Still, I won't cough up a $30 co-pay and go to the doctor.
But I would totally buy this gorgeous $60 goodEgg Forest Pillow.
I've got priorities, people.
Showing posts with label decor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decor. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
I've gotta be me...
So, I'm still sick. Really, really quite sick. A terrible, awful, no good, very bad (probably) head cold that has an elephant sitting on my eyes, a mob boss blocking my ears with cement, and a monkey with very sharp fingernails scratching my throat.
Still, I won't cough up a $30 co-pay and go to the doctor.
But I would totally buy this gorgeous $60 goodEgg Forest Pillow.
I've got priorities, people.
Still, I won't cough up a $30 co-pay and go to the doctor.
But I would totally buy this gorgeous $60 goodEgg Forest Pillow.
I've got priorities, people.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
RUGMANIA
I promise a more text-based post someday soon on a concrete topic of worth with an overload of my amusing musings, but for now I just had to post about these rugs. Because I saw them, and they were so beautiful that I died. And then I came back to life.
These Amy Butler for Chandra rugs have resurrectional powers. I am in love with spun wool.
Chrysanthemum. Do the cats cost extra? This is off topic of textiles, but Husband and I recently watched Curse of the Golden Flower (which is a Chrysanthemum, hence, my thought transition). I highly recommend the movie (but beware of subtitles if you're not into reading and watching at the same time). It was a lot less Eastern Action and more Romance/Intrigue than I thought it would be, but it was kind of a nice change from the martial arts-centric movies of the same genre, like House of Flying Daggers or Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, although all of these movies are visually stunning.
Caracas. It might be a little pink for most people, but is that ever a beautiful, intricate pattern! I want to lie down curled in the middle of that flower and take a nap.
AND THIS IS MY FAVORITE. This rug is the reason I had to post. The others, yes, lovely. This one, ohmygosh. Bright Buds. I don't know why, but the pattern, it speaks to me (and you thought I'd pick the damask, didn't you?). I'm not sure my life will be complete without this rug...
These Amy Butler for Chandra rugs have resurrectional powers. I am in love with spun wool.
Chrysanthemum. Do the cats cost extra? This is off topic of textiles, but Husband and I recently watched Curse of the Golden Flower (which is a Chrysanthemum, hence, my thought transition). I highly recommend the movie (but beware of subtitles if you're not into reading and watching at the same time). It was a lot less Eastern Action and more Romance/Intrigue than I thought it would be, but it was kind of a nice change from the martial arts-centric movies of the same genre, like House of Flying Daggers or Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, although all of these movies are visually stunning.
Caracas. It might be a little pink for most people, but is that ever a beautiful, intricate pattern! I want to lie down curled in the middle of that flower and take a nap.
AND THIS IS MY FAVORITE. This rug is the reason I had to post. The others, yes, lovely. This one, ohmygosh. Bright Buds. I don't know why, but the pattern, it speaks to me (and you thought I'd pick the damask, didn't you?). I'm not sure my life will be complete without this rug...
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Friday Fashion: Don't forget the bug spray
So, perhaps I'm producing this Friday Fashion post for the sole reason that I can show the world again what I got Husband for our anniversary. Or maybe I'm just really into grilling in the great outdoors. You decide. Either way, today's post is inspired by Bubba.
Sorry 'bout that. I couldn't resist.
If you're planning to grill out, you don't want to leave the chef all alone to tend to your steaks and burgers while you languish, sweat-free in the air conditioned house, right? (Let's pretend like I would never, ever do this.) If your dining party is going to enjoy the warm summer evening outside, then you're going to need some seating. May I suggest the outdoor dining table and chairs to end all others? This takes wicker to a whole new level.
This Mezzo Round Outdoor Wicker Dining Table from Allegro Classics is $2,195 for the 70-inch version ($300 less for the $59-inch version). And you can even pick the wicker color (sand or ebony)! I won't include a tablecloth in this post, because who would dare cover such beauty with mere cloth? Oh, did I mention the dining benches are $599 each? No? Silly me...do you think they would accept firstborn as payment?
