Table Top Done Right

Many of you probably are probably just as guilty as I am, when it comes to Instagram…

I think we forget to read sometimes, just get carried away looking at pretty pictures, but when I came across this amazingly beautiful image on The Zoe Report on IG, I just had to go and read the article :)

I would love to sit here for a Mother's Day Tea Party, wouldn't you??? I am totally loving the dark table; Raw, matte and such an amazing backdrop for the Bohemian / English Garden floral arrangements. The Chintz napkins lend whimsy, the earthenware plates and "thrown together" look makes it all look very casual, yet this is one of the most stylish table tops I have seen in a long while!!

This party has a lot more to it! 

Check out all the resources here, and many more pictures from the event!

Natasha

All images via The Zoe Report, Photography by Yayo Ahumada

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

Nursery Cuteness! Vol. I

Have you heard? Rikshaw Design has launched a Nursery line, and its amazing! 

… I guess it was in the works, while baby Lilly was also "in the works"  ;)

Having a baby girl automatically has me tuned into the pinks and girly colors, while otherwise I tend to go for the cooler colors. These bohemian prints all mixed together are just so pretty and fun, now I want to buy everything!!

I have been wanting this patchwork elephant in the worst way, he is just so darn cute, and now he is FINALLY available for purchase (here).

Take a peek for yourself, surely you will come away with something great!!

Natasha

All images via Rikshaw Design

The Color Purple

I am so inspired by this super pretty jewel box of a home, featured on the Domaine Website today. If you look closely, the shell of this Southern Charmer, is neutral - white and beige - and then all the yummy color has been layered in, in the form of accessories.

Should you want to see more images and read about the home owner, check here, she happens to be an Interior Designer, so… "no wonder", right?

I love that she went for it, committed to the color, chose a slightly bohemian / Moroccan vibe and just "did it"!

Natasha

All images via Domaine

Happy Easter!

I do realize my blog posts have been far and few in between, but if you are still out there, checking in from time to time… Thank you!

Happy Easter!

Natasha

PS

Northern Light Design is on Instagram as well, and at the moment I am much more active there, so come follow along!

Image via The Boat House

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

New on the Virtual Newsstand...

The new rue magazine is out, and I just had a moment to browse through… There are definitely a few interesting spaces I want to come back to explore, what about you?

Natasha

Image via rue magazine

Happy Weekend!

Just thought this image was so Happy and Cheerful, I had to share :)

Natasha

Image via Pip Boydell on Instagram

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

Happy Monday!

Surely this sunny yellow, patent leather make-up pouch will brighten your day!?
I came across this via India Hicks…

If you need more Mellow Yellow to help you through this Monday, check out this link :)

Natasha

Image via India Hicks

Work in Progress!

Lately I haven't been working a lot…The main focus these days is Baby Lilly, but when she is not on my arm, I do squeeze in a little work :)

I have been mid-way in a project (Dining / Living room & Master Bedroom Re-do's), and needed a chair that was comfortable, deep enough to curl up in, yet interesting from all angles… Introducing the Spindle Chair!

Not exactly a new design, but sometimes it's not about reinventing the wheel, so I tweaked it a little. For the above mentioned project, I selected a slightly darker version, Limed Oak, and since we were going for the beach look, I reupholstered the chair (cushions etc) in crisp, hardy, white denim. Easy to clean, easy to bleach, easy to throw in the washer whenever kids & dogs had had their way :)

Now… well, I have just ordered two more, but in white, and for a different client. This time I am upholstering them in Oyster colored washable Linen / Cotton, super soft! I can't wait till they are done. I love a good before & after, don't you? Stay tuned!

Natasha

Image via Northern Light Design on 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

Shameless...

OK…. So, I was thinking it's time for a little shameless self promotion, but what I am really doing, is asking for a little support :)

When I started blogging, there were awards handed out, there were followers-in-the-making and everyone were very supportive, which was great :) I have not seen a lot of you "following" lately, and that's ok, I know we all get busy! I do see in my stats that things are good and the Northern Light Blog has many, many page views, and for that I say Thank You!!

Now, here's my plug… I need just six more people to follow along via Pinterest - the link is here - to reach 2000 followers. Wont you do me the honors…? :) I promise I will not let you down, there is always inspiration to find, often on a daily basis - even when I don't have a moment to blog…

Also, I wanted to mention that Northern Light Design is on Instagram, just incase you wanted to follow along there as well!?

