Tints & tangents...

I just can't get it out of my head; the intangible ambiguity of inspiration.  The encouraging notion of creativity in the most unlikely of circumstances.  My hands were marinating in vivid liquid, my senses were offended by the bitter aroma of vinegar, empty mason jars were begging to be filled, and I was suddenly swimming in inspiration.  While my beets were pickling, the brilliance of dramatic colors and invigorating pigments left me craving more color – especially when the sky turned unexpectedly grey and dim on a summer afternoon.

Katie Quinn Davies {of What Katie Ate} always satisfies my delight for delicious color {her beet adventures are significantly more photogenic than mine}.  This collection of images is like a fresh summer day radiating across the senses.

{After a lengthy pause for fresh air and fresh ventures, I am crawling back to elle oh demanding a creative outlet.  And, apparently, I came back with an excess of words to share.}

Glass forests...

This is a glimpse of perfection. Sweet harlequin patterns contrast with a rustic hammer balanced delicately among a forest of glass forms topped with a sprig or two of unassuming rosemary.

{This lovely landscape was styled by Lotta Agaton and photographed by Pia Ulin. Oh, how I would love to live in an entire world styled by Lotta and photographed by Pia.  Sigh.}

Words...

"The real voyage of discovery consists
not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes."

Marcel Proust

Delicious and delectable...

It's my favorite time of year. Vivid hues of farmers' markets, crisp summer mornings, warm afternoon rays of sunshine, and delicious views of delectable cuisine.   

This visual delight is from Katie Quinn Davies {of What Katie Ate}.  Pomegranate and honey pulled pork with a side of courgette, garden pea, and stilton soup has never looked so good.

Drifting...

I have officially floated back to reality and drifted back to elle oh with scientific details, gleaming natural light, and beautiful hints of botanicals.  This wonderland was photographed by {the talented} Petra Bindel.

{The life behind elle oh has been bursting with changes and chaos.  Not to worry, I'm back to my usual image lusting and wordsmithing.}

Fluttering off...

My bags are packed.  I'm running away.  Not to worry, I'll be running right back to elle oh eventually.  Until then, I wish you nothing but bliss.

{Image from the elle oh archives.}

Just a pinch...

Just a pinch of vivid color to delight Saint Patrick with the prettiest touch of green.

{This glimmer of sparkles and emerald found here.}

Good things...

This vibrant image is full of good things. The glimmer and glamour of gold flatware, the rustic charm of rugged wooden planks, the simple beauty of plain white dishes, and the indulgence of an alluring chocolate bar are such good things.

This gorgeous image {and flatware!} is from Canvas.

Glimpses...

Just a glimpse from the portfolio of Pia Jane Biijerk.  The potential of what lies beyond the borders of these images is inspiring.

{The gorgeous discovery of Biijerk's portfolio happened here.}

Words...

"Change your thoughts and you change your world."

Norman Vincent Peale

Mustard yellow morning...

This saffron yellow clutch is a supple dose of mustard in my morning.

{Spotted at French by Design.}

Precocious beans...

I prefer my coffee strong, embellished with a generous dribble of cream.  I relish coffee so extensively, my love knows no bounds.  I'll take a latte, espresso, Americano, or any form of my precious beans.

Visit me over at Little Bits of Lovely today and discover what else I revel in and adore.

Chocolate crumbs {on the left} by Line Klein. Gleaming espresso {on the right} found here.

Sumptuous produce...

Yesterday my old-fashioned mail slot delivered a catalog from my favorite muse {Anthropologie}.  The {matte} pages were full of vivid aesthetics – the sumptuous produce has me longing for summer.

And one more, to carry you through the weekend, because I cannot get enough persimmons.

Words...

"Life just goes, we don't know where; 

but I'll be with you, the whole way, together."

My Charming Husband

Brooding beauty...

Sometimes the dark, brooding mystery of deep charcoal grey embellishes my Wednesday morning perfectly.  The details of glossy glass and curled leaves are like little doses of unexpected glamour.

Yes, these lovelies are a repeat, but can anyone ever really have enough Ditte Isager?  I don't think so either.

Vantage point...

Looking down on this lovely table scape makes a mug of pale pencils the perfect crown to the perfect book {catch a glimpse of Nesting here}. The sidebar of grey tights, tan heels, and a {glamorous} red manicure is pure luxury.

{On the left, a luscious bit from En mammas dag, via Lotta Agaton. On the right, just a glimpse of pretty prep from JCrew, via Pinterest.}

Unbearable lust...

This room is beyond delicious, nearly unbearable. The ceilings are so lofty, I could nestle all my dreams in this space, right between the intricate molding and vintage theatrical seats. Sigh.

{This piece of perfection was spotted at Anna Gillar.}

Words...

"Today you are you that is truer than true.

There is no one alive that is youer than you."

Dr. Seuss

Lithograph layers...

Some beauty is unexpected. Beautiful onions are unexpected. This chromolithograph plate print {by Ernst Benary} is available at the Royal Horticultural Society. It's variegated, saturated, and savory.

{Spotted on Automatism.}

Exoskeletons and pocket watches...

As you may remember, I have a lust for beetles. Six graceful legs and a single glossy exoskeleton. Combine my insect imagery with contrast, vintage wares, typography, a pocket watch dangling gracefully, and the amalgam is bliss. Black-and-white-beetled bliss.

The Chalcosoma atlas print from Hagedornhagen is worth coveting. The glimpse of gorgeousness on the right hails from Annaleena's Hem {spotted on Lotta Agaton, the loveliest place of online real estate}.

Webbed feet...

The combination of industrial iron components, filtered light, beautifully destructed walls, and webbed feet is wildly enchanting.

