Inspired Whims

My Thing For Industrial Bubble Chandeliers

2013-05-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

Something about the ethereal nature of these industrial looking bubble light chandeliers gets me every time. They're so beautifully sculptural (art!), yet completely functional (light!). And, oh, how I'd love to have one of my own!

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These pretty bubbles come at a hefty price...for example, the below custom fixture by Lindsey Adelman is a whopping $11,000!

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I don't have a lighting budget - much less a car (or anything) budget - that quite fits that figure. Subtract 2 zeros and we might just be talking my ball park. The fixture below from School House Electric is much more affordable at $195 and comes in a choice of 7 finishes.

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By george, I think we've got a fabulous DIY option below that may fit the budget even better! I first came across this amazing fixture on one of my favorite blogs - Little Green Notebook - by Jenny Komenda. She had featured a beautiful kitchen renovation by folks over on the One Kings Lane blog, and this fixture was part of their handiwork.

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Thankfully, DIY instructions for this fixture were posted shortly after on Jenny's blog {here} and the One Kings Lane blog {here}! Materials are below...and, it's all stuff you can get at the hardware store.

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Again, a detailed material list and step-by-step instructions can be found at the blog links above. It's like Christmas in May!

Do you like these fixtures as much as I do? Which would you opt for if no budget were in check? Any takers on the DIY version? I really would like to create one of these for our home...maybe someday.

Modern Appeal - Designer Nancy Riesco's Family Home

2013-05-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

I came across this hip family home in the June 2013 issue of Canadian House & Home (which I must mention is one of my all-time favorite shelter magazines). The homeowner is the ultra-talented interior designer Nancy Reisco of Riesco & Lapres Interior Design based out of Vancouver. She and her family happened upon this 2,300 sq ft house, a spec home designed by Evoke International Design Inc., while they were planning the renovation of their 5,000 sq ft tudor. I'm so glad they bit when the opportunity hit, because what a glowing jewel she's created in this modern, colorful, and totally kid-friendly home!

(all interior photos by Janis Nicolay, professional photographer and Pinecone Camp blogger)

(dining space...can you believe those awesome windows?)

(dining room gallery wall...love her eclectic art collection)

(kitchen...the stools, the pendants, the waterfall countertop, oh my!)

(living room...again, the light in this house is so spectacular)

(daughter's room...almost like a tree house, with a really cool built-in desk space)

(son's room, bunk beds have never looked cooler)

Now, some exterior photos from Evoke International Design, Inc.:

(front view - house on left...a minimal design that still maintains such warmth)

(back view - house on right...those windows are sublime!)

The natural light has to be my most favorite thing about this home. I also love how Nancy Riesco has made white-walled rooms sing with the perfect amount of color and carefully selected furniture. It's like a livable art gallery!

Do you love this house? If so, which room is your favorite? Don't forget to check out Nancy's portfolio of other home's she has designed {here}.

Framed Tea Towel Art

2013-05-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

Have a large wall that needs a mega dose of art to take up that vast wall space? Don't have the funds to buy an expensively grand art installation? Here's an easy weekend fix for you! Easy as arithmetic...

I found these ultra mod and graphic flour sack tea towels on a cool home decor site called Erie Drive - the set of three was only $30. The large 21"x29" NYTTJA Ikea frames (perfect size for a tea towel by the way...) were $10 each.

Stretch the tea towel around the frame backing, place in the frame, hang on the wall, and you're set to go! I left the towels in tact, as I just tucked the excess fabric neatly behind the frame as I hung it on the wall. That means I can use them in the kitchen should I decide to swap my tea towels out.

Does it get any easier than that? Now I have a much less empty (and eye-catching) stairwell landing for just $60.

I found some other fabulous frame-worthy tea towels on Erie Drive, West Elm, Crate & Barrel, and Etsy (search for keyword "tea towel").

via Erie Drive

via Crate & Barrel

via West Elm

via Etsy

Happy tea towel searching! (Beware, it can get addictive...)

Eureka! A Chemistry Inspired Test Tube Chandelier

2013-05-08T10:56:00.002-07:00

How incredibly cool is this test tube chandelier?!? It's made by artist Monika O of Warsaw, Poland.

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She has a double layered test tube chandelier available on her Etsy site {here}. The test tubes arrive empty, and you simply add water with food coloring to achieve the look above. Or, you can use other fillers to create the cool looks below.

Wildflowers...

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Shells or stones...

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Clear & color combo...

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Even empty, the fixture is simply beautiful...

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Such a great focal point for a room - understated but stunning! I love how the fixture is some-what modern and some-what art deco.

