The Tiny Abode

Artist Studio Search: Atlanta

2014-07-11T12:15:00.000-04:00

The rad daddy in the Phillies hat holding the ADORABLE baby girl is my husband, Jason Espey. He is a Studio Incamminati alum in search of a studio space here in Atlanta. Together we are on a journey to seek out the perfect working studio space for him to thrive as a fine art painter. For information on portrait paintings, commissions, current works, classes, etc. check out Jason's Facebook page, Jason Espey Art or Twitter page @JasonEspey.

What got us started...

1.) Jason needs a place to work.

2.) We need our home to return to a living quarters.

3.) I love real estate and a good bargain.

So there you have it...

LET'S GO ON A STUDIO TOUR!!!

Follow our journey on Instagram or Twitter #studioespey

But First... A Little BACKGROUND:

We are Atlanta transplants via Philadelphia via Alabama. We are still getting our feet wet here in The Dirty South, The Big Peach, The ATL... the list goes on. Although it has been almost a year now, and it is time to dive-in! You may have read my first post about Atlanta. Reverse culture shock is a real thing! I was not happy. I was also pregnant and hormonal. So, Atlanta, I am sorry. You may have more to offer than what I led on. Here goes nothing. A little commitment may be a good thing after all. If you think we are joking, just look at that baby. She means business. Don't mess with her daddy!

LET'S BEGIN!

Numero Uno: MAIN-COOK GARDENS

Ok, this place is just cool. A hidden gem ITP (that means Inside the Perimeter... a little ATL slang. I'm still learning). This is inside the city, folks! I am stepping on the grounds of every hipsters' dream. True living off the grid in a sense with the accessibility of the city, coffee shops and whatever else up and coming Riverside has to offer. I met a shepherd! In what modern day world does one meet a shepherd (a person who herds sheep)? Need I remind you that we are in Atlanta? This is far from Lancaster, PA (Amish Country). Meeting a shepherd is peculiar, and I for one am intrigued. Ok, enough about shepherds. On with the studio space. Here are the digs.

Soooo, it's a shed. Maybe a mini-barn. Whatever it is a shack, but it might just be perfect. The space is good. Here we have a one room open studio with some windows allowing natural light, but zippo electricity. Depending on the way you look at it, that could be a good (no utility bills) or a bad thing (hot summer heat). There is a remedy! The landlord is willing to provide an electrical cord for extra lighting or a small fan. The heat should not be too unmanageable. We have been fortunate to experience a mild summer thus far, and we are moving towards Fall soon.

Ok, so it is a bit wild, a bit gritty. What do you think? Could this work for a fine art painter's personal studio space? While I let you wrap your brain around that, let us break for lunch. Philly style!

Lunch Break: WOODY'S

Jason did the honors of ordering the grub. Did you know that there is a proper way to order a cheese steak? Seriously, check it out here. No worries. We got this! Wit!

My recommendation, forget all the rules and make friends with the employees and the locals. You are in the South after all. We talk to everyone like we have known them since kindergarten.

Ok, back to business...

Studio DOS: The B Complex

Next we headed over to West End to check out The B Complex. This is located in the "Don't go there" part of town, but we like to remind ourselves that we lived next to a drug dealer in Philly, and he was the nicest person on the block (of course he was... he is a business man)! Artists are brave (poor) souls who are not overly concerned with what is currently hip. Places like Decatur, Avondale Estates, and Cabbagetown have priced-out new artists in town. If you are in one of those areas and you were lucky enough to get locked-in before the prices sky-rocketed then that is great. Stay put while we search out the digs on cheap.

We were not able to speak with an actual landlord, but we were able to mosey around a bit. This is the current studio that is available.

Pros: We hear it is fairly cheap, and local artists are all around.

Cons: This is a room where traffic flows, and it is poor lighting.

Meet the Artist: Sylvia Gbaby Cohen

Sylvia was nice enough to invite us into her studio space at The B-Complex. This will give you an idea on what an empty room can become. Sylvia works with all types of mediums and has very vibrant collection of works varying from portraits to wearable art such as handbags. Sylvia's work celebrates women of color and their individuality. Her motto, "Be You. Be Proud. Be Noticed in a Crowd." Sylvia will be showing her work at the Heritage Arts & Soul Festival July 25 - 27.

So what are your thoughts? Should an artist invest his time in a space which is secluded but accessible or a place where he will be surrounded by other like-minded individuals? The tour does not stop here! We will be venturing to one... possibly two more locations this week. So stay tuned!

