:Ruby At Home: in bed with Ralph

In Bed With Ralph

LAUREN

You asked for it! Well at least some of you did .. the rest of you are getting it anyway... Some [cleverly edited] photos from around my new villa, starting with the bedroom...

Since moving into the new place I've changed bedrooms twice and re-arranged the direction of the bed at least six times, resulting in me using the smallest of the three bedrooms as the master bedroom. The reason for this is twofold.. a noisy neighbour [Greek version of Tim the Toolman] and the cold damp weather.. So for the time being.. I'm using what should be my home office... It really isn't quite large enough for a Queen size bed and side tables .. so a bit of make do going on.. hence the clever editing... But for now.. it is warm.. quiet... and finally becoming comfortable..

Mamma Strutting Her Stuff

Mamma In Her Youth

Vintage Ralph

As you have probably guessed by now.. the duvet cover is one of my favourite Ralph Lauren designs .. Hither Hills.. Gorgeous linen covered in large cabbage roses... Here in Australia the price of Ralph can be a little prohibitive, so lucky for me, I collected quite a bit of this design whenever it was on sale..

And if I get bored .. the reverse side is blue ticking

If only the walls in the villa were actually white, I'd be one happy chappy.. They are more akin to the colour you see in the next set.. Builder's Beige.. What I'd do to splash out with a can of white paint.. but...I won't rock the boat [yet...]. I will however be painting up a white storm soon on a French Commode and matching bedsides.. Where I am going to put them I don't know.. but they too have been languishing in a builder's beige for too long. More on that post painting...

Internet Update

Before I go I want to thank everyone once again for leaving me such lovely comments and emails.. I am still having trouble with my internet so am grateful to get this post up. I know I have to do something about this soon but still looking at my options before I dive into a twelve month contract..

Have a lovely weekend everyone... Internet permitting I'll be over to visit you soon.

This post is linked to Beverly's Pink Saturday. This is my first Pink Saturday so I will have to dream up some more pink for you in future weeks..

IMAGE SOURCE:

Images: text, photography & artwork [Being Ruby©]

INSPIRED BY: Art and Hues of the Sea

Inspiration from the mysterious sea and it's hidden depths of blue and green.

Image: from Ralph Lauren

The sea has long held a fascination for me. I think my introduction to this obsession came from my grandfather's many watercolours of sailboats and majestic ocean liners, lovingly worn books and his own personal stories of life at sea as a cabin boy. Long after he was gone, his books and paintings continually strengthened my obsession, as did my brother's own art. Unfortunately for me, he was the one to inherent this talent (and possibly the watercolours??).

I suppose it should not surprise me then that my favourite colours are blue and green. And not just the light and friendly hues. My passion also runs deeper to the dark, deep blues and steely grey greens. Any colour really you would find in an ocean storm.

Hawaii Seascape: by Betty Paeth

I love to bring these passions into my surroundings so I can enjoy them daily. My preference (but still a dream) is to have a somewhat neutral setting which can then be punctuated by bursts of colour (often changed to suit my mood). One way to introduce this colour is by artful placement of cluster paintings, or even a large looming piece that dominates the space. At the end of this post, you will find some wonderful art that has recently inspired me. But for now, here are some examples of both art and sea inspired hues found in my online meanderings.

Nautically Inspired

Of course I had to include 'The Sofa'

Sea Foam & Deeper Hues

Ships & Sailboats

IMAGES: House Beautiful , Ralph Lauren, Nicholas Haslam, Velvet & Linen, Taverne Agency

Some great inspiration for cluster art can be found at Anna Spiro's blog Absolutely Beautiful Things. This designer has the touch for bringing art and fabulous colour into your home.

Wallpaper (with hues of the sea)

The first two images above are from Shannon Fricke's home. Another fabulous Australian talent. Her home is something to envy.

And of course, finally, the wonderful art that inspired this post. These pieces below fascinate me. Oh how I would love to own and cherish them myself.

Art That Inspires Me

A little Blurb about the Art

#1 - I like to call this the 'Blue Lady'. I can look at her for hours and wonder what her life was like, and what she was thinking in this moment. This elegant lady seems a little sad to me. Perhaps she is stifled by the protocols of her station in life. (found via 'Absolutely Beautiful Things' blogspot)

#2 - Seascape by 'Whistler'. One of the many beautiful seascapes by Whistler. This image was found at 'House Beautiful'

#3 - This painting was posted at 'A Bloomsbury Life'. I really don't know anything about it other than the colours and composition sing to me. [postcript: artist: Dora Carrington]

#4 - I just adore this artwork by Adalaide Johnson. These two ladies look very carefully attired and almost uncomfortable in their surroundings. Is it just the shoes not suited to the terrain? I think it might be another case of being stifled by protocol. This was part of an art show held by the fabulous store Curious Sofa. I can't get to the store, but I love visiting her blog 'Curious Sofa Diaries'.

#5 - 'Centennial Park' by Marcella Kasper. Subtle muted colours. The subject here is not the sea, but Centennial Park in Sydney. I used to park my car there every morning on the way to work. Some winter mornings you could be lucky enough to see a mist sweep in from the sea. So not of the sea, but from the sea.

Well that is all for this post. If you can't live by the sea, at least you can bring it into your home by way of art and colour. I love to know 'what' inspires you and 'how' you incorporate that love into your surroundings.

Dedicated to 'Dagga' ... and

'Those who go down to sail the sea in ships

who do their business on the high seas'

Postscript:
If you happen to make it to the end of this post ... congratulations ... it was a bit 'mammoth' and became somewhat of my 'archilles heel'.

Take A Walk On The Dark Side

And now to indulge my dark side ...............

There is nothing like 'Ralph' for heavy dark timber and warm leather couches, dressed with deep blues and sea greens.

Throw in a few fresh white and silver accents .......and this is cocooning at it's best!

I just need a good book and I can retire for the coming winter!

Images: Ralph Lauren

Camping Style

I seem to have started with a Sea Theme, so how about a Boat House?

Or a little Cottate by the Sea? Somewhere to sleep? Or read a good book and while away the time! I'd probably never want to go home.

I love the blue-green floorboards in these pics which are all from House Beautiful. The photos are a compilation of 2 articles. The second being "Camp Style".

If that is camping! Count me in!! Especially with those Ralph Lauren pillows and floor lamps!