Charming Spaces: a delightful reading nook

I wish I could tell you more about this space and who designed it but, unfortunately, I seem to have lost the link to the feature on the website of El Mueble. I know I found this photo there ages ago and I have tried searching for it without any luck. I cannot remember if the article was about a flat somewhere in Spain or if it was just one of those features where they introduce new collections of home accessories. Whatever it was I think this is one delightful reading nook. The neutral colour palette works well here; I think it gives the space a sense of tranquillity. As you probably know already, I'm all for natural light, which this room has plenty of, and I find the ceiling and balcony doors simply gorgeous.

Today I'm trying to do the best I can to keep myself inspired and motivated but the weather is not helping. It seems to be pouring down rain every single day. I'm afraid our garden will soon turn into a jungle - a jungle of weed. Not pretty at all!

The good news is that ahead is a four-day weekend for school children in Luxembourg and apart from the occasional pinning with my coffee I'm setting the laptop aside. I have promised my son a Lord of the Rings marathon, starting with The Hobbit, and plenty of popcorn. What else is there to do in the rain?

I will be back on Wednesday. Have a wonderful weekend dear readers and blog friends!

photo credit:
El Mueble

a refined rustic farmhouse style in Arizona

A few weeks back in a Charming Spaces post I shared a room in a rustic house in Arizona. That post led me to this house in Scottsdale, Arizona, which also has that rustic element but looks more refined. The interior designer was David Michael Miller and the house is an OZ Architects design.

The kitchen is right up my alley - open shelves, subway tiles, exposed beams and fireplace. I cannot get enough of it! The idea was to create the atmosphere of a rural French farmhouse and I think they succeeded best in the kitchen.

What I especially like about this home is how inviting and homey it feels, to me it seems you can pick a room that suits your mood the minute you enter. Then there is of course the charming surroundings and the pool.

photo credit:
1-6 + 8-9: Werner Segarra for David Michael Miller Associates / 7 + 10-15: OZ Architects

K&A: rice with Indian spices and sultanas

It was only recently that I shared a simple rice recipe with Indian spices and here is another one very similar that I posted earlier this morning on kitchen & aroma: rice with Indian spices and sultanas. This one contains slightly different spices and then there are the sultanas or golden raisins that add a little sweet taste. Sometimes when I'm not particularly hungry I have a bowl of rice with Indian spices for lunch and raw or stir-fried vegetables on the side. It's simple and yet it leaves me energised.

Enjoy your day!

photo credit:
Lisa Hjalt

drawing with light 20

Castel Toblino, Trentino, Italy.

photo credit:
Fabrizio Fusari via Encore! Life