(Coral) Christmas

It's a bit of an unusual color for Christmas, but look how great this Coral color looks!
Very warm and inviting…

Coral ribbon makes this little vignette on the dining table a bit more festive! Such a great mix of candles, flowers, cones in different sizes, gold star confetti and a super cool Tom Dixon gold votive holder.

If space is an issue, why not just get a miniature tree? There are so many tiny ornaments out there, it should be a snap to decorate :) 

Inexpensive glass cylinders filled with a few blooms, colorful ornaments and candles makes for an easy display. Tie coral ribbon around the glass vase, and voila, instant color coordination, splash of color and a little feminine touch :)

I know, I know... I just had to start out early this year!
Natasha

Images via Femina.dk

Sometimes all you need is a little flower!

... and, well, that day was today :) I bought myself a small colorful bouquet of spray roses. 
I just could not pass up the mix of bright colors; Hot Pink, Yellow, White, Orange and Coral.

Loved it even more when my husband asked who sent flowers... & my answer was "You Did" ;)

Natasha

All images NHH for the Northern Light Blog

Sunday Flowers

Yesterday, before the rain set in, I went to the market, with the intend to pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers.... I was thinking pink, but could really have been persuaded to go with "whatever" looked good. I always have a few orchids in my house at all times, I find that not only are they beautiful, but they really last a long time, so for me that's a win-win situation! However, I was at the receiving end of a beautiful bouquet of soft pink Hydrangeas - my favorite - delivered to my door, about two weeks ago, and yesterday was their last day... so, I wanted to replace them. Well, I came home with organic strawberries, heirloom tomatoes, fresh baked cranberry scones and... no flowers! Just was not my day I guess. 

Do you keep fresh flowers in your home? I know from many years of reading the Anna Spiro Blog that she has come under fire from various people, for her constant joy of fresh flowers, and ONLY fresh flowers in her house... I totally get it though, I have been lucky to have grown up with a mom who had a green thumb and we always had fresh flowers on the table, on the night stand and in the bathroom. Unfortunately, the same green thumb did not pass through the genes from my grandmother to my mom to me, so I must buy my fresh cut flowers... Non the less, I truly enjoy selecting them, caring for them & enjoying them for as long as I can!!

Natasha

PS. Check out the mentioned Hydrangea bouquet and current orchid selection in my home, via  Northern Light Design on Instagram.

Image via tumblr

Inspired!

How often do you open your fridge?? Think about it... Wouldn't it be nice if you could actually see what you have?? I came across this image on a blog the other day (didn't write down the source, Sorry!), and I started laughing to my self. Not only had the person written something like "not.going.to.happen", which in it self is funny, but I had just had a conversation a few days prior with my visiting father, about the obscene amount of containers we had in our fridge at the time....

While I have had my "new" refrigerator for a few years now, I LOVE the French Doors and bottom freezer, works so well for us! The fridge is high gloss white & super cool, but the inside leaves something to be desired!! BUT now that this image is on my radar, I will have to make more of an effort for sure :)

While I do already own the One Dozen Egg Crates above, and one of the Farmers Market Baskets as well, I am thinking I could use a few more. They come in a few different sizes and colors, so whatever color you like, go for it!! White is always fresh and clean, and looks good with any kind of food in it... those grapes look yummy!

I have one of these aqua containers filled with black licorice... And now that I have had a visit from home, it's filled to the brim! :) If you look closely at the images on the Anthropology website, you will notice that the containers are imprinted with the texture of the original cardboard, and then glazed.

I was unable to locate the top egg crate for you on the site, but this is their new Half Dozen Egg Crate... Like the coral color a lot!!

Let the organizing begin, and remember that you will eat more of the healthy stuff if it's in front of you, and presented like this there is just no excuse!!

Could you imagine if you had a glass front fridge?

"Not.going.to.happen"  :)

Natasha

Image #1 ?, Image #2 - #4 via Anthropology

Dutch Door Green

It's funny how one thing leads to another sometimes...

Currently I am knee deep in a "once-over" updating scenario at a clients home, and the project has started to evolve, beyond the original scope, which I am very happy with, and the client is excited to do, so that's a win-win situation! We are at the stage where you start to look around, suddenly things that looked ok before, needs updating now...

So, that leads me to todays post. I did not intend to show you Dutch Doors, you know, the "half-cut-off-in-the-middle-kind", that look so chic when hung on vacation homes or cottages...

