K I T A R I T A

Pretty

2011-04-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

From here. You're welcome. Happy Friday!!

Ideas, ideas

2011-04-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

Spring must be in the air...or something. I'm feeling super crafty, creative, and inspired.

My latest inspiration is this DIY bookshelf project, and sidenote, how great is that mirror??

Thing is, I've already GOT an unattractive bookcase sitting around...ripe for a makeover I tell ya. Details when/if I get there.

Ikat? I Can!

2011-04-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

Inspired by my friend Kate's post about layering the masculine and the feminine, I think it's time to bring a little more GIRL into our living room. Maybe I can sneak this ikat print in boyish blue past the hubs and start girlin' the joint up? (Just a bit, promise.)

What's this??

2011-03-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

That, friends, is this linen, for this headboard. That's right, I'm doing it. DIY, y'all!! Happy Weekend!

Happy Weekend!

2011-03-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

I want to go to there.

Image via Lonny.

Feeling Crafty

2011-03-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

If I told you I was going to try to make something like this headboard would that be totally crazy??

Tutorials all over the internet--like here, here and here.

Stay tuned.

Apartment Therapy - Inspiration!

2011-02-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

I came across this tour on Apartment Therapy yesterday, and I have been thinking about it ever since. The apartment belongs to Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere. I love these images. AT House Tours are great, because they show actual homes that people live in, rather than spiffed up show houses (not that I don't love me a show house). These images are just warmer, homier and more lived in. And, if you've ever been to my place, you'll notice this gal and I have a little bit in common as far as taste...her Hunter Wellingtons, her Ork Poster, her globes, her brass pig, she's even working an orange-ish scheme in her dining room...a gal after my own heart. No wonder I like these so much! Enjoy these images and Happy Friday!!

Not loving the pendant, AT ALL, but the rest of the dining room is lovely!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Hope your day is filled with snuggles, hugs and kisses, chocolate, wine, and flowers. To Mr. J, I saw on a Hallmark commercial that Valentine's Day is not about saying "I love you" (because you know I do)...it's about saying "I love US" (and I do). There's no one else like you, and I love you, our little family, and the little home we've created together. So, Happy Valentine's Day! Smooch!

Sarah's House

2011-02-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

I think I figured it out...I'm obsessed with Sarah's House. I love watching. At first, I was like, man this crazy Canadian lady is so high maintenance, can never stay on budget, she's totally OCD, and oh. my. gosh....her rooms are beautiful. Behold...her orange dining room, which, you may notice, inspired my choices for my own dining room. This lady's got a way with fabrics. I wish, I wish I could post more photos of the room in all its glory for you, but I can't pull them off the site. Promise you'll go check it out here.

Orange Color Pallete

2011-02-03T13:14:00.000-08:00

I'm hatching plans to do some quick and easy work in our dining room, and I've come across a fabric dilemma! I'm absolutely married to the orange chevron in the top left corner, and am planning to make six chair cushions out of it.

Here's the question...I have a bench in the dining room that sits under a window, and I'd like to make a cushion for it as well. Do I go with (clockwise from top) the aqua-orange fabric to complement/contrast with the chevron? Or the more tone on tone complement of the orange/brown/yellow floral? Or do I stick with the same color and just switch up the print, with the orange and cream floral.

Heeelp! I'm leaning toward the aqua-orange print that sits right next to the chevron (top right). Thoughts??

Do you remember?

2011-01-13T22:13:00.000-08:00

The first time...you saw snow?? This is L. Belle, and this is her first time seeing snow.

Magic, huh? Happy New Year, here's to a year full of fun, happiness, and all the firsts you can handle.

Christmas Cookies

2010-12-22T10:48:00.000-08:00

Mr. J and I undertook a time-honored tradition the night before last. We made Christmas cookies! And behold, the beauty of our work:

Truly, I am in awe of our skills:

Here are all the goodies:

Ok, seriously, they might not be THAT beautiful (oops), but they taste PERFECTLY delicious. It took us quite a bit of time to figure out how to actually roll out the dough, cut out the cookies, get them OFF the counter and onto the cookie sheet without the whole thing turning into a nasty mess. I am truly proud of us!!

The key is to keep the dough cold, cold, cold. Flour the heck out of your work surface and the rolling pin and work quickly. We rolled out the dough straight on our countertops--that seemed to work best. We first tried a Silpat nonstick (HA!) mat and it was a disaster, FYI. The other tip we learned was that you have to cut the cookie, pick it up and put it on the sheet right away. If you cut a bunch of cookies out and try to remove the cookies when you're finished--DISASTER! I think the dough warms up too much or something--the result is messy, sticky cookies on the countertop. Ugh.

Anyway, without further ado, the recipe:

Sugar Cookies

Cream together 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla.

Add 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 teaspoons baking powder.

Wrap and chill for AT LEAST 2 hours.

Bake at 375 for 6-8 minutes

Frosting

Mix powdered sugar, milk and a small dab of butter together to desired consistency, add food coloring!

Happy Decorating!

Smells Delicious

2010-12-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

The smell of the Christmas season is one of the most delicious. It's a combination of Christmas trees, hot chocolate, vanilla, gingerbread, cookies, frosting, candy canes, oranges, spices....yum. A quick and easy way to bring this scent into your home is to throw a few spices into a pot, add some water and simmer away on the stove.

My recipe of choice for this simmering spice blend:

A few pieces of orange rind
A few pieces of lemon rind
3-4 cinnamon sticks
2-3 bay leaves
A handful of cloves
A dash of vanilla

Add a few cups of water to the mix and you're on your way. Remember to watch the pot--the water evaporates off very quickly. And don't worry if you don't have all of the ingredients in your cupboard--just get as close as possible, and it will smell delicious!

'Tis the season!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-15T10:46:00.000-08:00

So it will be no surprise to you all that I have been pretty lax about the old blog lately. It will also not surprise you that one of my New Year's resolutions will be to bring back the blog. Maybe a few changes will be in store. Ever since we've moved, lots of things have changed at Casa J, so I want to be sure that my blog reflects my new priorities. Two students (that's right...I'm one now, too! Told ya things have changed) = no funds for home decor. Sad face. But, not to despair. Outside of my focus on interior design, I also want to focus on what makes a home a home...the people in it, the things we love to do, and, of course.... the food. Yum. So, that being said, have a very Merry Christmas, and stay tuned for more from me in 2011!

I am not Martha.

2010-08-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

Just when you think you have this whole cooking/baking/decorating grown up business under control, THIS happens:

Baaaahhhaaaaahaaa haaa! THAT, friends, is zucchini bread.

Faced with loads of zucchini from our garden, and feeling super confident, I decided to bake a loaf last night. As Mr. J studied away in his little room, I turned on the radio, preheated the oven, grated the zucchini, mixed it all together, poured it in a loaf pan and popped it in the oven. La la la!!! One hour later, I pulled it out, and it looked like this. WTF?!

It was all sickly and sticky on the top, and crispy brown on the bottom and the sides. Deflated, I started to wonder what I had done wrong. First things first, I used a loaf pan that was way too huge. Not sure what it was appropriate for, but it sure wasn't meant for this. I found another pan in our stash that was probably half as big as the one I used. Whoops.

I'm not going to let a little funky zucchini bread get me down. Oh no. I sliced it up and ate it with my coffee this morning.

