I had such a fun day shooting the Rue Shops DC feature and wanted to share a few extra shots from our day. Katie has a great eye and the stores are filled with such great design and visual ideas. I really love the textures and materials in that we spotted in the stores from wood to glass to ceramic to resin to metallics, etc. I was inspired to really pair down my own small space and enjoy the *core* of decor and furniture. Sometimes I feel the need to share more of my accents than really is needed. In other words, I need to really edit more. (one of the best small space tips that I need to follow) What do you think about editing your space to showcase the real beauty of your items?

Did you miss the Rue feature? Click here to check out the current digital issue dedicated to small spaces.

:: images by Katie Stoops ::

Hard to believe it’s been almost 6 months that I’ve been living in the DC area, my hometown. I moved here last summer, got married to my longtime love, have been enjoying real seasons, reconnecting with old friends and meeting amazing new ones. Of course I have also been exploring the neighborhoods and style of our nation’s capital.

When my friends at rue magazine asked me to share some of DC’s best shops for their January 2012 issue, I couldn’t have been more excited. I had already scouted the city’s design and fashion boutiques and was loving what I was seeing. Having been spoiled by the wonderful shops and design available in the cities I had lived in over the last fifteen years (LA, SF and NYC) I wasn’t sure what to expect out of DC, a town known more for political point of views than fashion and design statements. What I found were very passionate shop curators and owners and incredible style in both form and function. I also discovered (and am still discovering) a brewing creative community that is ready to shine in the (way overdue) lifestyle limelight.

I hope you enjoy the feature. I had a fantastic day downtown with amazing photographer, Katie Stoops, and sweet Holly E. Thomas (of Butler + Claypool). Read the feature right here and definitely check out these shops (in life or online.)

And click here to read the entire rue issue dedicated to small spaces // oh la la

:: up in the air somewhere ::

:: jill rosenwald ::

:: paulova ceramics ::

I’ve been completely inspired by painted ceramics lately. There’s something special about the colors, shine and artistry of the medium. During the holiday, I spent an afternoon at a ceramic shop painting away. I enjoyed the experience of picking colors, painting my chevron style free hand and love my finished soup spoon. (We actually needed one so now it has a bit more meaning that I painted it myself) Although I had a blast, I will leave the art of ceramics to the truly talented. I wanted to share some of my favorite designers with you because their work is gorgeous and perfect for your small space or to gift to a friend.

up in the air somewhere // such amazing pieces, in particular the gilded decor. I still am loving gold as an addition to decor (I was in InStyle a few months ago sharing these gilded lamps as my fave cozy decor) There’s a real simplicity in her work – I. want. it. all.

jill rosenwald // I love a good chevron pattern and jill’s work includes not just my fave pattern but other popular designs like dots and greek key. Her bold colors and two-tone pieces are impactful and completely fun. I love the lamps!

paulova ceramics // the salt and pepper wells had me at *hello* and I pretty much am in love with all of Paulova’s work. I love how she paints the inside of her pieces and the addition of type. Just lovely.

Do you have ceramic pieces in you home? If so, what do you love about them?

Although I am enjoying living on the east coast now, I do miss my west coast style, especially the ocean views.  Nothing a plane ride to take care of that but in the meantime, I found a few awesome sites and blogs that curb my ocean wanderlust. One of my new faves is Unique Home Stays. Aside from the amazing destination and vacation ideas in and throughout the UK, I love the homes and decor that the team curates for guests. Above is one of my faves, a tiny cottage full of style on the beach  – I definitely can see myself lounging on the deck. I am thinking a European adventure could be in my future.

I hope you all are enjoying the holiday season! I recently started a new job and am finally able to start blogging again. This lil blog is such a creative outlet for me .  As I often say, “If I can’t buy it, I blog it” and for almost four years I have been sharing my favorite things, small space DIYs, great interviews with tastemakers, design inspirations and more. I recently started using another awesome platform to share my fave things – instagram.  I love this app and the social sharing aspect too. I mainly love it because it’s a unique way to reinterpret my daily life (like the card my new husband gave me today that simply says “Wife” on the envelope to the LV book I recently purchased to the blue bridge that we drove over to get to our wedding venue to my new polka dot sweater to my friend’s large gold wishbone to a Saturday walk this fall with the changing leaves) I look at some of these photos and not only see these (pretty to me) things but color palettes, design ideas and inspirations for my small space. I encourage you to take photos all the time – of anything and everything that inspires you, makes you smile, makes you *feel*.

Would love to see you over at Instagram – find me at lovinglivingsmall. FUN!

I have another fantastic interview for you guys today in the a small chat series. If you are looking for a dose of inspiration, you will definitely find it here – meet artist Dallas Shaw. I love everything about Dallas – her style, work, design statements. Dallas’s artwork is “diverse in medium and runs the gamut from modern, acrylic custom canvases to trend-setting fashion illustrations all inspired by the fashion industry.” Simply put – it’s gorgeous and impactful. She also has a beautifully curated design blog where she chronicles her fave things. Enjoy Dallas’s thoughts on her home style, using color, infusing personal style in the home and more.