Thank you in advance,

Natasha

Image via Pinterest

New on the Virtual Newsstand… x 2

Last couple of days have been sporting two fresh virtual magazines for you to dive into. Rue magazine is out with their Small Space issue, and there are some really cool looking small apartments, I especially liked the Studio of Dru Ortega. Take a look…

And then yesterday… Matchbook magazine launched, I immediately was drawn to the editorial on Tuckernuck… all things preppy!

Have fun reading.

Natasha

Image via rue magazine

Swimming with Sharks...

Do you watch Shark Tank?? I have from time to time, but am not a follower, as I find it difficult to commit to a show, with a new baby… That being said, I am so happy for Susan Petersen of Freshly Picked Moccasins for landing a deal on ST! I originally found this small company Freshly Picked on Instagram a while back, followed along with the cute images & learned her story. I have not yet purchased a pair for my baby girl, but they are on my wish list!!!!

…and then the question becomes, just which color to pick??

The metallic moccs in Navy, Platinum and Rose are also Limited Editions, but Baby Lilly can only wear one pair at a time, so… Time will tell :)

Natasha

Image #1 via Goggle Image Search, Image #2 & #3 via Freshly Picked

Texture Snapshot

This image stopped me in my tracks today, so beautiful! 

Loving the colors, the shapes, the texture, the glaze of the bowl …

Natasha

Image via Tine K Home SS14

Snuggle Alert!

Yep, there is actually such a thing as a Snuggle Alert :) … at least according to the weather man down here in Florida. The term is used when the temperature dips below 60F! For us it's cool, not always cold, but cool & we break out the sweaters.

From my days in retail (read cold air conditioning), I have a lot of sweaters, and any chance I have to bring them out is a welcome one!!

I went shopping with a friend the other day, and she summed up my style pretty well… 

Split Personality!! - I am not kidding! 

Truth is, she is partially right :) I kinda have two styles going on in my closet; One is what is left over from my retail days… lots of black, sweaters (to battle the cold a/c) and beautiful knits, just because I love knits and cool, crisp fall clothing. Once we get in to having to wear a jacket, well, then it's just too cold for me. Two is where all the white, and preppy pinks come in. The latter part of what is in my closet is actually way more practical as I live in this warm / hot tropical climate. Sooooo, what's a girl to do?? I have been going through and cleaning out / organizing my closet many times, I guess an other round is in store as my body has changed a bit from being pregnant, so I see this as my chance to start a fresh clean style! What do you think? Any of you have a fabulous Pinterest Fashion Board I should check out for inspiration?? LMK

Natasha

Images via Pinterest

Faux or Real?

OK, so if you follow along you will know that I am a lover of Flowers! Almost all kinds of flowers, though I admit to having my favorites, such as the classic Hydrangea. Orchids are pretty much always found all over my house, and that's mostly due to their longevity, but also because I don't have a cutting garden… 

I am torn when it comes to the faux variety … I have been known to use a few of these faux blooms in different clients homes, but really, my heart is with the real kind! However, when you have a busy household these come in handy, so I was happy to see this sale on One Kings Lane this evening.

I really like this Cymbidium Orchid in the Blue & White pot! Imagine it on a tall side table in the living room, or a table in the foyer, perhaps arranged with a few books & a candle …

So, are you into Real or Faux Flowers? Can you really tell the difference? 

Natasha

PS. Follow Northern Light Design on Instagram and you will be witness to my love of flowers...

All images via OKL

Happy Sunday!

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

Natasha

Image via Instagram / The Boat House PB

A Celebration...

A celebration is in order!!  The Northern Light Blog turns 4 years today, and what a wonderful time it's been, reading all your blog posts out there, writing my own, and following along with others from a far!

You might think I have lost my marbles, posting three images of the same venue, but I can explain… well, actually… I just couldn't choose, and I kinda like the natural progression :)

This beautiful table was done up by non other than India Hicks, for - what I am absolutely sure was - an amazing New Years Eve Celebration on Harbour Island in the Bahamas. 
I take it my invite must have gotten lost in the mail ;)

Have a wonderful, festive, fun New Year!
Natasha

Image #1 & #3 via India Hicks on Instagram, Image #2 via Nathan Turner on Instagram