Tropical Trend Watch

So, as it stands right now I "don't get out much"… That is, I do get to the park and an occasional visit to the mall from time to time, but with a baby, most of my shopping these days happens on the internet… well, research at least ;)

I - like so many of you - love Instagram, and I have found so many new resources (read; adorable Etsy shops) and from time to time while the baby is napping, I find myself getting lost looking at beautiful pictures from near and far. One trend that I have spotted (see, I do still pay attention) is that of big tropical leaves. Ok, so maybe you won't see me in a bikini this year, but if I were to pick one, this would be it! Did I mention it's a bargain?

… and if you are looking for the trend in a miniature version, I would select this Dolce & Gabbana dress and bloomers, I think is's so cute and kinda retro, but in a cool way.

 

… personally, I am trying NOT to hit the Sold Button for this D&G dress for baby Lilly! So, So cute, but really, how many dresses can one girl have, let alone in this caliber?? 

If you think this trend is cool, but would rather keep it inside, here is a fun PJ from India Hicks.

Happy Weekend, y'all!

Natasha

Image #1 via Target, Image #2 & #3 via Barneys

Garden sculptures...

Ok, so I know this is a controversial subject for some… Immediately I think windmills and garden gnomes, and I'm totally turned off! NO, thank you, not happening!! … then I came across these images on Pinterest, and all of a sudden I am thinking "cool".

I guess once the plants have grown full and the sculpture is weathered and a sufficient layer of moss has started to grow, I could be convinced that this is an interesting look ;)

- and then I came across this pretty lady in a clients garden, tucked under a massive fern, by the back door, making an otherwise boring back entrance a place where you actually don't mind walking in and out. If done right, this totally works!!!

Natasha

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

One more… to Adore

It's here… the new Adore Magazine, Perth edition! Lots of color and cheerfulness to brighten anyones day :)

Natasha

Image via Adore on FB

Green with Envy...

I am fully aware that, not only am I late with the "Green" blog post, but I am also running out of Creative Juices… Hence while you have not heard from me in a while!

I am so busy taking cake of baby Lilly, and the few moments I do have, are spent on Client work. I feel so lucky to still be able to work a little - while only part time - and truth be told, it keeps me sane ;)

After that many years writing here on The Northern Light Blog, I feel guilty not following up with post after design post, I just can not get it together at the moment, so please hang in there with me. So often do I want to share what I am working on, what I see and what's happening, time just gets away from me!!

For a little Green Inspiration, check out this Pinterest Board, it's really great I think!

As you can see, I do find the time to Pin (this happens via my cell phone, when this baby is sleeping) and I also seem to find the time to be active on Instagram (also via my cell) so feel free to look me up and follow along.

Happy St. Patrick's Day,

Natasha

Image via Pinterest

Tulips! Tulips! Tulips!

Just thought I would share these amazingly beautiful Parrot Tulips with you. 
I took this image yesterday at an event I had been invited to… 

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you & Happy Birthday to me ;)

Natasha

Image NHH for the Northern Light Blog

Happy Sunday!

Having brunch with a girlfriend and her daughter today, just us girls :) Yeah!!

Natasha

Image via Instagram / The Boat House PB

Sunday Flowers!

… so while most of the eastern part of the US is covered in a blanket of snow, I will cozy up with a blanket of my own, some beautiful white flowers and a crisp apple!

Happy Sunday,

Natasha

Image via Pinterest

A little greenery...

… goes a long way!!

This is about the simplest decoration I have seen this season, so easy to do & so pretty !!

Natasha

Images via Pinterest

December 1st!!

Wishing everyone a very happy 1st Advent. 

The count down to Christmas has begun, but for me, it' always been about the entire month of December! Enjoying the atmosphere, the flickering of candle light, the smell of fresh pine and the aroma of good food cooking. 

Soooo looking forward to making our home a bit more festive; first ornaments are already on display, burning a holiday candle at all times of the day - the house smells great - and today I will be hanging the Christmas lights on our tiny picket fence. Can't wait to light them this evening, it is going to be so pretty!!

Natasha

Image via femina.dk

(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

Sunday Flowers

Well... not just Sunday Flowers today, as I think you all had enough, given the past few posts. 

I just thought these little Turtles were adorable, and wanted to share this image...

Hope it's a great Sunday for you!

