gathering spriggs

Images to Design For

Hello dears! Its Monday morning!! Are you awake yet? Did you take time for yourself this weekend?? Im not a morning person and I always find Mondays especially difficult to get myself going. So if you are like me I put together some images to kick start your design inspiration for the week.  

I am proud to say that my town (little 'ol Music City) was selected with only a few others to house the Anthropologie Decorator's Center which officially opened its doors this past week with a special invitation event. What a privilege to be a part and learn more about Anthro's signature draperies, wallpapers, rugs and specialty hardware collection. I think its only a matter of time before they have their own paint line.. (which I was eagerly hoping to see). 

But as always, I didn't leave without heaps of inspiration and dreams of utilizing this collection for myself or my clients. I also brought home some resource material... including Holly Becker's new book, Decorate (review to come) and the latest design publication from Emily Chalmers, Modern Vintage Style (seen above)

Where are you finding inspiration this week?

all images: heather spriggs thompson

Of Sea and Sky

 

Good Morning dears. 

Today I dream of sun, sky and sea. 

Healing waters. Touches of calm. 

Peace, rest. 

To you today. 

images: artful vintage, carolyn quartermaine via brunch at saks, decor8, kitchen via houzz , bed: the cross design, pinterest

A Dutch Treat: At Home with Iris from Irideeen

Friends you are in for a real treat today. A Dutch treat from my dear blogging friend Iris of Irideeen who has long been a GS reader and often stops by to leave generous comments. I've enjoyed getting to know Iris better after she posted some thoughts to my query about Dutch design on this post. As I clicked over to her Flickr page I couldn't get enough of the images of her home. Her clean, feminine touch with a open door made me melt. This was a must share. 

Without further a do ... here are some thoughts from dear Iris about why she loves this lovely place called home. 

1. Tell us some of the basics: Name, Location, Occupation

 

Iris, The Netherlands (The Hague), inhouse lawyer 

 

2. What is the main design inspiration for your home?

 

I have an eclectic taste: I mix and match brocante, design, Ikea and antiques. Hence, I read and gain inspiration from a lot of interior blogs, magazines and books in many different styles.

 

3. What makes your home "feel like home"?

 

I think it is primarily the soul of the house (it was built in 1905), combined with the beloved items and art we have gathered over the years and the calming colors we have used (mainly blues, sand colors, whites and pastels).

 

4. Do you feel influenced by any design trends? If yes, which ones?

I am not really influenced by design trends; I stick to my own style and cherry pick in new designs that match my taste.

 

5. If we were to come over for a visit what would be the first thing we would see and what would you say to us? 

 

The first thing you would see would be my bicycle in the hallway, then you would see my children running at the door to greet you and I would say: "Hey, please come in, it is so lovely to have you here. Let's sit at the dining table, shall we?" (I love cooking, food and wine, so I would probably have invited you over for dinner or to enjoy a nice glass of wine and some finger food) 

Thanks Iris!! You and your home are simply beautiful.

... did you see those yummy desserts on her (parent's) table. I am looking forward to my visit someday!
Roadtrip to The Hague anyone? 

To learn more about Iris.. visit this post on Irideeen. Hope you enjoy even more images of her gorgeous home while you are there. 

 

* ps Irideeen is a Dutch word for plants that belong to the Iris species.

 

 all images: iris of irideeen

Rainbow Dreams

Sometimes we just need a little rainbow in our lives after the rain...

Hope your week is bright and color filled as we live, breathe and learn to hope. 

Hugs to you all! 


images: such pretty things, apartment therapy,  necklace: AutMandata flowers in pail: Johner, kitchen: nest pretty things tumblr, chairs: red online, flowers: irideeen via gathering spriggs flickr group

A Dose of Sunshine

 

Looking for a spot of sunshine? How about introducing a touch of yellow in your life? I know its St. Patricks Day this week but I cant stop imagining golden hues. Maybe it is the touches of blooming forsythia against the gray hillsides that has me inspired. I don't typically wear yellow but do like touches of it in accessories. Little rays of light. 

How do you do yellow in your life?

images: gathering spriggs, which goose, elizabeth wren vintage, IS LY blog , sarah richardson design

A Few Good Pins

Happy Weekend friends! Here's a few good pins to keep you company and a few links of love. 

Thank you for another amazing week here at GS for your continued support for my health, this little ole blog, and my spirit. Sure I have had some Debbie Downer moments over the past few weeks but the sun is shining again and a new day has dawned. Fresh ! I am glad to know I have you here with me through thick and thin! You are the sunshine of my life!! 