"Free your mind and the rest will follow!"

2014-06-20T00:46:00.001-04:00

This is what I feel like shouting from the rooftops! Has it really been five months since I last blogged? Yes. Yes, it has.

BUT... I HAVE AN EXCUSE. A PRETTY DARN CUTE ONE.

To celebrate our little comeback at The Tiny Abode, I am teaming up with Lamps.com in this blog post. Lamps.com contacted me to do a review on one of their products. I felt that this would be the perfect motivation to get me back into the joys of blogging. More importantly, I cleaned my desk!!

I am reviewing the Adesso Graham Desk Lamp.

I chose this lamp due to its sleek design and pharmacy / industrial style. As you can see, I have a quite traditional French Provincial desk. I needed something to modernize the room... add a little pizazz, if you will. I was not too familiar with LED lighting prior to using this lamp. I was quite intrigued! See that tiny circle in the middle in the pic below... that's it! Crazy, I know. It's so tiny!

But check this out!

For such a tiny bulb, it gives off substantial lighting. I purposely took this photograph at night so that you could see the real affect. The lighting was not what I expected at first, and it took me some time to get use to it. Most of the standard bulbs which we purchase in stores are more of a warm light. Warm lighting definitely has its place. However, having the right type of lighting in the appropriate setting is what makes a space work. I might not choose to have an LED light in my living room; a space where I want to feel warm and inviting... cozy... go ahead fall asleep on my couch. In my work space, I need something that is going to keep me awake! It's not unbearable, by no means. It's appropriate. My husband, who is a painter, is always proclaiming how essential it is to have the right type of lighting. Any photographer would second that!

Here are some perks about LED lighting provided by Adesso:

* Energy Efficient

* LED's last up to 50,000 hours

* SAFE: does not get hot

* SAFE: shatterproof, vibration resistant

Oh, and I added some original oil paintings by Jason Espey Art. That wall was crying for some attention. See what a little ol' lamp can inspire you to do! The space really does feel so much more inviting! We have a lot of work to do in the bedroom still, but this is definitely a nice start!

Thanks Lamps.com!

And here's a lil' something to get you motivated!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is based on my own research and experience. None of the above should be considered as a substitute for your own product research.

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SMS: Super Mom Syndrome

2014-01-12T22:15:00.001-05:00

I recently signed up for Apartment Therapy's January Cure putting rather high expectations on myself. We definitely have been putting our fair share into organizing our tiny abode in preparation for baby (Holy Heck! Am I 35 weeks already!?), but by no means am I following the guidelines or email notifications that Apartment Therapy has been sending me (in which I signed up for). On the other hand, I think that you should! It's really a great tool, but there are WAY too many distractions and baby preparations going down in this apartment to seriously follow the this year's January Cure. Being a perfectionist, I can't help but be a bit disappointed that I was not able to meet this expectation. News Flash to Self: I am not a Super Mom nor Super Woman for that matter.

Now let's all take a moment to breathe, shall we?

If you follow my Facebook page, you will recognize this cute lil' cloud (available here). This is one of the inspiration pieces I have found while designing our Sunshine themed nursery. You can read more about our nursery inspiration here.

This weekend we managed to attend a pregnancy preparation course... WOWZA! The videos I watched. Nuff said. Thank God I now have this glider to come home to... in which I will be sure to practice my pelvic tilt rocking and breathing exercises.

And here's where it gets real, Y'all! This was and practically still is our current state of the room we refer to as "the nursery." Oh, yes. As hard as it is to tell, it's coming along! Jason, the hubs / soon to be new dad, has been doing a great job applying layers of perfection into this massive piece of furniture.

It's hard to tell now, but we are using Behr's Nocturnal Sea.

Also, if you look really hard, you may even spy a crib. More on that later. 5 WEEKS (at least I hope)!!!

My Little Sunshine...

2013-12-14T21:40:00.000-05:00

This weekend was supposed to be full-on baby preparation. Meaning, get the crap out of the nursery and organize or else TRASH (I would donate it... don't hate) everything!! How in the world did we accumulate so much anyways? Prior to our big move, we donated many items for the sake of not having to haul our junk across the eastern coastline. Somehow it seems like we have more stuff! I miss our basement. At least we could hide our mess. This is forcing me to become a minimalist. Something I aspire to be, but my parents could potentially be on Hoarders! Just kidding, Mom. Well, maybe.