Do you think this fixture could possibly be DIY'd? My gears are totally turning. Perhaps a simple pendant socket, a plywood ring with holes drilled, lots of test tubes, hanging wire, and a large bulb would do it. What do you think?

Bottomline, the design is brilliant and it's ultra cool! Do spill - love it or leave it??

Itty Bitty Preppy Nursery

2013-05-06T11:23:00.001-07:00

I recently had the immense pleasure of getting to decorate a nursery (as a surprise!) for a dear friend. Her sweet husband hired me while they were out of town, and my hubby and I put it together before her homecoming.

The space was a small bonus room off the master suite...a space many people use as an extra closet, so it was a challenge to make it look like a nursery. I think it turned out perfect though, and my friend adores it (which is all that really matters to me)! Check out the photos and let me know what you think about this itty bitty preppy space.

Overall...

And details, details...

It's impossible to pick out my most favorite thing in this room. I love everything! If you're interested, the sources for all the items we placed in the space can be found below.

Item Sources:
Crib + Changing Table - clients' own (similar furniture found at Babies 'R Us)
Crib Sheet - Aden + Anais Classic Crib Sheet, Liam the Brave Medallions (Amazon)
Changing Pad Cover - Aden + Anais Changing Pad Cover, Super Star Scout Fawn Star (Amazon)
Monogram Wall Decal - Brewster Wall Pops for Baby Peel and Stick Large Monogram, Espresso (Amazon)
Rug - Homegoods
Black and White Large Woven Basket - Homegoods
Large Circle Mirror - Homegoods
Gold Frame - Homegoods
Cloth Lined Baskets (bottom shelf of changing table) - Homegoods
Canvas Bins (top shelf of changing table) - clients' own with red grosgrain ribbon added (similar bins found at Target and Ikea)
Wall Hooks - Lowe's, spray painted red
Ceiling Light Fixture - Lowe's
Lamp - Lowe's
Chalkboard - handmade DIY project
Triangle Garland Banner - handmade DIY project...easy to follow instructions found {here}!
Ceiling Paint - Blue Note 2129-30 (Benjamin Moore)

How do you think it all turned out? What's your favorite piece or part? It's amazing how a closet can be transformed into a room with just a little creativity and some (ok, a lot of...) elbow grease!

Funtime Friday - A Playroom I LOVE!

2013-05-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday friends!! Check out this uber fun playroom from the 2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase home. Heck, I'd do this design in a living room...but that's (crazy) me!

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My favorite thing has to be the huge orange tee-pee. But, I'm also totally diggin' the lego-man head on the shelf and the fuzzy sphere chairs (what else would you call them?). Oh, and the faux dynamite sticks in the fireplace...how fun are those and where do you buy them?!? Way better than boring old logs, if you ask me.

The flooring pattern reminds me of the mosaic sidewalk on Copacabana Beach in Rio. Same look, huh?

Hope you have a happy weekend! Next week I will share an exciting nursery design we just finished for a sweet friend of mine. It's adorable, so stay tuned...

Published on Paper! IW in Ellis County Living-Magazine

2013-05-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

Can you tell that I'm just a little excited?!? My aunt-in-law owns a gem of a magazine called Ellis County Living-Magazine, which is always chock full of wonderful articles and features for the folks who live in Ellis County (down in north/central Texas). Her editor contacted me a few weeks ago to ask if they could feature a blog post from Inspired Whims, and I was super elated to say "Yes, please!!".

Here is the beautiful spread they created to feature an Inspired Whims post on Decorating Ideas for Spring:

Now that I've peaked your interest in this wonderful magazine, you can flip through the pages of the entire May 2013 issue of Ellis County Living-Magazine {here}.

I'm so happy with how the page turned out!! I'd like to thank Cindy Camp (my dear aunt-in-law) and her editor Kathryn Kemp for the gorgeous spread featuring Inspired Whims. I am so very grateful!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Top 10 Places + Travel Tips

2013-04-30T20:41:00.001-07:00

We're back! From our trip to Brazil, that is. We had an amazing time experiencing the culture, the sites, the sounds, the weather, the relaxation...everything. If you're thinking about planning a trip to South America ever, Rio is the place to go. They have something (and more) for everyone!

Here is a list of our Top 10 Places to Visit in Rio de Janeiro:

1) Christ the Redeemer Statue - This amazing statue sitting atop Corcovado mountain is one of the seven "New" Modern Wonders of the World. The approx. 130 ft tall statue sits on the top of a steep mountaintop overlooking the massive metropolis of Rio de Janeiro. The awesome views from all sides will not disappoint!

(up close!)

(from afar!)

