Who doesn’t love the idea of a country house? It’s the best of both worlds. You can live in the City and then escape to solitude on the weekend. Elle Decor has given us a big dose of lovely with this country home in Northwestern CT. It is an artful, beautiful, sublime mix of modern and country. The contrast is subtle, yet defined. Refined, yet dynamic. Whispering, not yelling boldly.

So, I was flipping thru the channels the other day and came across a terrible movie, with the most amazing design. The dilemma: continue to watch JLo and her terrible acting skills at the expense of seeing the interior and exterior shots of this gorgeous home?  Yes, I made the sacrifice. After some research, I found out that this home was actually California craftsman architectural royalty. It was love at first sight. The Ross Hose, located in Pasadena, CA., is home to many of the classic California craftsman homes. The interior is actually a movie set and well done to the designers. The bathroom: I die for the tile! The vintage subway poster: although now a little tired, circa 2005 is arguably hip. I digress to share some lovely images. Still in love? Here’s some interesting background about the Ross House.

If you liked the Daily Inspiration image today you will adore these photos, as they are of the same home. When I saw the hip modernist residence of Santa Monica photographer Dewey Nicks in the L.A. Times Magazine I was in lust.  The clean lines. The 1950s vibe. The surf boards strategically placed. It all works perfectly. The architect labels the project “humanist hippie.” I say relaxed perfection. Regardless of what you’d like to call it, here are some lovely images to spark some California dreamin’.

So, it’s been like-a-year since Monique Lhuillier’s L.A. home feature in Elle Decor; yet, I continually find myself referencing these images for inspiration. A little splash of mid-century. A touch of Hollywood Regency. A dash of Deco. Loves. Anyway, as I delve into the latest leg of a renovation project, with a folder on my desktop entitled “NYC renovation” and a million tear sheets scattered on my desk, I leave you with my personal inspiration. Cannot.Get.Enough.

So, I am slightly obsessed with the December “Met Home of the Month” from Metropolitan Home Mag, designed by Kelly Hoppen. Muted hues, rich grays, and crisp design. Yes, please. Check the entire home here. Inspiration perfection. Especially love the photo of Marilyn next to the bed.

While perusing the internets for a personal design project, I found these incredible images for inspiration.  Love all things styled Hollywood Regency.  The oh-so-talented Portland based designer Jessica Helgerson is the brilliance behind this project and these photos originally appeared on Desire to Inspire.  Loves. Now onto translating this into my Manhattan apartment…

Being huge fans of all things Modern: design, furniture, architecture, we have teamed up with All Modern to offer our readers a giveaway. With names like Dwell, Miller, and Alessi you can score some serious fabulous finds. Huge fans of their Modern Furniture selection as well–from Eeames by Herman Miller to Knoll, and most everything in between. You can also brush up on your Modern designers on the site too!

So, if you’d like to spend all that $75 can get you on All Modern (we definitely recommend a Dwell Pillow!) post a comment about your fave Modern designer. Giveaway ends October 1st. So, post your comments. Yay!

PS. My fave? Richard Neutra.

Recently when reading some of our favorite design blogs, we were extremely saddened by the news that Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic will be closing its doors.  We have always been fans of the laid-back, non-fussy, SoCal-meets-vintage vibe of Shabby Chic.  Rachel always found cute vintage pieces, restored them, and in the process added so much charm.  All of her stores from New York to Malibu were comfy and welcoming.  We are so sad to say good-bye to this brand.  Some words from Rachel… Within the last 20 years Shabby Chic has had times of being “in and out”. But the one constant for me was always trying to keep my voice and expression through my products. Hard sometimes to explain how a ruffle or flakey painted wood could be a reflection of my voice, but to me it is saying there is imperfection in beauty, there is pride in uniqueness and there is soul, warmth and humor in the unexpected.