I decided that the best way to spend this Saturday was to organize the nursery in my head rather than physically removing our crap from the nursery only to stuff it in some closet somewhere in which would more than likely be moved 15 more times in efforts to "organize." Sorry for the massive run-on.

I'm a visual learner. Just looking at a mess gives me anxiety. Where to even begin!? Do you feel me? For me organizing my ideas on paper, or in this case by creating a mood board, helps me know what steps to take. Starting with the end in mind really is motivating! Here's the direction I plan to take:

Click on the image above for a better view.

Resources:

Window Treatments - Santa Maria Desert Flower by Waverly

Vintage Lucite Lamps - Thrift store find

Vintage cocktail table - Philly curb alert

Vintage Faux Bamboo chest (not this exact one) - Atlanta Craigslist find

Lambskin rug - Atlanta Craigslist find

"Bee Happy" print - Spread the Love (Etsy store now closed)

Crib sheet - Rosenberry Rooms Petite Dots in Navy

Crib - Jenny Lind DaVinci Crib

Smile pillow - Pillow Talk

Crib skirt - Doodle Stripe Lime / Pure Organic Bright Pink by P. Kaufmann

An Impromptu Gender Reveal

2013-11-10T09:49:00.000-05:00

Posting regularly has definitely been a challenge for me. Sometimes I don't even know why I try to maintain a blog. Then I remember that this is a creative outlet for me. This is a way I am able to express my love for design, art, gardening, and well, life. I have been thinking about life a lot lately seeing that I am carrying one inside of me. It's a crazy wild experience, and it's not always an easy one. The back pain and penguin walk are in full swing! I will be 26 weeks pregnant on Monday.

Moving to Atlanta from Philadelphia has been a very challenging experience. New job. New home. New people. New city. We will soon add "new baby" to the list. None-the-less, it is a blessing to be within driving distance to family and a few close friends. Here's a little snippet on what's been going down at The Tiny Abode.

Gender Reveal

This party was definitely impromptu! I wasn't even sure if I was going to do a gender reveal. It just seemed like a lot of unnecessary work and planning for a tired pregnant woman. Almost everything you see in the pictures was stuff we had lying around the house or stuffed in moving boxes. This just goes to show that you can plan a party without spending a lot of dough. Here's what we did...

With the help of my mother and sister, we were able to make a cute pendant banner out of scrapbook paper and twine. The fabric on the tables was purchased years ago at Jomar in Philly and was in the hub's box of fabric that he uses for still-life backdrops. Jomar has a huge selection of fabric at wholesale prices. I'd recommend it to anyone who is willing to dig. I purchased the teal Mason jars from a vendor at Phila Flea Markets about 3 years ago for only $2 each. That's a steal! I was lucky enough to find the vintage Fiesta Ware at B & R Thrift Store here in Atlanta. I bought it for myself weeks before the party with intentions on reselling it on Etsy (I'm considering opening an online seller's account... hasn't happened yet). Throw on some pumpkins and add some florals... BAM! You are ready for a party!

I am very fortunate to have talented to friends that I can call up on a moments notice. My childhood neighbor who has her own business, Charlsie's Catering and Cakes, made my cake as a gift! I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

All of the photos were taken by my very talented friend Ashley, the husband of my college roommate. If it wasn't for them, I may not have been reunited with Jason back in San Francisco May of 2007. We'll save that story for another day.

It's A...

GIRL!!!

Sorry Jason. Better luck next time.

We took the photo shoot above prior to revealing the gender to our families. The BIG gender reveal actually happened during the cutting of the cake!

My mother's expression was priceless. I'm not sure I would want to see her expression if it ended up being a boy. We would have been happy either way.

Lastly, I couldn't have pulled off this impromptu party without the help of my family. We only invited immediate family with the exception of my college roommate. I swear she's got my blood in her somewhere! Keeping things simple eliminated the unnecessary stresses when it comes to party planning (in the matter of a moment's notice might I add). Each person contributed in some form. Whether it was bringing triangle tuna sandwiches or helping a preggo climb up a table to hang a paper banner.

Thankfully, Blount County is beautiful. The pictures were taken at Palisades's Park in Oneonta, AL where the party was also held. It was great for the kids to have a place to play while the adult's mingled. I had some of my childhood parties here as well, so it made it a bit sentimental.

