Pages

Friday, September 28, 2012

No Boys Allowed!

There's no question that the best day of the work week is Friday, but how about a 1/2 day Friday? Wahoo!  I'm hitting the road around lunch today and heading to Ocean Isle to celebrate one lovely bride-to-be.  There will be lots of laughter, lots of cocktails & probably a lot of stuff that I can't mention;)  Enjoy your weekend, friends!!!


Thursday, September 27, 2012

It's my living room and I'll change it if I want to

Ok, ya'll, I've changed my mind.  During my lunch break today, which consisted of leftovers and RONJ (aka Real Housewives of New Jersey for any of you that need to get with it) I hopped online to order my fabric swatches.  Before checking out, I couldn't resist a little last minute peek around Calico Corners and discovered a handful of new prints that totally trump my current cart selections.


So I've totally nixed the strawberry buffalo check.
  
First of all, I somehow completely forgot that we have a custom chair coming in and it's kiwi.  You heard me, kiwi.  The Boyfriend chose the fabric and the color, and I continue to applaud his efforts and sing his praises.  The boy's got taste.  The color is quite similar to the swatch above and I don't know about you, but navy and kiwi is quite the sophisticated palette.

Second of all, this color combination is more me.  Sometimes I like to hop outside of the box and pick things I normally wouldn't choose, like strawberry buffalo check.  But let's be honest, I'll have to live with these choices for a while and I don't want to be too extreme and wake up with decorator's remorse.  

 This mix of colors is screaming for one additional colorful companion, but for now I'm going to walk away satisfied.  



Starting From Scratch

It's about to get really real around here.  Behold: The Boyfriend's living room in all its glory.  Although we have a long way to go, the potential is certainly there and those hardwood floors that were hiding under a house full of carpet definitely started us off on the right foot.

There is A LOT that we need to accomplish before we host our first soiree, but there are a few changes that will be happening sooner rather than later.

1.  Throw some paint on those walls
2. Dress up the front window with floor length drapes
3. Accessorize the couch (aka fancy schmancy pillows)
4. Replace the coffee table


I know what you're thinking, because you're not the first to think it.  Yes, we still have a strip of carpet left on the floor.  The mega-heavy armoire (that's finding a new home soon) and the TV were too heavy to move the day we tore up the carpet.  Just remember, this is a work in progress.

 We will be reusing the pillow forms from these lovely pillows that were in a former house of mine.  And there's my bergere chair in the left corner.  Reupholstering is going to do wonders for that piece...once it's in the budget.

Now that you've seen the goods, take a look at what I've got cooking.

Paint Color:




This gray is so smokey and crisp paired with white

The shade appears much lighter in this family room, but it could be the lighting?


Fabric:

Attempt No. 1
I chose navy and coral as my initial color combination to help brighten up our gray paint color and white trim.  Calico Corners in Richmond, VA is one of my favorite resources for great prints and because I couldn't get to the store in person, I picked my favorites out online.  After ordering the swatches and seeing the colors in person, I was really disappointed.  The pink bamboo print was much more orange in person and the ivory in the ikat had a yellow, almost antique look to it.  Major disappointment.  All was not lost, however, because I loved the blue and white stripe!  I decided to start over (sigh) and start from scratch!


Attempt No. 2
I haven't seen the swatches in person yet, but I'm already more excited about my new choices.  What do you think?!  


There is sure to be another color and pattern tossed in at some point and a custom chair is scheduled to arrive any day now.  Big things are happening.  Slowly.  But they're happening.


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Kick off your shoes and stay a while

There is something about Kristin Lomauro's designs that make me want to pour a glass of red wine, put on my comfy pants and just relax.  Well, let's be honest, there are many things that make me want to pour a glass of red wine.  Warm, intimate and cozy instantly come to mind when describing the San Diego designer, and I just love how she mixes classic and traditional with retro and trendy. Lomauro is insanely talented at giving each piece in a room a clear purpose and she never seems to underestimate the details.  In the words of Rachel Zoe, her work is bananas.













I don't know about you, but I'm dying for a chevron tiled, floor-to-ceiling backsplash in the kitchen.  But I have a feeling it will take a couple glasses of wine, or perhaps something stronger, to convince The Boyfriend to paint "zig zags" on the wall.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

I have a crush.

A designer crush.  Amy Meier of Amy Meier Design is oh-so talented with her effortless color combinations that make me weak in the knees.  I love her design philosophy, seen here, that states a "home should wrap its arms around you".  I ran across her work on some of my other daily reads a few months back and simply put, I just love her.  Amy dedicates herself to the details of each space that she designs, which is quite evident in the images below.

 
 

 





 
 
 
 
 
Buffalo check, french settees, crisp white subway tile, rustic seating, bold accents, and tufts!  Basically this lady's got it going on.  By now you've probably formed your own crush on Amy.  
I know, it doesn't take long.




Monday, September 24, 2012

You Stay Classy, San Diego

In approximately 2 weeks, The Boyfriend and I are headed to sunny San Diego, California and time couldn't pass quickly enough.  I have never been further west than Texas (I know, I'm so well traveled) so this trip is a big deal!  We have a full itinerary, which includes a trip to the San Diego Zoo, Monday Night Football (Go Chargers!) and hob knobbing with celebs in Hollywood.  Hob knobbing/stalking, tomato/tomahto.  To help you guys get in a San Diego frame-o-mind, I will be featuring some of my favorite west coast interior designers throughout the week.  But for now I'll let you guys join in the exitement as I countdown to vacay-day!





Sunday, September 23, 2012

Budget Smudget

Let's be honest folks, as an upper twenty-something girl in her fourth job since college graduation, I'm not exactly making the big bucks.  Even though I am the definition of champagne taste on a beer budget, I am also living proof that a beer budget can create beautiful spaces and when done right, look super expensive.  I recently put myself on a very strict monthly budget, which simply put means 1.) no random trips to Target 2.) no impulse Craigslist buys, and 3.) no Starbucks.  As the first 30 days come to a close, I must say it wasn't as dreadful as it seemed back on September 1.  So, in honor of my thrifty ways, take a look at some "look for less" design pieces that would make any big spender j-e-a-l-o-u-s.




World Market - $29.00


Kartell - $149





Pottery Barn - $899


West Elm - $32



Ballard Designs - $1,149


Shades of Light, 8x11 - $629
I like this one better!


I leave you guys with a room I recently started for a friend of mine.  I'll include item links later this week.  Sweet dreams, friends!


Friday, September 21, 2012

Oh Friday, I'm so glad you're here

It's Friday, can I get an AMEN friends?!?  I have a full weekend ahead of me and it goes a little
something like this:
 
Celebrating this boy's 2nd birthday...I just want to squeeze him ALL the time.
 
 
 Enjoying some outside time with my favorite pup
 
 
 There will definitely be a lot of this
 
 
 And I get to end the weekend with this little lady
 
 
Life is good!