Natasha

Image via

The Boathouse, Part II

Did you have a chance to look through this post? Yesterday I showed you images from a new favorite place of mine - that I have only visited via "virtual reality" - and by the looks of these images, I might not even make it past the front doors!  

Not only is The Boathouse a Cafe and Eatery, but also a market, complete with fresh market flowers and baked goods. 

My absolute favorite image from The Boathouse!! After looking through all their photography, I noticed that this farmhouse table and its fresh cut flowers change with the seasons. Could you imagine working in a place like this? How could you ever be in a bad mood....? Really digging the many vessels they use to display their flowers in, presentation is everything!! 

Again... Look for beauty in the everyday. OK, so not all of us have a Champagne box laying around to prop up our orchids, but you get what I mean, right?? And how sculptural are all those bananas? 

Natasha

All images via The Boathouse on Imstagram

The Boathouse, Part I

I am completely taken by this place... smitten, right from the start!! I stumbled upon this place via amazing photography on Instagram, became an instant follower, stalked their FB page, and found the website and just FELL IN LOVE! Take a peek for your self, you will be happy you did :) I PROMISE!! 

Then I got even more excited.... this place is located in Palm Beach, how come I didn't know more??? Well, it turns out the Palm Beach in question is located in Australia, not in Florida :(

This place just oozes atmosphere!! 

While the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia, is a little far for me to just "stop by", I am certain that if I lived closer, this would be My Place!! A Cafe - with what looks like a yummy cup of coffee, complete with trademark anchor - a restaurant (the food photography will have you drooling!!), event space and floral shop, I can't see why I would need to frequent any other place ;)

As a reader of the Northern Light Blog, you will already know that I love flowers, but actually don't have a green thumb, as other members of my family... so, cut flowers are my go-to, and orchids. Seem to be able to do well with those... off track, sorry. 

Wait till I post some of their floral images!! 

Any of you Australian readers been here?? 

Is this place as cool, casual and amazing as it looks from afar?

Natasha

All images via The Boathouse FB & Instagram

Color me Pretty!

Today I am inspired by Anna Spiro and a design job she completed a little while back....

Fun, cheerful, bright and lots of color!!

I think this eat in kitchen is getting a lot of action!! It's bright and fun, who wouldn't want to hang out here??

Sunday Funday!

Natasha

All images via Black & Spiro on Pinterest

Picture Book for Grownups

Do you love Pinterest as much as I do?? It's like an ever evolving mood board, a Picture Book for Grownups :) 

I use Pinterest almost every day; for remembering an idea, to pin an amazing photograph, for color inspiration... anything that inspirers me at any give moment. I have the app on my phone as well, so it makes the pinning even easier! I have boards set up for Projects I am currently working on, or that I have completed.

Just yesterday I did a few image additions to the Northern Light sidebar, check out the Right Side of the Blog, below my Daily Inspiration Tab (Blog roll). You can now click on any of the boards and you will be taken directly to Northern Light Design on Pinterest for even more goodies! Sign up, follow along, pick your favorite board, or follow them all... many more than I have displayed on the side!!

Are you a pin-head? Should I follow you? Leave me your link :)

Natasha

Image screen shot by NHH for the Northern Light Blog

(Sunday) Morning Java

Full disclosure...

I have not been to this Melbourne, Australia, Coffee Shop, have not tasted their coffee, nor their deliciously looking pastries, but I would sure like to!! 

I stumbled upon these images of Market Lane Coffee, while looking for just the right Morning Java image for today's post, and decided to post this little series, hope you enjoy! And if you happen to have been there, do tell; is everything as good as it looks??? Coffee, atmosphere, food?

Since I have not tasted the coffee, this post - for me - is about the interior... I love all the natural light, but the raw wood of the farmhouse community table against the white subway tile, really makes the space feel warm and cozy, don't you want to plop down here to share a cup of java with a friend??? The consistent use of the dark green enamel is equally as appealing to me! The light fixtures throughout as well as the Tolix chairs and fresh snow berry foliage... someone has a good eye for "the little things" and the consistency of color!

Yummy!! Love the mix and match cup and saucer, very relaxing, and I am so happy to NOT see a plastic spoon!! 

Where will you be enjoying your Saturday Morning Java??

Natasha

All images via Flickr and Pinterest search