Mon Jardin~

Magic to my ears...the word 'garden'! Usually anything to do with gardens gets my attention. I enjoy visiting botanical gardens, formal and informal gardens, and plain ol' backyard herb gardens. Isn't it interesting when you discover something about yourself? I've discovered I really like china patterns that are less formal. Don't get me wrong, I also appreciate gorgeous design and elegant colors. But it took me years to choose a china pattern for our home because all the dishes I saw seemed too fancy for our little family, and I wanted to be able to use the dishes regularly and not feel like I was underdressed for the occasion! The dishes we ultimately chose have a more casual feel than some others and we love them. (I will feature them sometime soon). When I found this teacup by Villeroy & Boch I knew I had found another pattern I would love and use forever.

Isn't it pretty? I love the golden brown bamboo and luscious ripened fruit. I also really like the burgundy trim on the edges! It is sitting on a beautiful hand stitched linen doily I received from a special lady who has a wonderful blog.

Using this cup at teatime immediately affects my mood...seriously! The grapes, strawberries and peaches make me think of summer and the pear and apple whisper Fall and Winter~

Something else I like to do besides look at gardens is tour model homes. My husband likes to go too, so whenever there is new construction in our area we make a date day of visiting the models and going out for lunch. We glean decorating ideas from seeing the furniture placement and room accessories.

Great idea for a large kitchen island~ use a tray to display a favorite book, plate and cooking oil!

Unusual color scheme....navy, gray and lime. The wainscotting doubles as a headboard and the nightstands are taller than the bed, but it works!

I love the neutral, unpatterned sofa and chair paired with patterned pillows. The sofa coordinates well with the wall, and color is brought into the room with drapes and an accent pillow. After years of having a patterned sofa, we recently bought a plain sofa and chose a paint color that was similiar...taking a cue from the professionals! lol~ Now I can change out the pillows seasonally and add color and design that isn't permanent.

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