Now once you're stuffed full of grilled meat and potato salad and fresh baked apple pie, who has the energy to do the dishes? Not me. You could always opt for plastic picnic utensils. I know, I know, it's not a terribly green option, but how can you turn down such a cute set?
How beachy! With this Picnic Utensil Set at $4.99, you can pretend you're on the coast even if you're actually surrounded by the corn-infested tundra of the Midwest!
How adorable would these Magma Stone Votive Holders from Uncommon Goods at $50 look sitting at each place on the table? They would provide a wonderful glow as the sun slipped below the horizon! Or, if this ultra-modern votive holder doesn't tickle your pickle, how about a single, vintage-looking votive statement?
How lovely, a Rustic Ring Candle Holder at just $19.99. However, I bet we could totally make something similar to this with some old chicken wire and spray paint. Who's with me?!
So we've got something to grill on, sit on, eat with, and look at. How about the most important part? Something to drink with:
These Sea Stone Wine Glasses (set of 2), also from Uncommon Goods at $58, are simply too earthy chic. Personally, I dislike the taste of wine (although my exception to this rule is my newly found, much beloved, hard to find Stella Rosa *sniffs*). If you're not a wine drinker either, think how sweet these would look with some iced tea, garnished with fresh lemon. Or you could put in some rum and coke. I won't tell.
Whenever we're actually able to use our grill at our house, I'll let you know. You're invited to our first barbeque. Bring booze.
Sorry 'bout that. I couldn't resist.If you're planning to grill out, you don't want to leave the chef all alone to tend to your steaks and burgers while you languish, sweat-free in the air conditioned house, right? (Let's pretend like I would never, ever do this.) If your dining party is going to enjoy the warm summer evening outside, then you're going to need some seating. May I suggest the outdoor dining table and chairs to end all others? This takes wicker to a whole new level.
This Mezzo Round Outdoor Wicker Dining Table from Allegro Classics is $2,195 for the 70-inch version ($300 less for the $59-inch version). And you can even pick the wicker color (sand or ebony)! I won't include a tablecloth in this post, because who would dare cover such beauty with mere cloth? Oh, did I mention the dining benches are $599 each? No? Silly me...do you think they would accept firstborn as payment?
Now once you're stuffed full of grilled meat and potato salad and fresh baked apple pie, who has the energy to do the dishes? Not me. You could always opt for plastic picnic utensils. I know, I know, it's not a terribly green option, but how can you turn down such a cute set?
How beachy! With this Picnic Utensil Set at $4.99, you can pretend you're on the coast even if you're actually surrounded by the corn-infested tundra of the Midwest!
How adorable would these Magma Stone Votive Holders from Uncommon Goods at $50 look sitting at each place on the table? They would provide a wonderful glow as the sun slipped below the horizon! Or, if this ultra-modern votive holder doesn't tickle your pickle, how about a single, vintage-looking votive statement?
How lovely, a Rustic Ring Candle Holder at just $19.99. However, I bet we could totally make something similar to this with some old chicken wire and spray paint. Who's with me?!So we've got something to grill on, sit on, eat with, and look at. How about the most important part? Something to drink with:
These Sea Stone Wine Glasses (set of 2), also from Uncommon Goods at $58, are simply too earthy chic. Personally, I dislike the taste of wine (although my exception to this rule is my newly found, much beloved, hard to find Stella Rosa *sniffs*). If you're not a wine drinker either, think how sweet these would look with some iced tea, garnished with fresh lemon. Or you could put in some rum and coke. I won't tell.Whenever we're actually able to use our grill at our house, I'll let you know. You're invited to our first barbeque. Bring booze.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday Fashion: Papercutting
I was introduced to the art of papercutting through one of my favorite blogs, Design*Sponge. And I am in love. I would rush out to the store right this minute to pick up an X-acto knife and self-healing cutting board if I thought I had the talent and/or patience for this craft. I suppose I will have to settle for sighing over these beauties.
The first piece I ever saw was by Elsa Mora (nicknamed Elsita). She has an Etsy shop, which is where I obtained this example of her fine craftsmanship and incredible detail. The piece is entitled "Secret Anatomy of a Young Girl" and can be purchased for $25. If I ever had a few extra dollars burning a hole in my pocket, I would purchase as many of her pieces as possible and frame them and paper my walls with the frames.
