Summer Grilling

When I think of relaxing summer dinners, I think of grilling cheeseburgers, french fries and corn on the cob. Potato and egg salad sides are also a favorite.  However, color always inspires Ma so the other day we went against the usual and went for the unusual! Shish kebobs were in order with lots of […]

Je ne sais quoi

Do you ever walk into a room and it moves you but you just don’t know why? It’s hard to pinpoint what makes it so special and inviting. Sometimes you have to really look into the details; details such as the wall moldings. It’s a successful room when it grabs you but not for something […]

Wallpaper

Victorian wallpaper Wallpaper?! Isn’t that what  people are ripping off the walls of their newly bought homes? Their homes that were recently bought from the original owner of 50 years?  I love the look of so many patterns. Damask, toile, floral and geometric shapes. I am very happy when looking at patterns whether for a pillow, bedding… or just […]

Breezy Bayeaux

Bayeaux, France in Normandy looks like such a gorgeous town. It’s between the port city of Cherbourg and the university city of Caen. I’m now sitting here daydreaming about this place. I find this sort of thing so inspiring!! Do you? Well, I took it a step further and actually found the perfect rental. I […]

First Cozy Blizzard of the Year

The weatherman goes crazy for storms such as this. I get excited with the anticipation of being stuck indoors and looking out at the bright, beautiful snow. My first item that I must stock up on? Hot chocolate! Blizzard = fire in the fireplace = hot chocolate. Does being cozy, warm and calm inspire you when […]

A Beautiful Table Setting

What is it that creates a beautiful table setting? The centerpiece? Linens? Dinnerware? Needless to say, a beautiful setting on the table is very inviting. I gravitate to my seat and am excited to eat and chat. However, a pile of papers sometimes gravitates to my dining room table before a crowd of dinner guests. […]

Pretty Papers

It seems that whenever a person looks at a house to buy, one of the first things she wants to do is take down the wallpaper. They contain such beautiful patterns and colors, though! Now there are such unique papers that are trompe l’oeil, paintable and even ones that have texture. Graham & Brown is […]

Swedish Interior Design – Creating a Bedroom from Heaven

photos and text by Jo Lee for Inspire Ma When we bought our 1886 apartment on the seafront in Hove (UK) that now doubles as Swedish Interior Design HQ, we instantly fell in love with the 14’ ceilings, huge double sash windows overlooking the sea and wonderful original period features. The light pours in off […]

Welcome Door

When a person visits another, they are found standing on the front porch knocking on the front door. As he waits for the door to open and be welcomed, he stands there staring at the door. This is the first impression. My door is bright red with a few windows along the top. It is […]

The Beauty of the Farmhouse Sink

There is something about the farmhouse sink that I’m resisting. Then again, every single time I see one, I think how wonderful it looks. Perhaps I’m afraid of it being just another trend but it does have such a clean look and the deep size makes washing pots and plans easier. I believe it is […]