Seriously, how bad can something with chocolate chips be? I'll take another crack at it (so. much. zucchini.)
and let you know if it turns out any better!

Wanna see my living room?

2010-08-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

So it's been a month since we've been here in California, and I figured it was high time I showed off our new place. Here are a few shots of the empty space, right before we moved our stuff in. Uhh. Please excuse the image quality. It was hot, I was tired, the movers were waiting to get in with our stuff. So I ran around and snapped a few photos before all hell broke loose.

The living room:

The corner of the living room:

The living room from the dining room:

And, the finished space:

A bit of a close up:

And dear god, help me out here, our new TV:

It's enormous, ginormous really, and totally ridiculous. My dad was getting a new TV, and asked us if we wanted it....I said NO! Mr J, predictably, was super enthused. And here we have it. Though I must admit, now that I've been watching it for about a week...I'm sort of into it. Who knew I was a big screen sort of gal?

So that's it, my living room for the next two years. I gotta say, I'm not crazy about the paint color--never would have picked it myself--but we're too lazy to proposition our landlords with the idea of us repainting. It'll work for now. With that huge TV taking up most of the wall, you can barely see the paint anyway, huh?

Hello California

2010-08-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Mr. J and I are officially Californians now. Moving is a crazy, hectic, umm....kind of a traumatic experience, and I don't recommend it for the faint of heart! But, the dust is settling here, and things are getting back to normal.

We found a small house to rent while Mr. J is in school, and as a bonus, we've inherited a sort of neglected, but super productive vegetable garden. There's a horseshoe pit, and the previous tenants even had a chicken coop. Not that I'm into that sort of thing. A couple of friends who've come over called it our little farm. Awww. We've always wanted a farm!!

Check out our cherry tomatoes (there are literally zillions of these):

And our heirloom tomatoes, ripening away:

Lemons!

Corn!

Squash!

Horsehoes!

Sunflowers! Bees!

And our lone farm animal, chewing sticks in the shade.

We have so much produce, it's kind of ridiculous. We've barbequed corn, onions, squash, zucchini, and made salsa, pasta and bruschetta with the tomatoes. What do you even do with that many tomatoes?? Help! I'll keep y'all posted on some of our successful summer recipes.

It's good to be back!

Summer!

2010-06-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

Summer days are here…well almost here in the Northwest. Mr. J and I are hosting our first BBQ of the season tonight, and I can’t wait! Summer always makes me think of lazy days lounging in a hammock, sipping minted iced tea to beat the heat, and listening to lawn mowers droning on in the distance. Or summer BBQs, eating outdoors, then sitting out on the back patio for hours under soft candle light with a glass (or two) of wine…aaaah. What about bonfires at the beach....bliss. Happy, happy days are here!

Enjoy these summery shots, and have a great weekend!

Images via Domino, Country Living, and Martha Stewart

Hot Knobs!

2010-06-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

Looking for fun hardware for your latest DIY project? (I always am!) We all know about Anthropologie’s ridiculously overpriced but fabulous collection of clothing, jewelry and shoes, but I sometimes forget about their unique collection of hardware.

Check out a few of my favorites:

But wait, there's more! There are hooks, switchplate covers, finials, doorknobs and handles...the works!

Our entryway is one of those places where too much stuff tends to collect. You too? Clean up your entryway with a sweet hook or two. Your bags, coats and dog leashes will be corralled and organized in a hurry.

Super cool, right?

Baking Bread

2010-06-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

I did it!!! Last weekend, I made the most delicious, flavorful and perfect no knead bread. Drumroll please:

The recipe was so easy to follow, and turned out perfectly...Mr. J said it was the best thing he had ever tasted. Word.

Just Because

2010-06-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, stuff happens in your life that makes you want to hold on to the ones you love a little tighter, be a little more grateful for what you have, and quit worrying about all the small stuff. Get out there, and get to living.

The Big Sort!

2010-06-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

Ahh, there's nothing like a well organized drawer!!!

Over the past couple of years, Mr. J and I have accumulated more STUFF than we’ve ever had before, and now we’re faced with the fact that we’re going to have to pare down, or else. I’ve always been a real stickler about only keeping what you love in your home. Otherwise, before you know it, you're surrounded by useless clutter that bogs you down, makes you unhappy, and totally cramps your style. So, we've had to get serious about unloading some of the crap we’ve been toting around.

As a bonus, three of the thirty things on my to do list revolve around getting rid of crap, so this "Big Sort" has helped me check off all three. Score. Getting rid of stuff you don't use can be thrilling, and addicting...so watch out! There are zillions of articles with tips, tricks and the how tos of the super organized--check out Real Simple if you're clueless about this kind of stuff--so I won't bore you with all that. The bottom line is, you gotta do what works for you. My personal checklist for whether or not to get rid of an item is:

1. Do I love it? If the answer is no, or even maybe, it has to go.
2. Do I have a place for it? Again, if the answer is no, out it goes. This seriously will eliminate half the crap in your house.
3. Do I use it? Out goes the other half of the crap. Works like a charm for me!

Anyway, we have been sorting through our great sea of unused stuff, deciding what to keep, toss, donate and sell. We recently posted and sold quite a few things on Craigslist, and I must say, I consider myself a pro at the fine art of Craigslist. Seriously, I can move old stuff on that site faster than you'd even imagine! So, I thought I’d leave you with some of my top tips for Craigslist success.

First, think about what items you want to sell. I'd say Craigslist is best for less valuable furniture items, household goods and appliances, and gently used event and party supplies (bulk candles, lanterns, lighting, vases, etc). If you have multiple items to sell, create a post for each, and think about whether someone could really use the item you're considering before you post. There are other ways to get rid of your stuff, and if it's just a pile of junk, that's all it is, so toss it or donate it and dedicate your time to something else.

Second, think about how you’d search for an item, and be as descriptive as possible. Is it a dresser? Maybe. But, it could also be an end table, an entry way table, or a nightstand. No one will find your post if you limit your description. It’s all about the keywords, so make sure to include as many relevant terms as possible in the copy of your post. Just because you'd use it one way doesn’t mean it wouldn’t suit someone else’s purpose. We’re not all copy writers, but you've gotta take a crack at it. Try out something chock full of adjectives: “Sturdy, solid wood three-drawer dresser with dovetail joints. Medium tone wood finish with black painted top.” If there’s a brand name, include that as well—especially if it’s a popular one like Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, etc. Again, it's all about the keywords and getting your piece in front of the right set of eyeballs!

Third, take some good photos. There are actually a couple key points here. The first is, make sure your photos are good quality. Again, we’re not all pros, but there are some basics that should help things along. Shoot in the daytime, turn all the lights on in your room, and take a bunch of different shots from all sorts of different angles. Zoom in on features you want to highlight (dovetail joints, hardware, even a detail of any damage to the piece). The second point here is to stage the hell out of your piece. Grab a few of the decorative accessories you have laying around: some books, a plant, a smaller piece of artwork, a pillow, a throw, whatever. Just channel your inner catalog photo shoot styler and stage away. Nothing will ensure your item doesn’t sell like bad photos.

Finally, be realistic about the price you’re asking. Many people search and filter listings by price alone. What would you be willing to pay if you were looking for a similar piece? Forget what you originally paid for the item, you won’t get close to that amount, unless it’s brand new and in perfect condition. Even then, the mere fact that it’s spent time in your home has devalued it. So be reasonable. Also, don’t forget to pad the price by an extra little margin so when your buyer inevitably bargains the price down, you’ll still be happy with the final selling price. Like I said, it’s kind of an art form—don’t go too high, but don't go too low, either!

