Past Inspiration on the Journey to New Changes with White!

For most of us, we can probably agree that interior design has really changed over the years in styles and color. I know my styles have really evolved over time. But looking back over my college days and studies, one thing remains the same, perspective, scale and good design. I like to think of my own decorating starting with CREATIVITY around COLLECTIONS, COMFORT and CALMNESS, all coming together for a pleasing space that is unique. A space that reflects our personality, travels, collections and how we live with the treasures we love and cherish.

My personal favorites revolve around Romantic French Country and Villa Cottage Garden with Shabby to Chic throughout. This year I have added lots of white or cottage cream and love it. I have lots of windows in my cottage, but the position of those windows do not bring in the light I would like throughout the day. Adding the white to my furniture and accents has brightened and brought a fresh lightness to my rooms. I actually started adding white in 2000 when my mother passed away and I redesigned her room she had in my home. All the furniture was painted white and I loved it. From there I have been adding white ever since. Although I still love color in the accents, the white has given me new inspiration and a fresh direction. Accents have become lighter and more neutral too
Here are a few favorite design books I love and take lots of inspiration from.
"French Country at Home" ~by Kathy Passero.

This book is just full of inspiration on every page. It reveals in great detail the colors that make up French Design, textures, styles and collectibles. Elements from floor to ceilings that make up a style that is comfortable and very homey.

Two more favorites are Cottage Style and Garden Style written by Mary Wynn Ryan. These books also bring great inspiration for collectibles using vintage and color for indoors and out.
These publications have really influenced my redecorating over the years and I always see something new every time I turn the pages and dream.



And lastly, I have to share 3 more inspiring favorites I read all the time and dream away with new ideas.





Whether it be inside or out, and outside I have made lots of changes too, anywhere can be a space to decorate. The following pics are a journey through my cottage sharing display vignettes using collectibles, vintage treasures, and hand paintings. While these vignettes have changed and evolved over time since I added the cottage cream, I still find inspiration from these past photos. My guy and I love to surround our home with vintage books, vintage glassware, handmade treasures and always music. In the next weeks I will share the cottage cream changes with new pics and new inspiration that I have worked on this year.
I love to display my treasures in a way to inspire me everyday. Where does your inspiration come from?




















Along the way, I learned something about myself too. I can't live without lace. I love it, and use it everywhere among my treasures. Vintage lace made by my grandmother is among my cherished favorites.







For me, the decorating journey continues, and more then likely, it does for you too. It has been fun to share my inspirations before the changes I have yet to share with you in my cottage home, garden and studio.
I hope all your decorating dreams, come true!
Blessings, Celestina Marie

A Walk in the Garden

Happy Summer blog friends.

Today begins a new season and the longest sunshine day this year. I always like to walk the garden and visit my flowers as I water and relax viewing the pretty blooms.



Although our springtime did not end on a happy note, we are doing much better now, but of course, still miss our sweet Miss Beazy Lee. With the new season I look forward to better days ahead and back to my routine even though I feel it has taken me some time.


I am back in the studio and beginning to create again and find my joy doing what I was meant to do.

All the emails are answered now and my thanks for all the prayers sent my way. I think I even sent a few thank you emails twice. LOL I wanted to make sure all were thanked and I may have sent some of you two emails. I promise I have not lost my mind yet!! LOL

Flowers around the pool in my container garden are doing pretty well, but we have not hit those triple digits yet, however, they say it's on the way this weekend.

This will mean water, water, water to keep the flowers with us.

Rosemary and the Potato Vine growing nicely. I love walking by the Rosemary and the beautiful scent it gives.

We have even been enjoying yummy tomatoes from our one little vine this year along with 4 green pepper plants that are really doing well, much to our surprise.

Miss B's pink roses.

Ivy and roses do well in this spot and seem to take the heat with a few annuals mixed in.

For this first day of summer, I picked a pretty bouquet of roses, daisies and cone flowers.

In this pretty glass pitcher vase, they bring a sweet touch indoors.



Thank you for taking a walk in the garden with me today celebrating the new season and new beginnings. I will be back soon to share what I have been creating, my new studio and lots more.

Hugs and Blessings always,
Celestina Marie

See You Soon!

Hello Friends, I will be back soon to my blog after some changes as you already might notice. All this to reflect my new look in the studio which you can scroll down to view. This week will find me back in the studio and the creating I love. Thank you for the continued emails of support. Life is sure changed without Miss B, but I find courage from my faith and the many prayers from so many. I am slowly getting around to visiting everyone. Hope you are all enjoying the season and as always blessings to you.



See you soon,
Hugs, Celestina Marie