Where We Work

Been a little under the weather and busy to boot so I haven't had a chance to post in a whole week! But I have been looking at offices because I need to rework our bookshelves and found these pretty little work places.

CB2 - How I Love You

Let me count the ways!

Just got the latest CB2 catalog in the mail and inside are some really clever ideas for modern holiday decorating. (Yes people, it's October and believe it or not, time to start thinking about the holidays!) Also, who knew CB2 has a great blog full of DIYs and behind the scenes adventures?  

I really like the idea of creating a Christmas tree using holiday cards. I usually string them in a doorway or down a wall, but hanging them on an existing piece of art is a little more subtle.

Digging the ladder tree, but not sure it would fit in our house. (Oh, and we don't have a ladder, so that might be a problem too!)

That bubble wreath is so chic it could be displayed all year if desired.

I love this photo frame tree idea too. It is a good option for someone with minimal space and you can hang them with Command Strips so that you don't have to put holes in the walls!

There will definitely be a sugar plum tree in my holiday decor this year.

Photos from: http://blog.cb2.com/home/category/how-to

Happy holiday decorating!

Inspired by Color

One of the questions that I hear most often from people when it comes to design is, "I don't know how to pick colors." If there's one thing I can say about myself as a designer, it's that I'm not afraid of color. In fact, I LOVE color in design.

When I start a design, I like to find an inspiration piece pull from. This could be a piece of artwork, fabric, photograph or any other item that I'm drawn to that has a pleasing color palette. I recommend this technique to people a lot when they ask me to help them figure out where to start in choosing colors.

With that in mind, I happened to come across this super-cool website while surfing this new (well at least new to me) world of blogs called Polyvore. If you aren't familiar, it's an online tool that allows you to create mood/style/inspiration boards using items from the web. It's really easy to use and seriously addicting for someone like me who enjoys designing. (A new guilty pleasure!!!)

I found this pretty pin board on a cool DIY blog called Red in Oz.  It's homemade using fabric from Anna Maria Horner (another great resource for my files!).

Later, I came across the Sundra Blossom bedding at Anthropologie and that was it, let the designing begin! I've been glued to Polyvore creating a fun mood board for a girl's room for the last two nights!

I think it turned out pretty cool. How about you?

Check out a few of the products that brought the design together:

Breeze-Blown Bouquet Curtain

 
Whorled Trapunto Rug







Knightsbridge Armchair by John Lewis

Metro White Chest

Bungalow 5 Hourglass Side Table

Hoopla Teal Table Lamp

Carpenter Lamp

Langham Desk

Chelsea Swivel Chair

Room and Board Vintage Presstype

Wake Up Frankie

I've spent a lot of time recently searching for black and white boudoir-esk decor and in doing so, came across this awesome website called Wake Up Frankie. Okay, I know what you're thinking, it's totally geared toward tweens, but hey it's full of fun, flirty, girly furniture, bedding and accessories and a good find is a good find!  

Check out a few of my favorite pieces:

 

 

By far the coolest thing about the chandeliers above is that they plug into a wall socket.  So, no hard wiring necessary!  Finally a chandelier option for us renters!

Capr-Easy Bruschetta

The other day I was in the new Fresh and Easy that just opened near our house and spotted this amazing ciabatta bread and mozzarella cheese. I was inspired to make something delicious for dinner and decided on a combination caprese salad/bruschetta. Yum!

How I make it:
Slice a tomato and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper and basil (fresh if you have it, which I didn't this time). Slice and toast the bread, then drizzle with a little more olive oil. Stack one piece mozzarella, tomatoes and a slice of avocado.

To accompany our decadent creation we had spicy mango sausage, mushroom risotto (not gonna lie, it was from a box) and green beans!

 

 

I think I've found a new house favorite!

Lusting for Turquoise

I realized today while talking to a friend that it has been almost a week since I have posted anything! My how time can fly when you are having fun. I spent some time this weekend working on my photographer friend's boudoir bedroom. I was doing some research on damask patters (so chic right now by the way) and I think I fell in lust!

Turquoise and Damask...could there really be a sweeter design treat? 

Photo from DecorPad

 

Photo from Anna French Wallpapers

Photo from DecorPad

Photo from DecorPad