2) Escadaria Selaron - This colorful stairway art feature was created by Chilean born artist Jorge Selaron, starting in 1990. He sadly passed away recently, but he continued work on his masterpiece up until then. People brought Selaron tiles from all over the world so he could incorporate them into his large-scale mosaic. (Note the "Don't Mess With Texas!" tile below...represent!)

3) Sugar Loaf - You can hike it, you can climb it, you can repel off it, or you can just ride the gondola! Whichever way you choose to summit the peak, the views are simply breathtaking.

(view of Copacabana Beach from Sugar Loaf)

(view of Rio harbor from Sugar Loaf, downtown Rio is at 12 o' clock)

4) Tijuca National Park - The world's largest urban forest (it literally sits smack dab in the middle of Rio!), this area was once deforested to grow coffee but was replanted starting in 1860 to reclaim the vast area as a vibrant rainforest. Today it is full of lush indigenous and foreign plants, flowers, and trees, and myriad wildlife including monkeys and birds.

(spot the monkey in the middle?)

5) Copacabana Beach - One of the most famous beaches in the world! And, it totally deserves to be in the best-of bunch because it's a prime beach location. Broad white-sand beaches, sprawling surf (the beach is 2.5 miles long), gorgeous scenery, and it's picturesque black and white wave mosaic boardwalk are just a few draws for this quintessential beach. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the BEST beach to stay on in Rio.

6) Cathedral of Saint Sebastian - An example of the amazing architecture in downtown Rio, this cathedral was built in the 1960-1970s. It's a huge conical structure that somewhat resembles a Mayan pyramid. The view of the stained glass from inside is breath-taking. See for yourself...

7) Botanical Garden - We only drove past this site, but it's the one place I wish we had taken the time to go back and visit. It contains more than 6,000 species of plants and trees, including 900 varieties of palm trees. Oh well, I guess we'll have to go back to Rio to take a walk through this site someday!

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8) Downtown Rio - In a city of 7 million people, "downtown" is a broad term but I'm referring to the area near the main business district, the hub of the city. We took a wonderful walking tour of the area in one afternoon, so I know we barely scratched the surface of the vast city's offerings. Here were a few of our favorite stops...

(quaint side street leading to the Imperial Palace)

(Imperial Palace)

(Opera House)

(Cinema Square - love the yellow art deco building!)

9) Confeitaria Colombo - An awe-inspiring Viennese coffee house established in the 1890s, this cafe had major design appeal and fantastic food. It sits on a tiny side street downtown, so be careful not to miss it. I'd like to try breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert here...we only got lunch.

(oh, those floors!)

(the pattern on these vintage tins made me swoon)

10) Ipanema/Leblon - These high-end beach neighborhoods sit adjacent to Copacabana Beach. We walked over from our hotel in Copacabana one afternoon to visit the Sunday "Hippie Fair" Market in Ipanema and walk through the malls of Leblon. A very nice area with a mega-big price tag for real estate...worth a free visit, but I'd stay in Copacabana.

(note the different black and white mosaic pattern on Ipanema sidewalks)

(Hippie Fair Market, Ipanema)

And now, a few Rio travel tips that will make your trip most enjoyable!

1) Have airport transfers coordinated in advance. You don't want to have to worry about how you'll get all the way across town in a country where most people DO NOT speak English. Going to a foreign country can be stressful enough...you might as well know who is picking you up at the airport.

2) Hire a personal tour guide. We found our guide, Daniel Cabral, top-rated {here} on Trip Advisor and I cannot say enough great things about him. Daniel made our trip a great success and I highly recommend him to anyone and everyone. He coordinated our above airport transfers and spent 1.5 days taking us around to all the sites of Rio. A must in order to get the most out of such a culturally diverse place!

3) Eat the local fare - food in Rio is phenomenal. They eat a lot of beef and cheese, so get ready for some cow y'all. Try out a local Churrascaria (Portuguese word for "BBQ") where they bring many fine cuts of meat to your table and slice off a portion for you; try a Caipirinha cocktail (or two) made with sugar cane liquor, lime, and sugar; and definitely don't miss the locals' favorite weekend dish, Feijoada - a delicious bacon and sausage black bean stew served over white rice, with oranges, sautéed kale, and Farofa (google it!) as sides.

4) Visit the Hippie Fair in Ipanema on Sunday afternoon. They have everything under the sun, and more! The art showing was quite impressive. Local artists gather around the interior section of the market surrounding the fountain (see photo above).

5. Take time to relax. Rio has so many cultural adventures to take part in, and so much site-seeing to be done. Don't forget to plan a few relaxing beach days into your trip itinerary.