Today at Design*Sponge, an artist named Deanne Cheuk was featured, which reminded me about this craft that I just had to share with my fashion-forward readers. Cheuk's Web site's shop offerings seemed to cost $150 each, but she also does simply amazing work. Observe:
Are these people even serious with this? So incredible. Something as simple as these truly delicate silhouettes of trees can be so graphic and powerful. This is from papercutdiecut and is $100 for this 21" x 21" piece. The uses for this craft are endless: wall hangings, cards, lampshades - everything you can imagine!
If you would like to see more of this amazing craft, just type "papercut" into the Etsy search box. There is some seriously incredible work out there. Oh, how I wish I could show you each and every piece...or do this myself!
The first piece I ever saw was by Elsa Mora (nicknamed Elsita). She has an Etsy shop, which is where I obtained this example of her fine craftsmanship and incredible detail. The piece is entitled "Secret Anatomy of a Young Girl" and can be purchased for $25. If I ever had a few extra dollars burning a hole in my pocket, I would purchase as many of her pieces as possible and frame them and paper my walls with the frames.
Today at Design*Sponge, an artist named Deanne Cheuk was featured, which reminded me about this craft that I just had to share with my fashion-forward readers. Cheuk's Web site's shop offerings seemed to cost $150 each, but she also does simply amazing work. Observe:
Are these people even serious with this? So incredible. Something as simple as these truly delicate silhouettes of trees can be so graphic and powerful. This is from papercutdiecut and is $100 for this 21" x 21" piece. The uses for this craft are endless: wall hangings, cards, lampshades - everything you can imagine!
If you would like to see more of this amazing craft, just type "papercut" into the Etsy search box. There is some seriously incredible work out there. Oh, how I wish I could show you each and every piece...or do this myself!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
But by the grace of God...
...our kitchen cabinets are up. More or less.
By the end of tonight we will have had a contractor out three days this week to hang them with Father-in-Law and Husband. By tomorrow we will (again, God willing) have our dishwasher and microwave installed. Maybe the cabinet doors will even be placed on each frame. And perhaps our master closet will be tiled. Although I'm not getting my hopes up.
Here are the cabinets that hang on the (west?) wall, the wall with the new back door and new matching French patio doors. The refrigerator will be placed at the far end and the stove and microwave will go in the middle. Also, observe the beautiful, newly hung blind!
These cabinets hang on the opposite (east?) wall. There is nothing in the center because that is where our sink will be located, and I don't appreciate head trauma while washing dishes. Our dishwasher will go next to the sink cabinet (not installed at the time I took this photograph).
These two cabinets will be placed tonight and comprise our new breakfast bar. There used to be a wall where they sit, with about a one foot tall by three foot long opening in the middle (a mystery to us). We removed the wall, opening the kitchen into the dining room. A much nicer layout.
These aren't cabinets, but they are exciting. As you can see from the previous picture, they hang directly above the new breakfast bar. The middle one doesn't have a light bulb yet, so you can see the white ribbons of glass. I've been thinking more and more about ditching the granite and (sob) quartz countertops and going with a very clean, crisp, white Corian, to keep the room light in spite of all the dark wood (and hopefully save a few, precious dollars). But that's just me kicking around ideas in my head. Depending on the price difference, granite is unfortunately (or fortunately?) not that much more in many cases. However, it requires upkeep. And I do not care for upkeep. This is why I will continue to prove myself to be a bad homeowner.
This is our dining room light. I can't call it a chandelier (although Menards called it that) because my requirement for a chandelier is that it be sparkly. But this isn't bad. This doesn't have any crystals dripping from its arms, but it does have nice shades that have not yet been placed. Husband picked it out, and I think he did a bang-up job. Now if only we could rectify that acute light bult shortage...
By the end of tonight we will have had a contractor out three days this week to hang them with Father-in-Law and Husband. By tomorrow we will (again, God willing) have our dishwasher and microwave installed. Maybe the cabinet doors will even be placed on each frame. And perhaps our master closet will be tiled. Although I'm not getting my hopes up.
