Suite 7 Creative

Wise Words

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:51:00 +0000

It's time for a makeover!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:05:00 +0000

I've been away from this little blog for a while now and before I get started again, Suite 7 Creative the blog is in need of a makeover! So, excuse my dust for the time being and check back soon for new posts!

The Yard: After...well kind of!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:06:00 +0000

So in the delay from my last post, we had a rain storm and then a week of sun. I'm not complaining, but our lawn is totally dead! So, although the yard looks a thousand times better, it isn't necessarily a green oasis!

The biggest improvement? Our new patio and raised beds! We've gone from this

to this!

And this...

to this!

I love the patio so much...it is such a great place to sit and have dinner or drinks with friends. We re-used the pavers from the old path, so it was really inexpensive! To add a little texture and life, we made a rock and succulent garden under the ridge of the house

We've continued the rock motif on the other side of the patio too. We have some more succulents to plant here too...it acts as a great barrier keeping the gravel from the path from spilling onto the patio.

Of course, we still need an umbrella, seat cushions and some bright accessories, but on our budget, it is a HUGE improvement.

The rest of the yard is a little dry, but we've created a great blank slate with cut beds and an enhanced moss filled front path

We have a bit more to save and then its off to the nursery to fill the yard up with some green!

Yard Make Over {Part One}

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:18:00 +0000

We have been enjoying fantastic weather here in Seattle...28 straight days of sun! Fantastic! With all this great weather, Stein and I have really been working hard on our outdoor space. When we moved in, in October, this is what we started with...

There was a rickety picket fence around one side of the house...

and a pre-fab tall fence on the front side of the house...

We live on a bit of a busy street and to maximize the sale price, the seller tried to re-route the entrance of the house to the side of the house vs. the front. It really doesn't make any sense, so we quickly went to work, removed the old fence and built a nice new (consistently styled) fence all the way around the property.

We moved the gate to the front of the house and got to work putting in a new front walk...

We pulled up the red pavers from the previous path and as a budget saver plan on reusing the bricks for a new patio.

Then we got to work with a sod cutter, clearing out beds along the fence and leveling an area for the patio...

We've made so much more progress since then, it is amazing to look at these original photos. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post to see where we are now!

Cuter by the Minute!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:49:00 +0000

Zoe, or "Little Z" as we like to call her, has been growing and growing and is getting cuter by the minute. When we brought her home, she was so little...

She loved running around the yard and especially eating grass (well, really anything in site...leaves, weeds, moss...you name it!)

Slowly, her ears started popping up. I loved it when she had one up and one down...

She is such a good dog and we absolutely love her. I have to admit, she is about the cutest thing I've ever seen. I'm not the only one who thinks so...she stops traffic wherever she goes! :)

I can't believe how big she is getting...pretty soon we'll have to change her name from Little Z to Big Z!

Gotta love Corgis!

Fancy Vodka...To Go!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:07:00 +0000

You know I am an addict of well designed packaging. Because of this, I visit the site Lovely Package often and ooh and aahhh over the selected projects. This one really popped out at me today...

How fantastic is that? Kraftstoff Vodka by The Deli Garage has some of the best packaging I've seen in a long time. A built in flask? I mean really, how can you go wrong?! It comes in three unique flavors...

There is Melon Mint

Ginger Coriander...mmmm

and Espresso.

I just love the illustrations...detailed and cheeky. How great are those flavors...I think I need to hop on a plane to Germany to check these guys out!

Stylish Compost Pail?

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:03:00 +0000

Seattle has finally started collecting food scraps for compost. It is a great service, but leaves us with the stinky problem of what to do with our food scraps. It isn't always convenient to run outside to the yard waste bin, every time you cut an apple. So, I've been hunting for the perfect counter top compost "pail". Here is what I've found...

I love this bamboo option from Olive Barn. With convenient features like a liner that can go in the dishwasher and a charcoal filter to keep the stinkys away, it is a great option!

This stainless steel pail is a classic from Crate & Barrel. The entire pail goes in the dishwasher here...love that!

There is the hammered copper option from Gardener's Supply Company for the country kitchen.

Or a brightly colored ceramic option...

My favorites however are these beautifully hand made ceramic options from Rabbit Creek Studio...

Looking much more like sculpture than a bucket on your counter, these lovely pieces are complete with holes in the lid for air flow and an area to insert a charcoal filter...perfect!

The Office of Suite 7 Creative

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:05:00 +0000

Thank you to coco+kelley for a fantastic week of interior design inspiration for offices in homes and small businesses! Suite 7 Creative was featured in a lovely post on Tuesday of the week long "style (e)scapes" series.

It is so fun to share my space and to let people know you can still have great design in your life, even if you don't have a huge budget! Here is a peek into my work space which is located right off my living room...

Thank you for the feature coco+kelley! For more details, check out the original post!

All that Glimmers

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:26:00 +0000

I love gold...I always have. Ever since high school when everyone was wearing chunky silver jewelry, I was still sporting dainty gold pieces. That is why I am in LOVE with the new "Hold" line from Prismera.