6. Leave expensive jewelry and accessories at home. First off, locals don't wear flashy things because they're very laid back and dress casually. Second, pick-pocketing can happen if you make yourself a target. Don't stand out, and you'll feel safe. I can confidently say that we never once felt unsafe while in Rio.

7. Visit during an "off" season. Rio can get very crowded during its peak season, December-March. Rio is most crowded during Carnival, which typically takes places in February or March depending when Lent and Easter fall that year. Our trip in April provided the perfect daytime temperature range of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. No crowds, no lines, no stifling heat...paradise.

8. Take a few credit cards with you - carry one, and place the others in a safe. Anytime you travel overseas, you want a back up credit card or two in the case that yours is compromised. Also, always notify your credit card company of your travel dates, so they don't assume your foreign transactions are fraudulent charges.

If you made it with me through my entire post...God bless you! Hopefully we got your travel wheels a spinnin'.

I'll be looking for some good Brazilian recipes to share with you soon. Oh, and we bought some great art that I look forward to sharing with you soon!

Gallery Wall - Places We've Lived and Been

2013-04-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Gallery walls are on trend and everywhere! Some designers may say they're overused, but let's face it...how else do you neatly display a collection of art, pictures, photos, and prints? I personally love a gallery wall because it tells you a lot about a family or person. It can tell you who they are, what they love, where they've come from, and (in our case) where they've been.

My favorite gallery wall in our house is in our dining space. We've dubbed it the "places we've lived and been" wall because we like to collect prints, photographs, and art from all the locales we've been blessed to travel and all the states we've lived in.

Our gallery wall doesn't include every place we've traveled because we have art from some places in other parts of our home, but it does show a good representation of some of our favorite cities, states, and/or countries we've been to so far.

We've kept it simple with all black frames, which keeps it cohesive despite all the colors, shapes, and mediums. It's almost starting to resemble a heart, huh?

Do you have a gallery wall in your home? What have you chosen to feature?

National Geographic Magazines in Home Decor

2013-04-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

I can't help but love a tasteful spattering of stacked National Geographic magazines in home decor. You know, the bright golden yellow magazines (old or new) that you spot peeking out of design photos. They always jump out and catch my yellow-loving eye! They're often so precisely placed to cheer up the most beautiful of spaces.

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You can often find old National Geographic magazines at thrift stores, antique fairs, and sometimes in your parents or grandparents attics/basements. Or, simply start a new subscription to the magazine to enjoy a little nature every month (not to mention gorgeous photography) and then save a stack to brighten up a shelf or table-top in your home. Tempting, huh?

DIY Ribbon Trimmed Curtains

2013-04-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

A simple trick for dressing up plain curtain panels is to add some ribbon or trim along the edges. It gives the curtains a much more custom look and allows you to highlight an accent color in the room.

This is a relatively quick project, and only requires a few materials. No sewing machine required!!

Materials:

Curtain panels

Ribbon, trim, or edging of some sort (I used 1.5" grosgrain ribbon)

Heat N Bond iron-on adhesive (I used the 7/8" size)

Scissors

Iron

Instructions:

1. After measuring your required lengths to fit the edge of your curtain panel, lay Heat N Bond strip adhesive side down along ribbon or trim. (paper-backed side will face up for contact with iron)

2. Iron Heat N Bond strip to ribbon or trim (make sure to hold iron in place for several seconds along entire length so the Heat N Bond completely adheres to your ribbon), let cool, then peel paper backing from Heat N Bond strip.

3. Place ribbon with Heat N Bond side facing down on top of your curtain panel. Patiently press and hold iron down over each segment of your ribbon/trim. I held it down for about 10 seconds for each segment, moving along the entire length of the ribbon. Let cool before you pick up the curtain panel.

(Do this step twice, to make sure the Heat N Bond fully adheres. Grosgrain ribbon is very thick, so you may need to hold the iron down longer, but not too long because the ribbon could start to melt...)

4. Repeat as required. I took a couple runs down each side of both curtain panels just to make sure everything bonded properly. Here's how it should look when you're finished...

Voila! A quick project that can really put the finishing touch on a room.

The trimmed out panels look way better than plain beige curtain panels, right? I've really enjoyed the color the ribbon adds to the space. And, it adds the perfect amount of preppy-ness to the space.

Lilac is the New Black

2013-04-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, not really...but it really has become a super popular color in design. I tend not to be drawn to purple decor but lilac and lavender are two shades of purple I have definitely started to like a bit. (Don't worry, my daughter and mother-in-law make up for me in the "loving all purple" department!)