Here are the cabinets that hang on the (west?) wall, the wall with the new back door and new matching French patio doors. The refrigerator will be placed at the far end and the stove and microwave will go in the middle. Also, observe the beautiful, newly hung blind!
These cabinets hang on the opposite (east?) wall. There is nothing in the center because that is where our sink will be located, and I don't appreciate head trauma while washing dishes. Our dishwasher will go next to the sink cabinet (not installed at the time I took this photograph).
These two cabinets will be placed tonight and comprise our new breakfast bar. There used to be a wall where they sit, with about a one foot tall by three foot long opening in the middle (a mystery to us). We removed the wall, opening the kitchen into the dining room. A much nicer layout.
These aren't cabinets, but they are exciting. As you can see from the previous picture, they hang directly above the new breakfast bar. The middle one doesn't have a light bulb yet, so you can see the white ribbons of glass. I've been thinking more and more about ditching the granite and (sob) quartz countertops and going with a very clean, crisp, white Corian, to keep the room light in spite of all the dark wood (and hopefully save a few, precious dollars). But that's just me kicking around ideas in my head. Depending on the price difference, granite is unfortunately (or fortunately?) not that much more in many cases. However, it requires upkeep. And I do not care for upkeep. This is why I will continue to prove myself to be a bad homeowner.
This is our dining room light. I can't call it a chandelier (although Menards called it that) because my requirement for a chandelier is that it be sparkly. But this isn't bad. This doesn't have any crystals dripping from its arms, but it does have nice shades that have not yet been placed. Husband picked it out, and I think he did a bang-up job. Now if only we could rectify that acute light bult shortage...
Friday, June 26, 2009
Friday Fashion: Kitchen Decor Galore!
Please understand that I don’t enjoy being around people who intentionally brag about what they own. Having said that, I beg you to allow me to be completely hypocritical and show you what I received for an (early) second anniversary gift.
Isn’t she beautiful? I named her Sheila. She’s a svelte 5-quart KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer. I have coveted her for a long time now, and she is finally here, gracing me with her onyx black presence.
I’m sure you must be thinking, “What a sexist gift! A husband giving his wife a stand mixer, a mere kitchen utensil, for a wedding anniversary? Why didn’t he just buy her a vacuum cleaner and an ironing board?”
Well, because that’s what I got for my first anniversary.
(Just kidding. I didn’t get anything for my first anniversary.*)
People, I have no shame. I don’t care if I’m setting women’s suffrage back 100 years. I’ll gladly don my apron and pearl necklace and high heels, waiting by the front door with a cocktail when my husband gets home from work, just to have Sheila in my kitchen. I love her. She is a piece of elegant machinery, to be used and buffed and passed down from one generation to the next.
In honor of my newest love, today’s Friday Fashion will be a little kitchen-centric.
Speaking of that apron...
Please. Please don't judge me. This is frickin' frackin' adorable. And the pockets make it totally utilitarian, right? I would prance around the kitchen in this Bib Audrey Pink Poppy Fields Apron from Jessie Steele for $32.95. PRANCE, I TELL YOU.
Uhm. And there's even matching Pink Poppy Fields Oven-Mitts for $11.95. STOP JUDGING ME.
What kitchen is complete without salt and pepper shakers? These Whale Salt And Pepper Shakers from Jonathan Adler at $48.00 are cuter than two kittens in a boot. If whale's aren't cute enough for you, he also has penguins, fish and cats, among others.
And every kitchen needs two essential safety features: a smoke alarm and a fire extinguisher. I can't imagine a beautifully designed smoke alarm, but I wish the extinguisher we purchased was as cute as these by French Fire Design.
I'm not a hot tea girl (iced is my tea of preference), but I definitely think I could stomach drinking hot tea from such a sweet little pot like these Anne Kraitz LUST Tea Pots from Huset for $170.00. Just gimme a lemon wedge.
Finally, every kitchen needs a few tea towels! These Atelier LZC towels for $19-$20 are so colorful, at least one of them is sure to match your kitchen! I'm partial to the one of the far left. I've always had a soft spot for butterflies. Which one do you like?
