How about a little interior inspiration today? I sometimes like to pull some images that get my creative juices flowing and just stare at them — I like to pick out all of the details, wonder what inspired the person to arrange things a certain way, and then I think of how I would edit it if it were my own home, etc. Do you do this too? I found some images mostly from Emma that inspire me and since I don’t intend to steal her thunder please click over to visit her blog. She has curated some gorgeous images over the past few weeks and as I was catching up on all of my blog reading this morning I collected some that stood out the most. A few I found myself by clicking around on some of her links…

A kitchen photographed by Swedish photographer Per Gunnarsson.

A yummy bedroom styled by Susanna Vento.

A sweet spot for sun and warmth from the stove… Via Hus & Hem.

Living/inspiration nook from A Beautiful Living. I especially like the I Love You poster in many languages. Lovely.

Art and a pretty shelf from Hus & Hem.

Inspiring mood board from Ina & Matt in the Netherlands.

Lovely, lovely! From Hus & Hem.

I’ve been loving gold accents lately so I found a vintage gold teapot, creamer and sugar bowl to add to my growing collection of gold and gold-rimmed things. :) My love for gold is precisely why this room caught my eye. I also love the frames. This photo is from Hus & Hem.

Are their any rooms above that catch your eye? Why? What do you like about them?

(images: linked to their sources above.)

I’ve been following the work of Atlanta-based photo stylist Annette Joseph for several years, she is both a stylist and producer who specializes in lifestyle editorial images for American print magazines such as Better Homes & Gardens. Annette has been doing this for over 15 years and is currently working on her first book and a television show based on her book about style and entertaining.

When I read her bio I enjoyed learning more about how she produces editorial images, “Her special production products include conception of projects and storyline. This can include anything from simple craft projects to decor tips and recipe and entertaining ideas. From presenting the initial story idea to producing and styling the final product. Annette can handle it all bringing style and creativity to your projects.”

Do you recognize her work? Some of these images I’ve had tacked to my inspiration board over the years from time to time. I particularly like her pages that involve craft layouts and floral arrangements because they feel casual and creative — when I see her layouts I feel like doing something creative too which is a sure sign that I need to surround myself with more of this person’s work!

(images: tear sheets from annette joseph)

Let’s pause for a moment and think about the good friends in our life as you scroll through the portfolio of Ericka McConnell. Are a few faces popping into your head of those whom you admire and respect? I’m sure that you value your close friendships and this post is a little celebration of the wonderful people in our life who make everyday a bit sweeter. From childhood to today, we all value those who have entered our world and made an impact on our life.

Here in Copenhagen I’m forming new friendships, which feels really sweet, but I also like to take my friends with me as I travel in the form of memories because then I never feel lonely or far from home. I’m really enjoying Denmark so far. We were in Sweden yesterday and now we’re back at our base in Copenhagen where I’ll be for several more days. I’ve been finding some fantastic shops and cafes, I feel like I’m walking around in a city that is a bit like a giant blog — so many pretty things collected and shared in a single environment — it’s just grand! But mostly, I am on trains traveling to a variety of beautiful homes working hard but having fun as I go. When I return next week I’ll share some of my finds from shops to cafes with you but until then you’ll just have to take my word for it – working and playing in Copenhagen is fun stuff!

So yes, let’s celebrate good friends and good times for a moment now, shall we? Think of your plans for summer, your girlfriends, upcoming travel plans… oh the fun that you’ll have! Allow these photographs from the talented Ericka McConnell, who is represented by Judith Miller Inc., to transport you to your happy place. Ericka’s work has been published in national magazines and is quite lovely – her portrait work of both adults and children is described as both flirty and fresh but I’d like to add to that — I think her style is also very casual and “real” which I appreciate so much in modern portrait work because those Sears studio shots and Olan Mills photos that I have from the late 70s/early 80s of myself make me a bit annoyed that a more casual approach to mainstream portrait photography didn’t exist back in the day, ha ha! And if you are “vintage” enough to remember those backgrounds printed on roll up shades that they’d pull up and down to give you a new scene to pose in front of then you must totally appreciate modern portrait work just as much as I do! Oh my, I remember some very ugly backgrounds in some of my school photos…

And I guess, in closing, I should ask this: what are some of the qualities in your closest friends that you admire and cherish the most? When you look at these photographs what words come to mind that have to do with forming and maintaining friendships?

I would love to read your comments, I find it so fascinating to see what people often appreciate the most about their friends.

(images: ericka mcconnell)

Here is a little glimpse into the portfolio of Dutch photographer Judith Dekker today so here you are… a sweet photo or two to inspire you and to also highlight her most inviting portfolio.

Judith is also represented by Hollandse Hoogte for archive sales.

Don’t you love the butterfly resting on the hand? Doesn’t it evoke the sweetest feeling — that of connecting with nature and the joy in simple pleasures? The stack of books is another favorite because I love the colors of the jackets and the teacup resting on top, plus the lighting is perfect!

(images: judith dekker)