Relax in the Blessing and Beauty of Design

After a fun night of trick-or-treating and the resulting sugar highs, we all need some time to sit back, relax, reflect on the upcoming holidays we get to share with beloved family and friends, and thank God for the beauty that surrounds each of us.

Several weeks ago I came across a delightful and highly inspiring design blog called Fieldstone Hill Design.  The owner/designer of the blog, Darlene, is an extremely talented designer who is passionate about what she does...and the best part is that she fully recognizes and celebrates the fact that her passions for beautiful design come from the Lord.  Something I know is true for my design-loving heart as well!  She wrote this beautiful "design manifesto" that applies to anyone who creates or designs anything and shares the belief that God is the Ultimate Master Designer:

“I AM A MASTER DESIGNER.

I LOVE BEAUTY;
I SEE POTENTIAL AND I WANT TO FILL IT WITH BEAUTY.
I AIM TO CREATE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL THAT IS WORTHY OF JOY.

DESIGN IS A HIGH CALLING, ONE THAT CAN IMPROVE THE LIVES OF OTHERS, BE A MEANS TO FOSTER RELATIONSHIPS, AND ADD MUCH JOY TO MY FAMILY.

I APPRECIATE FINE AND LOVELY THINGS, BUT THEY ARE NOT MY TREASURES.
I KNOW WHAT IS TRULY IMPORTANT, AND
I DO NOT AIM TO “STORE UP MY TREASURES HERE ON EARTH.”*

I LIVE TO BRING GLORY TO GOD, THE ULTIMATE MASTER DESIGNER.
HE CREATED BEAUTY.
HE CREATED ALL BEAUTIFUL THINGS.
AND, HE CREATED MY PASSION FOR DESIGN, AND SET THAT JOY IN MY HEART.

EVERYTHING THAT I CREATE,
AND HAVE CREATED,
IS BECAUSE I MYSELF WAS CREATED BY A MASTER.

I AM A MASTER DESIGNER.”

*{VERSE REFERENCE, MATTHEW 6:19}

Aren't those lovely words to reflect on?  It's a great reminder of why I love what I love about design, decor, crafting, etc.

Now for the visual enjoyment, here are a few pictures of beautiful spaces that will make you smile as you revel in the God-given creativity of fellow designers:

(pic from hgtv.com)

I just love this bold wallpaper in an entry!  While it wouldn't match anything in my home - I'm not usually the least bit fond of purple or pink -  I think I could redesign a whole house around it.

(pic from Olive and Love)

The most beautiful idea for an accent wall that I've ever seen...old shutters that have been refinished/painted and hung on the wall.  More details of how it was executed can be found here.

(pic from Fieldstone Hill Design)

I have a weakness for reclaimed wood, whether it be on a fireplace mantel or covering a wall.  This is the perfect example of filling a wall with reclaimed wood for a rustic but refined look.

(pic from Houzz)

Isn't this bath beautiful?  I love the wallpaper on the ceiling - way cheaper than doing the walls, and a touch that is wonderfully unique.  I also adore the red light fixture for a pop of color and the ruffled shower curtain for a bit of whimsy.

(pic from Isabella and Max Rooms)

This bedroom was designed for a young girl, but it's not at all strictly youthful.  You could just as easily see it as a master bedroom - not too feminine for a guy but just enough beauty for a girl.  It reflects a delectable combination of colors - turquoise and reddish pink.  And, the light fixture is simply gorgeous!

(pic from Elements of Style)

Last, but definitely not least, this nursery is absolutely charming.  Believe it or not, the painting is a $35 find at a flea market and the Jenny Lind crib is only $200 from Babies R' Us.  This nursery has made it's way into my (next baby) "nursery design" folder.  More pictures of this lovely space can be found here.

I hope you've enjoyed a quick spin through some beautiful rooms.  Have a blessed day and remember to thank God for your passions and the lovely things He shares with us each day! -Kristen