Our little one is expected to arrive February 17th 2014. Let's hope and pray that she stays inside her incubator for that time-frame!

Craigslist Crawl: Atlanta

2013-09-22T21:43:00.000-04:00

As you may know if you've been keeping up with the blog post, I am in search for chairs (again). My farmhouse table has had many different styles of chairs accompany him over the years. While in West Philly, Mr. Farmhouse had to spend some hard time in the basement. He just would not fit in our eat-in-kitchen. Now that we are back in Atlanta, we are once again trying to find some friendly and sophisticated company to surround him. I spotted this set on Craigslist for $100!!

Image: Craigslist

I would more than likely paint the backs white and reupholster the seat cushions. This isn't exactly what I'm looking for, but they do have a few things in their favor:

1.) Super Affordable - 6 chairs for $100 (table would go in storage or resale)

2.) Faux bamboo backing - hard to find

3.) Mid-Century Modern look - give some balance to my traditional rug.

What do you think?

Wild Thang!

2013-09-21T09:23:00.000-04:00

We have been waiting to share...

Video Created By: The Tiny Abode

(Image credits listed below)

It's TRUE!!!!

There is a beast growing inside of me!

We have yet to determine the gender of this little creature. In fact, upon moving to Atlanta, I was under the impression that I would be having an ultrasound at my first appointment here at 17 weeks. When I was informed by the midwife (that's right... not a doctor, not yet anyway) that I was being delusional these were the words that I managed to utter out of my mouth, "I think I'm going to cry." Yep. Damn hormones. I know that 17 weeks is a little early to determine the gender, but I have had friends who found out early.

18 Weeks here...

Image: The Tiny Abode

Here are the images that are in the video with information on how you can purchase them for your nursery, a client's room, or as a gift to an expecting parent! I think they would be great in a child's room! They're so imaginative and playful!

The print above is by an artist from Omaha, Nebraska, Jennifer Walsh. She is the monster mind behind Creative Wild Child. You can purchase the print on her Etsy store here.

I love this quote!! Allyssa Zemke, designer / crafter, of Olive + Birch based in Salt Lake City has the image above available as a digital downloadable print at the size of your choice. This is an affordable option to get a great print! The image is available to purchase on her Etsy shop here.

I hope you enjoyed our announcement! I know we have been keeping it a secret for way too long! For those of you who already knew, a BIG thanks for keeping your lips sealed too! We know it was hard!!

Baby and nursery updates are on the horizon!

~XOxo~

What's so Hot in Atlanta?

2013-09-10T16:50:00.000-04:00

Moving from a major city to a city that feels so small you wonder how it can even be referred to a as a city in the first place is in a word... depressing. Living in Atlanta definitely has its perks, but at times all I can see is a BIG commercialized piece of crap! Where are all the mom and pop stores, yo? No offense Atlantians. I know there are some really cool places inside the perimeter. Grace Bonney from Design Sponge did a really great post about what all Atlanta has to offer design-wise. Check it out here! I'm super excited to check some of these places out!

Image: Design Sponge

The problem with Atlanta is the horrific traffic... HORRIFIC, I say! This city does not have a sophisticated public transportation system which makes commuting by car a death wish. If you are going to live in Atlanta one rule of thumb is to live in close proximity to where you work. Therefore, I live in a boring suburbia neighborhood right outside of the perimeter. That's my problem with Atlanta. If Marta is so much Smarta, then why is there so many people on the roads. And why does every household need at minimum two cars?

Image: Atlanta Real Estate Forum

Living in Philly for five years, I became accustomed to walking to work, hopping on the train (a mere block away) to go to some other cool neighborhood in one hot second, and eating at a new restaurant every date night. I'm afraid I'm just experiencing the relocation blues.

It's surprises such as these that make me miss where I once lived. While searching for an image to use, I thought the one above suited my said, "relocation blues." As I click through the images and see the front of the model, I smile. I know this beautiful person. She and I attended the same church in Philadelphia.

Images (3): Raverly

The irony gives me hope.

Atlanta, you're not so horrible. I'm just getting to know you after all.

Mod-ing Up a Traditional Rug in the Dining Room

2013-09-09T19:40:00.001-04:00

I have a GIANT red rug. I found it on Craigslist a while back thinking, "OMG... I have to have that!" Sound familiar? The rug really was quite the steal. I even spotted it's fraternal twin on One King's Lane for $$$$ more than what I emptied my pockets for. You can take a peak the version I scored here. This all sounds dandy I'm sure, but there is a problem. It's SOoooo traditional. Bleck! Since having this blog, my taste has had a tendency to change. I think I was in the process of figuring out my style. This is something that will forever be adapting, as it should.

