About Me

Mijn foto
Welcome! Thank you for visiting my weblog. I am Irene, Elisabeth Pouw, a Dutch blogger. As blogger I am connecting my readers with beauty, style, quality and craftsmanship in various subjects like interiordesign, architecture, haute couture, photography, art etc. I love decorating & bringing beauty and harmony into interiors. I created this blog to share my passion for decorating as well as the many other things which inspire me. From time to time I am also highlighting certain interior designers, decorators, architects, stylists, photographers etc. I hope you enjoy your visit. Feel free to give a comment on my blogs. I will react back as soon as possible. Best regards, Irene Pouw from Holland.

05 oktober 2025

Interior Design: Elegant table lamps from interior designer Mary McDonald

While surfing on internet today I found these beautiful table lamps from interior designer Mary McDonald, very elegant designs. Below you will find more information about this inspiring interior designer. 

About the interior designer:



Los Angeles-based designer Mary McDonald is one of today’s most sought after designers and is consistently ranked one of House Beautiful “Top 100 Designers”. McDonald’s gorgeous interiors have captivated the design community and are featured in major national publications including Town & Country, Veranda, House Beautiful, Domino, House & Garden and International Vogue.

McDonald’s style combines old-fashioned elegance with a modern sensibility resulting in a fearless, joyful exuberance. Her ability to combine bold patterns, Chinoiserie and Indian influences with contemporary lines and an impeccable sense of color has established her signature style. From the refurbishment of Buster Keaton’s legendary villa to the recent completion of The Luxe Summit Hotel in Bel Air, McDonald’s projects captivate the press. House Beautiful says “her work is timeless and glamorous all spun together with a keen fashion sense…. she’s a fearless, exuberant accessorizer.”


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Source: Mary McDonald

02 oktober 2025

Flashback: Stunning Couture collection from Azzi & Osta for S/S 2015


Stunning couture designs by Azzi & Osta. Azzi & Osta is a Beirut based fashion house by the designer-duo George Azzi & Assaad Osta. 
Below you will find some beautiful photos from their couture collection for the season S/S 2015. I am totally in love with this fantastic collection. What a craftsmanship! I hope you're inspired ..... This is a repost from 08-06-2015. Earlier I wrote more fashionblogs, SEE HERE



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Source: Azzi & Osta Beyrouth
Photos: courtesy of Azzi & Osta Beyrouth

01 oktober 2025

Blogging: Thank you so much ...... Last month 90,000 pageviews worldwide!


Would like to thank my readers for the fantastic results on October 1st, 2025. For the 1st time ever, I had for the month September 2025 totally 90,000 pageviews worldwide! This is extreme high. I never had so many pageviews in just 1 month. I took a look at the data and saw that many people in the USA, Singapore, Hong Kong and Mexico are reading my blogposts regularly. Other readers are e.g. from countries like the UK, India, the Netherlands, Germany, Vietnam, Brazil, Poland and other countries.

I feel very honoured ....... Thank you so much for all the readers who took the time to take a look at my weblog By Elisabeth NL. I am blogging now for 14 years and I have always so much inspiration. It feels like a continue flow of nice ideas to share with my readers. Hope I can inspire you the coming months again. Have a lovely day and greetings from North of Holland. Warm regards, Irene Pouw 💕💕💕

Thank you for reading this blogpost. 

Flashback: Ralph & Russo S/S 2014 Haute Couture


A Flashback for Radiant in Red ..... Be Inspired by these beautiful red gowns from the Ralph & Russo couture collection for S/S 2014. Earlier I wrote more blogs about Radiant in RedSEE HERE
Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Sources: VOGUE UKWikipedia and GoFugYourself 
Photos: courtesy of Ralph & Russo.

HELLO OCTOBER ........

For my readers, have a great October month! Autumn has just arrived ...... Welcome October.

Thank you for reading this blogpost.


30 september 2025

Dynamic Abstract Art by artist Yves Sorokobi

 While surfing on internet I came across this interesting piece of art from the artist Yves Sorokobi. The painting features a mix of vibrant colors and geometric shapes creating a visually engaging composition. Be Inspired .......


Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Photo found on Pinterest. 

Quote about Passion .......

 



Thank you for reading this blogpost. 
More inspiration on my Pinterest account: Quotes & Words

27 september 2025

Dog Mansions in Bauhaus style by Best Friend's Home

Dog Mansion 'Cubix'
And you thought your dog was spoiled? I’m not sure if this is more for the owner or dog, but these dog houses from Best Friend’s Home are pretty snazzy. With this design they pay hommage to Bauhaus. Clear lines, puristic colours, glass cladding. Following the connotatively Bauhaus architecture spacious cubix offers lots of light and room for small and big dogs. The apparently free floating roof is a special highlight. For more information please have a look at the enclosed links below.
Dog Mansion 'Cubix'
Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Source: Beautiful Life

Color Ideas: 12 Iconic Colors from around the World

Would like to share with you these 12 iconic colors from around the world. What an inspiring colors to use for decorating your house. Each color has its own beauty. I can hardly choose. :-) My favourites are Chinese Red, Caribbean Blue, Burgundy, Tibetan Yellow, Jaipur Pink and Prussian Blue. Which colors do you prefer? This blogpost is a repost of my blog of 03-11-2020. Be Inspired .........

Jaipur Pink
"The whole city of Jaipur, India is painted pink. It's an exuberant color, optimistic and positive. Jaipur pink reminds us that we're all alive and everything is possible. I like this type of paint, because it has a chalky layer underneath that blooms through and gives it a patina. Try it with saffron and orange." — Windsor Smith.
Painting: Sydney Harbour Paints Lime Wash Pink Ginger.
Chinese Red
"In Chinese culture, red is the color of good fortune and you see it everywhere — on pagodas, on tugboats in Hong Kong harbor and on paper lanterns swaying in the breeze. This is my all-time favorite Chinese red, in high gloss — like the lacquered tip of one of Diana Vreeland's fingernails. Red is the great clarifier. A touch of it will add crispness to any room." — Miles Redd.
Painting: Benjamin Moore Impervo Alkyd High Gloss Brilliant Red 20.
Pompeian Red
"Pompeian Red is the red — with a bit of rusty orange — that you see in the background of all those frescoes in Pompeii. Amazing that they've survived for millennia. Red creates a wonderful contrast that brings everything else into focus. It's gorgeous, very Italian and very romantic. It has the glow of the sun in it." — Brian McCarthy.
Painting: Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion Blazer 212.

