Dwelling by Design

2012-02-20T23:40:00.000-08:00

I've been working hard on our kitchen.

First, I stained everything with a grey wash; it looks SO awesome.

Then I replaced all of the drawer pulls with vintage-look pulls. I've always wanted those and now I have them :)

Third I added bun feet to make the cabinets look more custom - it definintely helped.

Now I am in the middle of adding beadboard to all of the outside panels and to wrap the whole kitchen island. It is a multiple step process: cutting the boards to fit, then adhering with Gorilla wood clue and finishing nails, and finally staining the boards.

Final steps include a new kitchen counter (most likely in granite), most likely a new sink (looking at farmhouse/apron sink models), lighting over the island and maybe a tile backsplash (not sure yet).

I just bought these vintage look barstools off of overstock.com.

$67 for BOTH and FREE shipping. Can't wait til they arrive later this week.

Tent

2012-02-16T22:39:00.000-08:00

I have a thing for tents. Always have. Even though I'm not much of a camper...Its more the mystique of the tent than actually being in the wilderness. But I digress:

That is a pretty sweet tent.

*I also have this tent related fantasy that is along the lines of Harry Potter, where they go inside a tent and it is WAY more spacious than they expected (like the size of a large house) and is furnished with everything they could possibly need. How AWESOME would that be?!

Pretty Little Things...

2012-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

A few things that I am finding beautiful today :

So charming, isn't it?

This dress breaks my heart, it is so beautiful...I want to twirl around in it...

The lovely vineyards down the street from where I live.

I want this hair. Every. Single. DAY.

So I think that I would like to combine each of these pictures into one big beautiful experience! Right?! That would be overload on texture, color and beauty...but it would still make me very happy.

A Sweet Valentine...

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

A little something to send to your sweetheart this Valentines Day :)

Truth in the Letter "B"

2012-02-12T22:21:00.001-08:00

Word...

From Japan with Beauty

2012-02-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

I just discovered this site and holy moly, these pictures are breathtaking!

Loving Trend Tablet!

Creativity...

2012-02-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

Truth :)

Drawers, Drawers, Drawers!

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

I want this drawer situation, plain and simple:

SERIOUSLY, how cool is this??? Think of all of the hundreds of things you could store in this? And the colors and peeling paint? Oh...how I love thee, many drawer piece of furniture...

DIY: Customizing Boring Builders Grade Cabinets

2012-01-31T21:52:00.000-08:00

My master bathroom cabinets have bugged me for years. They are just regular old builders grade, nothing special - oak, no hardware, no style.

And since my husband is not in favor of my overhauling the bathroom completely (darn it, he's no fun!) I had to get creative.

What could I do for 1) very little money and 2) very handyman little talent.

Ahaaa! Done!

See those feet (those weren't there before)?

First, this greyish stain I found that I put everywhere.

Second, I added these bun feet ($5.95 each at Lowes) to both sides of the cabinets. I think that they totally make it...and it was simple!

I had to sand down the feet first - each side of the bathroom cabinet was a different size. So I got to know my handy rotary sander :) It was actually fun.

Next I stained the feet. This required two different kinds of stain; one to match the existing color of the builder grade cabinets and the second greyish stain to match what I had done to the cabinetry.

THEN I installed them and adhered them to my existing cabinets with Gorilla Wood Glue.

And voila! A more custom feel to formally builders grade cabinets.

All that's left is to add handles to the drawer and cabinets...but I've gotta get my drill to work first (it was on the fritz today...).

Here are a few other shots of my bathroom now:

Curtains are burlap. Palm we have had forever. Window hanging on the wall is an antique from a barn somewhere here in Northern CA. And the blue glass lanterns are from a variety of places.

And this is our shower door/shower window. I felt it was lacking a little "privacy" so I took a very old copy of "Atlas Shrugged" and laminated a bunch of random pages then adhered them to the door/glass panel. I love the patina...and its fun to read a classic while you're in the shower.

Maybe the Coolest Chair?

2012-01-29T23:41:00.001-08:00

I am in LOVE with this chair. IN LOVE I tell you...

Room Redesign

2012-01-29T19:24:00.000-08:00

I spent the last 4 days shifting around my 4 kids bedrooms. And it is NEARLY complete. I can't wait to show pictures.

I moved my two youngest (both age 2 1/2) into a shared room which I now affectionately call the nursery. They have been in their own rooms since we brought them home from Ethiopia nearly 2 years ago; we wanted to make sure that they had their OWN spaces and develop their own schedules during this time without waking each other up.

My 7 year old girl and 8 year old boy have been sharing a room for the past 2 years. And it has been fine; they don't know life without each other. But over the past several months I have begun to feel that its time to separate them; they now NEED their own spaces. And with "the babies" firmly in "toddler" zone and thriving, I decided to make the moves last week.

Day one with the toddlers for their nap: not good. Every nap and evening sleep after that: perfect. I am SO proud of them for settling in so nicely into their room.

And my older two are beyond happy/excited/grateful for their own spaces once again.

Final details and pictures later this week!

Rad Onesies

2012-01-23T23:31:00.001-08:00

Ok...so this isn't related to interior design, but these are some seriously RAD onesies for that funky cool baby in your life.

Cool right?!

Coolest Bunk Beds EVER

2012-01-20T21:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, in my opinion, they are the coolest bunks ever. They are like treehouse lofts! Want...

Thrifted Afgan

2012-01-18T21:33:00.000-08:00

I picked up this AWESOME afgan at Savers while in Southern California this past weekend. Thrifting with one of my besties, Carrie is my favorite thing ever and this blanket was my favorite purchase from the store. $8.99, thrown in the washer once I got home, and voila! Fresh dash of color to my living room!

Tumbling Teacups - A New Way to Store Jewelry!

2012-01-16T22:09:00.000-08:00

I was in Urban Outfitters this past weekend and happened upon this ingenious jewelry solution.

Its almost sculptural, right? Plenty of room to hang earrings, corral small pins and other earrings, bracelets - whatever accessories suit your fancy.

Very cool. Apparently it is regularly $69 but reduced now to $19.99. Go forth and purchase :)

Green!

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Loving this glossy green kitchen island. I am totally confident that my husband would not be on board with this in our kitchen that we are designing...but I still love it :)

My Terrible Passtime

2012-01-10T21:54:00.001-08:00

I have to admit something to the interwebs. I have a terrible new passtime.

I look up gorgeous Parisian apartments that offer long term leases.

Oh good grief! Why do I do this?????

(Like HELLO, this kitchen???? That island?)

Well...

Because they are just so darned beautiful, elegant and ENTICING. Ahhhhhhhhh!

Warning: If you go to this website, you too will want to rent a flat in Paris...and maybe never come back :) Don't say you weren't warned.