It's All About the Chair

It's easy to style a room in a traditional format unintentionally. Especially when you grew up in a very traditional style home. I haven't quite figured out how to describe my taste, but if I were to name it I would say that I am more inclined to gravitate towards a Frenchy Boheme composition than anything. What the heck is that anyway?

Image: A Cup of Joe

I think my best solution to tone down the trAd is to go for a much more modern chair and skimp on the French Country. I really like how the Eames style chairs above are intermixed into an otherwise country farmhouse setting.

Image: Unknown

Ok, so this rug is not a traditional Persian, BUT the colors are very similar to the colors in my rug (red, blue, gold, navy), and the farmhouse table is nearly an exact replica to mine. Thus, I am inspired! My artsy hubs keeps telling me that there is too much white in our space. He's right. How awesome are these blue Bertoia chairs above!? If I could only score these on CLs or Goodwill for pennies... my life (or at least my dining room) would be complete!

Image: House Beautiful

Ok, this may look familiar. It's been floating around the internet for at least a year now, and I may have even featured it on the blog once. So there is no rug here, but I'm eyeballing the chairs. What do you think about the industrial look with a traditional rug underneath? I almost scored these charis on Craigslist, but the seller bailed on me. Errrr.... we had a time / location, and she sold them to someone else! I think there needs to be a Craigslist Etiquitte 101 course.

Still bummed.

Image: Overstock

They're still priced very reasonably on Overstock, but I was going to get them for 1/2 the cost. Bigger and better chairs await me I'm sure (I hope).

What I like about You...

2013-09-08T16:58:00.003-04:00

Ok, so this is old news for all of you who follow on facebook. Unfortunately for the blog, Facebook has been getting a lot more of my attention lately. I wish that weren't the case. You can follow The Tiny Abode's Facebook page here. Keeping up a blog is hard work! Can I get an, "I heard dat!?" You know what I'm talking about.

Yes it is true my fellow Philadelphian lovers, The Tiny Abode has moved south *GASP*!! Oh the horror!! Not that I dislike Atlanta, but I miss you!!!

Let me tell you... reverse culture shock is legit! What in the world are we doing here you ask? Well... we're trying to figure that one our ourselves. Moving was a very difficult decision for us to make. Below is a pic from our moving day. We had great neighbors!

Photo: The Tiny Abode

We were both (referencing the hubs) in very good positions before deciding to make the big leap. Jason was teaching fine art to High Schoolers and was a teaching fellow at Studio Incamminati. I had just received a promotion at my previous job in a department that I was really looking forward to working in. Nonetheless, here we are in the South embracing what HOT-Lanta has to offer.

Photo: The Tiny Abode

I'm hoping to be better with updating the blog. Looking foward to sharing our apartment (it needs a lot of love). Half of our furniture was left behind in Philly, so I am scavening Craigslist for the following: dining room chairs, console / media center, and a dresser.

Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Where've you been?

2013-06-04T22:57:00.000-04:00

Lately my Facebook page and Instagram is getting a lot more attention than what started all this madness, my blog. Blog, you are not a middle child, like myself. Well, maybe you are, but I will give you the content that your audience craves.

It's Flea Market Season, Y'all!

Brooklyn Flea came to Philly, and they BROUGHT it!

Ooooo... I love a pretty bird cage. I'd throw a terrarium up in that! The chair was $10. TEN DOLLARS!!! A seat cushion is the easiest thing in the world to reupholster and a quick and cheap face-lift. I would use it as a desk chair. Should of bought it. Darn.

Here is some more flea market eye candy...

If I had money falling out of my armpits (did I just say that... I'm going with it), this is what I would buy...

My faves...

I know your eyes must be glued to that pink and black dress... think again... that's a jumpsuit! LOVE it, but I am not that brave. Well, not $130 brave. Maybe if it was $30 I wouldn't feel so bad purchasing it, knowing that what it would take to convince myself to throw it on before work. Yes, I'm the crazy girl that would actually wear this to work! My non-profit agency would not know how to handle all this awesomeness. Ok, I think you get that I love it. I won't shut-up about it!

Don't skimp on the textiles...

