Inspiring Love Quotes & Serene Design Inspiration

On the cusp of Love Day, we’re ushering in Inspiring Love Quotes & Serene Design Inspiration to please. What is keeping your heart hopeful these days? For me, it is not that earth shattering. Just unplugging from modern life, connecting with nature, and remembering why we’re here. Ya know? Creating beauty and aligning with love keep me hopeful, yet I don’t rely on the humans around me to love me perfectly. I can’t expect my relationships to service me or supply me with romantic fairy dust to “feel” loved. Love is too precious and sacred for scorekeeping. (Dang, I’m going deep before you’ve sipped your first sip!) Let’s tenderly turn toward timeless design inspiration, wishes for peace, encouraging love quotes, and a little unexpected.

Charming modern farmhouse sink bay in a kitchen with rustic wood ceiling and design by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. #modernfarmhousekitchen #farmsink #serenedecor
Kate Marker Interiors – Inspiring Love Quotes as well as Serene Design Inspiration

Inspiring Love Quotes & Serene Design Inspiration

The exquisite kitchen bay moment (above) in a timeless kitchen by Kate Marker Interiors continues to work magic and have its way with me. (And not just because it includes a farm sink and the very same Kohler Parq bridge faucet I chose for my own kitchen!).

Psst. Check out the pocket on these sweats!

Kate Marker’s Grey Oak Project

This glorious home located in Barrington, IL, is on a lovely street familiar to me since our close friends lived on Grove for years. (In fact, I met the designer Kate and chatted with her at a party hosted by mutual friends.)

Kate moved away from this serene white modern farmhouse with limed-wash brick exterior (and it only looks charmingly historic!). It was actually built in 2016.

Charming and romantic modern farmhouse exterior facade with lime washed brick, rustic natural wood shutters, and light grey front door. Interiors by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. #houseexterior #housedesign #modernfarmhouse #whitebrick #curbappeal #greyfrontdoor

Kate Marker Interiors – Photography by Stoffer Photography

Inspirational Words of Hope

Not sure if this feels true to you, but it sure resonates for me:

Elizabeth Gilbert inspirational quote. #elizabethgilbert #quotes #inspirationalquotes
“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.” ELIZABETH GILBERT

It seems to me we have to get quiet enough, still enough to listen and allow the shimmering to shimmer.

Beautiful Kate Marker powder room with Fornasetti Nuvolette wallpaper. #cloudwallpaper #fornasetti #katemarker

White Brick Modern Farmhouse Exterior

I’ll soon be moving into a red brick house that is not white like Kate’s former home and have no plans to paint it. But isn’t it curious what happens to the calm when brick goes pale?

Gorgeous white brick house exterior with natural wood shutters and light blue grey door - Kate Marker Interiors (Grey Oak project in Barrington, IL).

Such a calming effect (and what a gift to passersby!).

Walt Whitman love quote romance - Hello Lovely Studio. #lovequotes #waltwhitman #relationshipquotes
“We were together. I forget the rest.” WALT WHITMAN

Expanses of Snowy White in a Lofty Traditional Home

Can you even imagine the change in mood were this white paint color to change to something saturated?

Magnificent staircase and archways in a beautiful modern farmhouse with interior design by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. Come enjoy encouraging love quotes and timeless decor inspiration! #modernfarmhouse #staircase #interiordesign
Kate Marker Interiors -HELLO LOVELY Encouraging Love Quotes as well as Serene Design Inspiration

I love the happy pop of bright cheerful blue, drawing you to it!

Inspiring Love Quotes

Oh, this quote by Anne Lamott! If ever you have read the author’s tales of parenthood, told with such courage and grit, then you have been changed by this wild woman struggling to hear the voice of Love.

Anne Lamott inspirational quote about being a parent on Hello Lovely Studio.
“I don’t remember who said it, but there really are places in the heart you don’t even know exist until you love a child.” ANNE LAMOTT

Kate Marker Knows Her Way Around Pretty

I’m rambling and awfully random today so please forgive!

As I collect ideas for our master bath renovation, I’m on the lookout for MOOD. I suppose it’s what I’m looking for when it comes to all interiors. How can I infuse a sense of tranquility into the space that will enhance daily living, daily tasks, daily loving…every single day?