The Most Colorful Sofa EVER

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

I find that I am consistently drawn to furniture that is wildly colored/patterened...and yet I don't have any furniture like that in my home. Hmmmmm...time to make some changes perhaps?

Anyway, this sofa just SPEAKS to me...yells perhaps :) Isn't it glorious? I think I would feel extra happy sitting on it.

How to Design a Kitchen...when you've wanted one for a REALLY long time...

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

SO. This is the year. The year that we gut and redo our kitchen. I have wanted to do this for the 4+ years we have been in our house and my husband and me put together a budget/savings plan for the next 10 months or so to make it happen THIS year. I can't even express how excited I am about this.

Of course, it is all contingent on NOT blowing our monthly budget so that we can save enough to actually DO the kitchen.

All of this excitement gives way to a new reality however. Hmmmm...what exactly do we want in this new kitchen of ours? What to do when we DO NOT agree on cabinet colors or design? Change the footprint of the existing kitchen or keep it the same? Knock down some walls? Make a two-tiered island or create a peninsula?

They are at least enjoyable questions to research and answer, but this is the kind of remodel that we will do ONCE...and I really want to get it right.

So postings here will be a little heavier on kitchens this year as I try to fine tune what appeals and works for our family.

If you have ANY suggestions/ideas at all I would love to hear them. What worked for you? What helped you make choices for your kitchen? What are some products that you really love and couldn't live without in your kitchen? Bring it on - I am all ears!

A Little Peak...

2012-01-06T11:28:00.000-08:00

This was our Christmas photo collage this year. Here is just a little peak into the 6 people that make up our very busy energetic family.

Can't wait to start this new year off with a design bang!

I am HERE...

2012-01-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

I really am here! I have SO missed this blog. Like most people, life has just taken up LOTS of time and so blogging got pushed to the VERY back burner. But 2012 is a new year and I've got lots of my favorite things/projects/ideas to share.

So stay tuned and thanks for sticking with me! Dwelling by Design is BACK!

The NEW Typewriter

2011-11-07T13:32:00.001-08:00

Once again, Anthropologie has done it. Can they do no wrong, I ask??

How cool is THIS????

We just got an iPad this weekend and all I could think about was how amazing it would look docked in this super cool "typewriter"...

Sigh...

The Most Amaaaaaaazing Rugs!

2011-10-26T23:12:00.001-07:00

I came across the most amazing rug today on the interwebuales (I know, I sort of made that word up...):

Right?!?!?! Totally blows my mind. I love it SO much.

But then, the same artist (Sonya Winner) also did this one:

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW! I think I love them both equally...though they are completely different, no?

Genius work by this artist.

DIY: Organizing your Garden Tools

2011-10-25T19:55:00.001-07:00

I loved this idea when I saw it - so simple! And this is the perfect time of year to get everything corralled before the cooler months roll in.

Check out Martha Stewart for all the great details on creating this beautifully organized storage solution for all of your garden tools!

Trulaaluu

2011-10-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

My new love, my new line Trulaaluu. Loving creating again after a few year hiatus. I've got my etsy store up though most of my merchandise was bought out either through the two farmers markets I just went to and the store in town that I'm now working with.

Isn't being creative marvelous? Check out my etsy store and see if there is anything that you're interested in; I promise to add some new items very soon :)

Handmade High Tech: iPhone 4 Cover

2011-10-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make: I have now owned 4 iPhone covers and haven't been FULLY satisfied with any of them. And I've only had my phone since May of this year. So yeah, not a great track record with the cases...

Anyway, this past week I decided to just make my own and now I am SO much happier. I took a clear case with white bumpers - bought it at Target - then cut a piece of oilcloth from my stash to fit inside the clear back against the back of my phone. The most time consuming part was cutting out the camera hole but it turned out really well.

And the best part? It is EXACTLY the way I want it. Seriously, easiest project ever. Try it!

Handmade for Home: Redoing a Filing Cabinet

2011-10-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

This week I took my very utilitarian (read: boring) grey file cabinet from drab to fab. I had been thinking about doing it for awhile, then suddenly, I just DID it. Love it when creativity + time = perfect moment to make something.

I decoupaged the sides and drawer fronts with pages from the classic Atlas Shrugged - it is a very old copy so the coloring was just perfect.

Then I finished up the project with some handles I had laying around from Anthropologie.

The whole project took about an hour, plus 12 hours for solid drying. SO worth it. I'm really happy with how it turned out.

DIY: Fall Garland

2011-09-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when I saw this on Pinterest that I went out the next day and got felt and yarn to do this project. Super easy, colorful and lovely handmade seasonal decor - perfect :)

And as a side note, the blog this project was originally found on, A Beautiful Mess, is wonderful - be sure to check it out.

Brilliant Organizational TIP

2011-09-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

When I saw this come through on Pinterest, I thought it was brilliant.

Check out what this very smart woman used to store her canned veggies in her pantry; a magazine holder! Brilliant, right?!

NEED, WANT

2011-09-25T22:37:00.000-07:00

I NEED to make this...though this may be better suited for warmer weather and not the rainy season that will soon be upon my part of the Bay Area :)

So pretty, no? And it looks uber simple...

Cuteness Overload

2011-09-25T22:34:00.000-07:00

These just kill me with cuteness...

And if I may say, I have been a fan of Uncommon Goods for years - they are my go-to online store for unusual gifts. Can't say enough good things about them (and they didn't even pay me to say that!)

Etsy Love: Repurposed Gift Tags

2011-09-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

I came across this Etsy seller earlier today and fell in LOVE. She has taken repurposed manilla folders and collaged them with 1978 NYC subway maps to create gift tags, finally tying them up with bakers twine. Genius! So fresh and cool - I LOVE it.

Don't you just love the creative brilliance that can be found on etsy? It is SO inspiring.

The Creative Process

2011-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

I couldn't agree more...

Can I get an "Amen"?!

Introducing: Trulaaluu

2011-09-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

Years ago I had a thriving baby accessories business called Spongy Feet. Then I adopted two little babies, doubling the number of our children to 4 and suddenly having a nearly full time business run out of my home (and very much on the fly) didn't seem like such a good idea anymore. And certainly not fun.

So I put things on hold back in 2009...and waited.

Lately my meds for Lupus have really started to kick in and I am now experiencing more good/great days than bad ones. I've felt my creativity surging back. The babies are now 2 1/1 and life is getting a little easier in that arena.

Recently one night I started sewing...and designing...and thinking...and creating again.

And Trulaaluu was born.

It's little but for right now that is just the way I like it. I plan to add more home decor goods and more childrens clothing. But life is full and busy so Trulaaluu will be ever changing. Please stop by and check out the shop - I'd love to hear from you!