Featuring the ever perfect theme of glamourized organic elements, all of the pieces are absolutely stunning! My favorite? This gorgeous "Cherish Bangle".

SO BEAUTIFUL!! I love how they look stacked.

I'll take a few please....okay?

Welcome Home Zoe!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 03:29:00 +0000

Introducing our new addition...

ZOE! She is a lot of work, but is about the cutest thing I've ever seen! We picked her up on Saturday and it has been fun ever since...

She loves to hide under the couch...look at her cute little feet!

And the best is when she is on her back...you can see her little corgi ears pop up! I can't wait until they stay.

I love this little girl. She is going to keep me busy for awhile!

Time for Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:24:00 +0000

Even though is is raining in Seattle and snowing in New York, today is the First Day of Spring! I like to believe this is what is happening outside my door as I sit here working...

Just keep thinking, "time for Spring!", "time for Spring!". Maybe we can beat Old Man Winter. Happy Spring all!

Chic Kiddos

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:24:00 +0000

I've just posted my first two custom stationery options to the Suite 7 Creative Shop. I've decided to launch my new stationery line with two children's options...

I am so sick of the overdone cutesy designs that are typical of children's stationery. Kiddos need to be chic too, don't you think? Check out the shop and order a set for your little ones! They'll be the coolest babies on the block...I promise!

Revive Your Style

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:08:00 +0000

One of my favorite local shops, Revival Home & Garden recently launched their new website and I have to say it is just fabulous!

Leah, the owner, has such an amazing eye with a mix of vintage and modern pieces...I always pop into the shop for inspiration and now I can peruse the loveliness from my comfy couch! And the best part? You can purchase from their online shop. Here is what I'm currently eyeing...

These reversible pillows would look great layered on my sofa

I would love to hang this amazing red lantern over my mirrored side table in my living room. Ahhh, dreaming is fun!

I wish I had room for this stunning black velvet settee.

Pop in these beautiful pierced jars, and voila! I'm done...

Except, maybe, for this little bobble... gorgeous! But enough with my dreams...
You must check them out and let me know what your favorite pieces are. And if the website isn't enough, they have a fantastic blog too!

New Shop Items!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:40:00 +0000

I just posted some fun new items to the Suite 7 Creative shop. I have note cards for every occasion...

Even St. Patrick's Day...

Get em while they're hot!

Stay tuned, because custom stationery is coming soon. You can visit the etsy shop any time or if you're in Seattle, head over to Muse Coffee Co. and pick up your own slice of Suite 7 today!

The Perfect Partnership

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:12:00 +0000

My sweetie just forwarded me this video and I had to share. It is absolutely genius...check it out!

Doesn't the driving beat of Radiohead's "15 Step" and Dave Brubeck’s "Take Five" blend seamlessly?! Now that is creativity!

I'm off to Quebec City for a week for a fantastic birthday celebration. I'll be away from the blog (not that I've been blogging worth a darn recently anyway!) but will be back the week of 3/9 with pictures from my trip, new inventory for the shop and lots of other fun finds. Enjoy your week!

Target Hits a Bulls Eye Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:02:00 +0000

OK, I know I'm talking about Target a lot lately (they should be paying me!) but with this economy...I'm looking for inexpensive decor all the time. My friend sent me a link to these fantastic chairs today...

Target joined the ikat train!

I swear that is Thomas Paul fabric. Check it out...

Looks familiar, huh?

And this little floral number is just lovely. Aren't they doing a great job? And all these chairs are $299! I mean really...that is a bargain! Ahh, it just makes me love them all the more!

Happy Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:01:00 +0000

Have a fantastic Valentine's Day weekend.

I just love this flower arrangement from one of my favorite Seattle florists...Maxine's. They make these gorgeous "basket" arrangements that are so whimsical and lovely...

So, if you need a last minute Valentine's Day gift, swing on by and pick one up. They are so unique and fantastic...they are sure to please! Have a wonderful weekend full of love...

More Fantastic Packaging

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Now this packaging is clever! CCC Brands, a specialty food manufacturer in Chicago created a line of specialty spices that they wanted to share with the masses. They came up with the great idea of branding them around a '20s '30s era Chicago gangster theme and hired MondoVox to make the design come to fruition. Well, look what they came up with!

Called "The Spice Outfit" this fantastic line feature clear windows that display the sumptuous spices inside with each holding their own individual gangster identity.

Taking gourmet seasonings and giving them a kitschy, gift like theme is so smart. I guarantee consumers are willing to pay a little more for the specialty tin...what a great gift idea! Excellent job, if I do say so myself!

Images via Lovely Package and The Spice Outfit

Welcome to the Neighborhood Dubs!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:24:00 +0000

Stein and I bought our first house in Ravenna in October and we just love it. Being in a neighborhood so close to the University of Washington is great. There are tons of wonderful little restaurants around, we are close to shopping and UW athletics are just a hop skip and a jump away! Because of this, I had to feature the University's newest member today. Welcome to the neighborhood Dubs...you are about the cutest mascot around!

Peek a Boo!