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday Fashion: More home decor!
I hate to make this statement, because I'm pretty sure I'm going to jinx myself, but our home renovations are really starting to come together. I've been busy spackling and sanding all of the trim that has been re-nailed throughout the downstairs, my F-I-L and B-I-L have been putting up our beautiful blinds and only have three windows left to complete, and this weekend I think we've conned some extra help into coming over. Perhaps we will have the tile in the master bath/closet complete and our cabinets attached to the wall! Of course, as usual, we homeowners will be suspiciously absent, at least on Saturday, due to a wedding.
In the spirit of actually possibly maybe just maybe moving into our damn house, I bring you assorted, interesting wonderfulness from j-me.com. This site has some seriously cool home accessories! (Note: This is a UK company, so I will include the pricing in U.S. dollars as advertised).
This Nest Shoe Rack (wall-mounted for $115 and freestanding for $147) looks so sleek and still utilitarian! I would probably have to get fifteen of these puppies to hold all of my shoes, but turning my footwear into an architectural piece of artwork? Priceless.
This simple Magazine Rack retails for $39.00 and would look absolutely adorable in our half bath! Let's ignore the fact that I don't subscribe to any magazines...but don't worry...Husband has that covered, but I won't tell you with what publication *winks at better half*.
These Candle Holders (thumb up and thumb down for $15.50 each) positively scream my husband's name. Should I ditch the elegant crystal candle holders I received at my bridal shower and our authentic wooden African candle holders that we purchased at a charity auction and go with these instead?
These are called "Frame Hooks," and I am assuming they are to hang coats on, but I suppose you could hang about anything here. How about a set for bathrobes or towels? For $8.00 each, they're not a bad buy and you can customize them with any picture you desire!
Finally, I am totally in love with this Wave Coat Rack for $77.50. There's even a small space at the bottom for one to store keys or sunglasses! This. Is. Cool. Me. Want. Now.
As a reminder, this Sunday is Father's Day, so go get a card for your father and grandfather right now or I will paddle your hiney! One of the many reasons I love my dad is his cinematic taste. My gifts to him this Father's Day? Clint Eastwood's Gran Tourino (I think he invented new racial slurs just for this movie!) and The Tale of Despereaux (uhm...adorable). My dad loves hard-ass characters and animated mice equally. My biggest concern? That he has already bought The Tale of Despereaux for himself...love you, Daddy!
In the spirit of actually possibly maybe just maybe moving into our damn house, I bring you assorted, interesting wonderfulness from j-me.com. This site has some seriously cool home accessories! (Note: This is a UK company, so I will include the pricing in U.S. dollars as advertised).
This Nest Shoe Rack (wall-mounted for $115 and freestanding for $147) looks so sleek and still utilitarian! I would probably have to get fifteen of these puppies to hold all of my shoes, but turning my footwear into an architectural piece of artwork? Priceless.
This simple Magazine Rack retails for $39.00 and would look absolutely adorable in our half bath! Let's ignore the fact that I don't subscribe to any magazines...but don't worry...Husband has that covered, but I won't tell you with what publication *winks at better half*.
These Candle Holders (thumb up and thumb down for $15.50 each) positively scream my husband's name. Should I ditch the elegant crystal candle holders I received at my bridal shower and our authentic wooden African candle holders that we purchased at a charity auction and go with these instead?
These are called "Frame Hooks," and I am assuming they are to hang coats on, but I suppose you could hang about anything here. How about a set for bathrobes or towels? For $8.00 each, they're not a bad buy and you can customize them with any picture you desire!
