My Favorite Spaces

Interior design is a pretty significant interest of mine, however at this point in my life I have resorted to avidly reading Architectural Digest and looking at interior accessories and design techniques online. Spaces are an important part of interior design, because this is where you start! Finding your favorite space(s) is a fun activity because most people never really think about the physical area around them and why it is aesthetically pleasing. Someday I hope to put this love for interiors to use, but for now, I'll share with you some of my favorite aspects of architectural and interior design.

A Wide View of the World: Large Windows

Oversized windows are gorgeous, and work very effectively to open up and brighten the interior of any house. Open spaces inside a home are beautiful, and even if the rooms themselves are not large, they will appear so with a plethora of light. 

A Taste of the Country: Barn Doors

Barn doors are classic and a great touch on the appropriate exterior. They convey a familiar, welcoming gesture to any guest of the home, not to mention that they are beautiful!

A Neighborhood Must-Have: Wrap-Around Porches

Please tell me something that is more relaxing than sitting on your front porch during the summer drinking iced tea. There is so much you can do with a wrap around porch, and the furniture is a blast to pick out. You can go with a combination of swinging chairs, rocking chairs and wicker furniture with fun cushions. Regardless of if the view you look out on is the ocean or your neighbor's front yard, a wrap around porch is certainly a luxury for any home. 

Solid and Simple: Hardwood Floors

I love varnished, hardwood floors for almost every space in a home. Apart from bedrooms and bathrooms, hardwood floors really add a sense of clean, crisp feel to any space. I definitely have a preference for this kind of flooring, so I can only hope I get the chance to design these kind of floors to my home or apartment when I have a family!

Nautical Splendor: Boat Decks

This is an incredibly luxurious yacht, but designing this unique kind of space would be awesome. The ocean air and constant sunshine and wind create new challenges that put a new spin on design options. Canvas pillows and cushions with simple nautical designs are a popular choice, demonstrated above.

Kick Back and Relax: Finished Basements

A finished basement (in this case complete with a bar) is a teenage/grown child's dream. It is a space to relax apart from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house, not to mention great for company. Superbowl and World Series celebrations are perfect for this kind of space!

Calm and Cozy: Fireplaces

There is something magical about a space with a fireplace. It makes you want to sit down and chat with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. The smell in and of itself adds to the overall aura of the space, not to mention the great company that inevitably fills the room. The fireplace does not have to be dramatic or huge, but it should take on a central role in the overall area. 

Bright and Merry: Simply Decorated Kitchens

Light wood and stainless steel appliances make for a bright, happy space for your kitchen. Since the kitchen is one of the most widely used spaces in an average home, it is necessary for them to be enjoyable and not too busy or cluttered. I began appreciating kitchens when our house was renovated years ago, and I can definitely see the benefit to a classy and cool kitchen area!

Designing a home or apartment does not have to break the bank: auction houses and thrift shops are a great place to start! I really can't wait until the time comes when I can begin the adventure of decorating the interior of my own space!

Hope everyone has a great Thursday.

xo, MPF