Wednesday, August 31, 2011

In the Bedroom

Ooh, doesn't that sound sexy? I came up with all kinds of titles that sounded much more suggestive, so I thought I would keep it simple and fairly clean. Bedrooms have been on my mind a lot lately mainly because I finally got an upholstered headboard. Whoot-whoot. Very exciting. Here it is . . .
It's the Scroll Headboard from West Elm. I got it on a whim as an anniversary present last month because A. it was cheap/on sale, and B. I've been wanting an upholstered headboard for SO very long. West Elm will not be selling these in stores anymore - only online - so they were selling off the last of their inventory of the "in-stock" natural chunky basketweave fabric, which luckily I liked.  I got it for a steal - $200 because it didn't have hardware with it (it would've been closer to $250 with it). The headboard sells online for $549 plus shipping. Score. Now, I realize if I were crafty and bought plywood, batting, fabric, etc. and made my own headboard it might have been cheaper, but it also wouldn't have ever been finished due to personal bodily injury or general aggravation. This was totally worth it for me and my instant gratification needing self.

I actually paid for the headboard by selling my old sleigh bed on Craigslist. Here's the old bed:
I know it's an acceptable bed, but after eight years I wasn't wild about it. Time to move on.

I think my new headboard resembles this one featured in a Kay Douglass-designed home in the September issue of Veranda . . . although this one is custom.





I recently picked up a Batik fabric at an estate sale (that I think might have been a tablecloth), so I draped it across the end of the bed for a little Bohemian vibe . . .
I, of course, need to pick some bedding. I still have the Hotel bedding from Restoration Hardware featured in the photo of my old bed, but I stripped it off for this photo (that's just a plain down comforter on the bed and plain pillow forms). I bought the gray linen "M" pillowcases at an estate sale for $8 for the pair. I'll also need a bedskirt/dust ruffle since I no longer have a bed with a frame (just a metal bed frame attached to the headboard). I imported the benches from the living room because I love a bed with a bench/benches at the end. If I decide to keep them here, I will need to also decide on a fabric to reupholster them in. More decisions! I also need to decide what to do behind the bed. Since the headboard is rather large and dramatic, I'm not sure how much is needed. Oh, and I need curtains.

West Elm styled the bed with a gallery wall behind it. 
I like the look, so that's a definite idea.

Here are some of my inspiration bedrooms . . . 
Source: flickr.com via Kathy on Pinterest

I love the play of patterns and textures in this space, and of course, the Chinoiserie bench with suzani fabric. I also like the small white sunburst mirror above which resembles the gold-leafed one I have. I'm not sure a sunburst will work with the shape of my headboard or not. I still have to play around with it.
Source: flickr.com via Kathy on Pinterest

A lot going on, but I like it. Another gallery wall AND a sunburst, plus wallpaper, plus a lot of pattern. Crazy but it works.

I just love the next two rooms even though they bear no real resemblance to mine. It's the overall feel that appeals to me.
Source: flickr.com via Kathy on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Kathy on Pinterest

Now, I'm definitely not changing the color of my walls as I love my Ashley Gray (Benjamin Moore). It's hard to tell from my photos because I took them in late afternoon, but there is more of a contrast between the wall and headboard than it seems. And I'm actually digging the neutral palette for the bedroom with just some pops of color.

After I saw this photo from Lonny, I had another crazy thought . . .

How about this?
Yeah, I don't think my husband would go for it. I've got some other ideas up my sleeve, but I need to slow down and process what's on my plate right now.

So, do you think I'm headed in the right direction?

Great Knock-off


I am seriously discovering so many great fabrics on Spoonflower lately. Like this La Fiorentina  knock-off. I might have to start dabbling in some fabric design. It looks like fun! 

Ruby Lane


Please help me welcome my newest sponsor, Ruby Lane. Ruby Lane offers thousands of independent stores selling antiques & art, vintage collectibles and jewelry items from around the world!

Whether you're looking for shabby chic items, carnival glass, vintage jewelry, japanese china or antique dolls, they make the process simple.  For those buyers who are new to the process, their simple search, shopping and purchase features make it easy and convenient to buy. "


I really love this 18th century watercolor painting. It's so serene.

There are seriously so many items to browse through. Check out the items for yourself here.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Jett's Nautical Birthday Party

This year for Jett's party I decided to go with the Nautical theme. I had so much fun putting this party together. I've been planning it for months now. 


Here are the invites I sent out. I made them with my trusty power point program. 


I found the nautical code flags at a local boat shop. 


They were really fun to have hanging. 


The striped plates were from Shop Sweet Lulu. The red plates are from Target and the napkins were found at Home Goods. 


I had Janelle from One Sweet Slice make this amazing cake. She was amazing to work with and she did an incredible job. 

I told her I wanted an ombre wave theme and she totally carried out my vision. 



I made this watermelon boat using these instructions. 


