Diary of a Chair

Recipe: lamb and lentil stew.

2012-02-23T16:48:00.000-05:00

If you've got time to spend the afternoon in the kitchen, then you've got to try this recipe. I of course got it off of my favorite foodsite, but here is the direct link to the recipe.

This was my first time cooking, or eating, red lentils. They are so cute dried I almost didn't want to cook them. Would it be weird to decorate with red lentils? Maybe in a vase? I don't know...

Back to the stew. It's hearty and spicy, and perfect to warm you up on a winter night:)

Take me away Tuesday: Heidelberg Suites, Germany.

2012-02-21T18:42:00.000-05:00

Heidelberg Suites architect Michele Bonan sought to create a romantic hotel in the heart of Germany. I'd say it's a successful design. The hotel is so beautiful, it makes me want to repaint our walls white and our trim black! The furniture was also designed by Bonan to complement the space. AND if you really love it you can purchase some of the pieces!

all via heidelbergsuites.com

Currently coveting: Prado bookcase by Hickory Chair

2012-02-20T10:36:00.002-05:00

I am counting down the days until our bookcase is ready to go up! The process has been fun so far, but I can most definitely see the ease and value of purchasing one that's ready to go.

I would love to dress this one up. It's architectural and clean lined. Perfect to decorate and fill with pretty things.

via hickory chair

If a were a restaurant designer...

2012-02-17T13:17:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't it be fun to design a restaurant like this one?! It has a residential feel and is so welcoming.

I love the mixing of various chairs. I never would have thought about using wingback chairs in a restaurant, but this is genius!

This interior at the Nantucket Yacht club was designed by my very favorite Boston firm, Gauthier-Stacy. Click here to check out the rest of this, and many more, jaw dropping projects.

Wood bath.

2012-02-15T12:03:00.000-05:00

I love the look of wood in a shower area. Would you do it?

When G and I were apartment hunting, one place we LOVED had a completely wood tub/shower. It was so pretty! I'd like to copy the look one day:)

Be mine.

2012-02-14T12:56:00.000-05:00

Well, if you've kept up with my blog you know how I feel about Valentine's day because I think you should always tell those you love that you love them every day of the year.

So, instead of giving you a cheesy cupcake recipe or DIY for a Valentine's Day card, I'll use this post to share with you some of my favorite romantic images I've found lately.

all via pinterest

I love you husband:)

TGIF!

2012-02-10T15:39:00.002-05:00

I heard a rumor that our built in bookcase is going into production this weekend! Hip hip horray!

Here is a photo I am stealing an idea from for a class project. I like how it looks like the flooring is carried right up the wall behind the shelving.

Have a great snowy weekend:)

Kitchen inspiration 2.9.

2012-02-09T13:49:00.000-05:00

While I continue to get my butt kicked by grad school, please enjoy this inspirational image. I'm using it for a project!

via pinterest

The windows are a super solution to open up a kitchen and allow light to flow into the adjacent dining space. Gotta love the black trim trim contrasting with the walls, and of course, you can't miss the bright pop of magenta on the table. Yummy!

Perfect pantries.

2012-02-08T12:28:00.000-05:00

Wow, did the beginning of this semester steamroll right over me!

I feel like I've been thrown to the wolves learning Revit, and part I of thesis has left me dazed and confused. However, I did chose I thesis topic: Food & Family.

It's going to be a great opportunity to blend together two of my favorite things in a kick butt design project.

Being the foodie that I am, here are some lovely pantries I wish I had space for. Maybe we could live without the walk in closet and convert it into one of these instead.

all via pinterest

January wrap up.

2012-01-31T21:26:00.003-05:00

I'm dreaming of a retreat like this where I can rest my mind and stop thinking about all my design projects!

Until I have a little more time to write, I hope you enjoying reading through my January posts:)

Tangerine tango, here I come!

Take me away Tuesday: Banyan Tree, Seychelles.

How to dress up your mantel.

Recipe: chipotle mac & cheese.

Antique dresser DIY.

Styled to perfection.

West Elm faves 1.17.

Obsession: clear glass chandies.

Love the look: watercolor walls.

Take me away Tuesday: La Piantata.

Currently coveting: bookshelf wallpaper.

Currently coveting: Deborah Bowness Genuine Fake Bookshelf wallpaper.

