Category Archives: Home Decor

Splurge or Save: Glass Coffee Tables

Posted on by
4

It’s time for another installment of one of my favorite games… splurge or save. This week, we’re talking coffee tables.  What is it about this week??  The theme here seems to be “living room inspiration”… I just can’t get enough!  Well I’m going with it, to let’s talk about glass topped coffee tables, shall we?

I love a good glass top coffee table – super elegant, and simultaneously modern and traditional.  Clean lines, but a bit feminine at the same time…

Can you guess which is the splurge and which is the save??

I think these are perfect if you have an amazing rug you don’t want to hide, or a smaller space that you want to visually open up… since you can see straight through them, they sort of fade away and let other elements in your living space shine…
They are also really easy to clean which is a bonus (Windex and a paper towel), but not ideal for a house of kids (cracked head anyone?) or for a pack rat.  You’ve got to be able to keep it clean and orderly for it to work in your space so if you’re looking to store 3 years of Pottery Barn catalogs on the lower shelf, go for something with concealed storage.

Are you ready for the reveal?

Admittedly, if you are looking to really save, a glass topped coffee table isn’t going to be the least expensive option out there, but cut glass never is… if you’re willing to put a little elbow grease into a DIY project though, there is an amazing tutorial by Kristen of The Hunted Interior.

She recreated a VERY similar coffee table, using gold leaf, and an Ikea coffee table. Who doesn’t love a good Ikea hack too?!

Gorgeous, right??

Happy Wednesday my friends!
xo

Animal Print Rugs

Posted on by
4

Sooo… yesterday we talked about the look of worn rugs acting as a neutral background for a slightly more traditional living space…

While we’re on the topic of rugs, let’s talk about animal print… kind of the opposite of “traditional”

Source
I’m a fan.
My favorite pair of flats are leopard print, and I wear them like a neutral – literally with everything.  Could I do a leopard print rug??
Or antelope??
Or cheetah??

I mean if it’s good enough for the editor of Real Simple…

And it’s good enough for Erin Gates…
It’s amazing, right??
Well, I came across this bad boy… and it really got the wheels turning…
Could I do leopard print in a big dose like this??? I mean, I am pretty sure that this is the same rug as was used here…
Source
Dark teal walls, simple clean lines, and light furniture… it’s only $341 right now for the 6’x9’….
It could happen… what do you think???

O Christmas Tree

Posted on by
4
December is almost half way through (CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!), and after getting our tree decorated last weekend, let’s give it a moment in the spotlight…
Pretty, right??

I feel like there are two types of Christmas tree decorators… the traditionalists, and the theme decorators.

Myself, I’m a traditionalist – my favorite part about decorating the tree is to hang all the sentimental ornaments I’ve gotten year after year and reminisce (much to Kris’ chagrin) all about when I got them, and the stories behind each…

Mixed in with all the sentimental ones, I’ve got colorful globes, and glittery ribbon woven throughout.  I had big hopes this year to swap out the gold ribbon for a fun black and white stripe, but it was impossible to find.  So gold ribbon it was.  At least I upgraded from my sheer ribbon last year to a big, chunky glitter ribbon.  It really stands out and sparkles so much at night when the lights are on.
This year, the tree is a bit different from years past – I could not find our tree topper to save my life, but instead of going out to  buy a new one, I just rounded up some ribbon we had stashed in one of the boxes to make a pouf for the top.  
It’s not my favorite, but it’s not half bad and adds almost an extra foot to the top, so I’m ok with it…
I’ve been collecting one ornament a year since I was a baby (some years more than one), so that’s quite a few unique ornaments. I got these ballet slippers when I was maybe 8 years old.  I remember so distinctly – there was a small antique shop near our house, and even though these were one of the more expensive ornaments I wanted them so badly… at the time, there was a book about a ballerina I was obsessed with… it was called The Silver Slippers and the book came with a ballet slipper necklace (one of my most prized possessions) – thus I NEEDED this ballet slipper ornament.
I have no idea what happened to that book (or the necklace) but this ornament is still one of my most cherished.  Isn’t it funny how some things stay with you?
         

 

In addition to the personalized ornaments – the angels, the bears, the little birds, and the Santa with his surfboard (that’s Kris’ ornament) my mom has been giving us a box of vintage glass ornaments every year as well – they totally remind me of the ornaments in the movie A Child’s Christmas in Whales.  It’s a family favorite, and I love being able to hang those up as well.
I love that the tree is colorful and fun – maybe one day I’ll have a second tree to decorate as a “themed” tree – all bird ornaments and feathers, or all jingle bells and silver sparkles – but I love the character this has, and I love how packed in all the ornaments are.  It’s the one time of year that “more” is better (I think).