Wooden Tub

2011-08-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm not a bath person (I love my showers) but this tub had me swooning when I saw it. It is DIVINE, isn't it?

Playroom Teaser: My House

2011-08-28T21:26:00.001-07:00

Its just a teaser...

More to come from our playroom soon :)

My Chandelier

2011-08-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of comments when people come into my kitchen about my chandelier. By itself, its nothing special. But draped with the bits and bobs I have found over the years (ie: garlands from Tibet, small glass lanterns, ivy, lampshades that I have made and also purchased from Anthropologie, Christmas ornaments that don't quite make it back in the ornament box...you get the picture), it becomes much more than just a light fixture - it becomes the focal point of our kitchen.

I love it.

So True...

2011-08-24T22:38:00.001-07:00

Not gonna lie, this is totally true. So it's probably just as well that I don't have a Brit accent :).

Kahala Chandelier

2011-08-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

I recently stayed at the Kahala Resort in Oahu (which btw, is AMAZING). I was spellbound by the gorgeous chandelier in the lobby.

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Handmade for Home: White Board Calendar

2011-08-08T00:07:00.000-07:00

Do you have one of those white board calendars where you write in all of the numbers...and sometimes the numbers get smeared...and you get frustrated about it? Hmmmm...can you tell that has happened to me?!

Well, I decided that there was a better way.

I went to Michaels and purchased a package of wooden numbered circles, took a dab of hot glue from numbers 1 through 31 and afixed a magnet and voila! Numbers for my calendar!

I then found ABC circle stickers in a font I admired, glued them to flat wooden circles and afixed another magnet to the back and voila! A whole set of the months of the year!

Now our kitchen calendar is so much more streamlined...and less likely to get smeared.

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A Floral Kind of Mood...

2011-08-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling florals lately...

Like this pretty little number above...

Or this adorable valance...

Ahhhhhh, this gorgeous throw from my favorite store is another stunning floral...

And finally this gorgeous rope floral rug from the Free People store. I'll admit it: I am coveting it :)

Maybe its just summer or maybe its my mood, but the colors of florals are really inspiring me. How do you feel about floral in your home decor? Too much?

Playroom Tour: Creating a Playhouse INSIDE your House!

2011-08-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

I have an enormously talented friend named Krista who lives in the Salt Lake area of Utah. We've known each other about 9 years now; I am in awe of her decorating prowess and adeptness with power tools. She really is inspirational - if she wants to create something in her house she simply goes out and DOES it :) Love that.

(That bridge links one side of the "2nd level" to the other - it is a garden bridge! Genius!)

Her and her adorable family recently moved and Krista BUILT a playhouse (2 story, I might add) in the loft playroom on the second level. I about died when I saw it. It is incredible; my pictures don't do it full justice.

Slide, bridge, juliet balcony, turret, ladders, brick, Tudor styling, interior nooks and crannies, actual shingles, lighting - Krista went all out and it shows. I am not exaggerating when I say that I could happily live in this little playhouse and have not one care in the world :)

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Baby Quilt - Brilliant

2011-07-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

It may be the most brilliant AND truthful baby blanket ever. That's saying a lot :). Go to the link to find out how to make one. Isn't this great?!

DIY: My Playhouse Redo

2011-07-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

In early May I was driving around a community yardsale when I struck gold for any mother of 4 young children: a large Little Tikes outdoor playhouse. And in very good condition. And only $40. SOLD. My car literally did an only-in-the-movies skid into the family's driveway, I yelled out the window, "I'll take it" and RAN.

Trouble was...the colors were awful. My backyard already looks like Romper Room. I did NOT want to add to it with this Smurf blue door and teal roof. Uggghhhhh. Shuddder.

So I did a little research on spraypainting plastics, gathered my supplies, took the structure apart (which was very easy considering it is just 10 screws and then puzzle pieced together) and set about spray painting.

I am SO much happier with the finished result. Like, over the moon happier. In truth, however, this project took twice the amount of time I thought it would and I made a lot of mistakes that I now have to live with (but hey, its a kids plastic playhouse so I'm not going to beat myself up over it).

Once I finished with the playhouse, I also spray painted the kids red wooden picnic table black as well; it now matches our black iron patio table - everything on the patio goes together much better. It looks cohesive out there now, much less like Romper Room.

Except of course, for the kids :)

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A Crafty, Colorful Lantern

2011-07-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

We've all seen the standard white hanging paper lantern. And we've all seen the cute little paper umbrellas that perch atop specialty drinks at your favorite Mexican restaurant. BUT. What if these two paper products got married?

Well...in this fabulously awesome tutorial THEY HAVE! Is that not the happiest most beautiful hanging paper lantern you have ever seen? I am rushing out to purchase all necessary supplies for this project today. Must. Create. NOW.

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Factory Window as Shower Enclosure. Discuss :)

2011-07-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Maybe my favorite shower idea...ever?! A repurposed factory window given new life as a shower enclosure. Clean, urban, loads of character to spare. Sign me up! LOVE this idea.

Photo credit Remains Lighting

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Sorry...

2011-07-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

I've been out of town a ton lately...first Utah visiting family for a few weeks then on a vacation sans children with my husband to Hawaii this past week. That one was quite lovely :) But all of these trips have meant that blogging has been light and for that I am sorry. One benefit of traveling and taking a break from the normal routines is that is clears my head and gets me rejuvenated for projects and inspired for new decor ideas. So get ready: I've got a few fun things up my sleeves :)

DIY: Bottlecap Thumbtacks

2011-07-05T10:43:00.001-07:00

I saw this idea on Etsy and thought - WOW, this is fabulous and so EASY!

Take some bottlecaps, the funkier and more colorful the better, a little hot glue, attach a standard thumbtack and voila! A far more interesting story to tell on your bulletin board, no?

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Catch the Rain

2011-07-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

Saw this on Tumblr and loved it. Have a colorful Tuesday, friends :)

Tiny Homes

2011-06-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

These are so enchanting. I came across these little clay houses in a post on Apartment Therapy and when I clicked over to the artists website on Etsy found even MORE I was in love with.

I especially like the ones that are on necklaces... So creative.

The MOST Beautiful Sofa...According to Me

2011-06-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Apartment Therapy and it literally took my breath away. Its like someone decided to make a couch JUST for me.

Now, who knows if it is comfy, but just the looks of it make me dizzy with design joy :) I pray that someone appreciative will buy it and love it for me!

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Pom Love

2011-06-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

I adore color - it feeds my soul. I also love pom poms. So this picture marries my two great loves.

Find a way to feed your soul today with something creative, big or quietly small. Just feed that creative need.

