The Farm via The NY Times

I've definitely blogged about the beautiful homes that I've read about in the New York Times' Home & Garden section before, but none have impressed me (or made me drool!) as much as The Farm.

Spending my early career at Country Living magazine, I developed a deep fondess and respect for gorgeous, rustic interiors and accessories. However, being a glamour girl at heart, I always need a bit of luxury to spice things up. I am a fan of all things urban country/country modern/industrial glam and well, let me tell you, The Farm is the epitome of all of it!

Located on 150 acres nearby downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this amazing farm is everything I could want in a home and more (oh, did I mention its the owners' second home...ah, to be so lucky!). The couple, along with their super talented decorator took style to the max and didn't look back.

I would like to officially declare this my dream home! Wanna see why....here are some of my fave pics:

Simply stunning!!

Projects Inspired by The New York Times

I was reading the NY Times' Home & Garden section online this morning and found lots of inspiration for a few projects this weekend.

First up, this amazing inspiration board that had my heart beating a little faster.

Not only is it a beautiful photo, but such a lovely curated collage of inspiration! I love how neatly everything is displayed using a similar push pin.

Note to self: lose the mis-matched assortment of random pushpins and invest in a prettier, grown-up set like these from The Container Store:

Ok, project number 1 for this weekend is set: create a new inspiration board for my pending spring decorating projects.

Next up? Project #2....create a gallery wall of photos....similar to this one.

How fun. I've been noticing a trend in "gallery" photo displays, I even wrote about them last month and am determined to create my own. I love how this one uses primarily, what looks like vintage papers and other ephemera. Really nice. (Hm, maybe I need a trip to my local antique store this weekend?)

So who does this home belong to? Brooklyn-based architects Robert Highsmith and Stefanie Brechbuehler, who opened up their lovely one-bedroom aparment/workspace to the NY Times for this amazing slideshow. And props to Leigh Davis, who photographed their home so beautifully.

I love being inspired unexpectedly, don't you?!

Designer Inspiration: Jaime Drake

I am a design junkie, no question. And professional interior designers are my heroes. While I may eat, sleep, breathe--oh, and write about design and decorating, I am not a practicing designer (well, in my own home I certainly am). Perhaps one day but for now, I enjoy sitting back and drooling over what the pros create.

This photo gallery from nytimes.com of designer Jaime Drake's NYC apartment blew my mind. Bursting with color and creativity, it's no wonder Mr. Drake is one of the best around.

My favorite photo is this bedroom shot. I adore, adore, adore the green-painted wall behind the bed and the energetic painting that is ever-so-slightly off-center. So refreshing and fun. Also loving the simple colorful coverlet on the bed...hm...something to think about for my own bedroom makeover.

My other favorite photo? The lacquered wood coffee table that is embedded with Swarovski Crystals. Is he kidding?! For me, this was love at first sight!

You can check out the rest of the gallery here. I hope it inspires you as much as it has me!

Farmhouse Dreams

If I were to ever own a country house (and my plan is to do so one day), I would want it to look like this quaint little cottage I spotted online at nytimes.com today...completely charming on the outside...

...and bursting with amazing collections on the inside!

The first photo shows off the homeowner's collection of vintage postcards of Pompeian ruins and the second photo (my favorite shot) captures his amazing mercury glass collection. Swoon!

This amazing cottage belongs to former NYC residents Sean Scherer and Mark Meyer. Their ENTIRE home is featured in a new slideshow in the Home & Garden section at nytimes.com this week. Go check it out.You'll be glad you did.