Growing up, we’d go with our parents to cut our tree down in the Santa Cruz mountains, and while we’ve skipped it a few years, I love our new tradition of going to the school around the corner from our house to buy the tree, and walking it home in the chilly evening.

Even though we haven’t cut ours down this year, I honestly cannot imagine not having a fresh tree.  To me, there would be no magic in taking a tree out of a box, and the smell… oh the smell… it’s SO GOOD.

It’s like a fresh fir forest in here I tell ya!

It’s pretty in the daytime, but at night is when it’s really magical…
Now, not to brag, but I’ve got to take a moment to give myself some credit for thinking creatively. Storing stuff is always in issue in this little apartment… after the ornaments were on the tree, we were left with boxes upon boxes, and without anywhere to put them, I decided to wrap them.
Yep, those presents under the tree are just empty boxes my friends.  What better place to store them than in plain sight – the tree looks so much better with presents under it, and I don’t have to worry about what to do with these boxes… win-win.

The guy at the tree lot also cut quite a lot off the bottom of the tree, so we ended up putting a box under the Christmas tree stand to bump it up a bit.

I actually think we will do this every year from now on.  I like how it creates space under the bottom branches for the presents to tuck under!  Another happy coincidence…

So what about you??  Are you a Christmas tree traditionalist or do you prefer the themed trees?

Chic Sheepskin

Posted on by
Reply

It’s no secret that I’m a total fan of faux fur… it’s so soft, and on cold winter nights, there is nothing better than snuggling on the sofa with something fluffy and cozy.

We’ve got faux fur happening in the living room in the form of a throw blanket and two throw pillows, and I decided to take it another step further a few months back with a sheepskin throw.

Do you remember this chair in our dining room (turned office space)?  It’s been one of my favorite chairs since spraying it dark, recovering the cushion and adding this sheepskin.  On weekends, it’s where I drink my coffee or talk on the phone to my mama.

For anyone still not sold on the idea of a sheepskin throw, let me just say… it is SO GOOD.  So freaking soft, and plush, and just $30 from Ikea.

They look so beautiful draped over a chair or sofa, but would be equally amazing as a little rug on the side of your bed (there is nothing worse than the cold floor in the middle of the night when you get out of bed for a glass of water).

Wouldn’t they also be the perfect little rug for a baby’s room?  I mean you spend so much time on the floor, why not spend it on something soft??

Thoughts?  Do you love sheepskin as much as I do, or is it something you’d rather admire from afar?

Danish Design

Posted on by
2
I’ve always found myself drawn to more traditional spaces… but more recently I’ve found myself also drawn to more modern, Danish spaces.  Spaces that are more minimalist… more plain for a lack of better words.  If you’d asked me a year or two ago my thoughts on Danish decor, you would have gotten a MUCH different answer.
Ikea probably popularized the minimalism of Scandinavian design, and perhaps it’s in my blood (being Danish and all), but I find myself drawn to these spaces more and more recently…
Source
Possibly the most gorgous mud room… right??  The natural fibers, the muted colors, and the big baskets waiting to corral shoes, towels, clothes… naughty children…
It’s all very easy on the eyes – super soothing.
Source
This is actually Julianne Moore’s home, and as simple as this bedroom is, how cool are those sconces on either side of the bed?  Simple, but unique, and I love them.
Isn’t that so true of most Scandinavian furniture?  It’s soooo simple, almost to the point of boring, but then there is something unique about it that makes it sooo beautiful.
The two tone wood bookshelf is to die for, and the natural cow hide rug??  Don’t even get me started… 
These rooms are all about balance, neutral colors, and RESTRAINT… things I’m still working on myself!
Source
This bookshelf really is something too – it would be so easy for an entire wall of books to look like a huge eyesore, but by keeping the cubbies large, the books both stacked and lined up, and by not filling each hubby to the brim, it’s so clean looking and pretty.

Source
All that oiled teak wood and the large tiles on the floor??  It’s like a gorgeous spa!
Source

Yes, Danish design is all about restraint… not overloading the walls with art, not over-styling each table, looking to nature for inspiration (the gorgous wood floors, the driftwood candlealbra, and the clean lines met with interesting shapes.

So what’s your verdict??  Do you love or hate this style?