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I must say that the lilac and aqua, and the lilac and orange color combinations are gorgeous - such bold pairings that truly pay off! My favorite use of purple would be in the final photo above...a little gray, a little white, a little black, a fiddle leaf fig tree, a little lavender...how could you possibly go wrong?

What do you think of purple? Or lilac? Or lavender? Any takers?

Happy Craigslisting!

2013-04-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

For all those devoted Craigslist hunters out there, I just wanted to take a moment and encourage you to continue your craft! I'm with you on the never-ending quest for the most amazing stuff at the cheapest price.

Here is one of my most favorite Craigslist finds...

She was most recently featured in the post about our guest room design {here}.

I scored the gem of a find on Craigslist when we lived out in Portland, OR last year. It was a mere $5 and I'm seriously doubting I'll ever see another one quite like it...score of 10 for uniqueness factor! And, it throws a wicked cool shadow on the ceiling at night. Total bonus!

Light Fixture Backstory: I picked it up from an old OLD roadside motel that was doing renovations. True confessions...I bought 3 of them and have used one in a friend's dining room and have one stashed away in the (highly-likely) case that someone else happens to need a little magic for their ceiling.

Anyone else ever find something they love off Craigslist? Please share!

A Sneak Peek Into the Art Framing Process

2013-04-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Has anyone ever gone through the art framing process? It's a wild world that I hadn't ventured through until just recently.

A few weeks ago, I purchased the beautiful limited edition print of the below painting by artist Lisa Golightly (see below) from her Etsy store, Kiki and Polly.

Girl In the Yellow Suit, 16"x16" Limited Edition

When the print arrived in the mail, I opened it up like a giddy school girl. This was my first true art purchase, and I feel like an art addict already. It was more beautiful in person than I had imaged. And, the quality of the print - crazy good. Love it!!

I zoomed on over to my local A.C. Moore craft store because they were having a 60% off custom framing sale. Let me just say that it's a necessity to wait for one of these sales to come around, because the price of custom framing is astronomical! I nearly gawked when they told me the total (discounted!) price. (Thanks Mom & Dad for gifting my frame for my 30th birthday gift. You're the best!!)

Here is my print laid out with the fillet (small inner frame), matting, and frame moulding. I knew I wanted a large white matte and simple black frame, but it took me a while to decide which accent matte color I wanted to add to the mix. I tried light gray, darker gray, yellow, gold, and then a greenish gray. They all looked great, but brought out different highlights of the painting. I finally settled on the darker gray shown below because it added such depth and dimension to the print, and made the girl's yellow suit pop just so.

You may wonder...how did I settle on gray for the accent matte? Well, they had this super cool ceiling-mount camera and computer software that took a picture of the different matte color combinations, and then presented an almost true-to-life representation of what my final framed picture would look like. This totally allowed us to visualize the finished product!

How cool is that? Of course, my framed print will have much more depth and dimension. Knowing it will look even better than the above rendering makes me super excited to have it in a couple weeks. Did I mention it takes 4-6 weeks to get art framed?!? Another punch to the gut, but it's one I'm willing to take because it's going to look simply beautiful!

I'll share it with you as soon as it gets hung in our house. Can't wait!!

Removable (And Stylish) Backsplash Ideas

2013-04-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Being a gal who typically always lives in a rental house (rental sweet rental!) I'm always on the lookout for new backsplash ideas that can really transform a blah white wall into a stylish kitchen backsplash. I came across two temporary backsplash finishes that would give any permanently installed backsplash a run for it's money...and, they're affordable solutions for renters who don't want to make a major monetary commitment to their temp space.

1) Chasing Paper Temporary Wallpaper - Just like they say: "Peel It. Stick It. Love it." Easy as pie!

Tri-Angled in Coral

Squares Squared in Green/White

Vintage Flower in Red

2) Smart Tiles - These uber cool gel tile sheets go on with self-adhesive and are easily removed (peeled off) after being heated by a blow dryer! They look and feel just like tile. I so want to try these out!!

Java Mosaik

Lagoon Mosaik

Infinity Blanco Mosaik

If only I had thought to come up with some of this technology!! People have the greatest ideas, and it's so cool how the internet allows us to discover them without venturing even one step out the door.

If you're interested in some other non-permanent backsplash solutions, there are several other creative and inexpensive backsplash ideas on a previous Inspired Whims post {here}.

Proud Mary Textiles - Fair Wages, Fine Wares

2013-04-10T10:40:00.002-07:00

Ever heard of...

I came across this socially conscious company on A Beautiful Mess blog a few weeks ago and immediately fell in love with their wares and business philosophy. They work with textile artisans all over the world, ensuring fair wages and lasting business relationships.