The nautical cupcake toppers were bought here. I thought they were super cute. 


I created this drink station with fabric found at Home Fabrics for $5.99 a yard and a plastic life saver from a local party store. 


I found some great red striped paper straws here.  I added the blue flags with blue ribbon and double stick tape. The bird art was found at T.J. Maxx and is by Two's Company. 


I made these little foam boats for the kids to float from these kits. I just used a permanent marker to add some blue stripes. I also used one of these for my cake topper. 


The kids had a great time floating them and getting all wet! 



I wanted to have some kind of boat for the kids to play in. I just constructed this out of cardboard. I added a couple of these flags. The backdrop was made from this. I just cut it to size. Jett loved it. 




We even let the bigger kids play in it. 


I made the favors with plastic fish from a party store and lifesaver mints. 


I used this tag that I made in Power Point. Feel free to snag it from my blog if you want to use it for anything! 


All in all we had a great time. I am sad that it's all over. I guess it's time to start planning next years party...

Monday, August 29, 2011

Crazy Good or Just Plain Crazy?

Before hitting the flea market on Friday, I stopped by a few estate sales. As usual, I had more luck at the one I just "happened" upon after seeing a sign on a street corner. I found nothing at the Flea Market. Nothing. Nada. I think I was just too hot and distracted. Oh well. On the way home, I hit a junk/antique store I had never been in before and found this . . .
Am I nuts for liking this? I've never seen anything like it, which I must admit was part of the allure. Of course, the Asian influence didn't hurt either, plus the bamboo/glass frame - so unique. It's a needlepoint piece which intrigued me even more. 
I think it would look great as the centerpiece of a room. I love the glass detail because it would allow your wall color to peek through and provide a contrast.
Needlepoint has experienced a resurgence in popularity lately in great part thanks to Jonathan Adler and his quirky and quaint needlepoint pillows that he uses throughout his interiors . . .



I love the homespun quality of needlepoint juxtaposed with modern patterns.

Some other little goodies I found at the aforementioned estate sale include an unframed oil or acrylic painting . . . 



Really like the colors in this one.
a framed piece of painted silk artwork . . . 

and lastly, a small mid-century bench which could use some new upholstery, but I love the shape.
All these pieces will make an appearance in the blogger Tag Sale (unless I decide to keep the stool for my son's room) we're hosting on October 1st. I know I keep teasing this, but I promise we'll be sharing more details soon (like the location and time) once details are hammered out. 

Hope everyone has a Happy Monday!

Etsy Pouf Roundup

I don't know about you but I'm still a fan of the pouf. I love that they come in all shapes, sizes and patterns on Etsy. 


1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Great warm wood home design ideas in Sydney Australia

Detail Great warm wood home design ideas in Sydney Australia
Great warm wood home

Great Home Design Idea in Sydney
Great warm wood home design idea in Sydney Australia

Great warm wood home is great. See this Great warm wood home design ideas inspired as a warm smell of Architecture welcomes this design house of wood leads to residents and guests with a sequence of input leads to a recycling-Jarrah. Nicknamed the main course can be likened to a newspaper, with rich wood floors and ceiling, and the house that connects the various parties there. you will love Great warm wood home
Great Homes Design Ideas in Sydney
Great warm wood homes design ideas in Sydney Australia

why Great warm wood home is good? Queens Park Serviced Apartments in Sydney, Australia, designed and built by Australian architects CplusC architects and clients, based on the idea of the basis of “good wood.” that is Great warm wood home design ideas in Sydney Australia from mytophomes.com. just think about Great warm wood home.
Great Homes Designs Ideas in Sydney
Great warm wood home designs ideas in Sydney Australia

Great warm wood home

Great Home Design Ideas in Sydney
Great warm wood home design ideas in Sydney Australia

Friday, August 26, 2011

Balloons and a Birthday


Jett turns 2 today! I can't believe it. 
Last night we put a whole bunch of balloons in his room for him to wake up to. He was so excited. 


We have a busy weekend planned to celebrate including a fun birthday party. Stay tuned next week for pictures of the event!

Feature Friday: The Cottage Mix


Today I am featuring the beautiful home of Lauren Leonard of the blog The Cottage Mix.  Lauren is a designer and her home reflects her great taste. When asked to describe her style here is what she said:

When decorating my home I tend to lean towards light, neutral wall colors and solid fabrics for upholstered furniture.  I like to add color and pattern through accessories, fabrics and artwork.  I also like to have a good mix of textures and finishes. 

 I live in north Florida, so I am close to coastal Georgia and South Carolina and I am drawn to the design style of these coastal homes.  They are light & airy and traditional...elements that I love.  To add character to my house, I've incorporated different types of trim work such as built-in's, tongue & groove planking and ship-lap walls.  Some girls like shoes, I like carpentry.  Is there a support group for that?!?! 

Enjoy! 



















Thanks so much to Lauren for sharing her home with us. Make sure you check out her blog here.