Most vendors at flea markets have prices reduced to wholesale value. These woven textiles would easily sale for $100 at Pottery Barn. I can't remember the exact price, but I do remember thinking, "What a steal!" I couldn't justify buying it for myself, but I think it would be a great house warming gift!

Best Advice...

Shop with friends! There's nothing like having a gal pal to keep you laughing as you rummage through vintage goods and imagine how your Great Aunt Sal used to make do with a rotary phone!! What is that, anyways!?!

Friends can be inspiring also, especially when they kinda do this or are on there way of being artisans / designers for a living! Having insight other than your own is a wonderful thing! I love to listen to other peoples ideas on how they would dress-up an item.

And don't be intimidated by bringing a babe along. They're fun and super cute!!

The Brooklyn Flea Market is going to be in Philly every Sunday in Northern Liberties at the Piazza at Schmidt's. 10AM - 5PM. Rain or shine.

If you just can't get enough of The Tiny Abode outings and need your daily fix, be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Our favorite design styles are also collected on Pinterest. I'll admit it, my Pinterest boards ROCK!

Attachment Theory... Houston, we have a problem.

2013-04-01T21:32:00.000-04:00

It's a bittersweet day in this tiny abode. My Brody dinette sold today on Craigslist.

Brody, you were a stud. You just weren't doing it for me. It's not you, it's me.

Time to go shopping!!

Old Man Weather... Go Away!

2013-03-28T20:30:00.000-04:00

Uhhh.... hello Spring? Are you there? I have been eager to become one with the earth. I know I sound like a hippy, but that's what a concrete jungle will do to you after five years! Here in Philly it's a bit too soon to start filling my window boxes with jubilant perennials, so I have been tending to my succulents and other indoor plants instead.

Photo: The Tiny Abode

These neat Chinoiserie teacups were left behind by one of my previous neighbors. I'm worried that they may have been part of his mother's collection. Yikes! I couldn't bare to see them get chunked by the clean-out crew. Therefore, they have found a happy place in my home as plant containers, and I am quite proud of how they turned out! If anyone can tell me any information about them you will be my new BFF for the day! I have searched the internet and have found nothing!

Photo: The Tiny Abode

Like any normal city-slicker in Philadelphia, I head outside the city to Terrain for some much needed inspiration. I am loving the look of these anemones... so much that I have already purchase a bundle of bulbs from Lowe's. I'm wondering if I should start them indoors, or wait until April to plant them like the instructions direct. Where do you go when you need inspiration?

Photo: The Tiny Abode

I foresee a beautiful window box in my future.

SPRING MEANS BIRTHDAYS!

Despite the frigid weather, spring is a reminder of new life and celebrations. All of my sisters (I am one of three) have spring birthdays. My younger sister just recently gave birth to yet another spring baby. Well technically it's autumn in New Zealand.

We are so excited to have a new baby in our family! Thank you Brittany and Scott for giving our parents a grandchild... we owe you big time! Like any crazed aunt, I am pinning, tweeting, and yes blogging about any amazing deal or cute baby item that I lay eyes on. One of my favorite places to shop online for great deals is Zulily. These are all items that I have personally purchased for family and friends. I am not getting paid to say this. If you are interested in other online stores, check out the listings on the left of this page.

Designed by: The Tiny Abode

If you are one of the lucky ones who received one of these gifts, you can vouch for me. Are there any online shops which you love to shop? I'd love to hear your secrets too. In the meantime, I'm going to continue to birthday shop. I have lots of nieces and a nephew too. I'll leave you with this display from the Macy's Flower Show from a recent trip that the hubs and I took to NYC.

Photo: The Tiny Abode

Phila Flea Feature... Butcher Shop Rehab

2013-03-17T13:04:00.000-04:00

Phila Flea Markets vendor list has boomed since PBS airing Market Warriors. This weekend I was excited to meet Butcher Shop Rehab!

Photo: Butcher Shop Rehab

These guys were so cool!

Photo: The Tiny Abode

L (on the right) and I could have talked about design and furniture all day, but we refrained. Afterall, he and his buds had customers crowding in their corridors. This was by far my favorite vendor at the Phila Flea Market this weekend. What drew me in was the vintage modern chair in the top right. I didn't get a chance to check out the brand, but it looks very Eames like to me. When I asked, "How much?" I was informed that it was not for sell. Butcher Shop Rehab picked this piece up from another vendor to add to their personal collection. At that moment, I knew These guys got style! (at least similar taste to me). The next item I spotted was the shag rug made of Llama fur. Here you can see how B.S.R. used it as a chair throw.

