Inspired by My Pals

I had a little extra time this morning (my kindergartener had no school!!) so I got the chance to visit some of my dear blog (and real life too!) friends.  Reading blogs is one of my favorite things to do,  but now that I have three kids, the time I actually have for it is almost nonexistant.  But, when I do have the time to visit my friends' blogs, I'm honestly never short of amazed.  It's kind of crazy, actually, how talented these people are.

First stop this morning was my friend Loi of Tone one Tone.  I went back a few posts (that's what you do when you're catching up so it's kind of like watching a TV series on Netflix all in a row = really satisfying and a bit obsessive ;)    and I am GAGA over this kitchen he did for his friend:

{Design by Loi Thai of Tone on Tone}

It's insanely beautiful and so warm and relaxed.  If you haven't already, you've got to check out his blog to see the whole kitchen and read more about about this Moroccan- inspired kitchen.  When I visit Tone on Tone, I'm always blown away by what Loi's saying and doing.

I have been meaning to mention for a while now, the new book that my friend, Maria Killam, (the paint color guru of Colour Me Happy ) wrote.  It's an an e-book that totally demystifies the paint color selection process.  It's fully of pretty pictures and really practical advice & methods so if you haven't read it and you're a designer or homeowner who dabbles in design, you have to check it out:


Maria is smart & funny and direct (a natural teacher) ...and you will love her if you don't already!!

And, as I'm sure you probably know, my friend Brooke Giannetti of Velvet and Linen is building her dream home with her architect husband, Steve.. It's seriously going to be one of the most incredible houses in the world.  When I stop into Velvet & Linen to see what they're doing, I'm always in complete awe.  


{A mid-project photo of Patina Farm}

When working on my own home, I find myself thinking about Brooke and Loi (of Tone on Tone) a lot...  Our aesthetics are of course different but what they do really resonates within me.  I'm so inspired by their clean, honest styles...  the materials they use, their palettes... everything!!  The BONES of what they're working on are always perfection because they've thought about every last detail.  Nothing is trying to be anything other than what it is.  I've visited both of their homes and they were seriously two of the most amazing homes I've ever visited.  (They are in my top 3 favorite houses I've ever stepped foot into along with with my photographer's house- Helen Norman- below) 

{Helen's Kitchen}

I always leave their blogs feeling so inspired and feel like I know a little bit more about my own style after reading their informative posts.   They're all so TRUE to their design visions and know themselves so well and really inspire me to try to be the same way. 

And finally, my friend Debra Phillips, the landscape designer and store owner who writes 5th and State just wrote a really beautiful post about following her passion & starting her business.  Debra is one of the funniest, kindest and mos insightful people I've ever met and she's truly driven to do what she does.  If you need to get a little pumped up today about following your dreams, check out Debra's most recent post:

{Check out Debra's post on Passion here}

There are so many more talented & inspiring friends I want to mention here but my blogging time is UP!! (The 3 little men in my life need me.)  Have an amazing weekend & thanks for reading!!



If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

17 comments:

debra @ 5th and state said...

i am sitting here with chills running down my spine (you did not mention that i can be weird too!)

am so touched lauren to be in the company of loi, maria, brooke and of course YOU!

thank you girlfriend for the shout out and such kind words.
xx
debra

Erin @ The Impatient Gardener said...

I couldn't agree more with you about Loi and Brooke. Their blogs, their homes and their aesthetics are so inspirational. I do believe that Patina Farm is going to be one of the most amazing houses in America and I'm so loving watching it come together.

Anonymous said...

Lauren

I am in total agreement with everything you have said. I follow Brooke's home in utter amazement, adore everything Loi does....and Debra....well enough said. You however are so modest. You inspire us all with your wonderful taste and business sense, Give yourself a pat on the back as well!!

Velvet and Linen said...

We are part of a mutual admiration (and inspiration) society, Lauren! I'm so thrilled to know that our homes inspire you, because your homes and work always inspire me!
I absolutely love watching the design of your new home unfold. That house owes you a big "thank you"!

Thank you so much for mentioning Patina Farm! We are so honored to be included with Loi (one of my favorite bloggers, designers, shop owners, people!), Maria (everything you said about her is true! She has taught me so much about color and those all important undertones!),and Debra (I visited her shop! It's gorgeous... and so is she.... inside and out! Eventually I will to go on one of her England tours...)

You are the best, and I am so blessed to have you as a friend.

Big Hugs and Kisses to you and your boys...

Brooke

Anonymous said...

Lauren,

What a great post and such kind words about your blog friends! It is always so refreshing seeing people who have such talent gushing about the talent of others : ) Rachel

Woodside Park said...

Hi, Lauren!
Tom and I are in France. I'm taking a blogging break but want to thank you for this awesome shout-out :) A terrific surprise when I received the link from my assistant. And a huge honor!! Especially to be included with Brook, Steve and Debra!! I look forward to visiting Maria's site when I return.
Thanks so much!! :)
Loi

Woodside Park said...

Hi Lauren -

I'm not sure my first note posted as we are in France with spotty and very slow internet.

Thank YOU for all the kind words and the awesome shout-out :) I'm really honored. Especially as I admire you, Brooke, Steve and Debra - all very talented designers and members of the trade!!

Thank you, again :)
Loi

Anonymous said...

Wow - so many lovely designs in this blog post. Totally loving the under construction home - that window and the curve at that ceiling is so stinking lovely!

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

I agree with everything you said. These guys are all amazing, as are you, and it's amazing how much you all share and the inspiration you give so many! Now, I'm off to read Debra, the only one I don't know. Yet!!

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Mary Ann Pickett said...

So much good stuff and spreading the LOVE!

Simplecasualstyle said...

Love that kitchen!

Kate said...

Love your blurb in today's Chicago Tribune Home mag! Didn't know you we're from the NW burbs. Small world!

Unknown said...

The kitchen is so cute. nice work
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Vintage Home said...

so much inspiration!

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Naomi@DesignManifest said...

Wow the Tone on Tone kitchen is spectacular.. love the hood!

Agree about back blog reading being like netflix. It's the only way I do it!