Serene and lovely double vanity in a beautiful bath by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. Come enjoy encouraging love quotes and timeless decor inspiration!  #bathroomdesign #serenedecor #bathroomvanity

The color story is often where I start.

Emily Bronte inspirational love quote. #lovequotes #emilybronte #romancequote
“WHATEVER OUR SOULS ARE MADE OF, YOURS AND MINE ARE THE SAME.” (Emily Jane Brontë)

And I’m drawn to those colors that aren’t too warm or too cold. They are more mysterious and fluid in that way, interacting with light throughout the day.

Moody Blue Moment in a Modern Study

Would I get tired of a deeply saturated teal like this?

Rich and moody blue walls in an office/study with design by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. Come enjoy encouraging love quotes and timeless decor inspiration! #modernfarmhouse #bluewalls #office

Probably. We haven’t lived with that depth of color since 1987 when I couldn’t get enough teal in my life!

Inspirational love quote on Hello Lovely Studio from Fitzgerald about intimacy. #inspirationalquote #lovequote #fitzgerald #intimacy #quotes

“THEY SLIPPED BRISKLY INTO AN INTIMACY FROM WHICH THEY NEVER RECOVERED.” (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

Rustic Greyed Oak Farmhouse Accents

The light toned woods in this home are so gentle and whispery. And so are the delicate drapery rods!

Beautiful and simple white fireplace in a modern farmhouse living room with design by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. Come enjoy encouraging love quotes and timeless decor inspiration! #modernfarmhouse #livingroom #fireplace

All that delicacy meets the ruggedness of farmhouse wood ceiling beams and mantle. After living with a measure of rusticity for the past seven years, the new house has less.

Biblical quote, love quote from Song of Songs 8:6 on Hello Lovely Studio. #lovescripture #scripturequote #lovequotes

“PLACE ME LIKE A SEAL OVER YOUR HEART, LIKE A SEAL ON YOUR ARM; FOR LOVE IS AS STRONG AS DEATH, ITS JEALOUSY UNYIELDING AS THE GRAVE.” (Song of Songs 8:6)

Soft & Serene Pastels Feel Like a Hug

I know of no easier method of calming down a piece of furniture or fireplace then to open a can of paint.

White and bright modern farmhouse living room with spindle chair and design by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. #modernfarmhouse #livingroom #serenedecor

Even the floors look as if they may have been kissed by white paint…

Jane Austen love quote about soul and romantic love - Hello Lovely Studio. #janeausten #lovequotes #valentinesdayquote

“I HAVE LOVED NONE BUT YOU.” (Jane Austen)

Pale & Lovely White Kitchen With Oak

And can we talk about how the use of black adds punctuation, magnification, and clarification?

Greyed finish on wood range hood and ceiling beams, black trimmed doors, and serene decor in a kitchen by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. #kitchendesign #modernfarmhouse #greyoak #woodbeams

When you outline something in black, you are stopping the eye or inviting the eye through it.

Love scripture from Corinthians 13 - Hello Lovely Studio. #biblequote #valentinesday #lovequotes

“LOVE IS PATIENT – LOVE IS KIND – IT DOES NOT ENVY. IT DOES NOT BOAST. IT IS NOT PROUD.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Breathtaking Sink Bay in a Timeless Kitchen

About this bay…

Charming modern farmhouse sink bay in a kitchen with rustic wood ceiling and design by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. #modernfarmhousekitchen #farmsink #serenedecor

Do you suppose it’s the stuff years of memories are made of? Because I can only imagine the wonders of nature outside these windows.

Psalm 73 scripture bible quote about health failing - Hello Lovely Studio. #psalm73 #christianityquote #strengthquotes

“MY HEALTH MAY FAIL, AND MY SPIRIT MAY GROW WEAK, BUT GOD REMAINS THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART. HE IS MINE FOREVER.” (Psalm 73:26)

Architectural Interest in a Hall

I love what I’m seeing at the top of the stairs! Those louvered arched doors are calling my name!

Archways and reclaimed materials come together in a beautiful hall within a home by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. #interiordesign #archway #serenedecor

Why on earth do we think we must stick with one door style through an entire home? Ever seen what the Giannettis opted to do with their collected vintage doors?