Enjoy these links:

The Creative Diarist: A little interview I gave about my blogging history, the spaces I create in and the people who have helped me along the way. 

Unfettered Ink: The sparkling new website/blog from my friend and writer, Brigitte Lyons (formerly Covet Chicago)

Eco Etsy: Great Biz Tips on discovering your Visual Identity!!

Speaking of Visual Identity, I have been working on my shops this week. I have a new line of Hair Accessories (just starting to list) so consider this your sneak peak. 

And how do you take your tea?? Here are some great accessories for tea time!

images via pinterest with links to original source provided.   Bando Via Max Wanger ,The Alternative Wife,  Heart Made Blog, Gathering Spriggs shop, Genine's Art Blog

What is Dutch Design?

After stumbling upon a few Dutch sites this week with an uneducated North American vantage point on The Netherlands, (I had a layover in Amsterdam once but that's it!) I began to ask myself, "What exactly defines Dutch design?" 

-I loved this home tour of Haarlem resident Eline Pellinkhof over on Bloesem this week! That cross-stitch rose wall mural is the best!! 

-Then found a sweet little Amsterdam shop around the corner, Het Grote Avontuur, chock full of whimsical design for home and body. I especially loved these.

-On a quest for a definition to Dutch design, I lighted upon this article written by Heather a Canadian who spent some time living in Amsterdam and wrote an informative post geared toward unknowing North Americans on the major characteristics she noticed of Dutch interiors. 

     Here are her top 5:

        1. Large harvest dining room tables

        2. Hardwood floors!

        3. White. White. White.

        4. Mismatched and modern.

        5. Juxtaposition of old and new items.

So what would you add? What do you know of Dutch design? Is it considered Scandinavian? (Im a little confused on that one) 

Maybe I can't define it exactly but I do know one thing for sure... I'm smitten. I'm imagining the flowers blooming this time of year, and people bustling in the canals, and buildings with more history than I know what to do with. Maybe I should put a trip to Holland on my to do list. Yes! 

images: life abroad, lille lykke, and bloesem

Welcome March: Mint + Magenta

March: a season between.  Seems like we have collectively been craving the freshness of mint in our palette this month. Its such a beautiful crisp, careful color... not quite green and not quite ready for the pulsing shades of summertime aqua.  Just a beautiful between. 

Looking forward and looking back. How do you celebrate March?

images: shoes- lemon ring, collage- bedroom- decor8 ;bathroom- decorpad, chair- dress design decor, zinnia- joanie harrison,  skates- urban outfitters

A View from my Room

After a dark couple of days last week, I paused in the glorious sunshine this weekend to take time for things that bring me joy. Here are some glimpses...  

new floral creations, (all flowers in these shots were hand crafted. Finally a garden I can maintain)

chocolate truffles from my sweetheart,

remnants from the great studio reorganization,

and finally the colors of spring on my sofa!  (Crazy to see the transformation my living room has seen in just a little over a year).

My heart is budding again. 

Thank you dear friends for spending time with me here each day! 

What is bringing you joy today? 

Vintage Victoria Love

Won't you journey back in time with me say 20 years ago (or so) to a period of yesteryear where a teenage girl dreaming of a bygone era where flowing skirts, afternoon tea, parlor games and horse-drawn carriages were the norm, pined over the mailbox delivery of a glossy magazine that would alter her life forever? 

I was that girl and Victoria Magazine was my dose of monthly heaven to transport my heavy heart. So when my sister and I spotted not one but two stacks of vintage Victoria issues (1991 and 1993) at an antique store in Kansas City we snatched them without thinking twice and spent our afternoon reveling in and savoring each page.  With every turn of the glossy pages a new memory sparked and launched a barrage of stories from high school .... like the time I hosted a Victorian croquet party in my front lawn complete with a crisp linened table filled with luncheon snacks, tea and cakes. ( I invited my highschool crush and he CAME). 

The magazine was my solace. The place where dreams were born. And today looking back with fondness I am still drawn to these images. Isn't it interesting how current these images look? I mean, I don't know if it is because culturally we are drawing on inspiration from the early 90's now with a resurgence of pastels, lace, florals and all things granny chic, but aren't these looking more current than dated?  Its hard for me to be unbiased since these images were home to my heart for so many years. 

What in your life conjures up sweet memories from yesteryear? Do you have an emblem of youth that can still stir your heart today? 

Happy Valentines Day my dears! May you embrace your loves, your life and your memories! 

(this is my Valentines for you dear Ginny!) 

images: heather s thompson for gathering spriggs