Design Inspiration: A Refurbished Lebanese Home

Pinterest is a veritable treasure trove of interior design ideas, and all sorts of ideas, really. For example, I find the deep, moody blue and purple hues in this living room enchanting.

Blueprint Modern via Jody McKee's Pinterest

But, after scanning tons of interiors, some gorgeous, some totally over-done, and most at least a little on the busy side for my taste, I yearn for something simpler and more sincere. This refurbished Lebanese home in Batroun, documented by the New York Times in 2010, gets it just right. Fresh, bright, and a bit styled, yet welcoming and livable, don't you think?

Bryan Denton for the New York Times

Bryan Denton for the New York Times

Bryan Denton for the New York Times

Bryan Denton for the New York Times

Bryan Denton for the New York Times

How have you decorated your home? Does form or function reign, or do you strike a balance between the two? And where do you find design influences?

Happy Weekend!

I'm going on a little road trip to parts south and looking forward to fresh air out of the city. If weather cooperates, we'll get some beach time, too. A handy city guide from Design*Sponge will be one of my inspirations as I explore Norfolk. At the top of my list: fresh-from-the-docks seafood at A.W. Shucks, shopping at Thrift Store USA and Firefly Antiques, and a stroll through the Ghent neighborhood. Have you been to Norfolk? If you have any insider tips, I'd love to hear them.

Image via City Data.

I'll report back next week. In the meantime, enjoy some link love!

Low-tech iPad cases made of repurposed oil paintings at Anthropologie via Design*Sponge.

This seductive sequined clutch would be gorgeous with summer whites.

Adorable little bunny cookies.

DIY rolled paper pencils via Not Martha.

Japanese minimalist potted plants from Qusamura via Art Hound.

A whole bunch of simple, seasonal "farm stand" recipes.

DIY painted straw market baskets and accessories. They're silver here, but any color would work beautifully.

Random pretty images. Love those neon feathers.

Painfully cute pasta hair bows and art.

Chive blossom vinegar recipe.

Life and Art: Venice

When I visited Venice a few years ago, I fell in love at first glance. The buildings seemed to float on opaque turquoise canals, and it was immediately apparent why Venice is known as La Serenissima ("the most serene"). The city was especially quiet since it was the middle of winter. Summer throngs were months away, and light snow dusted the three bridges that cross the Grand Canal.

Maurice Prendergast, Grand Canal, Venice, ca. 1898-99

A somewhat unexpected new love that I encountered in Venice, aside from the city itself, was the work of the Canadian-American painter Maurice Prendergast. The Peggy Guggeheim Collection (Ms. Guggenheim warrants her own post at a later date.) held a relatively small, but vibrant and captivating, exhibit of Prendergast's paintings of Italy. Included in these were lovely odes to La Serenissima, its canals, and its people.

Combing through my travel photos, I found themes similar to those depicted by Mr. Prendergast and his contemporaries: 

Right: Maurice Prendergast, Venetian Palaces on the Grand Canal, 1899

Right: John Singer Sargent, Palazzo Labia and San Geremia Venice, 1913

Right: Frits Thaulow, On the Grand Canal, Venice, 1885

 Have you been to Venice? Have you ever found a favorite artist or painting while on vacation?