The Animal Print Shop Wows

I'm a slightly obsessed with these gorgeous images from The Animal Print Shop. God has some imagination right? The porcupine is killing me he's so cute.

A Cheery Home Office

I wanted to share some images of my friend Claire's front room that we've been working on. She is an amazing photographer and needed a home office where she could bring clients and display her work, as well as get some work done. She asked for bright and cheery and seemed to be drawn to retro motifs. She ended up settling for the very retro color palate of cherry red and turquoise. We still have some accessorizing to do but I couldn't wait to share these beautiful images. This is a wonderful example of virtual design for those of you who are interested. I provided some mood boards, a furniture plan, and helped her shop online. She provided the elbow grease and ultimately decided which things she loved. This is a great option for those of you who would like to save a little money but still need some design help. Email if you are interested and please email Claire if you need some photography (she's in Irvine)!

Sweet Spencer

I can brag on my baby right? He's absolute perfection in these beautiful photos taken by my dear friend Claire Smith, of Within Sight Studio. She's amazing! Please feel free to write comments telling me this is the most beautiful baby on the planet. I will allow it.

Corrie Bond's Purple Reign

Gosh dangit I love Corrie Bond!!!

Georges Dambier

Divine images by 86 year old French photographer, Georges, Dambier. You are welcome!

images via Nowness

The Street is their Oyster

What a great article on the love story between the Sartorialist and Garance Dore in New York Mag. Read it here and then PLEASE check out one off the most beautiful blogs on the planet! If you want to get a daily hit of gorgeous fashion and photography, the Sartorialist is worth your time- every time!

Liz Ham Heart

photograph by Liz Ham

Just a reminder to get on the horn and make those Valentine's Day reservations!

Baby Spencer is Here!

Photography by Tracey Lee

Two weeks ago today, we welcomed Spencer Tag into our family! With three boys on our hands we think we might need to be done, if you know what I mean. I've given myself a little grace with the blog and I thank you faithful readers for sticking with me even when I don't show my face for awhile. I hope to kick off the new year with some beautifully designed content and hope that you all enjoy it. Wishing you a wonderful New Years!

Love, Amy

It's Raining, It's Pouring

images via we heart it & design sponge

It's been raining all week in Las Vegas which is nothing short of a miracle. It's cool and green and smells like the wet desert. It makes for a yummy Friday afternoon is all I'm saying. What must it be like to live somewhere like Washington, Oregon, Ireland or Scotland? I'm sure I romanticize the rain but what do you readers think who live in it all of the time? I'm sincerely curious. Is it love or hate? Wishing you all a rainy, comfy, cozy weekend!



*Today's Post Sponsored By*
Birkhill Castle

Inspirational Blogging Imagery

I suppose this post is a sneak peak into a great new inspiration for design and specifically my blog. Some days it's hard to come up with something to share with you and when you find a website that has beautiful images it really helps! My new find is weheartit. If you are a blogger you will love this site. Today, I typed in the word, "Norway" and wahlah gorgeous, inspirational imagery to fuel the imagination. Go try it, you will waste the morning.


*Today's Post Sponsored by*
Baltic Travel Company

Anna Wolf's Lovely Photography

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised"
Proverbs 31:30

Happy Mom's Day

Happy Mother's Day to you all. You make the world go round!

image via The Pioneer Woman

Design Inspiration

via Behance & House Beautiful

Design inspiration can come from anything! A jumping off point for a space is most effective when you have a strong visual and emotional response. This photograph of the flower and thistle by Diliana Stoyanova moved me and immediately made me think of this bedroom. It is such a great reminder that there is inspiration everywhere.

Happy Bloggaversary

photography by Gokhan Koray, via Behance

This week is my one year bloggaversary and I want to say thank you to all of you who follow Varnish. It will sound cheesy to those of you who don't blog but I feel in some senses like I found my voice. Blogging has allowed me to connect with strangers who are as passionate about design as I am. It has allowed me to broaden my perspective of this industry- my industry in a way I never could have before. Thank you so much for supporting me and I look forward to another year of discovering wonderful new design and hopefully sharing more of my own work with you as well!

p.s. If you haven't already entered the drawing for the Philips Living Color lamp, today is your last chance! Click here for details. I'll announce the winner Monday.

Typography Meet My Bookshelf

How fun is this photography/typography project by Amandine Alessandra? Lord knows I love a book and this was just too cute not to share. I dare someone to try it at home and send photos. Better yet, send a video. Puhleeease!

images via Behance

Studying

photography by Marcelo Krasilcic

Morning people! I just want to let you know I'll be taking the week off to study for my NCIDQ practicum on Saturday. I'll be back full force next week and will let you know how it all went down. And yes, I will totally be wearing a silk romper, a smoky eye and my hair in a pouf while I study- how dare you think otherwise.

Happy Easter Weekend!

image via Paul Barbera

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter! I hope you all have ham to eat, eggs to hunt, mimosas to drink and the resurrection to explain to a 3 year old!

He vs. She

I am really drawn to rooms where there is male meets female energy going on. It's no design secret that the most interesting rooms always have some sort of juxtaposition happening but this particular type always makes for beautiful spaces in my opinion. I mean seriously who wants to live in an all Laura Ashley room or in a room filled with leather lazyboys and big screens TVs? I'll have some champagne with my basketball please.

images via Paul Barbera

Photography

I saw this image on another blog and unfortunately I cannot remember who the photographer is. If you happen to know, shoot me a note so can credit them. I do think it is so beautiful though and I would genuinely put this in my house. I also wanted to say, "thank you" to all of the new readers and subscribers. Your comments have been great and it's been fun to see your blogs as well. Keep visiting and I'll do my best to keep bringing you beautiful and interesting content. Have a wonderful Monday!

Mwah! Amy

Happy Valentine's Weekend

image via Brown Button

I wish you all a beautiful Valentine's Day weekend. I hope it is filled with the sweetest kisses.

Besos, Amy