House of Beauty

If there is one thing I love it's color but next to that is beautiful architecture in homes. It fascinates me. Put those two together and I am placed into another world. A trance I can't break free.

While we were in New Mexico I decided to actually make the time and take pictures of things that I really loved. It's easy for me just to take pics of the everyday normal things. But I wanted to remember some of the "detailed" beauty that I enjoyed. The Southwestern style is growing on me.

One day I kind of skipped out all together on any of the offered activities to roam the grounds to enjoy the soft grass and beautiful gardens. I actually found the gardener and had him give me my own personal tour. The little things that excite me.

Then a couple of days later I took the tour of the actual home. That was possibly not the best idea. I wanted every rug and curtain that was in that home. I might need to ask for forgiveness.

I wonder why can't homes be built like this today without all the extra cost? Homes back in the day always had some fine detail in their homes, whether it be in the trim, the floor or even the ceiling. It was quality never overlooked. Now to get any extra detail you will PAY for it. It's almost disappointing. I will just continue to dream.

Here were just a few things that stood out to me at the St. James Hotel. No detail spared even if it was in the middle of nowhere.

1. The ceiling at St. James Hotel. 2. The decor inside the money safe. It reminded me of Russian design. 3. details on the stairs 4. Each room had stained glass pictures above the door. All different. It was like it told a story.

A few of my favorites...

During my little adventure of surfing mylifetime.com it had a section on homes, which OF COURSE, I immediately clicked on and completely forgot why I had even gone to the site. My style is pretty much Southern Traditional, Colonial, Farmhouse, Thomas Jefferson Era, and Tudor. Here are a few of my favorites out of the 33 "Dream Home Inspirations". To see all of the houses click HERE! And there had to be a quiz to determine what my "dream home" is and obviously I took it. Results, Cozy Cottage....I don't know about that one?

Classic.
This house is all about detail, from the color, trim, columns, windows to the landscaping. Love it! Very inviting.

Just call me Elizabeth Bennett.
I can just see my self throwing an "all white" party with all the guest floating in by canoes. Ahhh. This house is very romantic. I love the porch, the extra detail placed around the columns, and the vertical siding.

I don't really like this house. I mean it's OK but not my normal pick. What I do love is that red door! It makes the home.

Lemonade y'all?

I just love this house! But I think I would be daring enough to have green or red shingles for the roofing. I love a punch a of color.

Reminds me of Finland.

I don't think I could actually live in this everyday though. Best part, you don't even have to cut the grass and it still looks good.

If you look at the bench you will notice how enormous this house really is! Simple yet there's still room for beautiful little detail on the trim of the roof line. I really like the simple "salt box" look. In most cases there is less wasted space. My Favorite!!!!!!

What's your favorite?

Now that I've "spent" a few thousand dollars at Pottery Barn then I get my wonderful Southern Living mag and they never disappoint me. Right now I'm loving their "idea house" in Mississippi, the architecture and interior design. The floor plan is nice too but not great. This house is a must see. What I would do take a walk through this beauty.

I love this porch, the tall windows...it's a southern beauty...and the porch just keeps going. So inviting!

Love, Love, LOVE this dining table and setting. So warm and fun. Kid friendly. Heck, I just love the room. But check out the gray wall (and artwork hanging on the banister). I will definitely rethink the color gray the next time I paint.

What a Porch!

People in the "old days" had it right. Forget not being able to play outside on a rainy day. With a porch like this you could enjoy just about every day outside. This porch to me is just dreamy. I need my southern-belle dress and a grand party. Welcome y'all!

This is the McFaddin-Ward house in Beaumont, TX. I found this picture in a historical home calendar I use to have. I think I might have to add this to my travelling list to go and completely envy the beauty of this home.

Lullwater

I found this cute home design in, of course, Southern Living Magazine. (Seriously I could be their PR person I love them so much!) This home reminds me so much of a fairytale. It's very simple yet has so much character. It makes me think of England and other places I have travelled to. The actual floor plan is brilliant. I would love to actually see what this house looks completed in real life not just on a plan.

My favorite room

This picture just doesn't do it justice but I Love this room. Technically, it's playroom but I would welcome it as my family room. It is just too fun! I love the colors and the simplicity of everything. Nothing ornate. It's very welcoming and warm. This is from Southern Living's Idea Houses 2003. I get a lot of my things from Southern Living. Everyone needs that magazine.