Have a glorious day :)

Lovely Kitchen

2011-06-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, there it is...my current dream kitchen:

The chandelier really makes the room for me. Then the aged farmhouse table with stools, that gorgeous floor, the cutglass in the cabinets, the LIGHTING in the photograph - it just all comes together beautifully. And for that reason, this kitchen is my current favorite. Ahhhhhh...bliss.

Pennies Are Always An Option!

2011-06-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you feel that you have run out of flooring options, just start counting your pennies...

Picture of the floor of the Standard Grill in the Standard Hotel New York.

Apparently they make a wicked cool floor. Yes please, I'll take that!

Gadgets I Want: iPhone Case

2011-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this iPhone 4 case, designed to look like a sleek Leica Rangefinder camera:

Yep, that's ultra cool. Totally want that.

Story Stones

2011-06-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Pinterest and Ohdeedoh recently and fell in love. I happily bring you Story Stones, a fabulous DIY project for your kids this summer or as a gift for the little ones in your life. There is something deliciously summer-like about painting rocks, don't you think?

Emily from Red Bird Crafts is the genius behind these happy, colorful stones with a story to tell and has detailed how to create them on her blog.

Please go check it out - I mean, just look at how adorable these little rocks are! Instead of just being rocks they are completely transformed into colorful, happy components of a story! Love it :)

The Bark Quilt

2011-06-21T00:02:00.001-07:00

A quilt that has the look of bark? I'm sold! I'm in! Isn't it pretty? And while it doesn't seem overly complicated or unusual, I must say I haven't seen anything like it before.

I do wish, however, that they offered it in some other colors. What do you think? Can you see a bark/wood patterned quilt on your bed?

Quilt brand Amity Home. See Gilt Groupe for more information.

Inspiration...

2011-06-12T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today I am inspired by:

Colorful, controlled chaos on an inspiration board...

I also really love that settee...

Whimsical, funny little pacifiers for the tiny people in your life...

Isn't that just brilliant?!

A cake with embroidery design...

I am officially swooning...it is truly too pretty to eat.

This chair in my favorite color combination...

And this quote...

What inspires you today?

Be daring...be bold...be creative!!!! Get inspired!!!

A New Way to Store Books...

2011-06-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Stumped on a way to store your books? Bored with the same old bookshelf situation? Well, how about this architectual/artistic wonder:

I wish that I had the URL for this but I found it on Pinterest and then repinned it - anyone want to claim it properly for me????

Isn't it magnificent? I like the lounging among the books option best of all :)

Handmade for Home: Monopoly Money Lampshade

2011-06-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is a GREAT idea! DIY Monopoly money lampshade. You really could apply this idea to so many things: old game pieces, game cards, old foreign currency you're too lazy to go get exchanged...

But this artist did things right. Check out the explanation from her etsy shop for the lamp:

"Who needs budget reform when you have this table lamp. Base is covered in a kitschy safety green and the shade is truely unique. An old thrift store shade is covered in vintage Monopoly money in a feather or scale pattern. All those beautiful pastel colors you have come to love in this classic game. Pale pink, mustard yellow, soft blue and mint green. This collection of play money is from 1935. They have a lovely aged appearance, but are quite durable and are still in great condition all $5739 of it."

Very clever - I may have to borrow this idea for myself.

Handmade for Home: Scrap Map

2011-06-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of using your leftover fabric scraps for anything you can and when I found this I got so excited! Fabric scraps for a map of the US! Scrap map! I adore this...

Here it is used on a bag but I envision it on a canvas and then frame it for a wall. Wouldn't this be charming in the living room, or even a playroom/childrens room?

Get Away to the Great Outdoors...

2011-06-01T22:50:00.000-07:00

This may be one of my favorite pictures ever :)

Lately we have been spending a lot of time outdoors making our backyard an extension of our indoor living space. Its easy to do that living in California (although the rains of late have dampened our plans a bit). We've created our very first garden on one of our side yards, hung lanterns and baskets of flowers around the perimeter of our yard, freshened up chair cushions and just today I laid some new flagstone to make a little path around our new said garden (thanks to my friend Sarah). We are truly rolling up our sleeves to make our piece of the great outdoors GREAT.

I find inspiration in some of these pictures:

I wish that we could have a fireplace in our outdoor space - it would be so cozy! And I wish for an overhead trellis as well...Isn't this space gorgeous?

I love this space! I want to hide out in this little "treehouse" and take a nap! Or maybe listen to my kids laughing and playing house in there. Its so beautifully nestled in the trees and shrubs; what a beautiful retreat.

We spend the bulk of our warm spring and summer months outside (and into the fall as well), so I like for the backyard to be a colorful, true extension of our home. But that takes WORK and time. I'm grateful for a little inspiration :) What have you been working on in your outdoor spaces and what inspires you?

I've Got the Whole World...On My Wall

2011-05-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am a recent convert to the greatness of vinyl wall art. I know, I know - I'm totally behind the times on that one. Whatever :)

But now that I have discovered and fallen in LOVE with it I find it everywhere! Like this great Slate World Map Wall Decal - isn't it awesome?

I would love this look in a playroom or a kitchen...what do you think? I also really like this skyline of Paris:

I love the treatment here, hovering over the floor. I also think it would look a little unexpected over a chair rail. Thoughts on that? Isn't the graphic beautiful? Makes me want to up and go to Paris for a little shopping jaunt...oui oui!

A Book for your Macbook...

2011-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Be still my heart...this Macbook case is such a thing of beauty I can hardly stand it.

It looks like an old leather bound book right? But you would be wrong. Because inside...

it holds your Macbook Air... Just gorgeous, and what a genius design. Sigh...swoon...

Slide Down THIS!

2011-05-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

When in doubt...

..slide down a fushia banister. It will make all other decisions much clearer, no?

And if I may, that color combination of the pink against the turquoise will all of that white makes me swoooooon!

Children's Tour: Luke's ABC Room

2011-05-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Luke's ABC themed nursery. It is a bright, colorful, warm space with thoughtful pops of vintage flavor. Lots of handmade details.

Love this vintage plane detail...

Lukes mom applied vinyl lettering throughout the room and it absolutely MAKES it.

The truck, plane and firetruck are new but of a vintage design. They add great richness and the "look" of history to the Luke's room. Plus, maybe they'll be fun to play with when he gets a little older :).

This nursery isn't long on space but its better that way; nurseries should be smaller, cozy spaces. Lukes' room contains a crib, very comfy armchair/ottoman , changing table/chest of drawers/bookshelf configuration, another small bookshelf and closet space. There is plenty of room for everything.

I especially love this handmade alphabet quilt that hangs over Lukes crib. It is so rich and colorful and serves as a great focal point for the room.

Thanks Luke for letting me come shoot your adorable little room!

Pin It

Favorite Bathroom Ever

2011-05-13T09:53:00.001-07:00

Yes, its going to surprise you. But THIS is my favorite bathroom ever. I just found it and fell in love...hard.

The painted floor treatment, the words on the walls, the shower curtain, the newspaper on the ceiling (notice how they are shaped as clouds?), COLOR. This is totally me. Its like the perfect SARA bathroom. My husband wouldn't go for it as a shared space...but if I had my own bathroom in the house, this would be it :)

Those floors!!!! Oh, I love this bathroom... What do you think? Does it move you?

Temperature Sensitive Tiles

2011-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of the coolest, CRAZIEST products for the bathroom I've seen yet. Temperature sensitive tiles. I. Want. These.

So incredibly COOL...

Again, elevating the everyday and sometimes mundane to otherworldly and brilliant :)

Book Nook

2011-05-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am loving this idea for taking a small, underused closet/space and turning it into a book nook. We all have this kind of closet, don't we? And if you have kids, you certainly have loads of books around.

This creative mom got crackin' and brilliantly realized a fresh little oasis for reading within her home. Click the above link to see how she did it step by step...

I love it.

(All pictures courtesy of Thrifty Decor Chick website)

That Sink is Fishy!

2011-05-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Now THAT is a bathroom sink... It certainly elevates the mundane activities of brushing your teeth and washing your face, doesn't it?!

Fill it with Fabric

2011-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

I recently came across these fabric filled potholes and sidewalk cracks and immediately SWOONED. I mean, come ON. How brilliantly beautiful is this?

So cool...

Painted Floors...and Stairs...Oh MY!

2011-05-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

I am inspired by this picture...

Can you imagine adding this treatment to your space? WOW... I think this is also a great way to hide wood floors that aren't in the best shape.

Union Jack Day

2011-04-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of today's great big Royal Wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton, I thought I'd showcase a few of my favorite pieces that feature the famous Union Jack. I LOVE the Union Jack. Don't get me wrong; I'm a PROUD American and I love my flag. But there is a design strength to the Union Jack that really gets me - I love seeing it and I enjoy seeing it used in ways other than the flag. So enjoy!

Sooooooo cool...

Yes please! What a punch to a living room!

Now that is a sweet rug...

Agreed :)

These would be cute in a foyer or bathroom...

All links for images found through my Pinterest boards...

These are a Few of my Favorite Things...

2011-04-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

A quirky pair of painted chairs...

Fabric birds on branches...

A boldly painted piano...

A knitted armchair...

A juicy green tufted leather couch...

The week is young...I'm sure that more will strike my fancy :) Visit my boards at Pinterest to see what else I'm enjoying these days!

The Perfect Bookmark

2011-04-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

It really is the perfect bookmark. I want one. And it doesn't look complicated to make, no?

Laundry Room Inspiration

2011-04-23T23:09:00.001-07:00

Lately I'm a little obsessed with beautiful, well laid out laundry rooms. My laundry room is one of the hardest working rooms in our house, as it is in most houses. But hardest working doesn't mean that it can't also be a lovely oasis. Check out these pictures for inspiration:

I think of this as the creme de la creme of laundry rooms. The beautifully appointed storage, multiple machines, large table for folding/projects; even the vintage looking glass canisters on the counter above the machines are both beautiful and functional. I LOVE this space.
This is a great example of a laundry in a smaller space. I like the built in look with the counter top and above storage. Not sure I'm a fan of the functionality of the curtains in front of the machine...though it does look pretty.

I love the wall color in this laundry room and the beadboard ceiling. It all comes together to make it feel more like a ROOM instead of just a dumping ground for laundry. And that great vintage sign makes the whole space.

This space just feels happy, owing to the floral curtain and that jaunty striped rug. I'm also partial to the world map on the wall. Again, while storage is important it is equally important to bring objects of beauty and even quirkiness into the laundry area to make it into its own SPACE, to give it its own IDENTITY.

And for our final inspiration picture, I give you this very generously sized room. Can you imagine washing and folding laundry in a room this size? What a beautiful space. Although it is large and well appointed (love the marble topped island) it is a bit devoid of character, in my opinion.

We spend a lot of time caring for our clothing. If your house is set up anything like mine, the laundry room may also act as a pantry of sorts, so food storage and cleaning supplies may be housed in this space as well. Just because the laundry room is a workhorse doesn't mean it can't be beautiful, however.

Take a look at your space today. What can be organized a bit better? What can be beautified? Can a wall be painted a bold color? A rug runner laid down in front of your machines that alters the look of the room? Changing a few things around may make you want to spend a little more time in the laundry room after all :)

Next week I'll bring you a few pictures of my laundry room.

Purple Kitchen

2011-04-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you saw a purple kitchen? Make that a purple kitchen done beautifully?

Well...here you go! Gorgeous purple cabinets, clean open shelving, stainless steel appliances and table and chairs. I am swooning over here. Seriously, those cabinets are killing me.

Just a little something for your Tuesday :)

PS: I am in LOVE with Pinterest. Have we talked about this yet? I spend WAY too much time on there. If you are in love with pictures and inspiration and color and all of it, head on over and apply for an invitation. You'll be glad you did. Also a little sorry - you will soon become the most ineffective person ever :).

Children's Tour: Sebastians Room

2011-04-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

Sebastian is almost 2 years old. He is mine...and I am so glad :). He is my youngest and I have enjoyed making his room a colorful place that reflects his joyous personality. Most of the furniture in the room is from friends or thrift shops; my favorite thing in the room are the hanging fabric circles that I made. My other kids call them "the planets". Sebie tries to call them circles :). Large room carpet by Lakeshore Learning. Green lamp from Target.

All three of these paintings I found at Target; the smaller two are from about 6 years ago and used to be in my older sons room. The larger alphabet one I purchased about a year ago. Isn't Target perfection?

I found this dresser/changing table at my local Goodwill right before I brought my son home. I fell in love with the glass front drawers. I remember that it was $75 and when I brought an employee over to point out a scratch on the top she knocked it down to $60. It is a really solid piece, very heavy and well made. I still can't believe that I lucked out with it for only $60 (and that scratch is totally no big deal - I just like to negotiate when I can).

I found this little States pillow in an antique store in Orange last summer and fell in love with it. I thought it was the perfect size for a baby and Sebastian agreed with me :). He LOVES his blankies and pillows. Sheet by Serena and Lilly.

And what boys room is complete without a train table? This one belonged to my oldest son who has since outgrown it but it was in such good shape that I held onto it and have now pulled it out for Sebastian. He is just starting to play with his trains and the room is plenty big enough to accommodate the table.

That's Sebastians room! Thanks for visiting.

Misery...and Recovery

2011-04-17T01:34:00.000-07:00

My blogging and really, all other activies have been light this week because THIS was the hardest, most painful week of my life to date.

I have an autoimmune disease. I try to stay on top of it, not to let it slow me down but it is powerful and sometimes gets the better of me. Plus I am a mom of 4 so between life, kids, husband, home and sickness - well, you know the drill :)

On Monday morning I had a simple spinal tap . Spinal fluid was taken from two punctures to test. It wasn't that big a deal. It was done at a surgery center about an hour away - I was sedated and well taken care of. Since I had epidurals with my first two kids and no issues, I wasn't worried about side effects with this tap.

This one, however, went wrong.

Less than 24 hours after the withdrawal I suddenly got that massive, slowly incapacitating headache the nurses had warned me about. It literally became mind numbing. It became hard to see. My arms started to feel fuzzy. I felt like I was floating. In actuality, I think I was getting close to passing out from the pain. However...it nearly went away when I laid flat on my back. It was a spinal headache...and it was monsterous.

The surgery center advised A LOT of fluid intake...and caffeine. They said to see how things progressed over the next 24 hours. And if it didn't get better, we had to take action.

It got worse.

I couldn't raise my head at all without intense, horrible horrible pain. I was in a whole new territory of problems. I could only lay down. Remember that I have 4 kids :).

Now, I have lived with pain for many years. In fact, I don't remember life without pain, it has been so long. Kind of sad :). I am accustomed to pain; I even have a high tolerance for it.

This pain was blistering. And it just wouldn't stop. From the base of my neck to the top of my head, filling my BRAIN. It WOULD NOT STOP.

All day Tuesday. All day Wednesday.

Wednesday evening the surgeon returned my call and said that I needed to come back in for a blood patch. I remember starting to cry into the phone but trying to hide it because my oldest daughter who is only 6 was lying next to me on the couch and I didn't want her to see. I knew that blood patch meant going back in to have my blood FREAKING INJECTED INTO MY SPINE. Seriously, how bizarre is that?! Weird right? She told me that I was leaking spinal fluid and the blood patch was the only way to fix the pain. And that it WOULD fix the pain. After I hung up with her I covered my head in a blanket and started to cry. My daughter pulled the blanket down so that she could see my face and said, "Oh no! You really ARE crying! Mom, don't be sad! You'll get better!"

Wednesday night was the longest night of my life. I sobbed in the shower. I prayed to the Lord to please help me get through the night to just get to the morning. At this point the pain wasn't abating enough lying down. In retrospect, I should have gone into the emergency room, but I wasn't thinking clearly and wasn't talking very much so my husband had no idea how bad a shape I was in. I actually started to feel like I was going crazy from the pain.

Once I finally fell asleep, I woke myself up GROWLING like an animal. Which started the pain up again.

Thursday morning my husband loaded me into the car and drove me an hour back to the surgery center. It took everything I had not to throw up or lose my mind in the car from pain. I kept chanting in my mind "You are strong". When we walked in the door I told the admitting lady I needed a gurney PRONTO. I knew that I was pretty close to passing out from pain.

My friendly nurses were back, though very worried to see me. They loaded me into a wheelchair and undressed me into a hospital gown. I don't remember a ton after that except that things moved fast and there seemed to be a bunch of people in the room. The surgeon came in and she herself started the IV. Someone took blood from my arm. Someone else asked my pain level on a scale of 1 to 10 and I whispered "10". Electrodes were popped on my chest quickly. I closed my eyes and started to shut things out. I quietly asked to please take away the pain.

They gave me Versed and Fentanyl and probably some other things as well and within 1 minute I was free of pain. It was blissful. I love those two drugs. After that I vaguely remember being propped up with oxygen and some pressure in my back...but the details are very fuzzy.

The blood patch. What a miraculous thing...

When I came to, I was not in pain. That was ALL that mattered. I was there for several hours. I remember that one of the nurses dressed me back in my clothes and put me in a wheelchair and that for the first time in days I was HUNGRY. I had no real appetite for 3 1/2 days and now it was back.

The rest of Thursday was a blur - I slept and stumbled around a bit dazed...but NO headache. Just a very sore spine.

Friday was the same - very very sore spine but no pain in my head. My kids were so grateful to see their mom again. The weather was beautiful on Friday. I went to my 8 year olds Little League game and sat with my friends that night on the bench and was so incredibly grateful to be alive and BACK again. I put on some makeup that night and real clothes. I felt like me again. It felt SO good.

I went from absolute misery and pain for 3 1/2 days and was blessed to come back to regular me again. That is a beautiful thing.

I am beyond grateful.

This experience was kind of life changing for me. I have a well of gratitude for life and color and beauty and my family and the weather - for ALL of it. We all take things for granted, don't we? I know that I did. I took my spinal fluid for granted and I never will again :) I live with illness; that's not going to change. But going right to the edge of what I could physically handle really got me in touch with my emotions and God and my true core ...I don't know. I'm not the same now. I'm better.

And THAT is a good thing.

My spine is still sore; it probably will be for several more days. But my head is clear and my heart is full.

Now...let's return to dwelling :)

Handmade for Home: Upcycled Crayon Holder

2011-04-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

OK, this is one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" ideas. It's genius. It's for kids crayon/marker organization but you could make it work for many things.

It'll cost you some empty cans from your pantry (ie: fruit, veggie or soup), a scrap of wood and some spray or acrylic paint. And a little time to assemble the whole thing. That's it.

Go here for the simple step-by-step instructions and get to work on making your own!

Seriously, I'm making it THIS week. My kids art table is in desperate need of organization - I am ON it...

Childrens Spaces Roundup

2011-04-10T22:48:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures of lovely children's spaces to start off your week. I find each space, whether it is a bedroom, a nursery or a playroom to be colorful and most importantly, inspiring! To visit links to each of these pictures, go to my Pinterest page in the Childrens Spaces section - each picture will take you to its individual link.

Enjoy...

Nurseries:

I love the paint treatment and the poofs on this one!

Here the barn door and unusual grey color of the crib makes sets this space apart...

Poofs, pink and vintage...

Loving the blue and white stripes, the tremendous wall of books and that awesome ottoman!

I flat out love EVERYTHING in this room - I want it all. But especially the rug :)

Bedrooms

I like the blue, the built in, the storage drawers. And the detail of the same blue wood timbers overhead.

SUCH a happy room! What's not to love, right?!

This is such a light and effortless girls room, with the window treatment and iron bed. Love the red hat hanging on the bed.

What child wouldn't want to sleep in a bed like this?! Talk about opulent! WOW!

Playrooms

Red, turquoise and white is my favorite color combination - I heart this room.

What an awesome indoor fort! And I am loving the rug

This playroom looks like hard core FUN. Messy, artsy, creative and a little larger that life.

I love the teepee and the wood plank ceiling/walls. It looks like a cozy place for fun.

I hope that you enjoyed this Children's Spaces Roundup!

Handmade for Home: DIY Glass Bubble Chandelier

2011-04-10T00:44:00.000-07:00

I wish I could claim this creation as my own, but alas, I cannot. Instead it belongs to the incredibly creative and zen Rachel Meeks of Small Notebook (one of my favorite lifestyle blogs out there). She gathered up the necessary supplies, spending just $70 and with a little time following instructions from designer Jean Pelle she created an incredible, unique light fixture. WOW, right?!

Head on over to Small Notebook for a more detailed look at the steps to make a light like this one. DIY really is the most fulfilling way to go :)

Pixel Furniture

2011-04-06T23:29:00.001-07:00

It's not often that I see furniture I find truly stunning. I am loving these pixel-inspired prints found on seating by Cristian Zuzunaga.

Isn't this seating beautiful?! Would you be able to find a place in your home for such bold pieces?

Rainbows

2011-04-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

My offering today is small, sweet and colorful:

Love the sentiment, love the patchwork. Wish I could find it for my couch. Hmmmmm...maybe I should just make one?

Hope your day is bright today.

Portals...

2011-04-05T00:53:00.001-07:00

I'm back and my computer is better...well, nearly. We've still got some rebuilding to do but I won't bore you with the details.

Anyhoo, I am loving this gorgeous door, this PORTAL found in Morocco.

It is my dream to go to Morocco someday; I plan to celebrate my 40th there in 4 years and with something like this door as my backdrop, I think I will look pretty fab in my wise old age :)

Nice to be back - cheers!

Poor little Mac...

2011-04-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

My Mac is sick...so its off to the Genius Bar we go...again. We went there for a check up earlier this week and it turned out there were some bugs in the hard drive so we wiped the computer and installed an update to the OS - mine is a 2007 so we put in Leopard since that was the most my computer could take at the time. But now I find that I'm missing iphoto and imovies and a host of other programs that I need/want and can only get them through iLife...and need Snow Leopard to install iLife. Which means I need to beef up my hard drive. And the whole top to my computer needs to be replaced because it is chipped (common problem with 2007's - they're doing that for free).

So...my computer is going to be in the shop for a few days but once I'm back online I'll be good as new AND with all sorts of new bells and whistles. Sorry to leave Dwelling for a few days. Have a great, beautiful, inspiring weekend! xoxo, Sara

Goodies from Urban Outfitters

2011-03-31T00:09:00.001-07:00

Yummy new offerings from Urban Outfitters...

Urban Outfitters is one of my favorite sources for all things funky and fun. And that's for both clothing AND home. I was browsing their online store the other day and came across a few offerings that wowed me with their color and apparent craftmanship.

Hello, you gorgeous rug...why don't you come home with me...

See that big metal 'A'? I have the same metal letters in my children's playroom - they spell

'P-L-A-Y'. I love those letters.

Head over to Urban Outfitters pronto to check out their new wares for spring/summer - you won't be sorry.

Nest in your Bed!

2011-03-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

Want to see the COOLEST bed ever for a kid (or an adult for that matter)?

Yep, hands down, this would rock. It kind of reminds me of Big Bird from Sesame Street's nest/bed. There is something comforting and cozy...yet FUN about this bed.

Kind of want one. But that's just my inner child speaking. Totally...

Before and After: My Closet REDO

2011-03-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

The great thing about redoing your closet is that no matter WHAT you do to it, it is guaranteed to look better than before, right?! Because a good straightening and reorganizing goes a LONG way in a closet.

In my case, it went a very long way because my closet was a great big hot mess. Friends, it was terrible.

It's a miracle that I could find anything in there anymore. I walked in a few weeks ago, folded my arms and decided then and there it was time for some reorganization.

I started by eliminated that heavy black bookshelf that was housing my shoes and adding some white cubbies instead. Not only does it make more sense for shoe storage but it lightens up the overall space. Then I took the mirror that used to stand on top of that old black bookshelf (you can't really see it in the 'before' picture) and spray painted the frame a high gloss white and hung it on one wall of the closet. Then I installed several sets of key hooks from Target for my I also belts, scarves and necklaces; the rearranging of these three groups helped a great deal :).

I removed the crazy zebra rug. It served absolutely no purpose except to confuse me every time I was in my closet. I already have 2 million patterns going on in there; I don't need a zebra rug too :). I also took down the poofs on the ceiling and reallocated them to my daughters room.

See my new vinyl wall quote over the mirror: "Did you think to pray"? I love having something inspirational in my closet - plus it's a great reminder, no?

Finally, I can SEE my clothes. Handy in a closet :)

This is my husband side of the closet (and I do not touch his side). Its pretty boring and is only really noteworthy for the fact that he has like 15 suits. Which I am told is rather astronomical.

There are a number of other white wood shelving units that both me and my husband added to our respective sides that aren't pictured here; we both got into the whole reorganizing thing together in our shared space. I can honestly say that walking into our master closet now is calming and it is easy to keep it clean and organized. It was a lot of work getting it to the point it is at...but WELL worth it.

Getting Creative

2011-03-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

I am so inspired by this take on the "Keep Calm and Carry On" sentiment:

This artwork can be purchased here...isn't it awesome?

Although sometimes it's hard to get excited and make things if you're not organized. So in the spirit of being creative I thought that this image of fabric storage was quite innovative:

It almost looks like shoe cubbies were used? I myself am a big sewer and my current fabric stash is such a hot mess. The fabric shelving situation is so disorganized that I can't even bear to take a picture of it to show you; its terrible. And because of that, it is hard for me to "get excited and make things". But trust me, this above photo has me newly inspired. I've decided to adopt this unit multiplied by 3 and sort out my fabric situation later this week. I can't wait to see how it looks.

Jayson Home - Flea Market Treasures

2011-03-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

I just discovered a treasure of a store...

This was my favorite find - cowhide ottoman...

Here are a few vintage curiosities:

This would make a fabulous low coffee table if you topped it with glass...

And I love these tufted cushions...I would stack them in the corner of my living room...

This isn't vintage but I am in love with the lines and yummy finish of the leather:

I can honestly say that everything in this online store from the casegoods to seating to accessories is artistically unique and funky and surprising. And I don't often come across that! I fell in love with this store and its offerings.

Happy Dining

2011-03-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this kitchen. The floors had me at "hello". The plank table with the black and rope chairs, the red cabinets...and then the greenery. Its just looks like such a happy place to cook and dine. Love it!

And I feel badly - I don't have the reference for the picture anymore...sorry :(

Inspiring Outdoor Spaces

2011-03-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Via Sara's pins on Pinterest...

Leaving you with some gorgeous outdoor spaces to gaze at. Aren't they lovely? Inspiring?Makes me long for spring weather around here... Its time to sink my hands into earth and plant flowers, plump up pillows on chairs and light some lanterns.

Photos courtesy Tara Sloggett

Via Sara's pins on Pinterest (originally found on Interior Alchemy)

What kinds of accessories and furniture do you like to surround yourself with in your outdoor space? What is on your outside wishlist for spring? Do tell...

Children's Tour: Ben's Room

2011-03-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

This is Ben's room...and it is such a dream. All boy, all cowboy and indians and vintage. His mom is incredibly talented and put a lot of love and and elbow grease into creating this room for her now 7 year old son.

Every little detail makes the whole room come together perfectly...

His mom describes Ben's room as "complete, family and cowboy amazing". After spending time in this charming room, I agree.

These are vintage barn doors that Ben's mom sourced and used as closet doors in his room. These doors are one of my favorite things about the room - they add such unique charm to the space. I wish I had closet doors like this in my house!

When I asked Ben's mom what she loved most about his room she replied, "I love the pictures. They are of close family relatives. I also love the walls. These took a long time to get just right and I love them". I also asked her about any ongoing projects in the room and she said that some goals were "to get his closet organized. After that, we plan to do a little club house above his room with a ladder going up to it. There is a lot of empty space in the attic and I'd love for him to have a little man cave to hang out in. A boy with 4 sisters needs this". WOW, that clubhouse above his room sounds AMAZING. I can't wait to take pictures of that to share with all of you - stay tuned for when that comes to fruition!

Vintage cabinet painted the perfect shade of red with Ben's guitar resting beside it...

Footboard to Ben's beautiful vintage bed. Notice the walls? His mom handpainted those...

Ben's mom gave me a little additional background on the room to share with you all: "When I found out I was having a boy, I immediately though of a rodeo picture of my mother's cousin from the 1950's. Once I found the photo, I had it blown up as big as I could and framed it. The frame I got from Ikea and stained it with brown stain. The other pictures are of my grandfather. The other frames I dug up at a thrift store and matted all the pictures in a texture rich matting from Michaels arts and crafts store. Next I wanted a cowboy themed window treatment. My father, who works in demolition, just finished a project demoing a 100 year old barn in the central valley of California. Luckily he saves a lot of goodies from his demo jobs and I get to sift through them. I used the wood from the barn to cut the window box out and use the rest to create the baseboards and barn-like door for the closet. On the window box are nailed on horse shoes. My mom bought me one with my sons name on it. Before installing all these goodies, I spent 1 month plastering the walls smooth, and painting them a *Paper Bag brown from Glidden paints. The wall pattern was a great find. I wanted something amazing for the walls and finally found it. The pattern is a copy from stage props of a friend. I copied each hat, cactus, horse, and horse shoe and made stencils. After chalking the walls out in a large grid patter, I traced and painted the pattern all over the wall to give it a wallpaper feel. Time consuming, but worth it. Lots of great treasures are in the room; moccasins my grandfather traded with an Indian woman in Oklahoma, My grandfathers spurs, and many other great antiques and trinkets. The bedding and curtains are made from old jeans, and the bed is from the 1950's. My friend called me and told me that the perfect bed was waiting for my son's room. I drove that hour to Vallejo and picked it up. The red cabinet is an infant dresser that was my mom's as a baby. I painted it watered down red and added a little black to the paint for a stained look. The inside of the cabinet is the same as in 1944. I sealed the paint to protect little ones from possible lead paint. As a child I played hide and seek in it, and now my children do the same".

Inside of the little red cabinet; Ben's desk...

So much history and love and attention to detail all in one childs bedroom! I find this space incredibly inspiring. It just goes to show what you can accomplish with a good eye and a willingness to take the time to carry out your vision.

Thanks for joining me on this tour of Ben's room - hope that you enjoyed it!

White Vintage Kitchen

2011-03-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

(image courtesy of blog House of Bliss)

I love all of the elements of this kitchen...found vintage pieces, beautiful chandelier, great light, open shelving, a large clean worksurface and what appears to be an exposed (albeit painted ) brick wall.

Breathtaking. Love all of it.

A Whimsical Space...

2011-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a lovely place to hang your hat for a spell and just dream the day away...

(image courtesy of all the luck in the world blog)

Children's Room Tour: Sadie's Room

2011-03-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

(Sadie, who turns 2 this month, calls the pink poofs hanging from her ceiling "bubbles")

Sadie is my youngest daughter, and today the light was especially pretty in her room so I shot a few pictures of her space.

(Rug from Ikea, patchwork quilt vintage, white shelving unit from Target, crib a hand me down from a neighbor friend)

(I wrapped this wooden letter 'S' with ribbon. I also made the fabric pendant valance attached to the storebought curtains)

Sadie's room is the smallest bedroom, but seeing as she is a baby I doubt she even notices. She's got a crib, a changing table, dresser and two shelving units for toys and blankets, etc. It's a bright, colorful space and I always like walking into her room - I feel happy in there.

I got this changing table from a consignment store and the various containers underneath from a store called Home Goods. I made the artwork hanging over the changing table from vintage hankies and Modge Podge -such a fun project.

This pink dresser was originally black and I found it at my local Goodwill for like $15. I spruced it up with glossy pink spraypaint, added crystal knobs sitting on top of a red and white lacy print oilcloth and voila! SO much better. Its not the heartiest dresser in the world but it works for now and turned out really well considering how much I paid for it.

And that is my Sadie's room! Happy Friday!

Sublime Seating

2011-03-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

I. Want.

From ABC Carpet and Home. Of course.

Exquisite Trailer

2011-03-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

THIS is the inside of an exquisite Airstream trailer known as the Magnolia Pearl...which houses the hippie glam clothing brand Magnolia Pearl, which is equally magnificent (in my opinion at least).

This trailer blows my mind. Like, my eyes can't take it all in FAST enough. I keep coming back to the pictures because I am sure that I misses something and of course, I did.

There is just so much color and stuff and beauty - I love it all. Inspiring. Love it. Swoon. Read the article about the trailer in the link I referenced - you'll learn all about the inception and journey of the Magnolia Pearl trailer :). What I wouldn't give for a little jaunt around in this beauty.

Childrens Retreat

2011-03-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

I found this room and loved it...

I loved the painted wood floor, the bright striped rug, the under loft bed fort - the whole room is crisp and bright and playful. The perfect setting for imagination to take flight...