BUT, I was chatting with my Paint Contractor this morning, and flirting with the idea of painting the Front Doors of my clients home a pow-color, we discussed taking the white exterior up a notch. Somehow I also got involved with the Landscaper, love that progression (!), and while we are replanting the entrance, it became clear that the front door needed a little help :)

SO... back to the Paint Contractor... I was thinking a fresh, bright green, like the one in the first image, he suggested "Dutch Door Green", which I have come to find out, is a deep, dark, beautiful green. I did not have that color in my fan deck, so a little research revealed the actual color, but also all these pretty actual Dutch Doors... and so this post was born.

I am fully aware that the above Yellow door is in fact not a Dutch Door, but I wanted to include it anyway, since it's just so cheerful :)

I live in a small community where we have regulations as to our facade, painting my Front Door a cheerful Yellow , Coral or Green is out of the question, unfortunately.

We have not yet decided on the clients FD color, I will let you know what we select, perhaps even post a before and after photo, stay tuned.

Have a cheerful day,

Natasha

All images via Google image search

Prep Alert!

Just received my weekly email from OKL, and found the best Preppy & Playful pillows and throws on sale over there RIGHT NOW!!

The whale pillows would look so great mixed with other patterns on a white sofa, pops of color, prepster all the way...

... and this orange coral beauty remind me of a just finished project of mine in Ft. Lauderdale! Could have used a couple of these, but found others that spoke equally as well to the space and even included the homeowners love for chevron. A sneak peek of that project can be found here. Not able to show any more images as of now, as a magazine has shown interest in the project, so you will just have to stay tuned :)

Hope the weekend was great!

Natasha

All images via One Kings Lane

E-nuf is e-nuf!!

I have been in a Coral mood as of late! Typically I am a Spaghetti Strap girl, but e-nuf is e-nuf, literally :) I am all over this color... I do not do well with Reds, Orange nail polish is soooo not my thing, love Hot Pinks, and now I have graduated to this Coral!

What do you think??

And fun custom cushion by the way... this project will be photographed on Friday, so consider this a teaser image. Girly post today, hope you can stand it :)

Natasha

Image #1 & #2 via Essie, Image #3 NHH for Northern Light Blog

Thank you!

Just a token of my appreciation for being a loyal follower, reader and commenter,
it makes my day when I hear from all of you! I love when new visitors leave comments (hint, hint) so I can follow you back to your corner of the world...

Also, a huge thank you, to all of you who follow along with the Northern Light Blog on Pinterest, isn't it so much fun?? :)

Natasha

Image from the Northern Light Blog LOVING FLOWERS board on Pinterest, check it out!

Two Year Blog Anniversary!!

Cupcakes for everyone!!!! 

Today marks the second blog anniversary for Northern Light, YEAH! 

... and what better way than to celebrate with a little girl-y fun, mixed with some sparkles ?!

As we all know, everyone deserves a little sparkle, so why not start with a new pair of sassy high heels?

Let's dress up and celebrate....

Cheers my friends!!

I hope you made it into 2012 with a smile on your face!
Looking forward to continuing the Northern Light Blog; a small face lift is on the way, I hope you check back in and follow along! The Northern Light Blog can also be found on FB and Pinterest. Why don't you check out what is going on over there...? It's not always the same as on the blog, so "Like" Northern Light while you are there... or not, that's up to you :)

Natasha

Images via Northern Light Blog on Pinterest

Moody Blues

Hi there... Sorry for the lack of posts, I have been a bit under the weather. Spent last week with work, work, work and started feeling lousy mid-week. Trying to combat a cold, I was in bed by eight every night, and have spent the weekend drinking tea and feeling sorry for myself! At least Mr. Wonderful was at work, so I could look as bad as I felt without guilt ;) !

I will do my best to get back up to speed, Thank You for hanging in there with me!

Natasha

Image unknown, sorry.

Vintage Bahamas!

When visiting the newly restored Dunmore Beach Club on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, this charming little reception pavilion is where you start your journey...
The Beach Club has been given an overhaul by designer Amanda Lindroth, bringing the property back to its early 1960's roots, complete with vintage photos and lots and lots of island-y rattan and wicker!

This exterior porch has been reworked as a bar and lounge area, complete with louvered windows (good for tropical breezes). The graphic fabric on the ottoman and the bar stools is Petite Zig Zag in New Brown from China Seas. The pillow fabric is Melong Batik in Brown, also from CS. These fabrics have been used throughout the property. It gives the furniture a cohesive, natural look, complimenting all the rattan and wicker, making sure the furniture looks substantial and not cheap.
Pay attention to another detail; the light fixtures in the bar are Bahamian baskets that have been fitted as lampshades, a detail that has been repeated throughout the property as you will see.