Caribbean Blue
"My idea of Caribbean Blue is this gorgeous turquoise that takes me straight to the beach. It's the color of water in the sunlight with brightness as well as depth. And like all the Glidden blues, it has a beautiful undertone. It might be pretty intense in a whole room, but try it on one wall, a ceiling, shutters, or a door — all great ways to use a strong color." — Suzanne Kasler.
Painting: Glidden Premium Deepest Aqua GLB24.
Tangerine 
"Apparently the first tangerines were shipped to Europe from Tangier and the city gave its name to the fruit and the color. Try tangerine lacquered in a dining room or a foyer to envelop you with warmth and make you feel as if you've jumped on a jet to some exotic destination." — Jamie Drake.
Painting: Benjamin Moore Impervex Tangelo 2017-30.
Swedish Gray
"I've always responded to Swedish interiors, maybe it's the quality of the light. The color I think of as Swedish gray is subtle and complex. You can see other tones in it and that ambiguity is intriguing. Set it off with dark charcoal or bright white and a bouquet of pink garden roses." — Victoria Hagan.
Painting: Benjamin Moore Aura Feather Gray 2127-60.
Tibetan Yellow
"This is the color of the robes worn by Tibetan Buddhist monks. When you see them walking down the street, it's like a ray of sunshine. Tibetan yellow is vibrant, but somehow it still has a softness and a sense of peace." — Vicente Wolf.
Painting: Pittsburgh Paints Manor Hall Naple's Gold 116-7.
British Racing Green
"I think fondly of British racing green, as I had an MG in exactly this color when I was in my twenties. I would use it in high gloss for a library, because it gives a room lots of shine and drama, creating a cool, quiet space. It goes well with old leather bound books and comfortable furniture." — David Easton.
Painting: Benjamin Moore Advance Hunter Green 2041-10.
Burgundy
"The color Burgundy takes its name from the color of the wines made in the Burgundy region of France. And like a glass of my favorite Pinot Noir, this rich red has depth. It responds dramatically to light and shade. Recommended for rooms where you want to curl up and read." — Katie Ridder.
Painting: C2 Paint Luxe Curtain Call C2-004.
Chartreuse
"Chartreuse is such a happy, spirited color. The name comes from the yellow-green liqueur made by monks in the Chartreuse mountains of France. I tend to gravitate toward the yellow side of the spectrum, and this shade is so multifunctional and rich. It looks amazing with anything from ebonized woods to whites." — Kelly Wearstler.
Painting: Pratt & Lambert Accolade Casava 15-10.
Prussian Blue
"The formula for Prussian blue was born in what is now Poland. It was one of the first artificial pigments and replaced the ultra-expensive ultramarine, unleashing a tsunami of blue into the world. Without it, we wouldn't have those smart Prussian military uniforms or Picasso's Blue Period. I'd use it in a bedroom with crisp white trim." — Alexa Hampton.
Painting: Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo New York State of Mind.
Aegean White
"You see a particular shade of Aegean White all over the Greek islands, where the whitewashed houses seem to incandesce in the light. Each village looks as if it has been planted into the side of the cliff, and this lime-wash paint feels equally organic. I've used it in a dining room where the mottled, chalky texture creates a sense of age and looks beautiful in candlelight." — Darryl Carter.
Painting: Virginia Lime Works Limepaint Bright White.
Thank you for reading this blogpost. 
Source: House Beautiful

Bridalwear: Fantastic Bridal collection from Zuhair Murad F/W 2020


Would like to share with you today this fantastic bridal collection from Zuhair Murad. Zuhair Murad Bridal brings the romance for its Fall/Winter 2020 collection. Captured in a golden field, a model wears dramatic silhouettes made for a queen. From transparent lace to pleated tulle and layered organza, these enchanting gowns exude pure elegance. Be Inspired .........








Zuhair Murad, fashion designer. Source: A&E World

More about the designer 
Zuhair Murad  is a Beirut-based Lebanese fashion designer. He is considered to be one of the most talented designers of the 21st century. Zuhair Murad was born and raised in Baalbek, Lebanon in 1971. His passion for fashion was visible from an early age. When he was 14, Zuhair won a TV contest with three outfits which defined his personal and particular style. That childhood passion led him to study at a design school in Paris and in 1997 he opened his very first atelier in Beirut. In 1999, Murad celebrated his international debut at the Alta Roma Fashion Week, following an invitation from the Camera Nazionale della Moda and three years later he presented his couture collection for the 1st time during Haute Couture Week in Paris.

Chosen by L’agenzia per la Moda to appear at the official opening of the 2001 festival in Rome, Murad quickly became known as one of the best designers in Italy. This was the beginning of a new era for him. In 2005, he debuted the first Zuhair Murad RTW collection, a more simple – yet still aesthetically glamorous – contemporary line designed to meet the expanding needs of his clients. Two years later inaugurates his Parisian “Maison de Couture” in the heart of the Triangle d’Or on “François 1er” Street.

The international media has declared him as ‘the star rocketing designer’ and ‘one of the most promising young designers for the new era’ due to his unique style and creativity which ensure his ongoing successful career.

Since 2009 an enormous amount of celebrities likes to shine at important events with his unique pieces. His ability to turn every woman who wears his amazing pieces into a goddess make some believe that he stole Cinderella’s fairy grandmother’s stick and everything he designed was created with pure magic. His unique creations that define oriental essence and beauty have made their way towards all the major podiums, boutiques and personalities.

