there's the location. It's no secret that I covet a house in the hills.

                                                                      Source: livecreatingyourself.com via Jacquie on Pinterest

Every detail is perfect.

                                                                                Source: magazinec.com via Beth on Pinterest

The place is owned by Hollywood insider Jacqui Getty. See more pictures at C magazine—but have a tissue ready, because it's drool-worthy!

Should I Paint the Console?

I'm thinking about painting the console behind the sofa in the living room. There's nothing wrong with it as it is (well, except scratches on the top from dogs), but there's just so much dark wood furniture in the room, and then the big dark fireplace. It feels a little heavy, and I think paint might lighten things up a bit.

Then of course I have to decide what color. White is an obvious choice, but it's predictable and, besides, the cute owls from West Elm wouldn't stand out—and I love those owls.

I'd like a light gray, but I'm not sure how it would work in the mostly tan room.

I think I'm leaning toward blue. Something light and bright and fresh. And it would work with the side chairs, which are called "sea foam" but are really kind of an icy blue. My only concern is that blue might look a little too country, which is not at all the look I'm going for.

What do you think—should I do it? And if so, what color?

Fashion to Furnishings

I love a classic houndstooth check, and in an oversize print it's modern and fun.

The dress is so cute, I bought it last time I was in LA (although it looks like it's no longer available).

H&M

This room is a little crazy for me, but I love the daring mix of pattern and color:

Apartment Therapy

What pattern do you love?

On the Set

Did you catch HGTV on the Set with Emily Henderson (love her!) on Friday? I just randomly turned it on (I really don't even watch HGTV that much these days, sorry to say). But it was touring the set of Big Bang Theory, so I had to watch. I love that show and I really like Leonard and Sheldon's apartment for some reason.

Anyway, it went on to show the sets from Modern Family. Like the show, love the sets! Claire and Phil's home is probably closest to my own style (although Cam and Mitchell's place is a very close second, and the exterior wins, hands down).

The Dunphy living room, via Hooked on Houses

Exterior of Cam and Mitchell's duplex, via Hooked on Houses

But by far my favorite TV family home is on NBC's Parenthood.While I enjoy the scenes in the yard of Zeek and Camille, it's Adam and Kristina's Craftsman that I want to move into. Right. Now.

Adam and Kristina's family room, via Reckless Bliss

Exterior of Zeek and Camile's home, via Reckless Bliss

It's worth watching both shows just for the house porn, but I like the characters, too.

I also love Don and Megan's new pad on Mad Men, but that's for another day.

What's your favorite TV house?

I'm Mad About ...

The weather this weekend is supposed to be gorgeous. I hope you all have plans for something fun. I have a date with my hubby!

Here are some things that caught my eye this week:

By mavb.us

• Lovers of California design should check out this Cliff May exhibit.
• I seriously can't believe I'm going to miss the Grilled Cheese Invitational.
• This is a great idea: Spared.org puts donors in touch with animal shelters in need.
• Is this for real?
• Here's something I could use: apps to track your pet's medical records.

Home Office: Organization

When it comes to organizing, there are generally two kinds of people: Those who like to see all their stuff and those who like to keep everything tucked away. I'd have to say I fall somewhere in between. I like to have things I don't use often or that are unsightly stowed behind closed doors (or drawers), but things I use regularly I like to keep within arm's reach.

So as part of my occasional series on working from home, I thought I'd pull together some inspirational office storage.

These beautifully styled shelves hold books and storage boxes full of office supplies, along with a little eye candy to lift your spirits on rough day:

Apartment Therapy

The Art of Doing Stuff

Better Homes and Gardens

Sectioning off a drawer and labeling everything makes it that much easier to put things back where they belong at then end of a long day:

Better Homes and Gardens

I have my eye on the pink Stockholm flat storage box for keeping printer paper neat and handy:

The Container Store

 I love this idea for hiding those ugly power strips—and I'll bet it would pretty easy to DIY one.

Bluelounge Design

How do you keep your office tidy?

Mini-House Tour

Since I gave you a little peek at my home on Monday, I thought I'd let you see a little more of it today. I've been holding out on doing a house tour until I get a better camera, but that might be awhile (it can take me forever to make up my mind about something). So think of this as an introduction, not a full-on house tour.

The living room:

 

The Ork poster is new. I love it.

The dining room:

The kitchen:

The bedroom:

I hope you enjoyed this little look at my home.

11 Questions (and Answers)

A couple of weeks ago, Charmaine of my best friend craig tagged me to play along in the 11 Questions game (thanks, Charmaine!). Be sure to stop by her blog and see her beautiful home.

Here are the rules:

• You must post the rules.
• Answer the 11 questions the tagger posted for you and then create 11 new questions to ask the people you've tagged.
• Tag 11 people and link them in your post.
• Let them know you have tagged them.