Happy Decluttering!

And P.S. Yes, I baked bread and yes it was awesome. Photos soon!

Image via Real Simple

Happy Weekend!

2010-05-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

It's Friday, and I could not be happier! I’m getting closer and closer to winding down at my job, and I’m really looking forward to the big move and having more free time. So, apologies for the lack of blog posts lately, but I’ll be back on top of it soon.

Guess what I’m going to do this weekend?? I’m going to make some bread. Seriously. It’s totally Martha, right? It’s one of my goals, on my to-do before I’m thirty list, so I figure the long weekend is a great time to get ‘er done. Ew. Can’t believe I just wrote that.

Anywho, I came across this recipe for no knead bread in the NY Times, and I have been waiting and waiting to try. I’ll let you know how it works out.

Have a fabulous weekend!!!

Image via Williams Sonoma

Ork Posters

2010-05-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

Check these babies out! On a recent shopping trip with a friend of mine, I discovered these super cool Seattle neighborhood posters by Ork Posters. Seattle poster--purchased. Check!

Thought I'd share. They have other cites...Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, LA, NYC, DC, the works. Check 'em out!

Rug Roundup!

2010-05-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

You might say I’ve got rugs on the brain lately. So I thought we’d have a little fun Friday rug round up of the few I can’t quite get out of my mind….enjoy!!!

Andalusia Rug from West Elm

Sakura Rug from West Elm

Gray Wool Rug from Burke Decor

Taupe Wool Rug from Burke Decor

Wool Area Rug from Burke Decor

Another rug from Burke Decor, this one's getting a little bit spendy!

And totally out of my price range, but super cool wool rug, also from Burke Decor.

Which one floats your boat?? Help me choose!!

Beautiful Living Rooms

2010-05-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

With the big move coming up, it seems I have living rooms on the brain. New living rooms, to be specific! Can’t help it! I’ve got a bit of a start on a great living room, but I’m continually inspired by new and different layouts, color schemes and accessories, of course. Though I’m committed to the few pieces I own already, I can’t help but make a list of “Living Room Musts” for down the road.

Without a doubt, the first thing I have to have is a fireplace. Seriously. I know it’s not practical, and most cities (mine included) have a burn ban, but there is NOTHING like cozying up in front of a fire, right? The pictures of living room inspiration I’ve gathered seem kind of all over the place at first glance. I’ve been taking a closer look, however, to try to figure out what it is that I really love about these rooms and what I need to focus on for my own room. There are a couple common threads. Looks like I love plants. That’s no surprise, my house is full of them. I also gravitate toward more symmetrical layouts and neutrals, neutrals, neutrals. What can I say? Guess I’m not exactly the wild type.

While I don't think I could fit every single beautiful living room I've come across into this one post, here's a healthy representation of what I think best defines the look I'm going for:

What about you all? What do you think makes a living room truly great?

Images via Domino, Lonny, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Apartment Therapy

Happy Weekend!

2010-05-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

It’s supposed to be sunny in Seattle this weekend, and I cannot wait. I love the Northwest, but the whole lack of sun thing really starts to get to me after a long, cold winter. I plan to hang out outside, get some sun and get ready for our big move to sunny Southern CA. Enjoy the weekend!!

Image via Elle Decor

Flor Rugs

2010-05-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Having a pup like L. Belle has its perks. She's so darn cute, loves to snuggle and is always good for a laugh (or 20) every single day. Unfortnately, her soft and snuggly Golden Retriever fur as well as her darling, but perpetually muddy paws make for a bit of a dilemma in the décor department.

When we first brought her home, we had a cream slip covered couch. That was gone within maybe a month or two of her arrival. It was time to replace it anyway, and so we went ahead and splurged on a brand new leather sofa. Totally durable, indestructible and 99% dog proof. Just ask one of my sweet friends, who was just sitting back to relax with a nice glass of red wine when Ms. Belle decided she wanted all 65 lbs of her cute self up on my friend's lap. WOW. Wine all over the place. It even got on the wall. But no sweat. I just grabbed some paper towels and a wet rag and voila. The new sofa is virtually bomb proof, I tell ya.

Not so with my jute rug. I give you Exhibit A:

Witness L. Belle relaxing on one of my first, prized décor purchases on one of her first days at home. My quaintly rustic and (in my opinion) very fabulous jute rug has not been treated particularly well by L. Belle. She chews on its fringe, chews on the “rustic” little knots, she has…ahem…used the facilities on it more than once, and even gotten a wee bit of the stomach sickness a couple of times, too. In short, the jute rug is no longer so fabulous. It’s gnawed on, worn out, and dirty. Not to mention the impossibility of cleaning in all those nooks and crannies. It’s with a heavy heart that I retire my rug and commence the search for a new one. New beginnings, right?

I’ve been searching high and low for a rug for the living room that is durable, easy to clean, stylish and affordable. I can get one or two or even three of these criteria, but hitting all four has been a challenge. I think, however, that I’ve found it at FLOR.

That’s right. Modular floor tiles you can fashion into a kind of build your own area rug. The style above is the one I'm considering--it's even called The Finer Things. I’m thinking it could work. It’s perfect for high traffic areas, made of (recycled) nylon fibers, super easy to clean, affordable, durable…kinda looks like the jute rug, minus all the nasty dirt and if things get really…err…hairy, or stained, you can swap out a tile and replace it for a fresh and clean rug.

Here's another shot. Not exactly the color I'd choose, but you get the idea:

What do you think? Too crazy? Or crazy enough it just might work??

UPDATE****FLOR = Not my style. Totally reminded me of the carpet underneath my office chair...at my office. Way too industrial for me. Not coool. The search continues...

Just Because

2010-05-11T11:25:00.001-07:00

I found this picture on my friend Kate's blog, and it just makes me so happy. I am in love with that OCTOPUS!!

Just because...Happy Hump Day!

Etsy Shops: Pottery Fun!

2010-05-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

While perusing one of my new favorite reads, The Diversion Project, I came across a post about Etsy Seller Jill Rosenwald.

Wowza. Check out these awesome pottery pieces. The colors are so amazing, I couldn’t help but share:

Cool stuff, right? Happy shopping!

End Table Update

2010-05-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

I found it! The perfect lamp to go with my new table! Taaa daaaa:

I spent a healthy chunk of this weekend making it look just so. Hmm. Don’t mind the cord. I haven’t figured out what to do about that, yet! And see that little riser under the leg? That’s because the floor in my 100+ year old house slopes waaaayyyy down. Good times!

And here’s a detail shot:

I found it at Pottery Barn, and couldn’t be happier. Even Mr. J likes it (miracle of miracles!).

The sad thing is, as cute as this little display is, I’ll be dismantling it soon. With the big move coming up, I’m getting a little nostalgic about leaving our slanty little abode. I’ve spent so much time getting it just right, and now I’m going to have to start over! Trying not to be too daunted by that prospect.

And in unrelated news, I’ve had a friend (or two) come over and ask where my little piggy ended up, so I knew it was time for an update. Here he sits, atop a stack of books in our TV cabinet:

Awwww. Or should I say OINK!

Happy Weekend!