What initially began as a young boy’s hobby with little sketches and pictures painted on paper and canvas has now grown into a fashion empire with strong regional recognition and a growing global reputation.

‘I started from scratch and worked my way up’, says Murad who’s adventurous and aspiring nature have lead him to where he is today. Zuhair Murad is the perfect example of how ambition, perseverance and creativity can lead to an eclectic runway of life.

‘It’s about sensuality and femininity, along with a touch of glamour.’


Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Sources: ZUHAIR MURAD and Fashion Gone Rogue
Photos: courtesy of Zuhair Murad

23 september 2025

Elegant Daydream Outdoor Furniture from Dedon

While surfing today on internet I saw these inviting daydream outdoor furniture from the brand Dedon. Love this elegant design! I guess it will be a real eyecatcher on your terrace. I wrote earlier more blogs about Dedon, see HERE
DEDON, an inspiring company
Dedon is an international brand that creates high-end woven furniture using a sophisticated synthetic fiber, weather-resistant and aesthetically refined. They say ..... they always choose for quality. 

It began in 1990 when Bobby Dekeyser founded Dedon while starting with the creation of an innovative weatherproof synthetic fiber. The company set out to create a new kind of woven outdoor furniture, one that combined modern technology with luxurious hand-craftsmanship. A search for the world’s best weavers led Dedon to Cebu Island in the Philippines. While the early years were marked by trial and error, the uniqueness of the product, the artistry of the weaving and the company’s obsession with quality set Dedon apart from the beginning.

FROM A PIONEERING VISION TO A PIONEERING GLOBAL BRAND
Having revolutionized the outdoor furniture business, Dedon continues to set the standard for quality, artistry, innovation & design. Today, Dedon is represented in more than 80 countries on six continents. 

Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Sources: Trendir and Dedon

20 september 2025

Art: Colorful & refined Art by artist Starla Halfmann - Serie Charmed

Be inspired by this colorful and refined art by artist Starla Halfmann from her serie Charmed. What a delightful colors to see! Be Inspired .......
More about the artist. 
Starla Halfmann is a professional Austin artist and Texas native. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Design Communications from Texas Tech University. Her art and design interests are varied but her focus is on pushing the limits of impasto style paintings combined with mixed media. Intuition, emotion and a spiritual connection all play an integral part in the creation of each painting.
"I love what I do and try to maintain a child-like wonder in my work. I grew up on a farm in West Texas where the only access I had to art was a "P" encyclopedia. At four years old, I would thumb through "Paintings" thinking "Anyone who can do this has got to be happy all the time!" I chased butterflies, collected shells, glass, rocks, - whatever I found interesting and beautiful. My grandmother's antique broaches and lace scarves were intricate treasures. I felt magic all around me. My parents and their friends thought I would be a vet because I loved animals so much - one of the reasons why I paint them so often. What I find funny is even when I'm not creating a painting with animals they still show up hidden in my abstract paintings. On most days, I still feel that magic and wonder when I paint. To be able to create freely and express oneself fully is truly a joy and blessing that I never want to take for granted."
Currently, Starla's work is featured in Anthroplogie, Greenbox Art + Culture and Skyline Art Editions.

Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Sources: Starla Halfmann and Starla Michelle/Pinterest

16 september 2025

Fashion Photography: Elegance & Style in Black & White

Wish you a fashionable & stylish day!
Photo found on Twitter. Source unknown.

Flashback: Tom Ford F/W 2022

 
Would like to share with you today a flashback from the colorful collection of Tom Ford F/W 2022 in colors like radiant red, pink, purple, turquoise, green, cobalt blue and black. Citing COVID-19-related delays, Tom Ford said he was not able to present his Fall 2022 collection during New York Fashion Week. Instead, he dropped a look book during Paris Fashion Week. Earlier I wrote more blogs about this inspiring fashion designer, SEE HERE Be Inspired ......








Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Sources: TOM FORD and Guild Magazine
Images courtesy of Tom Ford