Here are my answers to Charmaine's questions:

1. What is your design style?
Modern classic.

2. What is your favorite room in your house?
That's a toughie. Probably my bedroom (because it's blue!), but I really love the living room, too.

3. What is your dream vacation?
It used to be Venice, Italy, but these days I'm dreaming of going to Prague and Vienna.

Prague, by fklv (Obsolete hipster)

4. What is your favorite city?
Definitely LA. I love San Francisco, London and New York, but my heart belongs to the City of Angels.

5. Spring/Summer or Fall/Winter?
I used to be a fall/winter person, but I've grown to really like summer, despite the heat we get here. It's just so freeing being able to wear shorts and dresses and flip-flops. And spring—I've always loved spring. Everything is fresh, and the jasmine and citrus blossoms are so fragrant.

6. What is your proudest DIY project?
I'm not much of a DIYer. Most of my projects involve adding trim to something. I've made some curtains and hope to make some more (if I ever find fabric I like), but that's about it.

7. What is your biggest indulgence?
In my home, I'd have to say it was the Tempur-Pedic mattress. So comfortable and worth every penny!

8. What is your favorite food?
Cheese! (Although anything dairy is good.)

By nate steiner

9. Lake house or condo in the city?
Both!

10. What is your most treasured item in your home?
Since I can't rightly call my husband or our pets "items," I'd have to say it's a tie:

This painting was done by a family friend, and I just love it. I have hanging right across from the front door, so you can't miss it when you walk in the house.

My dad picked up this writing desk years ago at an antiques store. It's so elegant but not overdone. It's been banged up a bit over the years, though. One day I'll get it refinished.

11. What is the last book you read?
Shanghai Girls, by Lisa See (on my Nook Tablet).

These are the talented ladies I'm tagging:
Fallon of a lovely being
Heidi of a thousand laughing starfish
Danielle of danielle oakey interiors
Jessica of The Aestate
Shannon Marie of More to Hollywood
Julie at Little Pink Rain Boots
Megan of A Lived in Home
Amy Beth of Amy-Beth's Beauty Bits
Alissa of THE GOODS design
Jana of Just Sew Jana
(I know it's only 10; I'm such a rebel.)

And here are my questions for them:

1. How do you define your style?
2. Tomboy or girly-girl?
3. What's your favorite fragrance?
4. What's your favorite flower?
5. Dog or cat?
6. What's your favorite store? 
7. What made you decide to start blogging?
8. What's your favorite room in your home?
9. If you could do anything for a living, what would it be?
10. Chocolate or vanilla?
11. Where do you wish you were right now?

Thanks for playing along!

All in the (Smythe) Family

Did you know that the fabulous Tommy Smythe has a sister, Christie, and that she's also a designer? Not of interiors but clothing.

I think I've mentioned before how much I love this kitchen Tommy designed:

House & Home

Now, how gorgeous is this jacket from the Smythe spring collection:

Smythe

Talent is definitely in their genes (and their jeans!).

Fashion to Furnishings

I came across this stunning image recently and haven't been able to stop thinking about it. It's from the New York home of Vogue's Hamish Bowles, and it's divine. Since he specializes in both fashion and interiors, I thought it might be fun to pair the space with equally lovely apparel.

They're both pink, sparkly and textured—elegant but not too serious:

What do you think? Are these shoes the fashion equivalent of that room?

Designer Crush: Thomas Paul

I've been a little obsessed lately with Thomas Paul's whimsical but elegant fabrics and home and fashion accessories. They play right into my love of nature and animals. I mean, seriously, how perfect are these:

All images via thomaspaul.com

Lighting, rugs, pillows, bedding and laptop covers—Paul has it all. He also offers a line of fine stationery and even e-stationery. I just might have found what I've been looking for!

White and Bright

I grew up in a white house. Not the outside, but the inside. My dad had pretty good taste and enjoyed shopping and decorating (that must be where I got the bug), but he didn't believe in painting the walls. So we had white walls. And a white sofa. And white carpet (just in the living room).

When I bought my own home, I was finally free to add color to the walls. And I did—blue in the bedroom, yellow in the dining room, green in the master bath.

But browsing through my Pinterest boards, I've noticed that a lot of the spaces I choose to save are light and bright, with white walls and large windows. That might have something to do with the fact my house is a bit of a cave, with little natural light, despite having fairly large windows.

While I don't think I'll be covering my walls with Benjamin Moore's Linen White any time soon, I do enjoy revisiting these spaces:

Source: bhg.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: breakfastattoast.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: nestegg.typepad.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: emmas.blogg.se via Beth on Pinterest

Source: seesawdesigns.blogspot.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: providenceltddesign.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: livecreatingyourself.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Beth on Pinterest

Which do you prefer: clean and white or full of color?