February 26th, 2010
I have been dreaming about this room by Sarah Richardson ever since I first laid eyes on it.
{image from Sarah Richardson Design}
I’m a huge fan of grey and cream – a simple and clean color scheme made interesting by the layering of patterns and textures. I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m a fabric girl, and it’s the fabrics that make this room for me. In particular, I love the floral fabric in the curtains and pillows on the bed.
I dug up the source, Designer Fabrics Online, in hopes that I will find a way to use this fabric in my house. Unfortunately, it’s currently out of stock, but I will keep checking back. What’s really great about this fabric is that it’s double the usual width at 110 inches wide which makes it perfect for larger projects like a duvet cover or shower curtain, and it clearly makes beautiful curtains. Designer Fabrics Online has some other fun fabrics, too – it’s worth checking out.
Tags: bedroom, fabric
Posted in Feather the Nest | 8 Comments »
February 25th, 2010
It’s definitely hit. Last weekend we got a taste of some warmer weather and sunshine and now I am so anxious for Spring. They were calling for a couple inches of snow last night, which made me shudder just thinking about.
This time of year also makes me want some new pieces for my wardrobe…growing up we always had a shopping day over Spring Break with my mom. Nothing elaborate, but a few fun pieces for the season and I still love to shop for clothes this time of year…something about it is refreshing and makes it feel like warmer days aren’t far to come.
Right now I’m loving…ruffles, breezy, soft fabrics:
{ left image: Anthropologie; right: J Crew catalog }
And natural, tropical, island looks:
{ left: Anthropologie web site; right: J Crew catalog }
What will you be adding to your wardrobe this season?
Tags: anthropologie, j crew, spring
Posted in Inspired Nest | 1 Comment »
February 24th, 2010
I spent a good part of yesterday morning mopping up coffee (with cream and sugar) between the extra-small keys of my netbook keyboard. I went through one Sham-Wow (yes, I have a Sham-Wow — thank you, Sarah!) and about fifty Q-tips!
I often marvel at the sequence of events that lead up to moments like this.
Going through my normal morning routine, I made a pot of coffee while the dog ate her breakfast. I have two mugs that I use almost exclusively, despite the countless others on the shelf. As it happened, those two were buried in the dishwasher so I opted for a different one. After I drained the first cup in about three e-mails, I decided it was just too small and I needed a bigger one. So I select yet another mug that I don’t often use. Well, that bigger mug threw my whole posture off and got under my elbow at my desk — where I sit every morning with a cup of coffee — causing me to spill even more coffee all over my keyboard. Terrific.
Long story short, with computers on my mind I was reminded of this post I read last month on Design*Sponge about BookBooks. What a beautiful way to marry Old World and hi-tech books.
{images: TwelveSouth}
Today, I am back to my familiar mug and typing on thankfully functional keys that have a slightly different tap to them than they used to…
Tags: BookBook, books, computer case, Twelve South
Posted in Feather the Nest | 5 Comments »
February 23rd, 2010
I received a mini cardboard rhino as a gift this week. It’s so delightful! I have seen deer heads available on the web both as a kit, similar to the ones shown below, and also as a solid cardboard shape, but I was not familiar with all the other cardboard creations out there. Cardboard Safari offers more than just these beastly animals if you like the look. Check out their site for wreath kits, rockets, and more.
I’m thinking I may paint my new friend a bright color…any suggestions? All images from www.cardboardsafari.com.
Tags: cardboard safari, rhino
Posted in Feather the Nest | 5 Comments »
February 22nd, 2010
Remember my little kitchen screw-up from a few weeks ago? Thanks to some great ideas from you, and a little luck, my problem is solved!
These things always take more than one try for me to get it right. So after measuring, marking, and cutting my wooden dowel rod for a series of pegs — one of which would fit directly onto the exposed screw — I proceeded to tear the house apart in search of all my unused knobs and drawer pulls. I’m learning to accept that this is just how my brain works…
I found a pair of brass knobs with a bright turquoise patina that I’ve been hanging on to for years. Believe it or not, one screwed tightly onto the problem screw without hesitation. For the other, I cut a small circle out of a larger 3M brand adhesive strip and stuck it to the cabinet.
The pop of turquoise is a nice detail in my otherwise black and white kitchen and the shape of the knobs is perfect for easily catching the loop on my dish towels.
