For the Love of Books: Home Libraries

Hello hello!  Happy Monday to you!  :-)  I hope you all had a great weekend.  I spent mine relaxing -- something that is difficult for me to do completely guilt-free, but I was able to overcome that feeling and try to enjoy it.  What did you do this weekend?

Today, we're going to take a look at some inspiration pictures of home libraries.  The concept and idea of having a place for all of my books (with room to grow!) is amazing, and I do hope that my hubby and I are able to implement my dream in a home someday.  We shall see!  Until then, I will cozy up on my sofa and look at pictures of spaces that I die over.  ;-)  Are we ready?

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If you had your own library, what would be the first book that you would put on the shelves?

love,

maria

House Tour: Keri Russell

I haven't seen much of Keri Russell in my movie- or television-watching career, but I do admire her lovely laid-back sense of style and beautiful curly hair.  :-)  When I found photos of her home on Elle Decor, I just knew that I had to feature it on All Things Luxurious.  It is beautiful and simple -- not pretentious or over-stated; my favorite type of design.  The sort of house you feel instantly at home and welcome in.  That's what I love -- instant comfort, but immediate recognition of the fact that you are in a beautiful space.

Here she is with her her family in her Brooklyn, New York home.  How amazing is that piano?  I have played since I was eight or so -- I would love to sit down with that beauty!

Here is the master bedroom.

I love that rustic natural wood side table and that glorious oversized bunch of branches.  The cool colors of the room are accented by the organic materials -- love that!

This is the dressing room.

Totally cozy -- a room with literally no intimidation factor -- natural textures and a soft color palette.  I think it's perfect.

The bathroom.

Seriously -- don't you just want to hop into that tub and never get out?  I love the chair next to it, too -- facilitating intimate bath-time discussions and company.  Very sweet.  :-)

This is a dining room that I migrate back to over and over again.

I think the chairs are my favorite part, or perhaps that the color palette is rather dark, but because the space is so filled with natural light, it appears peppy and full of life.

And the touch of whimsy with the chandelier -- beautiful.

A kitchen, filled with dark woods, gleaming white countertops, and stainless steel -- yes!  And how sweet is that little nook where Keri's cookbooks reside?

Finally, the living room.

All luxurious furniture in here, people -- nothing but upholstered, cushion-y goodness.

And the touches of nature brought indoors are, again, quite possibly my favorite thing in this room.

Okay -- time for the what's-your-favorite-part game!  I think mine would definitely have to be that dining room.  I just can't get enough!

love,

maria

All images from here.

Nancy Meyers Movie Interiors: "Something's Gotta Give"

Well, today is our last post in the Nancy Meyers Mini-Series.  I hope that you have enjoyed it, and I will include links at the bottom of this post so that you can easily access the other homes that we have explored.  Today we're going to take a look at the house from the movie Something's Gotta Give -- you know, the movie with Diane Keaton (love her)?  This home has appeared in many magazines and it is all over Pinterest...it seems that people go crazy for the interior design and decorating that makes this home so special.  So today, we're ending our series with a bang with one of the most beautiful movie interiors I have ever seen -- let's take a look!

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There is such a perfect contrast on this staircase -- dark meets light -- and it is echoed in the wood accents around it.  And that blue lamp -- love!  (Rene from Cottage and Vine just completed an awesome lamp makeover, and it looks so much like this one!)

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A luxurious office area overlooks a giant wall full of windows -- ideal for inspiration.  The primarily white color palette is accented with deep wood tones to create an exceptional warmth throughout the space.

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I need this closet.  I love how everything is tucked away, but still viewable through windowed doors.

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Again, a white/cream color palette is warmed up with rich woods.  Love that china display, too!  In my future woodsy vacation home, I need a display like that!  ;-)

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Oh my gosh -- this kitchen!  My favorite aspect is the stove and the range hood.  *Swoon*.

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This is the famous room that has shown up in magazines, Pinterest boards, and many other blogs -- and for good reason!  Expertly styled, looking polished yet lived in, and so very cozy.  I just love that rug!

Okay, time for the what's-your-favorite-part game!  Tell me!  :-)

love,

maria

*I hope you have enjoyed this mini-series as much as I have loved sharing it with you.  If you would like to check out more Nancy Meyers Movie Interiors...*

The Holiday

Father of the Bride

It's Complicated

The Parent Trap

Quiet Corners

It's days like today, where the temperature is set to reach 111-degrees and I have so much work to finish, that I would love to find a quiet corner to settle in for the day.  There is something so inviting about a small space that is beautifully done-up and extra-cozy that makes me swoon.

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My ideal quiet corner must be stocked with comfy pillows, a sweet-smelling candle, ample reading light, and a stack of shelter magazines or a good book.  Oh, and a mug of coffee!

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What are your quiet corner necessities?

love,

maria

House Tour: Ina Garten's Barn

I love Ina Garten.  Her soft-spoken nature, inventiveness in the kitchen, and cookbooks that easily transport me to a calmer world entirely make me smile.  :-)  I have a couple of her books, and I have made some of her recipes; but even if I just feel like taking a mental vacation, I can simply open one of her cookbooks and read.  There are not many cookbooks I can say that about!

Today we're touring Ina Garten's 'barn,' a small, but dazzling, home that she built behind her main house in East Hampton, New York.  With rustic simplicity and first-class amenities, this is probably the most luxurious 'barn' I have ever seen!  ;-)

Here we have the terrace.  Lovely, yes?  That table is gorgeous!

I think this covered porch is great -- set up like a living area, with a cozy couch and rattan chairs.  Yes, please.

Here, a covered porch leads to the entrance of the barn.  Can you say industrial-lamp-love?  :-)

In this photo, you can see the glorious main house off in the distance.  I like that the second house is a short walk away -- still enough time to enjoy the weather outdoors.

Really?  Can I just have all of this, please?  The bathtub looks out into the garden, too.  Swoon.

This is Ina's small office space -- loving all of the natural elements and textures.

Beautiful bedroom in a very soft color palette.  I love that adorable checkered chair -- and if you were wondering, yes, there is a garden outside of this door, too!

I told you that chair is cute!  This is the perfect spot for morning pastries and coffee.

Another angle of the bedroom -- loving that wall sconce!

This simple and organized pantry is amazing!  Industrial, yet very pretty.

Seriously, I need to cry over this kitchen.  It is perfect.  My dream kitchen.  Open shelving, neutral color palette...

A fireplace, shared by both the kitchen and the dining room.  Lovely asymmetrical mantel display.

Really?  Look at that amazing bar!  I love how close the dining and cooking areas are to one another.  And the decor is fabulously rustic and chic.

Soft and serene dining room.

You're gonna have to sweep me off the floor...because I literally just melted.  Here is another angle of the kitchen and dining room -- so textural!

The entryway, complete with a luxurious settee, petite wall sconces, and a soft rug.  Beauty at its finest.

Okay -- time to play the what's-your-favorite-part game!  Tell me!  :-)

love,

maria

**All photos and information from House Beautiful.