Finally, I am totally in love with this Wave Coat Rack for $77.50. There's even a small space at the bottom for one to store keys or sunglasses! This. Is. Cool. Me. Want. Now.As a reminder, this Sunday is Father's Day, so go get a card for your father and grandfather right now or I will paddle your hiney! One of the many reasons I love my dad is his cinematic taste. My gifts to him this Father's Day? Clint Eastwood's Gran Tourino (I think he invented new racial slurs just for this movie!) and The Tale of Despereaux (uhm...adorable). My dad loves hard-ass characters and animated mice equally. My biggest concern? That he has already bought The Tale of Despereaux for himself...love you, Daddy!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Friday Fashion: Light me up
I have a thing for chandeliers. Perhaps it's because I've never had one. Utilitarianism is much more important than crystal decadence in an Indiana farmhouse. The closest we come to a chandelier in our new house is the light that will (hopefully) be installed in our dining room this weekend. It's contemporary, silver, and definitely lacking in bling, but still elegant in its simplicity (and, yes, utilitarian...) To satiate my need for overhead drama and cut crystal suspended in mid-air, here are some gorgeous chandeliers from Chandeliera. On the Web site, the lighting is broken into five pricing categories, so I will pick my favorite from each category to display here. Excuse me if I swoon...
$200-$500: Clarita Black Chandelier
$1,000-$2,000: Charteux Chandelier
$2,000+: Marcalina Chandelier
$50-$200: Dover Scroll Chandelier
$200-$500: Clarita Black Chandelier
$500-$1,000: Samoa Chandelier
$1,000-$2,000: Charteux Chandelier
$2,000+: Marcalina Chandelier
Friday, June 5, 2009
Friday Fashion
So, dudes, I'm kind of digging these "Friday Fashion" posts, although the last few have turned exclusively into "Friday Foot Fashion." I'll try and give you a little more variety, you know, the spice of life. I will not, however, give you garlic, which we all know is the spice of burps.
Uhm...I don't know where I'm going with this. Moving on...
As we draw nearer and nearer to completing our renovations and actually living in our house (six months after purchase, ahem), I am beginning to think about the actual items we will need to make our daily lives comfortable. Because I consider home decor to be fashion, today let's focus this fashion post on our master bedroom, the Locus of Love, the Point of Passion, the Sector of Sex...
...too much?
If you will remember, we painted the walls a very dark, rich, lusty blue, with stark white baseboards, dark bamboo hardwood, and a ceiling fan that emulates the dark floor coloring. Our window blinds, which are not pictured, because they are still sitting in their unopened boxes next door, let in minimal light.
This picture doesn't do the dark little room justice. Also, the main operative word here is dark. The room is very cave-like, which is actually what we were going for (a soft, dark hole in which to nestle. Uhm...okay, so that came off as rather sexual, too. What's my deal today? It must be all that reproduction talk from earlier.) Although everything currently is very dark, I know that I want to lighten the room up a bit with a rug and bedding and accessories. We inherited bedroom furniture from Husband's grandfather, and it is a light, honey-colored wood. Not my personal decor choice, but I ain't gonna be arguing with free. I think it will be a good contrast with the floor and bring in a little softness in color. So, first, a potential rug:
I like the organic leaf pattern in this Dynamic Allure rug in ivory. Although the largest size is *cough* $999.00, it's quite soft and lovely. The pattern isn't too feminine, nor too masculine, and it would probably blend in with just about anything. Next: bedding.
This Fieldcrest Luxury Coverlet Set in silver is priced between $99.99 (queen) and $109.99 (king). This is probably the only piece in this post that might actually be purchased and make it into our new home. I saw something almost exactly the same at Macy's, which I fell in love with, until I noticed that just the coverlet alone was $300. Then I fell out of love and divorced the coverlet. And then I found and married his cheap cousin from Target, pictured. With crisp, white sheets, I would totally bed this bedding.
This is just effing cool. Guess what it it is. Guess, guess, guess. Give up? It's a lamp. An Arc Touch Lamp from Chia'sso, to be exact. It's also $98, which I will try not to think about because it is so magnificent. Can you imagine us in bed reading beneath the light of twin lamps? Me with my Gabriel García Márquez novel and Husband with his Star Wars book...so romantic.
What would a bedroom be without an alarm clock? This OPTI Retro Alarm Clock from TOKYObay, at $38, is totally adorable. I usually don't like clocks that don't have numbers of some sort, because I'm an idiot, but I'll make an exception for this sweet clock. At least it would beat my unreliable cell phone alarm that I currently use!