Without actually having visited myself, I must admit this dining room corner is my absolute favorite spot! LOVE the Tangerine color used, so fresh! LOVE the vintage posters and photos! And what a great idea painting one or two frames in the accent color, totally makes them pop!! (This trick could easily be used in your own home!)

Notice the great attention to detail; Napkins have a pattern in the same Tangerine color! The same light fixture as in the bar is hanging above the tables... and the Tangerine sash on the little Bahamian statue on the top shelf.

Sometimes you just need a place to sit and somewhere to hang your straw hat... Rattan piece upholstered in the same China Seas fabric as seen throughout the property. Gotta love those big hats, a sophisticated beach look, especially in the tropics where the sun is super strong!

The Cabana Bath...
Now it does not get much more beach-y, or prettier, than this; Island Living at its best!!!

 A sneak peak into one of the guest cottages, reveal crisp white sheets, an Indian Quilt by John Robshaw Textiles and furniture upholstered in China Seas Island Ikat in Pale Aqua. The braided sea grass headboard can be found here.

This Tangerine color is used throughout the property, and while it reads a little more on the coral side for me, I know where designer Amanda Lindroths inspiration has come from.... Not only the inside glossy color of the conch shell, but also from Palm Beach where she grew up. This is a color that is widely used in Palm Beach, from stucco to flowers to paint.

Nassau-based designer Amanda Lindroth sitting pretty in the tropical interiors she has (re)created so beautifully. The Dunmore Beach Club has been infused with crisp white backdrop, layered with natural colors and textures and brought to life with colors found in the surrounding landscape; coral, green, natural and let's not forget the most amazing turquoise.

The original aqua and white cabanas are a trademark of The Dunmore Beach Club, since 1963... By the way; The Beach Club is named after Lord Dunmore, the first Governor of the Bahamas.

Now that I have tempted you to seek out this restored Beach Club, you can get your reservation here.

Enjoy yourself :)

Natasha

All images photographed by Tria Giovan, for Coastal Living.

About last night...

As you can tell from my previous post, yesterday was.... well, yesterday :)

I was the lucky recipient of an invitation to a wonderful event, and just because it had been one of those days, didn't mean I didn't go. I am SO glad I did!!! The Seagate Beach Club was so pretty, the weather unbeatable, nice breeze and a beautiful sunset! 

This BEAUTIFUL bouquet of fresh coral and hot pink peonies greeted me at the door, and they had me at Hello!! :) How can you be in a bad mood seeing these??

....And as silly as it may be... I was trying to figure out a way, to scoop one of these gorgeous peony arrangements up, and sneak out the door with it!!   Shhhhhh!

Natasha

PS. I have to constantly remind myself how lucky I am to be living here! People from all over the world pay big bucks to spend time right here in my back yard!! It really is true... remember to stop and smell the roses peonies!! :)

All images NHH for the Northern Light Blog

I need some air...

Could not have said it better today... It's been one of those days, you know.... where nothing makes sense.... had to be the barer of some unpleasant news, and it's never easy!!

Natasha

Image via tumblr

I spy...

Taking a clue from nature, these beautiful bursts of color "came at me" on a recent trip to Bal Harbour (outdoor, upscale shopping in Miami area), and look how the colors can be translated into your home below!

Rustic, crackled turquoise pottery, and a beautiful coral piece adorn a mantle...

... and how pretty is this little side table?  Not only are the colors fantastic, and the flowers are sooo pretty, but take a look at this image, really take a look, it's so well thought out....

First of all, the wallpaper is busy, subtle and elegant all at once, lending a wonderful back drop and setting the scene for the curves in the lamp base, in the flower dome as well as the cabriole leg on the table, the carved table top and skirt.. then there is the vases, playing of off each other with their fun curves and edged designs.

Lovely, just lovely!

Natasha

PS. the wallpaper is by Thibaut
Image #1 via Bal Harbor, Image #2 via Made by Girl, Image #3 via My Paradissi

What's not to like?

This little image I found over at the Dreamhouse Blog, the first blog I ever visited, seems like a million years ago...

But really, what's not to like?
It fits so many criteria of mine; White, Coral, Shell, Butterfly, Candle, Painted wood, Grey, Gleaming glass and Bead board (in the background).
I don't know about you, but I think this little display is so sweet!

Happy Tuesday,
Natasha

Valentine's Day

Just a sweet little wish for all of you;

Hope your wake up to flowers and kisses!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Natasha

Image via Style Me Pretty

No words...

... Just a beautiful quiet space! An old renovated warehouse in Bruxelles, Belgium....
Enjoy!!

 

Have a wonderful calm week!!

Natasha

Images by Morten Holtum via here