here comes the sun...

Image Home and Leisure

Is there anything more aesthetically fabulous yet functional than the humble awning?

Awnings have come a long way since Eyptians used woven mats to protect their market stalls and homes from the elements yet the original purpose remains the same centuries later, to protect from the rain and provide shade from the sun.

Let's take a look at some of my favourites.

The classic timeless stripe.

Image Australian Country Style

Image Meg Braff

Image Ron Gunzberger Flickr

Image Perfectly Poolside

Image Green Vintage Photography

From caravans to cash wash, the awning adds such a fun element.

Image via Cote de Texas

Car Wash in Montana USA Image Adam Glab Flickr

Awnings around the globe.

Image Barney's New York

Image Givenchy Paris

Image Harrods London

Solid coloured awnings.

Image via The Decorista

Image unknown

Image Demystifying Design

Here's a clever cheat sheet to help you with awning options.

Image Thomas Shade Inc

Favourite store fronts.

Image Collette Dinnigan Melbourne

Image Magnolia Interiors Brisbane

Image Black & Spiro Brisbane

and finally my all time favourite dream store front of Liz Caan.  This little image sits on my inspiration board above my desk at work.  It makes me smile - lots.

Image Liz Caan

Have a colour filled day...

paint the floor...

Kate Spade does it perfectly with these fabulous stripes

Our office floor is concrete, so three years ago we painted it white, it's a bit worse for wear these days and needs a major overhaul so I'm getting some inspiration from these fabulously gorgeous painted floors.

Gorgeous gloss via Decorpad

Chevron it up with citrus tones.

House Beautiful

Dwellers without Decorators

Classic checkerboard in a beautiful white kitchen brings a little bit of individuality.

Elle Decor

Black floors are always striking.

Via Painted Concrete and Dust

Painted floors in the bedroom bring a little whimsy and add a splash of colour.

Sunny Goode

Camille Styles

Dreamy blues in the hallway.

Remodelista

Traditional decorating doesn't have to be boring.

Casa Sugar

A Perfect Gray

You can even take the painted floor outdoors.

HGTV

I'll let you know how I go with the office floor and I'll post a before and after shot - could be a while before I get around to it because we are super busy but at least these images will get me thinking of possibilities!

Have a colour filled day!

we'll always have Paris...

Image Paris Perfect

I love Paris.  I've been lucky enough to visit twice and lose myself in this enchanting city.  I even celebrated a magical Christmas there one year with my very dear family friends.  We skipped arm in arm down the Champs Elysees on Christmas Day after Mass at Notre Dame and lunch on La Rive Gauche, I'll never forget it, ever.

Like many people, I'll always have a special place in my heart for Paris and I often close my eyes and dream of going back.

Imagine living in or staying in one of these beauties...

Image My Paris Apartment

Image Chictip.com

Image Elle Decor

Dreamy breakfast on a Parisian balcony www.parisperfect.com

I dream of flinging open windows and peeking over the rooftops of Paris.

Image My Paris Visit

Parisian home of Lee Radzawill via brunchatsaks.blogspot.com

My Parisian apartment must have a pretty flower window box.

www.highriseview.com

Until I am able to return I'll just close my eyes and dream of beautiful, wonderful Paris.

www.europeinsideout.com

Have a colour filled day!

a little bit spotty...

Classic black and white - Image Martha Stewart

There is something about spots, they are cute and happy and fun and bring a smile to my face.

You don't have to cover your home in giant spots to achieve the look.  Add subtle spots to your home through wallpaper, fabrics, cushions or art and bring an unexpected happy element to any room.

Let's take a took at some spotty interiors...

Gorgeous spotty artwork by SF Girl by Bay

Mix it up with florals and spots Image Lonny Magazine

Spotty little fridge Image Jane Janekovic Flickr

Spotty wallpaper behind the bookshelf Image La Dolce Vita

Make a statement with a spotty chair Image The Pursuit of Style

Have a colour filled day!

boho dreaming

Image Bohemian Twilight

Oh yes we love a bit of Boho style.  There is something about the dreamy way it's all thrown together and it just works.  Little bits and pieces collected over time, a little bit mismatched a little bit eclectic and a lot individual.

Splash of colour...

Image www.charlestongrit.com

No matchy matchy here...

Image www.sfgirlbybay.com

Personality on a wall...

Image www.elledecor.com

Texture and colour...

Image www.elledecor.com

Tribal glamour...

Image Simply Harmony

If all else fails, find your inner hippy and build yourself a tent..

Image Kate Moss  - Vogue

Don't be afraid to mix it up, show your personality, add colour, gather meaningful pieces over time and tell your story.  Yes - we do love the uniqueness of Boho style.

Have a colour filled day!