in the library 12.14.09

Classic and Contemporary collide in this week's book pick, with the work of designer John Saladino. His spaces feel inviting with throes to classicism, yet entirely appropriate in today's home.

you can find this book at Amazon or your favorite local retailer.

in the library 12.07.09

Design inspiration is everywhere you turn and this week's book selection takes a look at interiors inspired by fashion. Whether you wear it or live in it, the process of turning an idea into reality is similar and altogether beautiful. Check out some of these awesome boards and the rooms that result in The Well-Dressed Home.

in the library 11.30.09

I don't know about you, but I need a holiday from my holiday! Maybe just a little relaxation before the December craziness begins...

So let's start the week off with some inspiration from beautiful homes in Dwellings: Living with Great Style.

you can find the book at Amazon or your favorite local retailer

in the library 11.02.09

I'm in apartment decor mode: so this week's book pick is all about living large in a small{ish} space. I love the Apartment Therapy website and the book does an equally great job at making it easy for us apt. dwellers to create our home. The book includes super-efficient space plans, some snazzy pics and explains why certain details just work.

Check it out!

find it at Amazon or your favorite local retailer

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.

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

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!

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

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

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!

blank canvas

It's official! I am finally moving into a new place and I couldn't be more excited. Our apartment has a couple of great features: vaulted ceilings, 5 huge closets, 2 bedrooms (upgrading from a one bedroom, this is like heaven) and a fairly efficiently planned kitchen, making it the ultimate blank canvas for me to play with.

So I decided that it would make a cool blog feature to document the process of making this place our home. Here we go:

Just got the keys!

This is the view from the entryway looking at the living room, with the dining area straight ahead and kitchen on the left. The door leads to the master suite.

A shot of the pass-through at the kitchen (another feature I love in small spaces)

A nice little kitchen (take note of the open shelving on the left. This will be fully utilized)

looking at the living area with sliding patio door (the patio extends to the left across the master suite with doors as well. I didn't photograph this.)

And, finally, a not-so-great shot of the 2nd bedroom, which will be my new office. Despite the photo, it actually has great natural light.

Stay tuned for my moving adventures. I'll come up with some nifty storage solutions too when we move onto the closets and bathrooms. So fun!