Romance By Train. The Luxurious Interior Design Of The Orient Express

I thought it would be fun to take a journey to a far away destination and experience the interior decor of some of the most luxurious trains on the rails today, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express Line. I hope you will be amused by this bit of silliness as you enjoy looking at the romantic images associated with past and present train travel.    ALL ABOARD!!!

THIS IS A STORY SO BE SURE AND READ ALL THE CAPTIONS.

A trip on the Orient Express, the most luxurious trains in the world. What fun, what excitement, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ? You surely must be aware of what can happen on the ORIENT EXPRESS!  Our cast of characters is assembling in the train station, unaware of the possible danger awaiting them. If there IS trouble aboard this train, who could the possible victim be?

The wealthy oil tycoon whose wife just found out why she wasn't invited on the last "business" trip.

The two lovers who have managed to slip away from their spouses for a rendezvous aboard the Orient Express.

The beautiful blonde Hollywood starlet who is said to be secretly seeing a very prominent politician.

The Hungarian Princess whose country is hungry to get rid of her.

The newlyweds who make everyone sick with their public displays of affection.

Or will our victim be the husband of the rich, young American who has obviously made a deal with the Porter to "watch" over him. 

Well it won't be the silly reality star now will it?

Our destination.....Constantinople  

Off for an adventure on a beautiful train.

Our travelers are shown to their beautifully decorated compartments.

There is such an old world feel to the decor.

Small but luxurious

Love it!

You have to admit....this would be fun.

Back to the story.     Our possible victims could enjoy a drink at the bar.......or maybe not. Does he look like a crafty old gentleman to you? A little anxious with that cup of tea, don't you think?

Or they could dine in.  I don't know if I like that smirk on his face. Could he be up to no good? Notice the gloves...no fingerprints.

Or after deciding on attire.....

one could eat in the dining cars.  You would probably be safe here with so many people around.

Now where does she think she is going?  Maybe someone should see what she is up to!

That ceiling is fabulous!

How much fun would this be? I don't know though, we really don't know much about that cook do we?

There are beautifully appointed dining areas on board these trains.

What a wonderful way to view the countryside.

Now those two look like they could be plotting something.  Hummmm  I'll bet those pearls aren't even real!

The service is top drawer!!  Just be careful!  There are those darn white gloves again.

As the sun goes down, our cast of characters become more anxious.  

It can be frightening in the fog....after all someone is telling all the guests about what can happen on the Orient Express. And what is that one light doing on? Who would be up at this hour?

As morning breaks everyone breathes a sigh of relief.  It was a long night......

Thanks to Poirot, the culprit was apprehended during the night and will be promptly dealt with.

We have arrived at our destination!

Everyone is safe and anxious to get on with their adventures. 

Our villain has been severely reprimanded and told to STAY OFF the train.

Next stop Paris!

Excitement builds as the train begins it's departure.

But will they be safe on the Orient Express?

Oh no..... at it again!

Pink Interiors, Exteriors, And Other Beautiful Things

La Vie En Rose.....Life In Pink.  I have never met a woman who did not like pink. Some love to be drenched in it, while others like it in small doses. Nevertheless, is must be part of our DNA because it is one of our favorite colors. This post is dedicated to this remarkable phenomenon.....our love of pink. In fashion as well as interiors, I think pink is best done in accessories...... and whether hot or subtle, I like it to POP. Sometimes I will paint a whole room or dress all in pink, but it will be more of a soft blush pink. Regardless of the shade or hue, pink is perfectly at home in our interiors. Just remember ladies, if you are single, go over the top if you want. But for you married ladies, show some restraint and don't overload the male senses!! He gets to live there too you know! 

So put on your rose colored glasses and enjoy La Vie En Rose 

A lovely room with touches of pink! Soft and feminine but a man could be comfortable here too.

This room and  it's pastel colors paints a picture of femininity with pink being the star of the show. 

I love the shade of pink paint on these walls.  The weathered accents are perfection!

The black and cream harlequin floor is a wonderful accent for these blush pink walls. Remember that creamy white used for your trim, furniture, etc. is going to look much better than stark white which is much too strong and fights the subtle softness of this particular shade of pink.

A pretty mint green room with "pops" of pink.

Pink and silver/grey are fabulous colors to use together. I especially like them in a Hollywood Glam style interior.

Pink is as pretty outdoors and it is inside!!

I have plans for winter ....a chair like this.  A stunning DIY project.

The colors of this room along with the gauzy canopy treatment give it an ethereal ambiance

Consider this color combination!

Pink looks great in a Bohemian room too.

One beauty........

followed by another!

Don't forget that accessories make the room!!

The use of pastels make this room spectacular. I love the combination of lavender, rose, and subtle orange. It is worth a try!!!

Past life in pink!!! It's been a favorite for generations!!

Whether you have a large house......

or a small one, pink exteriors are beautiful when done right. It is all in the selection of the shade.

So the moral of this story is USE PINK whatever way you choose to bring out YOUR inner

PRINCESS!