Simply Smitten: Shades of Greige

via

Glorious design fitting for the Marie Antoinette that resides in all of us.  After all, doesn't every girl want to over indulge every now and then? What is your weakness when it comes to over indulgence?  Shoes? Macaroons? I have an affinity for pretty new lip glosses and Nutella crepes.

Go ahead and over indulge a little today... you deserve it!

Advertise on Inspired Design

Pretty Spaces

via 1, 2

Wishing you all a lovely weekend filled with everything you love.  Thank you to all of you who continue to read and support Inspired Design.  It means the world to me.  I would like to extend a big welcome to any new readers as well.  If I haven't been by your blog to say hello yet, please introduce yourself.  I am hoping to catch up on my blog reading soon! 

Enter to win a $50 gift card from Restoration Hardware

Simply Smitten: Wooden Warmth

via 1, 2, 3

Adding rich woods to these rustic spaces does such a lovely job of adding warmth.  Loving those windows in the bedroom that bask the room in natural light.  Perhaps I'm sleepy today because that bed is looking mighty appealing to me.  I see a nap in my near future!

Enter to win a $50 gift card giveaway from Restoration Hardware

Simply Smitten: Natural Elements

Natural elements add so much to a space.  From greens or lemons in a kitchen, topiaries in a dining room, or flowers on a coffee table.... these small touches pack a big punch for a small price.
What sort of natural elements do you utilize in your decor?

Enter to win a Revival Tassel Necklace from Stella + Dot

Color Soiree Purple and Gray

via

I am loving this color combination which can leave a room feeling bright and cheery or dramatic and glamorous.  That is one dinner party I would like to attend!  

Enter to win a custom fragrance from Nantucket Natural Oils

A Stroll through Love

It all begins with a chance meeting and a first date with that someone who catches your

eye and makes your heart go pitter patter.

A single date turns into mulitple dates.  An engagement happens.

Sure enough after much planning a wedding ensues....

Followed by a  romantic honeymoon getaway. 

The first home is purchased.

A pet becomes a beloved member of your new family.

Followed by children who are spitting images of our adult selves.

Your kids grow up, find love and have their own wedding ceremony.

Leaving us to wonder how they grew up so fast.

Then we are showered with Grandchildren to spoil.

The golden years follow and if we are lucky we still have our better

half to hold our hand through the latter part of life.

via 1, 2 + 3, 4, 5, 6 + 11, 7+8, 9, 10, 12
This is how it's supposed to go.  My husband and I reversed a few steps here and there.  We didn't have a huge wedding or a grand honeymoon.  Our children came before our first house.  With that said... I wouldn't change a thing.
Even if your love story is traditional in every sense of the word, these would just be the highlights of your life as a couple.  There are bound to be difficulties in any long term relationship.  Illnesses, loss, conflicts.  Trials that will test and strenghten the relationship.
How wonderful if at the end of our stroll we still have that special someone walking next  to us.

Happy Valentine's Day!
  Hope you are celebrating the many joys of love today whether it be with a soul mate, a parent, a child or a friend.  xoxo

The winner of the Ebelskiver giveaway chosen by Random.org is Sue from, The Zhush!
Congrats, Sue!  Enjoy!

Dining in Style

via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Cheers to the four food groups... macaroons, shoes, jewels and cake.  They all do such a wonderful job at feeding the soul.   The chevron napkins are just so perfect for a Spring tablescape, don't you agree?  The hunt is on.  Does anyone know where I can find them?


Current giveaways:
Win a cute clutch and ring from Ruche
Nordicware Ebelskiver from CSN Store

Color Soiree Red & Gray

via 1+3, 2

Oh, how I wish I were this smartly dressed woman being whisked off to a tropical destination.  

Well, I will have to be content to admire these gorgeous interiors while I ponder away some vacation options.  I am completely swooning over the floors and ceiling in this amazing dining room. 

I also love the cute little fur pillows... so perfect for this time a year... they just seem to cozy things up a bit, don't you think?

Ruche giveaway enter here

Quiet Introspection

via 1, 2, 3
I'm all about having Inspired Design be a uplifting and inspiring place for you to visit and generally, don't like to share anything that may be a downer.   With that said,  I live with a chronic illness that I usually just pretend I don't have.  To the outside world I look healthy, hair always done, make up always in place, smile plastered.  Don't get me wrong... I have times where I feel great.. even normal.  There are days, however, where it gets the better of me, and try as I might, the ability to push past physical symptoms becomes impossible.  Thank God for Maddog, (a.k.a, hubby), who is there to tell me it's o.k. to rest when I need to, and remind me not to be so hard on myself.  Yesterday was one of those days, and I am grateful for his understanding and comfort he provided.
Who helps to keep you going when you face challenges?

Color Soiree Pink and Taupe

via 1, 2, 3, 4

Clutch
Isola Bella bathmat
Mini Bath Baskets
Over the Taupe + I Pink I love You nail polish

This is one color combo that always makes me swoon!  You can bet I will be looking to add this palette to my Spring wardrobe.
What's on your calendar for this weekend?  

Swan Lake

via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Natalie Portman is always stunning and graceful, so it seems only fitting that she was chosen to portray
a ballerina in the upcoming Black Swan.  These graceful interiors are just as elegantly
orchestrated.
Black Swan is a psychological thriller which promises to keep you on the edge of
your seat.  Are you looking forward seeing it?