Friday, October 30, 2009

weekend project

Happy Haunted Weekend! If you're looking for a last minute costume, here are some fun ideas that are easy to make too.

Monday, October 26, 2009

in the library 10.26.09

This week I'm taking a break from the traditional design books to look at a great series of childrens books full of artistic flair. "This Is..." books feature various cities throughout the world, telling a great story about the culture and the excitement of visiting them, accompanied by some seriously cute illustrations. My first thought: wouldn't it be cool to frame these as art?

My personal favorite was Venice, but I love that there are cities like San Francisco and...Texas? Okay, not a city but still a cool theme for a book.





I found the books at my favorite home store Juxtaposition in Newport Coast, but you can find them at Amazon as well. Happy reading!

Friday, October 23, 2009

can't believe I didn't know about this!

Can you hear the trumpets? I just stumbled on something so genius and wonderful that I can't stop smiling (maybe a tad melodramatic, but seriously I am excited). What did I find?

Spoonflower
, a company that lets you create custom fabric that they will print for you with no minimum yardage requirement. In my constant quest for the perfect pillows and curtains (and chair re-upholstery, etc. etc.) I have totally hit the jackpot here. To sweeten the pot, they offer eco-friendly fabrics and some seriously amazing prices. Plus, you can order a swatch for only $5 so you get to see your creation before you commit.

If you are looking for some inspiration or you'd prefer to let someone else's right brain do the walking, you can browse through the public libraries that are also for sale. And to make it all the more exciting, you can enter your creation in a weekly contest. So bring out your inner textile designer and get to work. I know what I'll be doing this weekend!

Here are a few of my faves:




weekend project

If you are in the market for a rug but can't quite seem to find the perfect pattern, color or size, this is the perfect project for you this weekend.

Making Canvas Rugs

It's a canvas rug, and it actually requires very little skill in the painting department. If you opt for a pattern like the one above, you can make or download a really simple stencil from Martha Stewart.com. Using a canvas drop cloth makes this totally budget friendly, as they run about $20 for a large one.

For full instructions click here and enjoy your weekend!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

light bright

Check out these cool new light fixtures from artist Rick Strini





Tuesday, October 20, 2009

paperbacked

In place of a headboard in the master bedroom, we are thinking of creating a large wallpapered panel to go behind the bed. The color palette is totally neutral (so far at least) so we want to make a statement with the pattern. Here's what I am thinking...

this paper from Madison & Grow creates a really cool pattern from afar and is a bit quirky up close. What do you think? I'd love some feedback.

Monday, October 19, 2009

in the library 10.19.09

Recently in my trips around the web I have been spending a little more time at a site called the nest. I graduated from its sister site, the knot, after my wedding a little over a year ago and found that I really liked the simplicity of the way it helped couples navigate through their first married years (you know, the important things like decorating, cooking and sorting out the finances).

So I was happy to discover that there is now a book designed especially for nesties (as they are called) that has an equally simple approach to decorating. Check it out.






find it at Amazon or your favorite local retailer

Friday, October 16, 2009

weekend project

This weekend I will be working on revamping a mirror I bought from Ikea a few years ago. The black-brown just isn't doing it for me anymore so I'm going to try my hand at a finishing technique that will give it a faux bois look (despite the fact that it is actually wood). If all goes well, it should turn out something like this:

Mirror - Mongstad, $99 at Ikea

I'll post the results and process when it's finished. Happy weekend!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Colorful and Liveable

I'm a big fan of color, but I still tend to use it somewhat sparingly in my designs. I love the energy of bold, bright hues and, used the right way, you can create a fun an personalized environment without making it feel like a kid's playroom.

A great example of this is the Philadelphia loft of couple Shauna and Stephen. The space feels playful and inviting (and I'm guessing totally them), but grown up too. Check it out.


for the whole gallery, click here


Tuesday, October 13, 2009

in the library 10.13.09

Since moving into my new apartment, my brain is a-buzz with creative ideas for livening up those white walls. This week's book pick features apartment interiors that feel cozy and inviting, with some good ideas for using your {small} space wisely





find it at Amazon or your favorite local retailer

Monday, October 12, 2009

technical difficulties

Sorry for the delay in today's post. I am having computer issues and won't be able to share my in the library post today. Hopefully everything will be worked out tomorrow. Stay tuned...and thank you!

Friday, October 9, 2009

weekend project

Here's a great weekend project to get you organized, courtesy of Southern Living.
Happy Weekend!



Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The New South

If you haven't picked up a copy of Southern Living lately, now is a perfect time. They have recently revamped the mag to appeal to a more modern Southern gal, but I think the reach extends from coast to coast. The October issue, hitting newsstands this week, is jam packed with great recipes, healthy living tips, travel features and some truly inspiring homes.

Here's a sneak peak:

a fresh look for the cover


I love that the home section features classy interiors, but also points out some easy elements to translate into your own home.


take a scenic drive to catch these gorgeous scenes


And plan a party that's more cool than creepy. I'm really excited to try the pumpkin cheese ball...and blood orange martini. Cheers!

Monday, October 5, 2009

in the library 10.05.09

In the midst of transforming my kitchen, I am inspired by a sweet little book on vintage kitchen linens.




find the book at Amazon or your favorite local retailer.

moving day...

The boxes and furniture have all been moved, and now the work begins. Here's a peek at what I'm dealing with (this unfortunately includes a few damaged items...)

what will be the living room (a slightly damaged coffee table and side chair will need to be refinished)


I had a little bit of trouble with the slipcover!


Our soon to be kitchen and dining room


the master bedroom will be getting some attention this time around...



...and the office. I love a challenge!

Friday, October 2, 2009

weekend project

As a continuation of Thursday's post {wall fancy}, here are a few project ideas if you want to play around with wallpaper but aren't quite ready to commit (this also goes for the apartment dwellers, like myself)

1. Use it to organize
this cool magnet board is fun and functional. Instructions here. You could also make it a marker board by covering it with laminating paper.

Clip Artistry
or cover a clipboard to use in the office

2. Use it on furniture
find or buy a piece of furniture that could use a little attention. This project uses a blown up photograph of a print, but you could wallpaper the insets of paneled doors, or use it as a drawer liner too.

http://scrantondesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/1-22-mal1.jpg
or in a bookshelf. Instructions here.

3. Frame It
http://www.gaitainteriors.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/apartment-therapy-wallpaper.jpg
create a collection of scrap or vintage papers, or use one large piece to make a bold and textural statement. Image courtesy of gaita interiors

4. Make a fake wall. Cover a large panel (or several panels) of plywood with your paper of choice. You can mount these directly to the wall and patch holes later, or just lean them against the wall.

Happy Weekend!