2010-05-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

Back from my mini hiatus! There’s lots of good news to share from Chez J, and I have been so busy (trapeze lessons, game show madness, a ½ Marathon, seriously, it’s been bananas!) that I’ve neglected my sweet little blog. But I’m back!

Our biggest news is that we found out for sure that we are moving away from our home in Seattle down to sunny Southern California. We are beyond excited for what the future holds for us. Mr. J will be attending school, and I will set out on a fabulous new adventure of my own down there! As if we needed another plus, there will be a new house for me to decorate, and new projects to blog about! However, in between us and California is one huge, messy, super-daunting move. So stay tuned for LOTS of blog posts about moving, organizing, decluttering, etc.!

This weekend, I have plans to get busy on a few fun projects, and will update you all next week. But until then, check out these photos of Ellen Pompeo's home in the Hollywood Hills:

Wowza. In the words of Liz Lemon...I want to go to there. You? Does it make you want to move to California, too?

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Images via Elle Decor

Happy Weekend!

2010-04-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

It's April 23rd, and it's Friday, hooraay! That means in exactly 6 months, I'm going to turn 30 (eeeeek!). I can't say I'm exactly where I thought I'd be at this stage in my life, but I also can't say that I don't love where I am right now. And that's a really good thing.

I struggled with actually posting this post, because I was unsure how personal I wanted to get on this blog. But then, I decided, what the hell-- it’s my blog, it might as well be personal. That being said, I’ve come up with a list of 30 things I want to do before I’m 30. These goals aren’t blowin’ the doors off the barn, people--I only have 6 months--but they are things I’d really like to accomplish. I think sometimes we get so bogged down in the big picture stuff--I want a fabulous house right now, I want a fabulous career right now-- it can be easy to forget that a big, big journey always starts with the first step.

So without further ado:

30 Things I Want to Do Before I'm 30
1.   Take one good photo per week
2. Complete at least one furniture redesign project (ideally more than one!)
3.   Commit to doing Yoga twice a week
4.   Teach L. Belle 3 new tricks
5.   Just keep blogging
6.   Find a volunteer position
7.   Spend time thinking about how I want to spend my time, and make a plan
8.   Try to sell one of my photos
9.   Try to sell one of my furniture redesigns
10. Start to learn to use Photoshop
11. Take a calligraphy class
12. Take a floral arranging class
13. Eat more fruits and veggies

14. Stain our Morrocan side table and 3-drawer dresser

15. Bake bread, from scratch

16. Make curry…like the paste

17. Bake a cheesecake

18. Teach L. Belle to walk like a well-behaved wonder dog on the leash

19. Plant an indoor herb garden

20. Plan meals out before I head to the store

21. Floss more (this one's for Jana!)

22. Make sure Mr. J knows that I love him, everyday

23. Be better about keeping in touch with my friends and family

24. Set up my new house, and make it lovely
25. Clear all my photos off the computer, save to CDs and file

26. Declutter my life of stuff I don't need or want

27. Sell my crappy furniture on Craigslist to make room for more good stuff
28. Give the heave ho to old and unflattering clothing

29. Put my wedding photos in an album

30. Put photos from our Peru trip in an album

Are you still with me? It's not the most exciting list, but you gotta start somewhere, right? What about you all? Any big milestones coming up? It doesn't have to be in advance of a nice, round number like 3-0 (dear god!), but what are you all looking to accomplish in the next 6 months, 1 year, or more? It's not much, I know, but just thinking about goals and saying them out loud can be really powerful.

Dream Dining Room

2010-04-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Luckily, I have a bit of a start on this one. Mr. J and I received 6 beautiful chairs and a buffet as a wedding gift. Unfortunately, this means we have been using a cast off table from his parents for the past 2+ years. While I secretly squirrel away money for the dining table of my dreams, I pulled together some photos for inspiration until that day!

Loving this image from the latest issue of Lonny. The chairs and buffet we already have are all dark wood. I’d love to get the matching table, someday, someday, someday! I love the way these light slip-covered chairs break up all the dark in the space. Ditto for the curtains and the rug. Pretty much perfect. I think the dining room is one of those places where you can go really bold with color and get away with it. Most of us don’t eat in our dining rooms every evening (um, usually the coffee table is our dining table…guilty!), so when you do actually eat in there, bold colors really make the space dramatic…and perfect for holidays, parties and special occasions where you actually sit down, set the table and DINE! Personally, I’d go for a deep blue like this or a rich red (the color we currently have in our space).

Now for the table. I’m all about chunky, solid, sturdy wood pieces like these:

And no, the chairs totally don’t have to match. It sure is a lot more fun, and more visually interesting if they don’t! You gotta get a bit of fabric and color in there to break up all that wood! Once I get my table, I plan to add colorful cushions to the chairs, and add two slip-covered chairs.

Now, when it really comes down to it, the pieces I currently have can transition easily and become my kitchen table and chairs down the road. You know, when I have such a large and fabulous house that I have both a formal dining room, and a casual, eat in kitchen. Yes?

Man, I am loving the improvised banquette seating in the first shot. Don’t you want to curl up with the paper (or, um, your laptop?) a cup of coffee and eat all your breakfast?? I do. The second banquette shot is no slouch, either. Elegant and cozy...at the same time. And finally, loving the casual vibe in the last shot. Can totally picture a bunch of kiddos coloring at the table and a couple of dogs running around underneath. Just perfect.

Images via Lonny, Desire to Inspire, House Beautiful, Domino

My Bricklayer's Table

2010-04-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

Taaa daaaaa!

Sort of. "Inspired by"...maybe. Regardless, I love it and its rustic wood planks and sturdy metal legs. It arrived late last week, and Mr. J and I put it all together last weekend. With a minimal amount of drama. I mean, there was a minor situation when I couldn't exactly get the screws in, and L. Belle was being a little bit too helpful by snatching and chewing up all the packaging, but other than that, it came together without incident, and I'm excited to accesorize!

First things first, I'll need a new lamp. (Yes honey, the one we have is lovely, but the scale of it is all wrong for the room. Trust me.)

I'm kind of liking this one, from Pottery Barn, but am not sure how the mercury glass would go with the rustic wood:

Kind of digging this one from West Elm:

I think, though, that I really have my heart set on a red ceramic lamp, a la this one, from Crate and Barrel:

However, much to my dismay, I went to "visit" the lamp this weekend at my local C&B, and was pretty disappointed in the lamp to shade ratio. Man, it just looked so OFF! Just switch out the shade, you say. And I could, but for $200 bucks...my lamp better be perfect. So the search continues. At least until this baby goes on sale. Until then, anyone have any good lighting sources they'd like to share?

I'm working on working the table into our room, and will post some photos once it's perfect!

Tiptoeing Through the Tulips

2010-04-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

Sigh. What a busy weekend...never enough time to get everything done! But, on Sunday morning, Mr. J, L. Belle and I headed up to the Skagit Valley to check out the last good weekend of tulips. Check out some of the photos.

Happy Weekend!

2010-04-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

Yay! It’s Friday! I have a busy weekend ahead of me. First and foremost, I will read the new House Beautiful cover to cover. Next up, an 8.5 mile run (Grumble grumble. Running a half marathon in two weeks—so behind on training!). Then, up to the Skagit Valley to check out the tulips! Then, lunch and shopping with a friend, and finally, a bridal shower for an old college buddy. Can’t wait! Even though I have a lot on my plate this weekend, I am really looking forward to some couch time with Mr. J and L. Belle and puttering around the house—here’s to hoping!