Could you see yourself living in these minimalist rooms or is “more” better?

Living Room Envy and Tartan

Posted on by
Reply

I am crazy in love with Erin Gates of Elements of Style.  She has great style – what I wouldn’t do for 5 minutes to paw through her closet – but her home is what I’m most obsessed with.  They bought this home roughly a year ago, and have been renovating pretty much ever since.

While we’ve had a few small glimpses into the new spaces (the kitchen for instance, and her fabulous stairs), she just posted a few first images into her newly remodeled (and styled) living room – it’s A-MA-ZING.  It’s been all done up for the holidays and it’s TOO GOOD not to re-post!!

Right?!?!?!

The neutrals, those custom draperies (with the taupe greek key trim)… and that brass rod??  So SOOO good.  The layered rugs (if you look closely you can see a sneak peek of a zebra print cow hide), the hammered brass and glass coffee table, the pops of green… oh my gosh, the antique buffet is so beautiful, and of course, that chair.  That chair is (in the words of Rachel Zoe) “everything”.  It is absolutely the crown jewel of this room (aside from her sweet little puppy).

Let’s have a closer look at it, shall we??

I mean…. stop it.  That chair is SOOOO GOOD.
But you know what subtle little accent I loved??  The tartan throw, draped over the arm of this awesome chair.
My sister and I had these adorable tartan holiday dresses when we were little girls, and I’ve always loved the classic look of this pattern.  
While it might be a little much to dress up in an adult sized tartan dress for the holidays, I love the idea of cozying up a formal feeling living room with a tartan throw.  You still get to wrap yourself up in the classic pattern, and its 100% acceptable…
I’ve gone ahead and rounded up a few of my favorites – some more affordable than others *cough* Williams Sonoma *cough* and all have distinctly different patterns.
Love!!
Sierra Trading Post
Doesn’t the camel version kind of look a bit “Burberry”??  There were a few other color-ways, but these were my favorites from Sierra Trading Post.

Williams Sonoma is WAY overpriced for their throw – double the price of any other option here, but it is an easy one-stop-shop, so if you’re running around for a last minute gift, it might be worth the premium…

Always a classic – and they come with a cute leather strap for toting this around on picnics… so cute.  Do I even need to say more??
This is actually a kid’s blanket, but who cares????!  You could totally make it work for a grown up’s living room, and it’s the least expensive version on this list.  It’s a win-win!
What is your take on Tartan??
Love it?  Hate it??  Is it something you’re planning to incorporate for the holidays??

DIY Art: Gold Leaf Arrows

Posted on by
Reply

Happy Wednesday!!  It’s the day before Thanksgiving, and I thought I’d continue the DIY Art posts again this week…

We’re sticking with a simple concept (simple is best for us budding artists) – this week, gold arrows on a dark background…

Gorgeous, right??

And the DIY could not be more simple!!

What you’ll need:
  – Black Cardstock
  – Gold Leaf
  – Adhesive Pen
  – Ikea Ribba Frames (with mattes)

Next steps… just free-hand multiple arrows with the adhesive pen, and then apply the gold leaf (according to package instructions).

Easy, right??

Take it another step MORE easy, and instead of using gold leaf, use a gold paint pen.  Takes out the messy part, so you could whip these up fairly quickly.

Could be a great project to tackle over the long weekend…

Splurge or Save: Louis XIV Side Chair

Posted on by
2

Louis XIV… the other week we were talking all about his taste in mirrors… this week it’s the chairs.  I swear I’m not obsessed with Marie Antoinette or anything… it just worked out this way!

I happen to be a huge fan of Louis XIV Chairs.  They have classic clean lines, feminine curves, but when done simply like the above, they don’t look fussy or girly AT ALL.

I love them when they are upholstered…

I love them with their caned backs…

I love them painted…

But I also love them with their natural wood…

And one day, I would REALLY love to see a set of them in my house!  If you’re looking to make that happen sooner than later, I rounded up a few for comparison sake… the “splurge” and the “save”.

Were you able to guess which was which??

I’m not going to lie… Kathy Kuo knows her stuff… check out her site if you’re looking for some (pricey) inspiration.  She has AMAZING things, but for those of you looking to save a few (thousand) dollars, check out World Market.

Now I realize that the “save” price might still seem a bit steep.  These aren’t impulse purchase chairs, but for two chairs, $400 is a fair deal when we’re talking those turned legs, the aged finish on the solid wood frame, and the linen upholstery.  I’ve also seen World Market sell them separately, so if you just needed one for a lonely corner, or as a desk chair it’s not bad.  Also, considering they are running a special for 25% off furniture right now, it’s actually $300 for both chairs.