I am putting some serious thought into making my own headboard for our master bed out of sturdy MDF, soft, thick batting, a contemporary fabric, and a lot of staples. I love this fabric sample in the Inger line for $5.99 per yard from Ikea. It's 100% cotton (a renewable material, score!) and would look so great with our bedding! Maybe not so much with that rug I picked...but that rug would never come to live with us anyways.
Finally, this Wave Ambient Fireplace, also from Chia'sso, isn't really something we will ever have, but it's fun to think about! We're planning to intentionally not have a television in our bedroom so we won't get discracted at bedtime. How neat would it be to wind down to a cracking fire intead of gearing up to "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" (sorry, Conan). The price is $1,398, a definite contributing factor to the We Will Never Own This feature, but it is still sleek and beautiful and lookin' is free!
I'm so ready to make this house our home...
Uhm...I don't know where I'm going with this. Moving on...
As we draw nearer and nearer to completing our renovations and actually living in our house (six months after purchase, ahem), I am beginning to think about the actual items we will need to make our daily lives comfortable. Because I consider home decor to be fashion, today let's focus this fashion post on our master bedroom, the Locus of Love, the Point of Passion, the Sector of Sex...
...too much?
If you will remember, we painted the walls a very dark, rich, lusty blue, with stark white baseboards, dark bamboo hardwood, and a ceiling fan that emulates the dark floor coloring. Our window blinds, which are not pictured, because they are still sitting in their unopened boxes next door, let in minimal light.
This picture doesn't do the dark little room justice. Also, the main operative word here is dark. The room is very cave-like, which is actually what we were going for (a soft, dark hole in which to nestle. Uhm...okay, so that came off as rather sexual, too. What's my deal today? It must be all that reproduction talk from earlier.) Although everything currently is very dark, I know that I want to lighten the room up a bit with a rug and bedding and accessories. We inherited bedroom furniture from Husband's grandfather, and it is a light, honey-colored wood. Not my personal decor choice, but I ain't gonna be arguing with free. I think it will be a good contrast with the floor and bring in a little softness in color. So, first, a potential rug:
I like the organic leaf pattern in this Dynamic Allure rug in ivory. Although the largest size is *cough* $999.00, it's quite soft and lovely. The pattern isn't too feminine, nor too masculine, and it would probably blend in with just about anything. Next: bedding.
This Fieldcrest Luxury Coverlet Set in silver is priced between $99.99 (queen) and $109.99 (king). This is probably the only piece in this post that might actually be purchased and make it into our new home. I saw something almost exactly the same at Macy's, which I fell in love with, until I noticed that just the coverlet alone was $300. Then I fell out of love and divorced the coverlet. And then I found and married his cheap cousin from Target, pictured. With crisp, white sheets, I would totally bed this bedding.
This is just effing cool. Guess what it it is. Guess, guess, guess. Give up? It's a lamp. An Arc Touch Lamp from Chia'sso, to be exact. It's also $98, which I will try not to think about because it is so magnificent. Can you imagine us in bed reading beneath the light of twin lamps? Me with my Gabriel García Márquez novel and Husband with his Star Wars book...so romantic.
What would a bedroom be without an alarm clock? This OPTI Retro Alarm Clock from TOKYObay, at $38, is totally adorable. I usually don't like clocks that don't have numbers of some sort, because I'm an idiot, but I'll make an exception for this sweet clock. At least it would beat my unreliable cell phone alarm that I currently use!
I am putting some serious thought into making my own headboard for our master bed out of sturdy MDF, soft, thick batting, a contemporary fabric, and a lot of staples. I love this fabric sample in the Inger line for $5.99 per yard from Ikea. It's 100% cotton (a renewable material, score!) and would look so great with our bedding! Maybe not so much with that rug I picked...but that rug would never come to live with us anyways.
Finally, this Wave Ambient Fireplace, also from Chia'sso, isn't really something we will ever have, but it's fun to think about! We're planning to intentionally not have a television in our bedroom so we won't get discracted at bedtime. How neat would it be to wind down to a cracking fire intead of gearing up to "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" (sorry, Conan). The price is $1,398, a definite contributing factor to the We Will Never Own This feature, but it is still sleek and beautiful and lookin' is free!I'm so ready to make this house our home...