Dream Rooms: Library

2010-04-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

I love to read, and I love books. Nothing floats my boat like a whole afternoon (um…or entire day) spent reading a book. As a kid, I used to save up all my allowance and beg my mom to take me to the bookstore, where I’d spend hours determining how I’d spend my riches. Every time, I’d come out with a huge stack that would satisfy me until my next “pay day”. And the LIBRARY, too! Don’t get me started. One of the biggest pickles I ever got into was in the 3rd grade, when I snuck out and rode my bike to the library, without telling anyone where I was going. I returned, hours later, to my frantic mother wondering where I had been. I looked at her like, “So what? I was just at the library. Duh.” That didn’t go over so well.

Anyway, the house we live in does have some sweet built ins where I can stash all my treasures, but in the house of my dreams, I’d have a whole room dedicated to books and reading. A library of my own. Heaven.

Until then, I’ve gathered these photos for some awesome inspiration:

Images via Domino, Elle Decor, Martha Stewart, isuwannee

Fabric Crush: Schumacher

2010-04-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

Inspired by this image, I'm all about the idea of an end of bed bench. I actually thought this fabric was exactly what I wanted, so I hunted it down (Dzhambul Suzani from Brunschwig et Fils for the curious). I got samples of four different colorways, and decided that no, in fact, it wasn’t for me. I am not willing to let the idea of a brightly patterned end of bed bench go, though. So, I soldier on! The “master” bedroom in our house is less than…well…masterful, so I’m working on pulling together a plan to take it to the next level. Well, let’s be honest, I just need to take it to some level. Because my bed is on the floor, people. (I’ve blogged about my love affair with the Lewis Headboard, so don’t worry, I’m working on a remedy).

But now, back to the bench. I’ve ~~become obsessed with~~…er…picked out four fabrics from F. Schumacher & Co. that I think would make a beautiful, spectacular and glorious addition to my end of bed bench. So without further ado, I give you the samples:

That is, from the top left: the venerable Chiang Mai Dragon in Aquamarine, Cambourne in Honey, Chinois Fret in Almond/Noir and Chinois Fret in Gold/Cinnabar. (The last two are meant to appease my well-meaning but non-floral-loving husband, Mr. J).

So what’s the word? Which of these do you think I should I choose? Or should I keep on looking??

P. to the S. Notice the rug?? Stripes!!! So. Hot. Right. Now.

Images via Domino and F. Schumacher & Co.

Striped Rug Love!

2010-04-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

I think I'm in love:

With this zig zag rug from West Elm. Yowza! Yeah, yeah, it's a rip off of Madeline Weinrib, but I'm on a budget, people.

These babies are so hot right now. Check out this image from the latest issue of Lonny:

Or this, from the Domino archives:

Ikea has this cheapie, that looks great, and won't break the bank:

With stripes like these, how can you go wrong??

Before and After: Paint a Frame

2010-04-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Way back in November, I partook in one of our great family traditions. Every year after the turkey has been carved and the food fest is complete, my mom and I head down one of St. George, Utah’s finest establishments, Urban Renewal, to peruse their latest offerings. The shop offers a quirky mix of new items (think textiles, Asian influenced casegoods, bath products, candles, gifts and home décor accessories) as well as vintage items on consignment (wonderful artwork, furniture, home décor accessories, jewelry and clothing). This trip I picked up an original (I think) drawing of peacocks. The best part? It was under $15. And check this out. I told you how I’m all full of Scottish pride, well, as a card carrying member of Clan MacFarlane, I was surprised to see this little tag on the back of the frame:

Fate, right? Anyway, the painting was lovely, but the frame was…not so. Seeing as this was a cheapie find, I decided that rather than reframing it, I should just paint the frame. The easy choice would have been to remove the painting from the frame, paint and then put it all back together. But since it had been framed professionally and had a sealed back, I decide to tape the front of the glass with painter’s tape and go for it with a small craft brush rather than ripping the whole thing apart. Last weekend I (finally) picked up some champagne colored acrylic craft paint and off I went. (Thank you, thank you dear Mr. J for accompanying me to Michael’s. In the suburbs. You are a good man.) I did two quick coats, pulled off the tape, used a razor blade to scrape the one tiny spot where paint got on the glass and VOILA! The whole thing probably took half an hour. Check out the befores:

And the afters:

Paint. A great way to class up those cheap-o thrift store finds, no? Just call me Martha.

Aloha!

2010-03-31T21:38:00.000-07:00

Mr. J and I have been out for the past few days, snorkeling here, laying on the beach and just generally relaxing.

Ahhh, vacation. Just got back today, and now back to reality. Stay tuned for more blogging!

xoxo.

Do you Foo?

2010-03-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

With my ever-growing collection of pretty décor books, I’m on the lookout for super cool bookends. I’ve been considering some Foo Dog bookends, but am torn: are they cool or cheesy?? I love the symbolism behind them—they’re supposed to have protective powers—I'm all mystical like that. And, to be honest, I just plain love the way they look.

Check these out:

Soo, do you think I should Foo?? Foo red or foo blue? Or should I keep on looking?

Images via Domino, Elle Decor via Happy Mundane, and CB2

Monogram, monogram, monogram

2010-03-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

LOOK what arrived in the mail yesterday. That’s right, it’s a huge letter J. I know this trend is a little played out, but let me explain. I’m not quite a newlywed anymore (Mr. J and I are less than 5 months away from our two year anniversary), but I can’t help but be excited about my new name. I’ll hear someone with the same last name as us on TV and say, “Look honey, it’s our relative!” We’ll be cruising along and see a street sign with our name on it: “Look honey, it’s our street!” Poor Mr. J. It’s old news to him, but it’s all still fresh and new and exciting to me. Like…remember when you were a kid and you found your name on one of those dinky little license plates in a souvenir shop? Like that.

So, that being said, let’s give a shout out for monogram pride.

I got mine at Ballard Designs...check it out and find your own!!

Dilemma of the Day

2010-03-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

I’ve had my eye on the Lewis headboard from Pottery Barn for quite some time. But there’s one thing I can’t quite figure out. The product description indicates you can attach it to any standard bed frame, which is great. The dilemma part is that Mr. J refuses to have anything to do with a bed skirt. Now, not that I’m suggesting a frilly, floral number--I’m really after more of a crisp, clean, tailored look, like the one below, honest.

Regardless, I think I’m losing this battle. The question is: do you think a bed skirt is essential with this headboard? Without it, the metal bed frame would show, no? Not a great look. Wonder if I could maybe cover the metal frame with fabric? Is that too Martha?

Let me know what you think, and while you’re at it, any design dilemmas leaving you puzzled? Let me know in the comments!

The Start of Something Good

2010-03-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

That’s the title of this dreamy photograph from Alicia Bock. I discovered her Etsy Shop and blog while surfing the interwebs, and thought I’d share with you. Looks like she’s already got a good deal of press, too! Here are a few of my favorites from her shop:

Don't these just make you wanna go on vacation, like right this minute??? Mr. J and I are headed to Hawaii in 6 days, and I can't wait!!

What about these stunning images??

Wow! It's hard to narrow it down. Good thing it looks like now through 3/22 she's running a buy one get one promo on her Etsy site.