Thought I'd share just a few of my favorite Proud Mary items with you...

Zig Zag Noir Pencil Case ($22)

Gray Dot Tote ($75)

Sorbet Striped Pillow ($48)

Diamante Clutch/Cosmetic Bag ($36)

Yellow Crochet Pillow ($72)

Gradient Blue Striped Tote Bag ($96)

Sorbet Striped Rug, 3'x5' ($126)

Mojave Fabric by the Yard ($18/yd)

Such lovely stuff, huh? I love the textures and global inspiration showcased in all their products. Don't forget to keep your eye on the Proud Mary website for new products and sales. Which of the above items is your favorite?? It's hard to pick just one...

Guest Bedroom Update

2013-04-08T11:01:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! Thought I'd share a little update with you on the progress of our guest bedroom design. It's not finished, but it's come a very long way from where it started.

Here is the BEFORE...

(beautiful, eh?)

And, now a (we're getting there) AFTER...

Here are a few more detail shots to tickle your fancy:

It's come a long way, if you ask me! Do you like where we're headed??

As far as future additions go, I'd like to add a black and white cowhide rug on the floor at the foot of the bed and craft some sort of upholstered headboard. What do you think of it? I'd love your feedback!

Lovely In Lavender - A Bedroom Suite

2013-04-05T11:34:00.004-07:00

This post was inspired by my sweet mother-in-law who ADORES purple and told me she wanted to decorate her new bedroom in lavender. (This one's for you Leslie!) I put together the below inspiration board which turned out to be ultra springy, fresh, and fun.

** paint color - Misty Lilac 2071-70 (Benjamin Moore)**
1. Enamel Art Frame ($24) - Anthropologie // 2. Threshold Arched Windowpane Mirror ($60) - Target // 3. Set of 3 8"x12" Prints ($31) - Etsy // 4. Threshold Paisley Window Panels ($25 each) - Target // 5. Pretty Pansy Vase ($18) - Anthropologie // 6. Amy Gourd Glass Silver Table Lamps ($175 for set of 2) - Overstock // 7. Silver-plated Bamboo Alarm Clock ($49) - Pottery Barn // 8. Isala Side Table in "blue" ($179) - Ikea // 9. Leopard Print Sham Set ($34 for pair) - Urban Outfitters // 10. Baked Apple Cotton Velvet Throw Pillow, 18"x18" ($10 each) - World Market // 11. Orangerie Rose Pillow ($159) - Society Social // 12. CMYKaren Love 4 Throw Pillow, 18"x18" ($45) - DENY // 13. Purple Ceramic Knob ($3.50 each) - Hobby Lobby // 14. Fieldcrest Luxury Matelasse Coverlet ($100) - Target // 15. Xavier Pauchard Tolix Peppermint Green Powder Coated Side Chair ($100) - Cult Furniture // 16. Herringbone Dhurrie Rug, in Grape/Cream ($329 for 5'x8') - Shades of Light

The secret to successfully executing a bedroom in a bold shade like purple, is to mix varying shades of the color. A combination of lavender, grape, pink, and royal purple help create a soothing retreat that isn't over-the-top purple. Pops of color like the coral pillows and yellow curtains complement the color scheme and help carry your eye around the space.

Isn't the multi-dimensional color beautiful? I sorta want to move into this room myself!

A Color Study: Blue & White

2013-04-03T11:44:00.001-07:00

There's something simple yet majestic about the color combination of blue and white. It's a classic pairing that never goes out of style, typically leaning toward traditional but in a fresh way. Check out some of my favorite blue and white finds below!

An intricate gate in Santorini, Greece:

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A dreamy dining space (look at that blue velvet chair!):

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A classically contemporary bedroom that would appeal to gents and ladies alike:

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A FREE vintage art poster that would perk up any room...I think it would be just perfect in a boy's room:

Earthenware Dipped Blue Vases from West Elm would add the perfect dose of blue and white to a room:

This itty-bitty room has everything you'd possibly need in a bedroom suite. Sign me up to live in this "closet":

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This Pier 1 Cobalt Glass Lamp is beautifully refined in all the right ways with such lovely lines:

Blue and white floral fabric is such a pretty focal point...add a pop of magenta, and you've got it made:

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I've had my eye on this Trellis Blue Rhonda Rug from Wayfair for a while now...still dreaming it's mine:

My favorite feature in this blue and white living space - the suspended drum shades. My least favorite feature - white couches begging to be spilled upon...but I do believe those are slip covers:

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Do I have any fellow blue and white lovers in the house? Which of these rooms (or decorating items) is your favorite? If I had to pick just one, I'd say I'd take the trip to Santorini, Greece to see the blue gate pictured at top.

