Home Design Idea Do or Don't: Art & Photo Walls

 

Art and photo walls are super popular these days - I myself have two, one in our dining room and another in our hallway.  Because of the huge walls in our apartment, it felt necessary to add a large collection of photos and artwork on one wall but I started to feel as if it was becoming redundant.  As a result, I decided to find larger pieces of artwork to fill up our other walls in order to keep it from feeling too busy.

The element of surprise is rare in home design - how often do you walk into someone's house and think, Wow, I would never have thought of that?  Sure, we may be in awe of others' homes because of size or that amazing sofa they have, but not surprised.  So, I loved the idea of a photo wall in the bathroom because it's unexpected and makes the room feel more like a continuation of the rest of the home.  What do you think - would you do a photo wall in the shape of a heart or fill the living room walls completely with Polaroids?


{Picture Sources, top to bottom: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight}

Etsy Tuesday: Vintage vs. Modern Clocks

one / two / three / four / five / six

seven / eight / nine / ten / eleven / twelve

My boyfriend absolutely loves clocks, specifically because he likes to know what time it is at all times.  As a result, we have over a dozen clocks all over our apartment so that he can tell what time it is from any angle and he's been exceptionally particular to keep them all synced up.  I, on the other hand, never know what time it is and don't even think about what time it is until I see the sun coming up or going down.  I have a handful of watches I never use, and my iPhone wakes me up on most days.  Nevertheless, I do find clocks to be stylish accessories for the home and wardrobe.  They are a great way to add whimsy or sophistication to your home and really round out one's home decor style.

This week's Etsy post is thereby dedicated to clocks - vintage and modern.  Both sets are fun and stylish, but what would you choose, a retro yellow orb clock or a simple & modern wood one?

For more of my favorite clocks, click here to follow me on Etsy.

Darling Thursday: A Baby Nursery for Girls



mobile / crib / kitten / bear / heart print / eames rocker / pouf / floor lamp

This April there will be two new additions to our family including a precious baby girl and the other is still a surprise.  As a result though, I've been shopping for cute little dresses and layettes and visiting the cutest baby boutiques.  I am amazed by how far nursery designs have come over the years - you can truly tailor the nursery to fit your design aesthetics by choosing modern furnishings or shabby chic fabrics or whimsical artwork.  The result is a room that flows well with the rest of the house's design versus one awkward & random room. 

Pictured above are some of my absolute favorites - the classic Eames rocker, a pouf to rest your tired & swollen feet, a sweet heart print reminding your little one of how much you love them, and something pretty for them to look at from inside their cozy but modern crib.

wallpaper / dresser / mirror / ladybug

 

And of course, every little one needs lots of storage to tuck away those darling dresses, pajamas and separates.  As your little one scoots around on her ladybug, Momma can fix her hair in this modern mirror or marvel at how sweet this flowered wallpaper is!

 

 

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And then there's the artwork.  How cute is this collection of whimsical prints & vintage needlepoint pieces?  I seriously want to purchase all of these and place them on a wall.  It's a really great mix of new & old but sweet enough for your little one.

 

I hope you love & adore these nursery items for a little girl as much as me!  What do you think - too modern or just right?

Happy Weekend

It is a beautiful day today and I am so happy to be enjoying it outside reading books and planning new projects.  Of course, I've spent most of my free week under the weather (catching up on Season 2 of Girls) or working on my re-upholstery project.  Of the three chairs, one is completely done and I am about 80% happy with it.  Mainly, I have a few more things to learn when it comes to attaching the cording and my paint job on one of the chairs could definitely use some work.  It's been fun, rewarding, and educating so I'm glad that this week has stretched me ability-wise.

I am also really looking forward to enjoying some quality time with my boyfriend this weekend.  We are planning on making a big meal tomorrow, cuddling on the sofa with some movies and will most assuredly be avoiding the SXSW craziness that is occurring around town.  What are your plans for the weekend?  I hope it's lovely and please enjoy these links from around the web...

article on changing careers

lena dunham

sexy heels

arianna huffington on burning out at work

adorable play kitchen

pretty cookware

I totally agree (with her dutch oven rant).

good advice for desk jobs

my current purse crush

whoa, pyrex, I heart you.

the First Lady's best looks

a great (and extremely affordable) Spring skirt


{picture via here}

DIY Project: Yarn Lamp Shade

What you'll need...

What you'll do...

1. Tie first color of yarn around inside of lamp, knotting once for slackers or twice for comfort & security.

2. Wrap yarn around the shade creating random angles & triangles, doubling up your lines, tripling or creating a symmetrical pattern - I had no rhyme or reason for my lines and just went with my gut.  Finish by tying a knot at one of the three bars just the same as you did when beginning.

3. Repeat process with the second & third colors of yarn, wrapping around as many as you'd like or as little. 

And voila! You are done with your lamp shade.  Here was my final product.

I was very nervous when I began but it's a very easy-going project that requires little effort & time with a fun end-product.  Plus, I don't believe there's any way you could possibly screw up.  (FYI, the base was $20 at Target so my whole project cost $40!  Far cheaper than  a similar one I saw in a catalog for $130.)

What do you think - fabulous or a flop?  Would you try this at home?

Etsy Tuesday: Study in Mint

Mint is definitely in.  Since I love all shades of green, the current mint craze absolutely delights my senses.  For your enjoyment, check out these great finds from Etsy.

1. Vintage Mint Dress - check out this link for the cutest & happiest Etsy model ever.

2. Sparkly Dog Collar - because even your pup deserves to be stylish.

3. Leaf Dinnerware - I would die for this whole set.

4. Clutch - affordable addition to your seasonal/trendy items that could easily be modified with a sparkly brooch for fancier occassions.

5. Retro Dress - perfect for a Sunday brunch date with your friends.

6. Mint Earrings - simple & elegant.

7. Vintage Sewing Machine - and one of my fav items on this list.

8. Imperial Savoy Camera - a great addition to any collection of cameras.

9. Sugar Bowl - very sweet bowl you could also use for cotton balls in the bathroom.

10. Cross Weave Bracelet - a good bracelet for layering with other gold pieces.

11. Pendant Necklace - another fav that I'd love put on an extremely long chain.

12. Tassel Garland - super stylish addition to a birthday party or bridal shower.

13. Leather Ipad Mini Case - for the stylish tech savvy girl.

14. Ivory Linen & Mint Chair - a welcoming chair to read a book in. 

Home Decor Ideas: Plates on Walls

What a great way to showcase your favorite plates!  Or, if you find a couple of great plates on Etsy or a thrift store, this would be a great way to show them off.  Love it.



{Photo via Pinterest}