You're welcome! :)

Images via Alicia Bock

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

Just a little green love to brighten your day.

That's Ms. Chloe Sevigny's entryway, from the January 2007 issue of the now-defunct House and Garden magazine. Here's the detail of that gorgeous Kelly Wearstler Imperial Trellis, in green:

Happy St. Paddy's Day! (Don't forget to wear green!)

Images via style court

Liberty of London for Target

2010-03-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

What did you think? Did you stay up late to catch the launch of the Liberty of London for Target collection as soon as it went live on Sunday? I had the best intentions, I really did, but I fell asleep before midnight, woke up at 8 am, ran to the computer and found that practically ALL the home décor items were sold out. Waaah. I have a suspicion, though, that there will be another release of items in the near future. Two reasons: 1. On Target’s website, you can sign up to be notified when a particular product becomes available, and certain products are tagged as “shipping in 2-4 weeks”. 2. I never ever saw that super cute watering can or the garden tools. Call me an optimist, but I had my EYE on those!

Despite not being impressed with some of the dining items in the collection (melamine??), I did manage to pick up some bedding for our guest room, and a couple of dresses (for me!).

What do you think? Did I get caught up in the hubbub? Or is this bedding actually cute? I think, sadly, that I’m on the fence. Guess I’ll have to wait until my package arrives.

Dream Bathroom Checklist

2010-03-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

There is absolutely nothing like a long, hot bath after a looong day at work. I love relaxing, grabbing magazine (or four), a glass of wine, lighting a candle and just sitting in the tub. Unfortunately, the house Mr. J and I are currently renting lacks a lot in the bath department. It has its strengths, don’t get me wrong, but the bathroom leaves A LOT to be desired. I can’t wait until the day we’ll have a bathroom of our own that we can fix up exactly the way we like. Until then, I’ve come up with my dream bathroom checklist to keep the hope alive!

1. A freestanding claw foot tub. For a gal who likes a good bath as much as I do, there is almost nothing as important as a deep, inviting, luxurious clawfoot tub. Let the good times roll:

2. A walk in shower. Since I’ll be in the tub most of the time, I’ll need a separate, walk in shower for Mr. J to use (ok, me too, once in a while). It’s pretty much a necessity to have two showerheads, no? As well as a good seat to, well, sit on.

3. Double Vanity. This is an essential, and I’ve heard a few people say it’s the key to a long and happy marriage. For anyone who’s tried to share a bathroom with a husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, or roommate, you know where I’m coming from. Every grown up deserves their own sink…and no one should have to wait to spit while brushing their teeth!! Though I love the look of the first vanity here, not sure I'm quite organized enough, so I might need to go with a more enclosed style, like in the second photo.

4. Subway tile, Carrera marble and chrome. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. These materials are timeless. I love the cool, calm, clean feeling they lend to a bath. Hexagonal tiles, wainscotting, whatever. Just check out these amazingly classy photos of a couple bathrooms featured on one of my favorite blogs, Brooklyn Limestone:

And finally, just a quick note on the powder room...I don't have one, but I would REALLY love to have one some day. I envision a little jewel box of a room that you can totally saturate with color, since you won't have to look at it every day. A room like this will really wow your guests:

However, realistically, I could probably never talk Mr. J into that peacock blue (isn't making joint design decisions the WORST??), but I think I'd have a shot at something like this amazing geometric wallpaper featured in Deborah Needleman's powder room (RIP Domino):

That's a huge MAYBE.

What about you all? What are your must-haves in the bathroom? What does your dream bathroom look like??

Images via Apartment Therapy, Living Etc., Pottery Barn, Brooklyn Limestone, Jean Randazzo, Domino

Cherry Blossoms

2010-03-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Mr. J, L. Belle and I took a long walk to take photos of the cherry blossoms in bloom throughout our neighborhood. Aaah, spring is here:

Coffee Table Books

2010-03-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

Being Scottish and all, I have a wee bit of a thing for plaid. Imagine my excitement at discovering Tartan: Romancing the Plaid, co-authored by the CEO of Burberry as well as a Scottish fabric aficionado.

Oh, I want it, I want it, I do! It's a history of PLAID! Alas, it languishes on my Amazon wishlist.

Glassybaby Forever

2010-03-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

This local Seattle company churns out stunning handmade blown-glass votive holders in every color of the rainbow. They absolutely GLOW when lit up at night. I’m dreaming about owning a collection of beautiful neutral glassybabies like the ones here for my dining table. However, pricing for these little beauties is a bit steep at $40, so I’m going to have to collect them one at a time. Aren’t they beautiful??

Another beautiful thing about glassybaby is their goodwill program . A portion of sales from this collection are contributed to non-profits ranging from the Humane Society to a camp for seriously ill children. Just over two years ago, a wonderful relative of Mr. J’s passed away, and a gorgeous, glowing glassybaby was created in her honor:

10% of the proceeds from Seattle Sunset will be donated to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center here in Seattle.

Isn’t that lovely? Which color glassybaby is your favorite?

Images via glassybaby

Happy Weekend!

2010-03-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

This is L. Belle, the love of our lives. She’s almost 10 months old, and Mr. J and I love her like crazy. Just look at her! She loves living her little life!

This weekend, I plan to tackle some long overdue home and organization projects as well as some fun new stuff for the blog. But I also look forward to some quality time with Mr. J, a couple of glasses of wine, and sweet L. Belle. You??

Hooray, it’s (almost) the weekend!

Online Sources: One Kings Lane

2010-03-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

I've been subscribed to emails from One Kings Lane for a while now--love the idea of home decor bargains! Today, I came across this and just had to post:

Isn't she lovely? I can totally picture this carrying all the bevvies back and forth at my ~~fabulous outdoor summer party~~ backyard BBQ.

In case you're not familiar, One Kings Lane is a private sale home decor site that offers deep discounts on super high end accessories, flatware, art, textiles, etc. You do need to become a member to get access to their sales (and if you pass invites onto your friends, you can get credit on the site!). The idea is that they offer you a different deal every day. Being the crafty marketers they are, the whole limited-time-only premise is supposed to sucker you in to buying now. Clever! For now, I'll hold on to my pocketbook, thankyouverymuch, but I do enjoy the eye candy.

Decorating with Plants

2010-03-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love good houseplant. Seriously. If I actually count ALL the plants in my house, I get 23. Sheesh. Kind of embarrassing. I guess I’m trying to justify my, shall we say addiction, but I Googled around a bit and found out that houseplants really do offer several benefits for your home! They remove odors! They purify the air! Fine, they just look pretty. If wishes were fishes, I’d wish for a room like this:

Ok, ok. I’ll acknowledge that a conservatory is a little over the top. What about this?

I love the way that plant fills up that lonely corner and makes the whole room feel more, well, alive. (Well, technically I guess at least one of those is just a branch in water, and will soon be dead...) Anywho, it’s greenery nonetheless. Imagine it at night, with up lighting trained right on it. So dramatic!

I also am really enjoying these images from the new Anthropologie catalog:

Such a great resource for exotic-looking planters. I wouldn’t mind taking that green ceramic planter home with me (and the orange one too).

If large-scale greenery isn’t your thing, you could give a tabletop succulent garden a go.

This looks like Echeveria, maybe some Hens and Chicks and not sure I can identify anything else. But, cute and low maintenance. Just the way I like it.