2012-01-26T16:51:00.000-05:00

dustyburrito

I'm still all about the wallpaper, especially tricky ones like this! It's a fast and easy way to stack your library shelves full of books, minus the cost on hundreds of bestsellers and building in a bookcase. Brilliant!

chateaudelu

remodelista

skonahem

Take me away Tuesday: La Piantata, Italy.

2012-01-24T16:45:00.000-05:00

One of my brothers and my favorite movies growing up was The Swiss Family Robinson. I loved the scene where the boys and father welcome mother to the new hand constructed tree home on their island. Honestly, this could very well have been one of the first times I was introduced to interior design. I wanted that tree house.

La Piantata in Italy could be my dream tree house experience. The tree house suite is built on a old and sturdy oak tree, and is nestled in a lavender field. What a great way to get away from our crazy lives!

Love the look: watercolor walls

2012-01-23T14:42:00.000-05:00

via pinterest

A wall like this would be a dream to paint and look at. I was never a fan of watercolor painting myself until being forced to practice in art school, which gave me a whole new appreciation for the delicate art. This image is really making the paints and brushes scream my name.

Whether you can paint watercolor or not, if you like the look it's attainable. All of these images are the creative genius of Black Crow Studios. They transform wallpaper into even more of a statement customized to your unique taste. An ordinary wall is given an instant jolt of life and movement with flowing color infusion like these.

Obsession: clear glass chandies!

2012-01-19T13:22:00.000-05:00

What every room needs! Illumination without a heavy structure. I like how this one is a contemporary take on a traditional form.

ylighting

West Elm faves 1.17.

2012-01-17T13:23:00.000-05:00

I always love getting the latest West Elm catalog in the mail. They have some gorgeous pieces now that I dream of using in our place. Not fussy, just good clean design:)

Chamfered Nightstand

Boerum Dining Table

Zig Zag Floor Pouf

Zigzag Rug

Sahara Ikat Hemp Pillow

Turning Pendant

Styled to perfection.

2012-01-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

Wow! I really don't know what else to say about Mark Sikes and Michael Griffin's Hollywood home other than PERFECTION!

I wish I could pick his brain about how beautifully he arranges his tablescapes.

While in the past I've always enjoyed the clean look of bare horizontal surfaces, this home has truly opened my eyes to beautiful they can truly look when styled.

The black front door pops against the white walls and floor in this stunning entry.

This bright and sunny kitchen is over the top with the styled countertop. It makes me want to get cooking!

Well this looks quite enjoyable, no?

The contrast in the bathroom and bedroom is so gorgeous! I think the best part about this home is that it looks lived in. Collections are displayed, touching and exploring is encouraged, and it's not fussy. Well done!

housebeautiful

Antique dresser DIY.

2012-01-11T11:24:00.000-05:00

G. and I recently finished painting a hand me down antique dresser. I'm so bummed that I don't have any before pictures to show you, but I do have the afters:)

The pulls were disgustingly oxidized green over the bronze that they once were, and I hate to admit that I was considering replacing them. We used an entire bottle of metal polish and scrubbed these puppies with a toothbrush before giving them 3 coats of high gloss white spray paint. I LOVE how they turned out: perfect art nouveau graceful swirls.

The dresser color is Benjamin Moore's Shenandoah Taupe.

Doesn't it look similar to this one from Restoration Hardware?!

I like ours better:)

Recipe: chipotle mac & cheese.

2012-01-09T13:47:00.000-05:00

Comfort food at it's finest is mom's mac & cheese! Well, it's almost her recipe. I added some veggies and white beans to make me feel like I was eating healthy...

Saute a chopped onion, carrot, and celery stalk. Once they are softened, add a handful of spinach and allow to wilt. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of your favorite spicy blend. Put veggies aside.

In an oven safe pan, I used my Le Cruset, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour on top and cook off the raw flour taste. This happens quick so watch it because it will burn.

Pour 1 1/2 cups of milk into the butter/oil/flour mixture and bring to a simmer. Use a whisk to get rid of any lumps. Once the sauce starts to thicken, take off the heat and add 1 1/2-2 cups of shredded cheese. I used half cheddar and half Gruyere.

Toss the cheese sauce with the veggies, 1 can of drained and rinsed cannelini beans, and orzo pasta.

Flatten in the pan and sprinkle the top with a little more cheese.

Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown on the top.

How to dress up your mantel.

2012-01-06T13:23:00.000-05:00

Now that we are into January, holiday decorations are starting to come down. I hate that empty look our apartment has without all the festive garlands and stockings hanging from the mantel. It just looks a little bare up on the mantel, so here are some tips for putting life back up onto it once Christmas decorations come down.

1. Look for ways to create triangles. This shape is the most pleasing shape to your eye, so arrange your decor to create a triangle with the tallest objects in the middle, and the shortest on the sides.

2. Layering is good. It creates depth, interest, and is a stylish way to show off some of your favorite things. To avoid making your mantel look cluttered, stick to a small range of colors and finishes.

3. Try a mirror. It will instantly make your room look larger.

4. Use symmetry to reinforce a traditional style.

5. Hang or lean a large piece of art. A large scale piece is a cleaner look, and when flanked by large vases creates a jolt of color. There's that triangle again, too!

Happy Friday!

Take me away Tuesday: Banyan Tree Seychelles.

2012-01-03T12:14:00.000-05:00

If I think I could maybe, just maybe, deal with a travel time of 48 hours, I would be saving up money in my Piggy Bank to vacation at the Banyan Tree Resort in Seychelles on Mahé Island.

60 private villas are designed in plantation style to take utmost advantage of the beyond gorgeous scenery. Tall ceilings, open doors and windows, and terraces take down the barriers between indoors and out, and give guests a one of a kind experience.

all via banyan tree seychelles

Tangerine Tango, here I come!

2012-01-02T13:16:00.000-05:00

Happy 2012 to all!

Ok, I'll admit, I'm not the hugest fan of orange, but something about Pantone's 2012 color of the year has me smiling. It's the perfect combination of orange, red, and coral. What do you think?

umm...obsessed!

all via pinterest

2011 wrap up.

2011-12-30T09:33:00.000-05:00

It's scary how fast the year went by! There are so many things to be thankful for this year, and lots to look forward to next!

Speaking of the new year, check out this interesting and colorful 2012 calendar.

I've been reading a lot of great emags lately! They are easy to access and are environmentally friendly, but I have to admit, I miss paging through a stack of glossies and dogearing my faves! Here are some new ones on my map:

Heart Home is a great new emag all about creating your own unique sense of home decor.

Sweet Paul is a read for crafty types with lots of delicious recipes.

sweetpaul

This recipe for mac & cheese with roasted chicken, goat cheese, and rosemary is at the top of my must-cook-now list. Thanks for sharing, Sacramento Street!

sacramentostreet

My new FAVORITE tumblr! Get your Pinterest Pinner ready! I still haven't finished tumbling through the whole thing yet.

A must read for any and all wine drinkers.

ZeroEnergy Design is a Boston based firm who recently finished this AMAZING Rhode Island home. If they had private tours, I'd be first on the list!

zeroenergydesign

What girl didn't wish she were Kate Middleton at one point or another this year? Now we can feel like we are for a few minutes. This is a hilarious gallery installation by Jennifer Rubell depicting Prince William in wax, complete with Kate's sparkler resting on his arm <<insert self here>>.

cupofjo

This is a great blog I just stumbled on! If you love bargains and DIY projects, you don't want to miss Kate's posts!

Happy New Year!

Color crush: royal blue.

2011-12-29T10:21:00.000-05:00

I've been working on some fabulous wedding invitations for a friend and have been all about her bright wedding color from the get-go. So, when I saw this royal blue Louis XVI End Chair from Wisteria, I couldn't help but be inspired to dream up a living room. (I know this is technically a dining chair, but oh well!) I love how they put a huge color splash on this classic form!

Source list:

Chair-Wisteria

Pendant-Shades of Light

Mantel Art-Etsy

Sofa-Maries Corner

Table-Alldriftwoodfurniture.com

Rug-Basketweave Jute

Merry Christmas to all!

2011-12-23T10:45:00.000-05:00

I'm signing off for the holiday weekend, but I'm leaving you with these very pretty and creative holiday decor ideas, just in case you maybe waited to the last minute.

Click here to check out my post last year about keeping your Christmas Green.

all via pinterest

Pinterest pretties.

2011-12-22T11:05:00.000-05:00

Here are some lovelies I've found on Pinterest lately.

Want to follow me? Click here.