Ham, Gruyere, and Apricot Preserve Grilled Sandwich

2013-04-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

The name is a mouth-full and the flavor is a mouth-full, but golly gee it's soooo good! I found this recipe in the April 2013 Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and knew it would be the perfect recommendation to help you all get rid of some of the ham leftovers from Easter dinner.

Ingredients:
(you'll use as much of each as you like)
Sliced Ham
Gruyere Cheese, thinly sliced
Apricot Preserves
Bread
Butter
Eggs + dash of Milk, whipped together with a fork in a bowl

Directions:
1. Lay out 3 slices of bread for each sandwich. Spread apricot preserves over one side of each slice of bread.

2. Place a layer of ham over 2 slices of the above bread, then layer gruyere cheese on top of the ham, then add another thin layer of ham (if you're using thin deli sliced ham).

3. Stack the sandwich with the lone only-apricot preserve bread in the middle.

4. Melt some butter on a hot griddle. Dip both sides of sandwich in egg and milk mixture.

5. Place sandwich on hot griddle and press down. Cook over Med-High heat for several minutes on both sides, ensuring the sandwich browns beautifully and the cheese melts into ooey-gooey goodness.

Serve fresh off the griddle for best results and lots of smiles!

This sandwich will make you never want to eat plain grilled cheese ever, EVER again. Sorry about that...but you'll thank me. ;0)

3 Non-Dye Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

2013-03-29T12:30:00.002-07:00

Happy Easter to you and your families!

In preparation for Easter festivities this weekend, I thought I'd share 3 of my favorite egg decorating ideas from Pinterest. And, they all just happen to be non-dye ideas. (Rage against the traditional machine!)

1. Metallic Eggs - Grab some metallic spray paint or craft paint and paint away. Super easy and way chic! Heck, I think you could even use Rub 'N Buff for this project...

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2. Washi Tape Eggs - Ever hear of washi tape? It's a decorative paper tape with a sticky backing. Washi tape can be found at craft stores and there are so many adorable patterns to choose from. This would be the most mess-free egg decorating session ever.

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3. Nail Polish Marbled Eggs - More messy but way cool! Have a little extra nail polish laying around? If so, you've got to try this egg decorating idea. The full instructions can be found on the Henry Happened blog {here}.

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Hope your weekends are filled with joy, thanksgiving, and reflection on the true reason for this holiday. He is Risen...He is Risen Indeed!

The Most Perfectly Quaint Kitchen

2013-03-27T11:43:00.002-07:00

Let me take you on a little trip to Barcelona, Spain so we can visit the most quaint and beautifully brooding kitchen I've ever seen...

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See how it's set inside a room, like it's almost an afterthought. Yet, it's open to the dining nook and hallway via the most gorgeous display of window casings, maximizing the natural light as much as possible. Look, it even has a little pass-through if you open up the window into the dining space...

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I would totally take the "smallness" of this kitchen if I could get my hands on the most perfect butler pantry (from a different house, of course) shown below...

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I think it would be so cool to have a dark and sultry kitchen juxtaposed with a bright and airy pantry like this! Who wouldn't want to stash food in this space?!? It would make even the dogdiest box of cereal look sublimely elegant.

Oh, and if it were up to me, I'd add the below light fixtures to the space just to jazz it up a bit with some metallic bling.

This Schoolhouse Electric pendant for over the kitchen sink...

This Shades of Light flush-mount fixture on the kitchen ceiling and in the butler's pantry (for good measure)...

And, last but not least, it's between this gem from Amazon...

Or, this equally as lovely (and much more affordable) fixture from Shades of Light for over the dining table...

How could I ever decide???

It's nice to dream sometimes, right? Could you work in a kitchen like this? Make it work, perhaps? Do tell!

Spring Decorating Ideas to Perk Up Your Space

2013-03-25T11:23:00.001-07:00

Spring is high near! At least that's what I'm telling myself as I gaze out the window at a snowy landscape. Easter is this weekend, so surely warm weather is ahead! Right?!?

In preparation for spring, invigorate your interior by adding something new and fun to the space. Here are nine very affordable and eye-catching ideas that will surely spruce up your home for Spring:

1. Change a light fixture. Sick of builder basic flush-mount fixtures? Replace one with a fun ceiling fixture like the dandelion-inspired pendant below (Maskros Pendant Lamp from Ikea). It looks like a million bucks, but only costs $90.

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2. Update your bathroom mirrors. Replace your basic sheet-glass mirror with an accent mirror. If you have a double vanity and feel bold, try two different mirrors for an extra dash of pizzaz.

