New Year

Great New Years ideas from Martha

Make your own party blowers here.

I also love these Resolution Coasters from Etsy.

Just Looking

I saw the coolest ottomans at Target.  I couldn't find them online but I like these too.

Dwell White/Charcoal Cube

Kristine Upholstered Ottoman

Floral Storage Ottoman 

Desmond Ottoman

Faking it

What do you think of this fun idea to make your own wallpaper using floral tape?  I really want some wallpaper in my small half bath and this seems like it would be the cheapest solution.

Fan Mail

My Dearest Anthropologie.

I am obsessed with you. I try very hard to fight it but I can't . My wonderful husband got me the best gift I could ask for...a gift card to your wonderful store.  So I will be visiting you soon and I will be spending my gift card. Most likely all at once .

These things would  be nice in my home.

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So I guess we will be seeing each other soon.  Make sure nobody buys the stuff I want. Especially not my lampshades that are now on sale.

thank you.

eternally yours,

Kirsten

Work in Progress

{What we've got so far}

Our bedroom is definitely a work in progress.  The other day my house budget officially ran out and there is still SO much to do.   I decided I couldn't wait and I framed two of my favorite calender prints for above our night stands.  With the rest of them I want to do something like this:

We also have the funny little issue of that off-center window above our bed.  It's super annoying.  My master plan is to hang drapes on all our windows in our bedroom.

I am hoping I can be tricky and use the draperies to make the window look centered.

Knowing me there is always more to do and my rooms are really never "done".  But there are some things we do really need.

Lampshades for example.

Merry Merry

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Merry Christmas bloggers.  Thanks for reading.

Snow and Graham

How wonderful would it be to have to a Snow and Graham calender under my Christmas tree.

I absolutely love their calenders and notecards.  For all you locals you can pick up you own calender at Alice Lane Home Collection.

Spotted: Turquoise Subway Tile

How awesome is that turquoise subway tile in Becky Higgins's kitchen?  I used to think I wanted white but now I am imaging all the colors I could do.

Love it.

Speaking of subway tile my cousin just installed her own subway backsplash. She did it herself and has the directions on her blog. Check it out.

Per Request-Accessorizing your Home

When accessorizing with nick-knacks, and collections I think the best advice is just to use your eye. But if you are looking for some helpful suggestions to get you started here are a few:

First, use odd numbers. One, three, five, seven, etc. It depends on what you are accessorizing.  You could have one large item on a table.  A coffee table could handle three or maybe five on a shelf.  I like to keep the heights differing.  Stack books, boxes or other objects to  create height.  

 Second, it is best to keep collections together and not spread out in your home. Put things of similar shape and color together.   Your collection of trophies, tea-cups, chinese artifacts or whatever will all look better close together.    

Third, I like to keep it personal.  Keep something out from a fun trip that brings back great memories.  A jar of sand from Hawaii perhaps.  Maybe your favorite painting or photograph.  These things don't have to be expensive  but they still make a room feel rich.  

Fourth, something living is always a plus if you are able. I happen to have a black-thumb and can never keep any kind of plant alive.  But a bud vas with a single flower is nice or a potted plant is fun to have on your kitchen countertop.  It breathes life into your space.  If you are are like me and can't do the living things then just try and bring the outdoors in.  Branches, pine-cones,  coral anything from nature that injects a sense of life into your home.

...and that brings me to my next point, texture. I love things that are interesting and have fun textures.  It is one of the key ingredients in a successful room.  

Fifth, some ideas of other things to decorate with would be candles, magazines, sculptures, trays and clocks. Seriously anything goes and like I said, use your eye and your best judgement and you'll be fine. 

all images via ISuwanne, Eddie Ross or Nuestra Vida Dulce

Fire Glow

this is lovely.

image via living ect. 

Globe Mobile

this gives me an idea .... stay tuned for more...

Feature Friday: Under the Sycamore Tree

Today my Feature Friday is showing off the beautiful kitchen remodel of Ashley from Under the Sycamore Tree.  

I almost fell off my chair when I saw this kitchen. I LOVE it.  It is bright and colorful and whimsical.

The globes on top of the cabinets are genius.  So much better than fake plants.  And that butcher block countertop is my favorite.  Look closely and you will see that her backsplash is made from yardsticks.

 

Doesn't that basket pendant lamp look like it came straight from Anthropologie? She made it herself!  See the directions here.

I must have this table runner.  Fresh and vintage it looks so fun on her table. Of course she made this herself too. Get the how-to here.

Love the kitchen?  The nursery is fabulous too.

Such a talented girl with great ideas and great photography skills.

Stay Awhile

I totally wish I had a bed like this for my guests instead of my futon from Costco.

Your Personal Style

As I begin to prepare for my final portfolio project before graduation I find myself trying to figure out what my style really is.  Honestly it feels like it is always changing. Believe it or not two years ago I would call myself traditional.  Now that's the last thing I am.

No matter what, one thing is for certain.  I love color.

It seems like no matter how hard I try and deny it I just can't.   I try so very hard to be more classic and neutral but it just doesn't excite me the way pink walls or a bright yellow pillow does.

I enjoy designing all kinds of rooms but in my own home I have discovered that color speaks to me and has started to creep into every room.

       

Luckily my husband makes sure I tone it down a bit or I would honestly have a bedroom like the ones pictured above.

I wouldn't be surprised if my style doesn't change a year from now but one thing I'm sure of....

... your home needs  to be a reflection of you!  It should be full of things that you love and for me that is lots and lots of color.

Save Money, Live Better

I recently ordered this rocking chair from Walmart for my son's nursery.  It was by far the cheapest I could find (including on Craigslist).  After I saw this fabulous bench on this blog it got me thinking. What other great finds does Walmart have to offer?

Williamsburg Chandelier  

Starburst Mirror

Diana Bench

Alisha Ottoman Bench

Tufted Leather Bench

Textured Cotton Headboard

Before I would order anything from Walmart I would check the reviews to make sure the quality is up to

par.  We ordered our crib from there and it has been great.  I can't wait till my little rocker gets here and my nursery will be complete!