Neutral Serenity

Black and white, sepia, neutrals, monochromatic. These photographs invoke a feeling of serenity. Tonal relationships and contrast create a mood.

via here, here, here, here, here and here

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What a week it’s been!

Wow. One of my co-workers was on vacation this week and I had so much extra work to do in her absence! I drank a lot of coffee… and cappuccino to get me through. I know it’s a bad habit to boost oneself with caffeine but I love, love love the taste of freshly brewed coffee!

You & Coffee Are My Bffs – Hand Stamped Humorous Vintage Coffee Spoon – Etsy

coffee shop and Art gallery in Welly NZ
via 25.media.tumblr.com

Espresso & Chocolate – Yummy!
via Flickr

Summer Whites

When I think of white, I often picture wintery scenes. It’s easy to forget about pure summer whites. To look at them one already feels cooler. White is calming and soothing. The sum of all the colors of light add up to white.

Is there anything better than crisp white sails against dappling waters or the grace of a swan? Summer umbrellas, daffodils wafting through the air, lace and white linens and all the lovely whites that summer brings with it.

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fraeulein-klein

Georgianna Lane

Henry Domke

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Home Stories A2Z

etsy

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Cake Journal

This is what summer looks like

I found Anders Schønnemann Photography via Pinterest and as I browsed through all the sumptuous images I couldn’t help but notice that many of them were very summery! I’ve collected a few of Ander’s photos to share with you – because this is what summer looks like to me. Riding my bike, fresh strawberries and vegetables, packing up the car for a long weekend and enjoying the outdoors. Fresh lavender, sidewalk cafés, pretty blooms. The season is so short so enjoy!

all images via Anders Schønnemann Photography

The Beauty of Life

Tags

500 px, black and white photography, colour photography, photography

I think this is the perfect quote to go with these very strong photos from 500px. Photography is the beauty of life, captured. – Tara Chisholm.

I could get lost for hours on end on this website which boasts to be the world’s best photography community.

The King Is Angry by Christian Meermann

Tekapo Blaze by Dylan &… Toh

RAW Colours by Dacel Andes

young by Marciel Quintero

Keep cool

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art, beach, DIY, fashion, invitations, Nina Nolte, summer

I sincerely hope this is the last day of the horrible heat wave we’ve had in T.O. The temperatures have been around 35 degrees Celcius, with a high humidex (making it feel like 40 degrees). Yikes!

That being said, summer is the time to create memories with friends and family. These DIY popsicle invitations via Martha Stewart are the perfect invite for a birthday party or backyard BBQ! Click here for the clip art and how-to!

I would love to have a huge lofty living room with white walls so I could switch up my decor for summer. I would hang this brightly-hued acrylic painting by artist Nina Nolte.

This season the accessories are big, bold and bright! If I can’t keep cool, at least I can look it!

I really, really want a pink lounge chair and umbrella for the beach. Welcome summer!

Friday Funny

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caption, laugh, photo, photography, pinboard

I stumbled upon this image and caption on Pinterest and it immediately caught my attention. I hope you have a good laugh to kickstart a great weekend!

This is what I do all day when I’m not pinning. 😉

Photo and caption via Annie Stump Haller on Pinterest

Once Upon a Photo

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arts, digital technology, fairy tale, illustration, Natalie Shau, Once Upon a Time, surreal photography

I stumbled across the photography of Natalie Shau while browsing through 500px. Natalie Shau combines photography, digital technology and 3D-modeling, creating strange, mystical and sometimes frightening images.

After watching the totally amazing season finale of Once Upon a Time last night, I feel like sharing these magical, surrealistic photos with you. Each one is a fairy tale…

My thoughts on the blog

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arts, blogging, DIY, illustration, Irene Z, photography

When I first started this blog, it was my intention to share photos of interior decor. As the blog evolved I discovered that I have many different passions but they all stem from one thing – excellent photography.

So, I hope to share some diverse photos in the future, some recipes, a bit of fashion, a lot of luxe and some DIY projects. I will get a camera and share some of my own photos and stories to personalize this blog. I feel like I am growing and changing everyday and I hope you will continue to visit for some inspiration, a few words of wisdom or to view some whimsical images.

Beautiful surreal photo manipulations by Irene Z

British Columbia Backcountry at tumblr

Horses photographed by Shelli Breidenbach

Scandinavian style

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business, colour palette, design, fashion, Interior Decor, Scandinavian design, style, talented photographer

I love many different interior decor styles – modern glam being my favourite. Still they say “less is more” and I can’t help but feel that way about Scandinavian design. Highly functional, the style is effective without needing heavy elements. The colour palette often starts with white due to the long winters and few hours of sunlight. The design aesthetic is bright and uncluttered with natural wood flooring and furniture and black accessories.

This home with industrial touches belongs to Jakob Nylund. His home reflects modern Scandinavian style – it prioritizes functionality without sacrificing elegance and simplicity. The sight lines are amazing. Jakob is also a very talented photographer.

All images via Jakob Nylund