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3. Add colorful throw pillows to your sofa. This is the simplest way to completely transform the look of your room without making a major commitment. And, this time of year is perfect for taking a risk with a new bright color. As you can see below, none of the pillows "match" but they look great together. Just coordinate the colors with a few other accents in the space.

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4. Frame a tea towel. A fantastic and affordable way to add a colorful art feature to your wall! You can find a beautiful tea towel on Etsy - just search under keyword "tea towel" - and then frame it in a poster size frame. The below towel is by Lisa Rupp Designs and only costs $20.

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5. Paint the ceiling. You can go bold and pick a bright color like yellow (see below). Or, you can go more subtle and pick a softer shade. This is a fantastic way to draw the eye up and make your ceilings seem to soar. And, since it's only a single wall, your paint expense is very small.

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6. Add a little fringe. Find some pom-pom fringe or tassel fringe at your local craft store and sew it to the edges of curtain panels for an easy room update. A no sew option, line the edges of curtains with ribbon backed with iron-on adhesive.

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7. Plant a tree...indoors. Try a fiddle leaf fig or rubber tree - they're both great options for those without the greenest of thumbs (like myself!).

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8. Spray paint an old piece of furniture. Grab an old side table, chest of drawers, or coffee table (check on Craigslist if you don't have one hanging around), prime it with spray primer, and then finish with a coat of colorful spray paint. If you every want to change the color, just spray paint it again!

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9. Wallpaper an accent wall or small space. Try this decorating staple in a small entry way, powder bath, or even a closet. Also works wonders as an accent wall in a bedroom. Or, for a project with less commitment, try wallpapering the back of a shelf for a smaller pop of color.

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Which of these spring decorating ideas peak your interest? I love them all...it's so hard for me to pick because I've either already done them, or plan to eventually do them all in our house.

Art That Speaks to You

2013-03-22T11:02:00.001-07:00

Ever come across a piece of artwork that seems to speak to you? No...I'm not saying it literally "speaks to you"...but it stirs something inside of you. It means something to you. It transports you to another time or place. That's what the below painting did for me.

Girl in the Yellow Suit, by Lisa Golightly (via)

Art is very personal, very taste-specific, so I'm guessing not everyone loves it as much as I do. And, that's totally OK with me, because I know I love it. You see, this little girl reminds me so much of myself as a child. The same hair (cut and color), the same build, the same love for the beach, the love for all things yellow (I think I had or should have had that suit at some point)! I think it's me but in a painting. Sounds crazy, but I think that's why I love it so much! And, the fact that I now have my own little girl who adores swimming also makes it more special to me.

You can check out more awe-inspiring art by Lisa Golightly on her Etsy shop {here}. True confessions...I bought the above print for myself as an early birthday gift!

Has a piece of artwork ever stopped you in your tracks? Why did you love it so?

Bacon & Egg Spaghetti

2013-03-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Quirky combo, huh? I never would have thought to combine bacon and eggs with spaghetti, and then serve it as supper. But, truth be told, it's a really delicious and very affordable dinner that your entire family will enjoy!

(The original recipe came from the March 2013 Better Homes & Gardens magazine, but I tweeked it a bit...)

Ingredients:
2 slices whole grain bread, cut into small cubes
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
8 oz dried spaghetti
6 slices peppered bacon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
4 eggs
1 cup fresh spinach
Extra grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Toss cubed bread, 1 1/2 tsp olive oil, and 1 Tbsp Parmesan in large ziplock bag...then shake until bread is evenly coated. Spread bread cubes on a large foil-lined baking sheet covered with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

2. In large pot, cook spaghetti according to box directions. Drain, set aside. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water.

3. Meanwhile, in large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp; drain well on paper towels. Tear bacon into small bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Keep skillet warm, reserving bacon drippings in the skillet.

4. In the same large pot used to cook pasta, cook minced garlic in remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add salt and crushed red pepper. Add cooked pasta, fresh spinach, and remaining Parmesan. Add enough reserved pasta water to desired consistency; toss to coat. Cover to keep warm.

5. Heat the large skillet with reserved bacon drippings to medium heat. Break eggs into skillet. Reduce heat to low; cook eggs approximately 3-4 minutes, or until desired doneness.

6. Divide spaghetti among 4 plates. Top with bacon and toasted bread cubes. Serve with eggs. Provide extra Parmesan cheese for garnish. (Makes 4 servings.)

This recipe will make you feel like a gourmet chef. The meal is really pretty once it's plated and the unique-factor on a scale of 1 to 10, is a 10+. Expect raised eyebrows and lots of "Wow!"s!