Speaking of dish towels, I bought these on clearance at Target for an entirely different project. They are just a prop in this photo and will make a transformed appearance in a different part of the house soon.
Thanks again for all your clever ideas to solving my screw-up!
Tags: towel hooks
Posted in Build the Nest | 2 Comments »
February 19th, 2010
I was so honored to receive many special gifts this past weekend at two different baby showers. One unique gift from my seventeen year-old, very environmentally conscious, cousin was this Wigglezzz P
uppy stuffed animal from a company called Mary Meyer. This furry friend is from their line called Fuzz that Wuzz: products made from 100% recycled plastic PET bottles. It’s not as soft as a chenille blanket, but surprisingly cuddly considering the materials. I love it and think it’s a great addition to our nursery.
In the photo you can see a sneak peek of how our painted crib turned out. It’s so lively and bright! My uncle did a fantastic job. More details on that to come…
Tags: fuzz that wuzz, nursery
Posted in Build the Nest, Inspired Nest | 2 Comments »
February 18th, 2010
I’ve been catching up on some of my favorite blogs during nap time, and thanks to one of my favs, Urban Grace, I’ve also spent some time surfing the New York Social Diary’s house archives. This was my first foray into the NYSD, and it was fun to see the wide variety of styles in some of New York’s fanciest homes.
I love the disco ball in Polly Onet’s stunning living room:
The curtains in this nursery are going in my inspiration file:
{image from NYSD}
And how about this beautiful kitchen:
I need to cut myself off and work on some of my own projects!
Tags: decor, Inspiration, New York Social Diary
Posted in Inspired Nest | 2 Comments »
February 17th, 2010
What happens when I go into Quirk Gallery? I come out of Quirk Gallery with something fun. Every time. Sometimes it’s for me. Sometimes it’s for someone else. These are for me!
Magnetic test tube bud vases! I have them on my Ikea locker in my workroom and I just love them. A little sign of life, where you least expect it!
For those of you who do not share my obsession, I will now take a little break from talking about one of my favorite places in Richmond!
Tags: Quirk Gallery
Posted in Feather the Nest, Local {Richmond, VA} | 2 Comments »
February 16th, 2010
{ image from Whisker Graphics }
I’m loving this fun baker’s twine from Whisker Graphics! The colors are fresh and something about the giant size of these spools makes me want to collect one of each. I bought these tiny rolls of twine by Martha Stewart a few years ago from Michael’s. They’re handy for all sorts of gift wrapping and miscellaneous small projects…so I can imagine this “Divine Twine” would be useful for so many more things…hmmm–which color to buy first?
{ image from Whisker Graphics Etsy site }
Tags: etsy, twine, Whisker Graphics
Posted in Feather the Nest | 2 Comments »
February 15th, 2010
How terrific is this idea?
It’s a necessity to be able to wash your dog’s bed and depending on the quality of the stuffing, it’s not always possible to do anything with the insert but replace it. And of course that presents the ever-tricky (or expensive) task of finding an insert to fit your cover. Because of course you want a stylish, durable cover so you go to Orvis, L.L. Bean or in our case, Utility Canvas. Pottery Barn has some nice ones these days, too. But then you have to pay their spendy prices for the life of the cover in order to get a perfect fit.
Drumroll, please…introducing, the dog duvet! Brilliant, eco-conscious, and adorable. Also the easiest load of laundry you’ll ever do!
Buy a fabulous, machine-washable duvet cover and stuff with old t-shirts, towels and blankets. You could even stash that pile of lost sock mates into the corners!
My mom reminded me that puppies adjust better to their new homes with a family-scented t-shirt or towel to sleep with. Just stuff one in and zip it up.
I discovered these at one of my favorite neighborhood shops, For the Love of Pete, but if you have any inclination toward sewing, I believe this would be a pretty easy DIY project. And of course, if you already have that perfect duvet cover and it’s time to replace the insert, this is the way to go.
HINT: I bought our 34″ square Utility Canvas floor pillow/dog bed at For the Love of Pete years ago. The insert has a zippered muslin cover into which the thoughtful shop owner lovingly tucked a lavender sachet. For at least two years, our dog Katy woke from her bed with the sweet scent of summer. I keep meaning to put a fresh sachet in there. I should do it right now! Here I go…
{images: For the Love of Pete}
Tags: dog bed, duvet, For the Love of Pete, puppy
Posted in Feather the Nest, Local {Richmond, VA} | 3 Comments »