Or maybe try your hand at a terrarium? I’m not about to tell you the best way to actually plant and care for a terrarium because I’ve had varying degrees of success with mine. All I know is, they look great, and it's all about the drainage. However, this post does give you step by step instructions on how to start your own little lovely in a jar.

If I haven’t given you enough ideas, how's this one? Maybe you could just go down to your local nursery and pick up one of these five fireproof, bombproof, black-thumb-proof houseplants you can’t kill. Toss it in a terra cotta pot, water it every week (or two) and taaa-daaaa!

Trust me, I have one of each.

Images via Apartment Therapy, Anthropologie, and Sunset

Flea Market Field Trips

2010-03-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

Now that spring is in the air, things are warming up, the buds are in bloom…and that can only mean one thing. It’s flea market season!!! Yippeee!

Photo via Velvet and Linen (seriously, check out this blog for some major flea market inspiration).

I love old stuff. Old furniture, old doo dads, old photos, heck, even old people. I get such a thrill from finding tiny treasures lurking in piles of dusty junk. Poor Mr. J gets dragged into each and every “Antique” aka JUNK store we see. Such a dutiful husband.

I came across this great local flea market post and could hardly contain my excitement. I tell ya, there’s nothing better than grabbing a coffee, a fistful of cash and heading to the flea market to root through an endless sea of junk.

Yay for spring!

This Little Piggy

2010-03-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

Oink. For ages, I’ve been inexplicably obsessed with owning a brass pig. I’ll admit, I’ve had a thing for little piggies since I was a little girl, but the brass thing…not sure how that got started. Anyway, I stumbled upon Etsy seller High Street Market (she also has an awesome interior design blog), and I found more brass animals than I had ever dared to dream possible! This little guy arrived in the mail the other day, and I'm smitten. The shop offers a wide variety of other little brass treasures (!), and I also found this beauty:

Image via High Street Market

This one:

Image via High Street Market

And this one, too:

Image via High Street Market

I love Love LOVE everything about these bulletin boards. Unfortunately, I think their price tags are a little beyond my reach. But I love the idea, and think I might try to DIY my own version. Cross fingers for luck!

Also, stay tuned to find out how I found a place for this little piggy in my very own house!

Dream Kitchen Checklist

2010-03-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

Though Mr. J and I are still renters, I dream about the day when I will have a kitchen of my very own. That day may be far in the future, but the kitchen really is the heart of the home (especially for us), so I’m already collecting inspiration. I've come up with a short list of my kitchen must haves...so here goes:

White Cabinets. Every kitchen I have in my inspiration folder features some variation of these beautiful babies, and I think that’s a sign. Plus, fashionable wood finishes come and go (blonde vs. espresso vs. walnut, etc.), but white is classic, fresh, and will hold up in the face of fickle trends!

Subway Tile and Carrera Marble. This is another classic look, and, from what I hear, subway tile is pretty cheap, too! Not cheap, but still classic, is carrera marble. I love its cool grey look for a counter top. I’ll take butcher block, stainless, or even zinc(!) if it turns out to be unattainable, but a girl can dream!

Open Shelving. The debate rages on, but I love the look of open shelving. I have too many pretty platters, pitchers and plates to confine them to a dark cupboard. I hear they’re hard to keep looking neat and organized, but I think I may be up to the challenge.

A Comfy Place to Sit. Be it an island, nook or table, this is an essential part of my dream kitchen. A place for friends and family to gather to keep me--well, let’s be honest--Mr. J--company while we whip up tasty treats.

A Chalkboard. This mini trend may have fallen by the wayside by the time I’m ready for a kitchen of my own, but I have to say, I think it’s genius. I envision writing shopping lists, appointments, and even sweet love notes on the board if I can find a place to squeeze it into the design.

What about you all? What’s the best feature in your kitchen? What’s the worst? And what side are you on in the great open shelving debate??

P.S. I've resolved to be better about properly crediting photos, until then, if you see something that's yours, let me know and I'll credit you properly.

How to Get Started Decorating Your Home

2010-03-04T11:55:00.001-08:00

When faced with four blank walls, a tiny budget and one million questions, the prospect of decorating your home can seem overwhelming. I’m by no means an expert, but I’ve been what you might call a “dabbler” for the past couple of years. After years of renting, I’m hoping that my husband Mr. J and I will soon be able to pull the trigger on a place of our own. You already know I’ve been stockpiling design inspiration. I simply need an outlet for all my wonderful ideas!

That being said, I know how hard it is to take a gander through the Pottery Barn catalog and feel utterly lost:

Image via Pottery Barn

Downtrodden:

Image via Pottery Barn

And near despondent:

Image via Pottery Barn

Hmm. Moving on!

There’s something about the prospect of getting started on your own humble abode that can leave you paralyzed with fear. You think: “What if I make a mistake??” And I’m here to tell you this: YOU WILL. (Um…hello, I once purchased a matching set of blonde wood mid-century modern inspired accent chairs from West Elm—barf. Sooo not my thing). But here’s the best part: MISTAKES ARE OK! There’s always Craigslist, and you can always repaint. Nothing is forever!

As I start to think about how we’re going to move forward with decorating our home, I’m forced to recall some of the mistakes I’ve made in the past, as well as some of the best advice I’ve read and heard. I’ve distilled it here for you (and me) so we can have a handy record of all my décor resolutions, promises and pledges. And since I do love a good dos and don'ts list, without further ado:

My Top 10 Dos and Don’ts for Decorating Your Humble Abode:

1. Don’t buy it just because you can afford it. You can talk yourself into a lot of things just because they’re in your price range, but trust me, just because it’s only $129 (with free shipping!!) doesn’t mean it should come home with you. You gotta love what you bring into your home. And yes, you should also be able to afford it, but do make sure it’s exactly what you want. A perfect price tag is a bonus.

2. Don’t buy it just because it matches. The couch matches the chair, the matching end tables match the coffee table, there are a pair of lamps, and there are a matching set of framed prints above the couch. Yawn. I’m not saying matching is always wrong, but some of the most interesting rooms I’ve been in have that unique quality of seeming like they were collected over time (Oh this? I picked it up on my vacation to Bali!), not in one fell swoop at the furniture store.

3. Don’t be impatient. Good design evolves, and you’re never really done. Even if you've done it perfectly the first time, your taste will change and your life will change (Puppy? Baby?). Rare is the individual who can pick a page out of the PB catalog, point, click and be done decorating. Elegant, personal spaces are well thought out and layered over time. Check out this super reassuring post on Apartment Therapy if you don’t believe me.

4. Don’t be a victim of trends. Just like the advice your dear old ma gave you: Be yourself. You can buy a capiz shell lantern and a “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster if that’s really what floats your boat (and accessories ARE the easiest part of a room to update and change), but for goodness sake, don’t spend a mint on a trendy little thing…you may really regret it later on.

5. Don’t be afraid of the thrift store (and Craigslist). Seriously people. Have you seen what the folks over at Young House Love are capable of uncovering at the thrift store and Craigslist? One caveat: I would be afraid of certain things from the thrift store. Like mattresses, and linens, and, well, pretty much anything with upholstery on it (that you don’t plan to rip off). Stick to hard, wipe-able things. Things that you can clean. With lots of soap. And maybe even use a power sander on. At any rate, they're great resources, so just give it a shot!