Monday, March 23, 2009
Out with the old...
...and in with the new.
These daffodils are blooming right outside my office. They made me smile this morning. Spring has sprung, and like the renewal of the season, our house is getting a renewal of its very own. We seemed to get a lot done this weekend, including installing two new ceiling fans, one for our master bedroom and the other for the living room. I'm not in love with ceiling fans, but I'm naming the living room ceiling fan "Compromise" and the bedroom ceiling fan "Acceptance." At least they are kind of pretty in their modernity. They each come with a battery-powered remote which will either get even cooler as time goes on, or even more annoying when the remote gets lost in the couch cushions and bedclothes.
We also installed the new front door, which is linear and sparkly, two of my favorite qualities in inanimate objects.
A giant hole in the half bath behind the medicine cabinet was also discovered. The previous owners pulled out all of the easy route stops. Instead of finding a stud with ohidontknow a stud finder, they instead punched a hole in the wall and installed a slat of wood on which they mounted the medicine cabinet. And then never patched the hole. Klassy with a kapital K.
Meanwhile, paint is continuing to cover every square inch of the Old Ugly. Here's our new chocolate upstairs bathroom. Soon, we will be installing a mottled brown floor to match and sharp, white vanity.
And here's our REDRUM guest bedroom. Want to come have a sleepover? I promise s'mores and pillow fights.
The paint is even finally seeping down our stairwell. A nice, calm "Pebble Beige" that will continue throughout the living room and possibly serve as the major neutral for the kitchen and downstairs hallway. I declined mounting the scaffold to paint, however. I'm just not that brave.
And, finally, one of the most exciting changes is the eradication of the kitchen wall. If you remember the strange six-inch wide opening for dinner plates? stooped conversation? utter decorative laziness? you will understand why this wall had to go. This is where we are going to put a breakfast bar and some arty hanging lights. OH! And we also purchased our kitchen appliances this weekend. LG. Slick. After almost two years without a kitchen of our own, at least this one will be well worth the wait. This is going to be kick-ass.
These daffodils are blooming right outside my office. They made me smile this morning. Spring has sprung, and like the renewal of the season, our house is getting a renewal of its very own. We seemed to get a lot done this weekend, including installing two new ceiling fans, one for our master bedroom and the other for the living room. I'm not in love with ceiling fans, but I'm naming the living room ceiling fan "Compromise" and the bedroom ceiling fan "Acceptance." At least they are kind of pretty in their modernity. They each come with a battery-powered remote which will either get even cooler as time goes on, or even more annoying when the remote gets lost in the couch cushions and bedclothes.
We also installed the new front door, which is linear and sparkly, two of my favorite qualities in inanimate objects.
A giant hole in the half bath behind the medicine cabinet was also discovered. The previous owners pulled out all of the easy route stops. Instead of finding a stud with ohidontknow a stud finder, they instead punched a hole in the wall and installed a slat of wood on which they mounted the medicine cabinet. And then never patched the hole. Klassy with a kapital K.
Meanwhile, paint is continuing to cover every square inch of the Old Ugly. Here's our new chocolate upstairs bathroom. Soon, we will be installing a mottled brown floor to match and sharp, white vanity.
And here's our REDRUM guest bedroom. Want to come have a sleepover? I promise s'mores and pillow fights.
The paint is even finally seeping down our stairwell. A nice, calm "Pebble Beige" that will continue throughout the living room and possibly serve as the major neutral for the kitchen and downstairs hallway. I declined mounting the scaffold to paint, however. I'm just not that brave.
And, finally, one of the most exciting changes is the eradication of the kitchen wall. If you remember the strange six-inch wide opening for dinner plates? stooped conversation? utter decorative laziness? you will understand why this wall had to go. This is where we are going to put a breakfast bar and some arty hanging lights. OH! And we also purchased our kitchen appliances this weekend. LG. Slick. After almost two years without a kitchen of our own, at least this one will be well worth the wait. This is going to be kick-ass.
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