Uplifting and inspirational quote by Lord Byron - If joy you win, you must share it - Hello Lovely Studio. #lordbyron #inspirationalquotes #joyquotes #christmasquotes

“IF JOY YOU WIN, YOU MUST SHARE IT. FOR HAPPINESS WAS BORN A TWIN.” (Lord Byron)

Shiplap, Dutch Door, and Suspended Shelves

Not sure I’ll be able to add a custom Dutch door to the new home even though it’s the dreamiest, but here’s another vote for painting your doors a beautiful color to contrast with walls.

Serene and enchanting, a light grey painted Dutch door opens into a welcoming home with interior design by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. #interiordesign #dutchdoor #serenedecor

And light grey-blue just loves gold toned hardware, yes?

Carl Jung quote about transformation. #quotes #carljung #lovequote #transformation

Handsome & Sophisticated Powder Bath

A powder room is often a smart place to experiment with color or a trend so I highly recommend allowing your imagination to run wild.

A moody deep dark green paint covers shiplap clad walls in a powder bath with farm sink by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. Come enjoy encouraging love quotes and timeless decor inspiration! #interiordesign #bathroomdesign #shiplap #greenpaint #darkgreen

Who cares if the space does not relate to a single thing in the rest of your home? The design police will not show up, I promise.

Blessing quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #blessingquote #wordsofblessing #kindnessquotes

Whisper Soft Palette

These lantern pendants also pull at my heartstrings.

Serene entry with pale grey doors and wood rafters in a lovely home by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. Come enjoy encouraging love quotes and timeless decor inspiration!#interiordesign #entry #greydoors #serenedecor

There is something so unconventional about creating a whispery entrance as opposed to a grand, over the top, fanfare one.

EE Cummings inspirational quote and love quote. #quotes #eecummings #lovequote #romanticquote

Tone on Tone Interior Bliss

Say hello to lovely interior design by Kate Marker with her grey oak project in Barrington, IL. Come enjoy encouraging love quotes and timeless decor inspiration! #interiordesign #diningroom #serenedecor #whitedecor
Pablo Neruda romantic love quote about a kiss. #pabloneruda #lovequotes #romancequote

Hello Lovely Curb Appeal

And now I must return to my glamorous daily life of moving and clean-up. As we empty our former fixer upper of all the trappings, I have been awed by the calm which can only come as old energies are removed. How will I keep this going as we make a new house into a home? And how can I create systems of organization, smart function, and lovely design so that the mood I have absorbed from inspiration here can reign?

Light grey doors, rustic wood shutters, and white brick on this modern farmhouse exterior work harmoniously - design by Kate Marker in Barrington, IL. Come enjoy encouraging love quotes and timeless decor inspiration! #modernfarmhouse #houseexterior #whitebrick #greydrontdoor
Kate Marker Interiors

One

step

at

a

time.

Thoreau quote about simplicity. #wisdomquote #thoreauquotes

What a lovely home, breathing with inspiration! Do visit Kate Marker Interiors on IG to follow her journey which keeps getting richer as her family calls a new space home.

Unforgettable Discussion of Beauty & Love

Treat yourself to this interview which I have never forgotten since I heard it more than 10 years ago. And to read more from the late John O’Donohue, there’s THIS.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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10 Comments

  1. Peggy.glaser
    February 15, 2021 / 7:44 am

    Beautiful

    • Michele
      Author
      February 15, 2021 / 10:09 am

      Thanks so much for reading! 🙂

  2. james
    February 17, 2021 / 8:16 am

    lovely deco

    • Michele
      Author
      February 17, 2021 / 3:57 pm

      Thanks so much for reading.

  3. Susan
    June 24, 2021 / 9:02 am

    What are the exterior paint colors (brick, doors?) and kitchen cabinet color?

    • Michele
      Author
      June 24, 2021 / 5:31 pm

      Not sure the designer shared them, but it looks reminiscent of Benjamin Moore Simply White and Boothbay Gray for door.

  4. Dianna
    February 11, 2022 / 6:54 am

    Thank you for your post. Your quotes never fail to move me , always so beautiful.

    • Michele
      Author
      February 12, 2022 / 8:19 pm

      So happy to hear. I’m always hunting for more so do share any favorites you find as I’d love to create new graphics. 🙂

  5. Carol
    February 11, 2022 / 5:15 pm

    Such a lovely post. Thank you.

    • Michele
      Author
      February 12, 2022 / 8:18 pm

      Thanks for reading! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend, Carol.

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing