What do you think of this artwork hanging above Cath Kidston’s couch? I think it’s really fun!
{image from lonny}
I had to chuckle when I saw it in the current issue of Lonny magazine because my mom and Violet were recently making pictures just like it. My mom doodled with a black crayon, and Violet filled in all of the loops and shapes with bright colors. Now I wish that I saved them, but I’m inspired to try my hand at one! I’ll let you know if I come up with anything frame-worthy.
During my recent searches for a dresser, I stumbled on Clayton Gray Home. This store in Tampa Florida has a great online shop chock full of interesting lighting, mirrors, furniture and accessories. Here are just a few of the pieces that I could easily find a place for in my house…
I’ve added Clayton Gray to my list of inspiring shops. What are your favorite online spots for browsing?
Do you get the Ballard Designs catalog? It’s been one of my favorites for a long time. I always find a handful of things I’d like to use in my decor. And as seems to be the trend, they’re featuring products and designs by an independent designer — Suzanne Kasler. I haven’t had a chance to look at her work, but I like what I see in Ballard Designs!
Here are my picks, though not all of these are Kasler’s:
a — French Weave Totes (set of 2)
b — Quatrefoil Zinc Tags (set of 12)
c — 123 Glass Canisters (set of 3)
d — Bristol Hooks (set of 3)
I love this lamp paired with something upholstered in this fabric-by-the-yard.
left — Etienne Table Lamp (base only, though I love the shade!)
right — Scandicci Gray Fabric
Aren’t these a fun spin on the various iterations of trophy heads?
And while this rug isn’t overtly my style, I do think it would make a sophisticated statement in the right nursery…
Do you have a favorite catalog? Any favorites from Ballard?
I included some photos of the oil lanterns we have hanging on our sun porch last week and thought I’d follow up with some night shots. They make that space so cozy — it’s one of my favorite places to be when the weather is comfortable.
We’ve had these particular ones for a couple of years. I found them at KMart when I used to frequent the Martha Stewart Collection. These are not Martha Stewart and I’ve since seen them in other stores. Some are actual oil lamps while others are designed to look like oil lamps but are actually meant for a pillar candle or votive.
Depending on the amount of light you are going for, all are great options. I really like the larger flame that comes off the thick cotton wick in the oil lamp.
I will caution you to avoid the citronella oils. It sounds like a good idea — and it is, for Tiki torches — but not for lanterns. The citronella oils are intended to smoke and the lanterns are not designed for that. The ash builds up in the lantern and creates an enormous mess!
Of course that’s not an issue if you opt for an electrical version. Here are few online sources for hard-wired lanterns with a similar aesthetic (have I used that word twice in two days already?):
Pottery Barn Kids — Fisherman Lamps (ceiling or sconce)
Lowes — Hanging Lantern (ceiling or sconce)
Lowes — Small Lantern Lamp
Shades of Light — Bronze Beacon Lantern
Circa Lighting — Marine Flush Mount
We’ll leave the light on…
I recently discovered Monaluna and fell in love with the whimsical design and fresh color palette of the new Monaco collection. The fabric, made in India, is 100% organic cotton and printed with low-impact, AZO-free dyes. This collection became available this week through the Monaluna web site and is also available at wholesale for those of you in the trade.
Jennifer Moore is the designer and creative force behind this collection. Check out her web site and blog for more information and inspiration. I love seeing the stacks and stacks of fabric bolts…pure eye candy!
{ All images are from the Monaluna web site and blog. }
I have to admit that I’ve been inspired by all of Juliet’s fabulous thrift store finds. She has unearthed some real treasures recently! I’m not quite at the point where I can comfortably take Violet and Nathan to our local thrift stores, so I have a new obsession – ebay. I’ve checked ebay out before, of course, and I’ve even made one purchase in the past, but I’m really into it these days. You can’t get the deals that Juliet is getting, but you can certainly get some great stuff for less than you’d spend at most home decor shops. My most recent purchase, these ivory glass lamps:
I haven’t actually gotten them yet, but I think there are several places in my house where they might work. I’ll keep you posted!
Have a great weekend!
Sounds oxymoronic, doesn’t it! Unless you consider that all laptops are “vintage” after the first year! Well, I’m actually referring to a truly vintage laptop dining tray. At least I think that’s what this was.
I picked this up for a $1.50 at my favorite local thrift store and turned it into a desktop corral for my office supplies.
The compartments are perfectly sized for various different things that are great to have easy access to. And because I sew and compute at the same desk, it’s easy to just lift this collapsible tray from the desk and set it on the floor while I’m sewing.
I love the challenge of implementing an inexpensive piece of the past into my design, especially when it’s paired with a few modern details and great functionality!
This table is incredible! I seriously want to try my hand at this. Design*Sponge featured this Before & After a week or so ago. Liz from sticks and bricks hammered the words to Mary Oliver’s poem, “The Summer Day” into this found coffee table.
What a treasure…
PS: painted house pictures coming soon! If the sun shines on Tuesday, I might get some good pictures of the finished job! Stay tuned…
Looking for a fun gift for a little one? My dad gave Violet and Nathan the cutest stuffed toys from La Maison de Lola during a recent visit.
These adorable toys are handmade from soft wool fabric in Lisbon, Portugal. Violet has ms oink, and Nathan has mr grizzly, and they are having so much fun with them. Violet actually made ms oink a fabulous pink dress for special occasions! Thanks, Dad!
Quadrille fabrics! My personal favorites are the yellows, camels, and the prettiest blues.
I had a hard time narrowing it down to these 16!
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