You have such an eye for color – your art is stunning and is full of interesting color palettes. Can you share some tips on creating a color palette that complements each other?
Thank you. If you are not  a designer and want to add color to a space I would recommend referring to the color wheel, or using lots of online photos for inspiration. I personally like to use whatever colors feel best together so I just follow my instinct when it come to color.

You chronicle your favorite things on your blog (which I absolutely love) and I can really feel that you love to create a space that is yours. The best “making a house a home”. What are some of your favorite things in your home and how you have infused them into your design style?
I really love the items my husband and I have collected while traveling. When you walk through our home it looks like a regular, home- but what people don’t realize is that every piece has been collected- and that will continue.

You talk about your loving of *mix-it-up* styles in your home. (I love it too!) Is there any process to this or do you create what you love? 
There is no process for me. I just do exactly what I love when it comes to the artwork and to the decorating. if I am out shopping and I love a piece I buy it- if you really love something you’ll find a spot for it.

Many (small space) dwellers can feel overwhelmed with adding style into a space that needs to work efficiently as well. Since you are designing a new home office, can you share how you are making a space that works for you and makes you feel good too?
Well, I very strongly believe that a space that serves no function is just a space and you’ll never use it. Make sure every piece you add to a space has a purpose. In my office mercury jars serve as pencil jars, a studded console serves as a printing area etc…

Thanks, Dallas!

Click here to enjoy Dallas Shaw’s gallery, her fab design blog, Dilly Dallas, and follow her on twitter right here.

And, enjoy more a small chat interviews right here >>

*Jeni Maus of Found Vintage

*Jeanine Hayes of AphroChic

*Julia Walsh of CasaSugar

:: all images via Dallas Shaw ::

If you are like me, discovering something *new-to-you* can be an awe-inducing experience. That is what happened to me last week when I popped into new gift shop – Dalton Pratt – located in Georgetown. This shop, itself, is full of curated lifestyle goodies from gorgeous jewelry, handbags and candles to home style decor like lamps, throws, pillows, art, you name it. I loved everything in the 2-story townhouse shop and what got me most – the pieces by ceramicist Waylande Gregory.

Stunning. Gorgeous. Fabulous. Perfect.

To name a few thoughts I had.

I was blown away by the color combinations and graphic style of the patterns and shapes on the pieces. I also love the gilded tone, just enough to add a reflective detail that also exudes elegance and refinement. A little hefty on the wallet, picking up one of these pieces is worth as it will sure to be staple in your design space for a lifetime.

To check out more of the loveliness that is Waylande Gregory, click here to read his story as well as some iconic quotes throughout the years (Hi, 1941) by leading publications about the artist.

Want some more DESIGN INSPIRATION // Click here to enjoy many more posts about inspiring ideas and style for your best {small space} self.

:: top 3 images snapped by loving. living. small. at Dalton Pratt and bottom 3 image via Waylande Gregory ::

My oh my how times flies. It’s hard to believe that Christmas trees and ornaments are adorning city streets and shops already. But it’s arriving so I thought I’d get ready (hint, hint) with 17 delicious and fab home decor and style items for any design lover. I pointed out a few of my absolute faves (hi, Echo touch gloves, Lytro camera and the Tom Dixon Beat light I highlighted in the current InStyle mag) as well as picked an awesome range of home life and every day life experiences. Do you have any of these goodies on your wishlist?

1. Trader Joe’s Sea Salt Chocolate Bar  2. Canister Knit Cozy 3. Lytro Camera 4. Marble cheese round 5. Tom Dixon Beat light 6. Silhouette art 7. Kate Spade Charm Heels 8. Lladro Altelier Metropolis Porcelain 9. Echo Touch gloves 10. Baked and Wired Vanilla cupcakes 11. Chanel nail polish 12. Jennifer Zeuner Wishbone necklace 13. Le Creuset cast iron mini cocette 14. Optical console 15. Anchor mirror 16. Chris Barrett textiles 17. Jill Rosenwald bowl

Enjoy more DIGITAL SNAPSHOTS right here >>

No. 4 / Fall Wedding Inspiration

No. 3 / 16 Items from my Summer Adventure to Europe

No. 2 / 15 Things I am Currently Loving

No. 1 / Mid-Summer Inspiration

I am thrilled to share a peek inside {friend} and fashion designer, Geren Ford’s, brand new space – The Annex. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, The Annex is the new headquarters for Geren Ford and is “the only space where the public can experience and shop the entire collection merchandised as intended by Lockhart alongside curated product from like-minded purveyors, creatives, and resources around the globe.” – yes! I love how the space is used – really creating a harmony of style and soul. Let’s check out a few small space ideas right inside this pretty space.

Glass shelves – floating glass lets your eye keep moving and the space appears bigger

Balance – the clothes racks and armoire provide an anchor and balance in the space

Considered collections – Geren’s love of travel is infused throughout the space through collections. Best small space tip – display by color or height.

Neutral palette – this color style not only works for presenting the Geren Ford clothes and accessories but the space itself really opens up. The cement floor provides texture and the white walls and ceiling allow for seamless movement throughout.