6. Do try to make your space comfortable and livable. Think comfy furnishings that you can really settle into, and soft, cozy fabrics, throws and pillows. Personalize it all with photos of your friends, family and loved ones. Put art and photos on the walls that remind you of a wonderful trip you took (or would like to take!). How do you envision your family and friends spending time together in your home? Do you see long dinners and lots of wine in the dining room? You better have comfy chairs. What about lazy Sundays on the couch watching movies? You better be able to sink into your sofa. Have those goals in mind, and design your room around them.

7. Do invest in high quality. The big pieces in your home are quite likely the ones you’ll have forever. And they’re a big commitment. Think long and hard about what you really want before you commit, and be prepared to make an investment. Feel free to spend less on accessories and smaller accent furniture (Yay Target! Yay Ikea!!). That stuff is relatively easy to change (and later dispose of on Craigslist). But trust me, if you spend $300 on a cheap sofa, you will very likely regret spending that money if it turns out to be uncomfortable and doesn’t hold up to everyday use.

8. Do look for neutrals. You don’t have to dress your house entirely in beige, but be forewarned: it’s much easier to go bold with color if it’s not the biggest and most expensive thing in the room. Wouldn’t you rather have the freedom to change your décor if you want to, rather than be burned by an expensive purple couch you’ve grown tired of? For investment pieces especially, you may want to stick to a neutral color palette that you can spice up lots of different ways.

9. Do keep your options open. We all change our minds from time to time, and we get bored of the same old same old. Thank goodness for slip covers for couches, dining chairs and ottomans! The same goes for pillows. Look for high quality pillow inserts and scout out less expensive pillow covers (on SALE or even make your own!). You could also buy a beautiful centerpiece bowl that you fill with different objects as the seasons change. Switching side chairs, lamps, accessories and artwork from room to room is another great way to freshen up your space. Keep an open mind and look for pieces that give you versatility.

10. Do have a plan. Take a good look at your room and make a list of what you think you need. Find photos of furniture arrangements and color schemes that inspire you. Sketch out your floor plan and "test out" different furniture arrangements. If you start your shopping trip thinking, "I’m looking for two smaller scale armchairs to place by the fireplace," you’re less likely to get distracted and overwhelmed by all the other goodies in the shop. If you have a budget in mind, write that down and see how what you want reconciles with what you have to spend, then pioritize (big things first, accessories are the fun part!). Your plan can always change, but sketching out the steps you need to take will really help you get to your goal.

The moral of the story is this: buy what you love, take your time, think about what you need and how you use your space, and don’t be afraid. Decorating is fun!

What about you all? What are your biggest decorating hang ups? What mistakes have you made—and more importantly—what have you learned from them?

Folk

2010-03-03T10:28:00.001-08:00

Well, hello there lovely! A few weeks ago I found the beautiful Etsy shop of Leah Duncan. I purchased the “Folk” print above, but am pretty much drooling over all the other prints she has available. Like this:

"Nesting" image via Leah Duncan

this:

"Hills" image via Leah Duncan

and this:

"Friday" image via Leah Duncan

So nice to find affordable, original artwork. Now, if I only had the wall space to display more of it!

I am a big fan of Etsy. Huge. Almost inappropriately large. I think it’s supercool that artists get the chance to display and sell their work with what seems like an easy to use and intuitive interface. I have dreams of one day opening my own shop and peddling my wares, but until then, I’ll have to satisfy myself with combing the listings for little treasures. I’m always on the lookout for a new source for great art, accessories and even furniture! I’m thinking I’ll feature each new Etsy shop I discover here on my blog. So stay tuned… In the meantime, what Etsy shops do you love??

Inspiration Part II

2010-02-27T10:57:00.000-08:00

*Wipes sweat from brow* Phew. If you’re not the type to cut up magazines—I guess there ARE some of you out there—I have great news. It seems so simple, and frankly quite obvious, but I never put two and two together. Once I actually started doing it, it was like a little revolution. If you know me, you will know that I LOATHE technology, but trust me, this is simple. If you see something you like...like this:

or this lovely:

Simply do the following:

1. right click
2. save picture as
3. drop into your “inspiration folder”
4. bonus points for sub folders organized by room type—kitchen, bedroom, etc. (super bonus points for folders organized by room element—bedroom: paint colors, living room: artwork)

And VOILA! A less messy, quicker and easier way to file (and find) your dream rooms, your somedays and your if onlys.

The interwebs offers a host of BEAUTIFUL design content. Here are a few of my favorite spots for design inspiration:

Apartment Therapy
Young House Love
Design*Sponge
Decor8
Brooklyn Limeston
Coco+Kelley
Style Me Pretty
Style Court
LONNY

There are quite literally thousands more. The wealth of design content on the internet is so inspiring. There are dream rooms and sources, DIY disasters, ideas, tips, hints, tutorials and more. My age old obsession has suddenly gone digital.

What are your favorite sources for design inspiration? What am I missing out on?

Inspiration Part I

2010-02-27T08:53:00.000-08:00

Ever since I can remember I’ve collected magazines. And torn pages out of them. It started with Teen. And then Seventeen. A subscription to House Beautiful when I was about 13 (it was—and still is—only $12 for a whole year!). A flirtation with Cosmo, Glamour, Vogue. An obsession with InStyle, Real Simple. Moving on to Domino (R.I.P.), O At Home, Elle Decor. I had amassed huge amounts of disorganized piles. Exhibit A:

Dread.

A while ago, I finally went out to Tar-Jay and bought pretty binders and sleeves:

Yet, despite their prettiness and my best intentions, I couldn’t keep up with my habit. And last week I decided I’d had it. Culling my ginormous collection did take some time. Actually, it took a lot of time, but I did it. I meticulously cataloged and sorted all my photos, all my dream rooms…all my “some days”…all my “if onlys”…it was pretty darn therapeutic. And strangely rewarding. I found myself flipping through my binders. JUST. FOR. FUN. Weird. What can I say? I’ve always been the kind of person who gets a strange thrill from cleaning out a junk drawer. Some day I’ll get some tabbed dividers and make these even MORE organized, but until then, I’ll just enjoy the finished product; beautifully sorted, organized and stored:

Bliss.

Warm Up

2010-02-25T18:46:00.000-08:00

Ok here goes. I’m jumping in. For the past year or so, I’ve been a voracious consumer of just about all of the design blog content on the interwebs. Now, it’s time to pay my dues. Play my part. Er. Start my own blog.

Honesty is the best policy so here it is: I’m nervous. I've always thought I had a good eye, I've always thought I could do this, but it's scary to actually try. And while we’re being really honest: I want you all to like me…to REEEAAALLYYY like me. What can I say? I am a middle child afterall.

My goal is simple and personal. I want to create more meaning in my life. I am taking baby steps here, but I am hoping that the best way to find fulfillment is to think about what makes you truly happy, what speaks to your heart, and what makes it sing. Then the hard part is figuring out a way to just DO that one thing. Everyday.

What speaks to my heart and makes it sing is design: making the best of what you have and making it lovely. Making a home, making room for family and love. Fixing, creating, and doing so that life gets just a little bit better. I am turning the page on what makes my life dark and stormy and I am starting a new chapter. I’m hoping I’ll learn, I’m hoping I’ll grow, and I’m hoping to find my meaning. Thanks for coming with me.