It's one of those days; I've been going since 5:30 this morning and won't get home until 9:00 tonight. With a to-do list longer than Gisele Bundchen's legs, I barely have time to eat let along grab a moment for myself. For emergencies such as this, I have an inspiration folder labeled Serene Grey Interiors; just a quick peek at these soothing images helps me get a handle on the day.
What is that above the bed? A painting? An empty frame? I'm not sure, but I could stare at it for hours. The optical effect it creates is mesmerizing.
There's nothing like a high, pitched ceiling to inspire calming thoughts. Especially when it looks down upon an antique sofa and a terra cotta tiled floor.
How do we feel about the cheeky mirror/funky paint job combo? I'm on the fence. It's a bit contrived, but because I like the color palette I'm inclined to let it squeak by.
Swoon! This green chair lends just enough color to keep me interested, and the collection of washed-out frames is such an elegant take on the gallery wall.
It took me a moment to determine that this stair railing is made of rope--how clever is that? The round porthole window adds to the subtle nautical appeal.
I'd definitely make time to eat if it meant sitting down to a meal in this beautiful vignette! You know me--I adore a pairing of fancy chairs with a humble table. And perhaps I'd be much happier about working all day if I could do it from the desk below...
Shining white floors, simple glass pendants, and lots of light. Kitchens don't get any better than this!
Image Credits: I started this folder before I started blogging and keeping track of all my sources---if you recognize any of them, could you pretty please tell me where they're from?
ahhhhh . . . i needed this peaceful retreat. {especially since yesterday was a stressor!}
you need to come see my latest news. i know you were there when i last wrote about it, so i think you will be happy to see my update.
i am adoring the rope stair rail and the porthole window. beautiful, anne!
Posted by: georgia | July 14, 2009 at 10:31 AM
I just breathed for a few moments. Thank you.
Posted by: virginia @ where you hang your hat | July 14, 2009 at 11:15 AM
gorgeous!
Posted by: joslyn | July 14, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Ohh Anne, I'd just love to spend the whole day reading and drinking hot chocolate in a place like this. Just looking at these pictures makes you relax.
Posted by: Ms. Jenn | July 14, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Just stunning. That top image is divine
Posted by: Jane Flanagan | July 14, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Oh Anne these are ALL beautiful! Absolutely beautiful, the mirrors, that rope railing, the humble table and desk! I need to steal these just as soon as I get home :) Good luck getting through your day!
Posted by: Plush Palate | July 14, 2009 at 12:47 PM
The stair railing is fantastic although if I had one I would still fall down the stairs just with the added bonus of rug burn...
Posted by: Amy | July 14, 2009 at 12:49 PM
What lovely soothing scenes, and you can just see that it would be your duty to sit gracefully in them in a deep red coat or dress.
Posted by: mise @ pretty far west | July 14, 2009 at 01:15 PM
i started out having one of those days too, those images helped! they are completely soothing, especially loving the photo image of the space with that green chair. wowzer. we've been going out straight this summer too between the shop and another side job we have each summer, so at times i'm like "what are you doing", that's talking to myself which i've started doing lately :) hope you have a great night's sleep to help you revive.
Posted by: robin pulsifer | July 14, 2009 at 01:29 PM
oh how amazing these photos are! love all the pieces.
have a lovely day, xoxo
Posted by: Susan | July 14, 2009 at 02:29 PM
Great calming and beautiful images. Hope you catch your breathe!
Posted by: Vivi | July 14, 2009 at 02:33 PM
so calming and lovely, anne!
{p.s.} not certain about the others, but the fifth could be me?
http://citified.blogspot.com/2009/01/in-search-of-inspiration.html
hope your day is less hectic,
xo
Posted by: {tig} | July 14, 2009 at 02:37 PM
soooooo pretty and serene. i'm with you on the hynotic effect of the first pic. a perfect place to sleep.
Posted by: my favorite and my best | July 14, 2009 at 04:20 PM
Oh wow, each one of those pictures is just beautiful, so very relaxing.
Posted by: a little twig birdhouse | July 14, 2009 at 04:24 PM
brilliant. and btw i do the same thing lol. i have a box of magazine clipping pictures. :)
Posted by: lauraashley | July 14, 2009 at 05:27 PM
I cannot get over how gorgeous the antique sofa looks, with those yellow pillows...
Thank you these pictures worked! I needed something calming :-)
Posted by: Elisa | July 14, 2009 at 05:53 PM
amazing group of images!
I am really into grey at the moment and these have to go into my inspiration folder! love them.
Posted by: callie grayson | July 14, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Theese images are so soothing, it is easy to take a deep breath....now let it out.....Aaaahhhhh!!
Thanks!
Leslie
Posted by: La Maison Fou blog | July 14, 2009 at 09:25 PM
Love all these greys, and especially the green chair with the grey.. LOVE.
Posted by: Lilah | July 14, 2009 at 09:48 PM
Hi Anne, You are too funny with your analogies! Love all your pics... they are relaxing! Hope you are having a wonderful summer! And in case I didn't say so, Thank you for the mention for my last contest! What goodies do you have coming up?
Posted by: Rebecca | July 14, 2009 at 10:24 PM
lovely lovely posts! Thanks for taking the time for them. I have a couple of credits to share: image 3 with the peaked roof and antique sofa is by Virginia Macdonald (virginiamacdonald.com) and was for Canadian Home & Country mag (no longer being published, sadly). image 5: I first saw on This Is Glamorous http://citified.blogspot.com/2009/01/in-search-of-inspiration.html, but she credits Apartment Therapy. I've had that hall and stair shot for a while 'cause I actually did a rope hand rail -- can't find the source now, though...
Anyhoo, thanks again for the pretty post.
Posted by: margot | July 14, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Exquisite post Anne! The little corner with the pitched ceiling is my favourite - along with the photo of the rope stair railing. Regarding the funky paint job, I think I might have to jump down on the "no"-side of the fence; but the rest of the interior is gorgeous.
Posted by: The Deco Detective | July 15, 2009 at 12:32 AM
oh my...i cant decide which of the above will be my fave...actually...all of them!!!
Posted by: shilvia | July 15, 2009 at 01:14 AM
aah, gray and white. serene and perfect in every way. I love the nautical hallway and that empty frame above the bed... such cool ideas!
Well done, anne!
Posted by: Kristin @ Contented Me | July 15, 2009 at 07:49 AM
i love the frame above that bed... thank you for the bit of calm this morning.
Posted by: Down and Out Chic | July 15, 2009 at 08:24 AM