{This glimpse from Tine K Home was spotted at Hviit.}

Ruffled Romance...

May Saint Valentine lend you enough {ruffled} romance to bound around the room.

This hopeful glimpse of a lovely afternoon was frolicking here.

Two lovely links to devour today:

Pick Your Cupid {Hipster Cupid? Yes, Please.}

Kate Spade Valentines {Free love notes to share...}

Love affair...

The combination of mustard yellow ruffles, a vintage dresser, royal blue, and brass details is a delicious love affair to remember.

Apparently I am addicted to playing match maker between the styling of Emily Henderson and gorgeous photography with hues of complementary colors {the top image from Liebling Shoes was lounging at Solid Frog}.

Words...

"Love doesn't make the world go round.
Love makes the ride worthwhile."

Franklin P. Jones

Rolls of pattern...

Another glimpse from the gorgeous portfolio of Line Klein, this heap of patterned paper with a dew of soft light is lovely.

Thoughts in chalk...

This confection of chalk perfectly describes my sentiments.  When spring comes fluttering around again, I will start a love affair with this skirt and these flowers.

{Photograph from the talented Shanna Murray, spotted on Cherry Blossom.}

Completely complementary...

Today I am craving the crisp and vivid taste of complementary colors.  Blue velvet tufts and camel leather should satiate my pining, especially after I soak in the allure of patent blue shoes and a gleaming gold coffee mug.

{On the left, Katie Ermilio for Rue.  On the right, the musings of Emily Henderson.}

Words...

"Imagination is more important than knowledge."

Albert Einstein

Succulent sentiments...

Pomegranates.  Succulent, sultry, and saturated bliss. Vivid globes bursting with an abundance of sweet seeds, this bulbous Himalayan fruit symbolizes prosperity and abundance {and pure beauty}.

{This gorgeous photograph was spotted at From Me To You.  Click over and devour Jaime's wildly talented lens.}

Merci beaucoup...

This is where I bow my head in shame.  I owe an immense amount of gracious gratitude to a handful of lovely souls, and it is {long} overdue.

These beloved blogs shared generous, generous {and gorgeous} giveaways with me – a confection of hydrangeas from Ann {PlumSiena}, a bound book of muses from Gaelle {Decoration 'Till The End}, and an adorable print from Karine {Bodie & Fou}.

And even more gratifying, these ravishing ladies bestowed flattery upon elle oh in the form of {undeserved} awards... 

Style Attic {One Lovely Blog}

Harmoni og Kontrast {Cherry on Top}

The Beautiful Life {Stylish Blogger}

a home in the making {Stylish Blogger}

el paraiso construido {Stylish Blogger}

Elements At Home {Stylish Blogger}

little bits of lovely {Stylish Blogger}

Thank you endlessly. I am blushing and completely humbled.

{Scrumptious and soggy image by December Sun. Spotted on Lovely Clusters.}

Feminine frills...

Soak in the feminine hues and soft details of this space.

{My endless gratitude to Cherry Blossom girl for introducing me to Anna Malmberg's inspiring interior photography.}

Geometry...

This workspace is calling my name. A rhythm of rectangular window panes, organic branches, industrial lights hanging and hinged, and a horizontal workspace resting on beautiful triangular spindles. This is delicious geometry.

{This image was lounging on Interiorguiden, originally from Convoy.}

Words...

"Out of clutter, find simplicity.

From discord, find harmony.

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."

Albert Einstein

Fresh take...

Today I discovered a new photographer.  Line Klein, I adore your work.  Seriously.  The combination of soft lighting and crisp edges is refreshing and addicting.

{Thank you for the introduction, La maison d'Anna G.}

Bound beauty...

These images are from Nesting {the book of bound beauty}.  Glossy pages of twenty-six different Swedish interiors. Mmmm.

{Gorgeous photographs by Pia Ulin as spotted on Hviit.}

Monochromatic amusement...

A sprinkle of monochromatic tableware is just what my Tuesday desires.  

On the left, stacked ceramic charm from Tine K Home.  On the right, bone china spoons with capricious curves from Caroline Swift.  My table is begging to be amused with these lovelies.

A combination to covet...

This interior is an amalgamation of aesthetics. Raw iron for industrial character.  Wood grain for humility.  Upholstery tufts for supple elegance.  A hint of glamour dangling from lofty ceilings.  Sigh.

{Aesthetically enhanced image spotted at K.I.D. Collective.  Click over for a visual feast and tour the rest of this space.}

It's a tie...

I cannot decipher what's best about this image.  The flood of natural light?  The details reflected in vintage mirrors?  The historic porcelain angles of the unassuming sink?  The pristine little octagons nestled into the cabinet?  It's a tie.

{This image bursting with equally delicious details was spotted at Decor8, originally from Freunde von Freunden.}

Words...

"The details are not the details. They make the design."

Charles Eames

Silk & scales...

This week of frost and disorder has me dreaming of {alright, obsessing over} this bed. 

The texture of silken sunshine and the promise of warm slumber is simply alluring.  And glistening below, vibrant scales.  Silk strands and slick scales – an unlikely couple and beautiful combination.

{For more on the coveted bed, click here.  At the Market is a gorgeous glimpse of scales, slime, and color – spotted here.}

A beautiful mess...

These crumbs sprinkled with wild abandon are an absolutely beautiful mess.  This photographic peak {spotted at Convoy} glimmers with the notion of engaging conversation perched on a lovely wire baking rack.  Don't you feel satisfied just by devouring the details of this image?

Oblong hope...

Here's a delicious little morsel for two thousand eleven; a sphere of potential in a simple shell, incubated in creativity and ready to hatch.  This photograph of oblong hope {by Sharon Montrose} is a lovely way to delve into the new year.