You're already a local celebrity!

Come on over any time...our door is always open! Goooooo Huskies!

images via Alan Berner & The Seattle Times

Bellissimo!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:52:00 +0000

I was blessed to take a trip to Florence a year and a half ago and absolutely fell in love with the city. The spectacular architecture, amazing art, warm people, exquisite food and superior shopping makes it one of my favorite places in the world. While there, I took a sneak peek into a new group of luxury vacation residences that are so unique and beautiful, they took my breath away...

Palazzo Tornabuoni is a residence club run by the Four Seasons in the heart of Florence. It is housed in a 15th century palace which was once the home to Pope Leo XI and the Medici family. It is a membership only club featuring spectacular amenities and the most lovely accommodations I've seen.

It is so dreamy and GORGEOUS! Look at this living room...perfection.

The high ceilings, the moldings, the dark wood floors. White and luxurious and pops of pink. I don't think I could imagine anything better. But then you go to the bedroom...

I would love to lie down in that cushy bed after a long day of site seeing...and then spend some time here...

Are you kidding me? A chrome bathtub? And that amazing mosaic floor. I think it is heaven.

The beauty doesn't stop here. They've really restored these places so perfectly. Luxurious linens, amazing decor, opulent bathrooms AND modern kitchens...

It is really unbelievable. I wish I was there right now...ah, in my dreams! Check out more pictures at their wonderful website and if you're a true high roller, join the club! And then take me with you. ;)

Announcing...the Suite 7 Creative SHOP!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:19:00 +0000

At long last, I finally have my etsy shop up and running! I've stocked 6 unique Valentine's Day designs and will be adding more pieces soon. Expect to see monogrammed stationery, sweet note cards, custom invitations and unique paper goods for every occasion.

Until then, here is a preview of our current stock. Visit the shop any time, or if you're in Seattle our products are available at the ever chic Muse Coffee Company as well. Enjoy and happy shopping!

I {heart} Beautiful Packaging

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:18:00 +0000

I love packaging. I really do. When studying design in school, packaging was what made my heart soar. I knew, when I graduated, I would dive into the world of professional packaging design head first. Well, life took over and I never quite fulfilled my dream. In fact, through the days of wonderful design in other arenas, I kind of forgot about packaging design all together. I always appreciated it, but forgot how much I LOVE it.

I've decided in an effort to reconnect with what I love, I should highlight some of the best packaging I've seen in a long time....drum roll please, take a look at Love Joy Vodka...

Ahhh, the proportion of the bottles, the modern patterns, the perfect typography. I adore the concept of having different labels for the same product allowing consumers to choose which design fits their mood and decor.

Clean, award worthy design. It is perfect. Designer Jared Milam deserves huge props! I am officially inspired...

images via Lovely Package

Go Go Target!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:59:00 +0000

I've been plugging along working on my house. Choosing home decor items that bring it warmth and style, but lets face it, with this economy it is more important to stay on budget! I was perusing my local Target store this weekend and I have to say I was more than impressed with their Home Design Event.

Granted, we're not talking showroom quality here, but the design of these pieces are right up there! And the cost...are you kidding? The whole collection is currently 30% off! Check out my favorites...

The Ceana Chair is about as perfect as it can get. It comes in a lovely shade of grey canvas and is only $299 or $419 for the pair! A steal...

I love this Branch Side Table. It has a fabulous organic shape, is made of real wood and covered in a black lacquer which is oh so chic! At $62.99 you can't go wrong!

This Woven Floral Rug is so lovely and is only $83.99 for a 5'x7'...it would look very pretty in our bedroom.

I've admired these Root Wooden Bowls for a long time and at $34.99, they are half the price of those I've seen in boutiques!

I could seriously go on and on. I don't think this collection is going to be available forever and if your Target is like mine, some of the best stuff has already been picked off. I had to share though, style like this for such a cheap price is just too good to pass up. There are tons of items available...treasure hunt for yourself and let me know what you get!

Living Graffiti

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:29:00 +0000

I was excited to find this article about living graffiti on the inhabitat website. What a novel idea. Artist Edina Tokodi is taking standard graffiti to a whole new level...

Creating living installations made entirely of moss, Tokodi is interested in the tie between man and nature and how people (specifically city dwellers) feel a disconnect with the environment. A large part of her art simply involves watching how passers by react to the living pieces. Do they stop? Do they walk right by? Do they dismantle the pieces or begin to care for them?

This idea of art as a living thing, having a life of its own and ever changing really intrigues me. Adding to the environment's beauty and bringing nature to places where natural beauty is sparse...what a creative idea!

Artistic Headboard

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:57:00 +0000

I was visiting one of my favorite sources for inspiration today, apartment therapy, looking for ideas to use in my bedroom. I stumbled across this fantastic idea for a unique, stylish and personal headboard...

Really, it is very simple. Find an oversized old frame from a piece of art or mirror, knock out the contents and hang it behind your bed. Fill it with photos, postcards, images and momentos and voila, you have a perfect headboard that is unique to you! I love the simplicity of it...I was so impressed I had to share!