Even without the 25% off, you could still buy 6 chairs for your dining room, for the price of the Kathy Kuo stunners (although that cane backing is so drool worthy)…  If you’re looking to buy, links are below:
Save a few bucks: World Market Linen Louis XIV Chair
Play Diddy for a day: Kathy Kuo Home Louis XIV Chair

What do you think??  Is it worth the splurge or would you rather save??

————————————————————————————

Neither World Market nor Kathy Kuo has paid me to post their products – all opinions are my own

Splurge or Save: Starburst Mirror

Posted on by
1
Hansel Starburst mirrors… so hot right now.  And sometimes so expensive…
Can you guess which one of these is the “splurge”??
Starburst mirrors have been making a total resurgence in the last few years, although I’m not sure that these bad boys have ever NOT been hot – Louis XIV used them everywhere (fun fact: he was apparently called the “Sun King” because of this… don’t you just love random facts??).  Anyway, with a history like that, I’m going to say they are more timeless than trendy.
I mean they are EVERYWHERE, and for good reason.  
A good dose of gold is so glam, and they seem to be the universal answer to the question “what do I put on this random wall?”  They are great in a hallway, great over a mantle, awesome over a bed… they pretty much work in any space where you want something pretty, that seems more functional than it actually is.
Let’s be honest, you’re not going to apply your makeup using one of these mirrors, but they manage to be decorative without being “decorative”… you know what I mean??  There’s still a hint of function.  Am I crazy?
Source
Source
Source
Source
Source
Source
Gorgeous right??
It can end up being difficult to find a nice sized starburst mirror for a good price… but not impossible!!
Given the name of this post, you’ve probably guessed that I found one that is a total steal.  Could you guess from the original photos above which was the “splurge” and which was the “save”?
If you guessed that the splurge was on the left then you’re right!!
While the price tags are dramatically different from one another, the mirrors themselves are quite similar.  The Elementarie mirror has more tines, and while I like how they are staggered at different lengths, I actually really LOVE that the tines on the Martha Stewart mirror are tapered and have more dimension.
I also love the price tag on that Martha Stewart gem.
To put the value in perspective, you could buy 12 of the Martha Stewart Sunburst mirrors for the price of one of the Elementarie mirrors.
Holy cow.
I’m a sucker for a good deal, so I’m team Martha all the way!!
What do you think?  Worth the splurge?
Should I do more of the Splurge vs. Save posts – I’d love to hear from you!

DIY Art: Inverted Arrows

Posted on by
5
Hey guys!  Hope you’re having an awesome week, and for those in the Bay Area, are you all loving this cold weather that came in as much as I am??  Cozy sweaters at last!
Last week, I’d posted about a DIY art project, and I wanted to continue talking about this topic today.  As I’d mentioned, buying art can be expensive, but making your own art can be really cost effective, fun, and dare I say it… easy.   
No more blank boring walls people – here’s another simple DIY art project to try out…
Source

I saw this vignette, and almost died.  That chair (from West Elm)… love it.  The mid-century dresser… so pretty.  And that painting??  The inverted arrows???  A blown up, modern take on my favorite chevron print?????  I’m all over it!

This DIY painting hardly needs explanation, because all you need is some painters tape and the ability to measure the halfway points on the canvas… if you don’t have a single “artistic” bone in your body, then this is the DIY paint project for you.

As for the “how to” the progress photos pretty much say it all…

Still wanting instructions? Ok, here we go:

For this art project, you’ll need:
  – A canvas
  – Painters tape (I like frog tape because it comes off easier)
  – Two paint colors (here, it’s white and gold)
  – A foam brush

Directions:
  – Tape off the design you want with painters tape…
  – Paint desired areas…
  – Remove tape…
  – Hang on wall.

Ta-da!!  Idiot proof, right??

 

This is definitely a project that I’m DYING to try. What about you?

I actually think several of these would look really cool hung in a row.

The original project was done with varying colors of gold, but it would also be really cool to mix in a bit of rusty copper for even more variation in the depth.  Or what if you applied a bit of gold leaf to a few specific areas after you were finished for a bit of dimension.  I think the added depth and color variation from gold leaf and mixed metallics would be super important if you were to do a series of a few in a row, but less so if you’re just going to have one.

What do you think??

Are you putting on your beret and getting out an easel as we speak??