Photo: Butcher Shop Rehab

Styling this is a very simple concept and works really well with Eames reproductions such as this White Cradle Chair designed by Baxton Studio Letterio available on Amazon.

Here's how interior designer Jenn Hannotte from Hannotte Interiors softened up a rocker in a nursery by using a sheep skin throw.

Eclectic Kids by Toronto Interior Designer Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors

So there you have it! Flea Market design is an easy way to style-up any room. Be sure to check out Butcher Shop Rehab in Wilmington if you are in the area.

Photo: Butcher Shop Rehab

They also travel, so keep your eyes out at the next market in your town. Follow Butcher Shop Rehab on Facebook and be sure to check out their blog!

West Philly Living Room Transformation

2013-01-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! Wait a second, isn't that an oxymoron? It's a rare thing for me to be blogging during the week, but I couldn't wait to share with you the results from this weekend's living room transformation!!

Photo: The Tiny Abode

Notice anything different? Here's what the space looked like before.

Photo: The Tiny Abode

Feeling inspired, I went to IKEA on Saturday and purchased 2 yards of Sofia fabric in black and white. Stripes really can make a room feel more uniformed, tying the entire room together making for a more finished design (we still need a lamp shade!!). This was such an easy DIY! Anyone can do it, and it only cost me pennies. Here's how it's done:

Photo: The Tiny Abode

So what do you think? Are you feeling the stripes?? Have you ever attempted a Roman Shade DIY? Window treatments can really spruce a room up! I'm very happy with the results. Oh and one more side note! We brought the faux bamboo tables out of the dungeon (aka, the basement). I feel they look rather sculpture-like in the living room. You can see more of our West Philly Home here.

What's Black and White with Stripes all Over?

2013-01-26T23:09:00.000-05:00

All day today I was in go-mode! Feeling inspired, coming up with new ideas, totally energized! Where did all of this come from, and why can't every weekend be this way? Perhaps it had something to do with the first snowfall. It's always so pretty to see the city streets covered in a white blanket of snow.

Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

I headed to Ikea and purchased two yards of Sofia fabric. That's right, this self-proclaimed BIY-er (Buy-it-yourself) is going to attempt a DIY!!! Who is this girl this girl, and what's she planning on doing with my house?

I'll be working on the surprise project tomorrow, and hopefully I will finish if all goes as plan.

Wish me luck!

Stealing Orchids is Legit!

2013-01-20T16:14:00.000-05:00

One great thing about the dead of winter, is the sales you can find on indoor plants. Yesterday, while visiting Lowe's (again feeding my fixation), I brought home three orchids for only a dollar each. THREE!! I couldn't pass it up! That's a whooping $3.00 or you could just think of it as a very cheap center piece. It doesn't get any better than that, unless you find some for a quarter each (doubtful).

Don't skimp on indoor plants. They can really bring any ol' drab room to life! One of my favorite design bloggers, Emily Henderson (yeah you remember her... she's only the most awesome Design Star winner, EVER), gives tips on styling here. I plan on taking Emily's advise and re-potting these into something a little bit more interesting, but for now they are definitely helping out my otherwise naked kitchen table.

Here are some interesting ways to decorate with orchids....

Eclectic Living Room design by Los Angeles Media And Blogs Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

Photo: Daily Dream Decor

I'm considering adding my collection of orchids to the mantle. Pretty predictable, I know, but it is a no brainer.

Photo: J.K. Place via Villanueva design

Now that my terrariums have made their way to the window seal, the fireplace needs some jazzing up. I'll let you know how it turns out, but first I need to find an interesting pot!

Oh Mighty Succulent...

2013-01-19T13:38:00.001-05:00

January may seem like an odd time to consider gardening, but ever since the hubs and I cleared out a vacant lot beside our home, I can't stop thinking about all the possibilities!

I am no expert, but I know that this is no time to consider planting outdoors in the dead of winter. To satisfy my fixation, I have been focusing on the possibilities indoors! I started with my potted succulents which were in dire need of being rescued. These little creatures were once living in my office, but too many hands kept touching it. I am not sure, but I have a theory that the oils on fingertips is not good for succulents. Does anyone know for sure!? Anyway, I brought them home about a month ago and started my own little growing / rescue project.

I started by rounding up all the clear containers I could find. Nothing is new here besides the potting soil (which it is actually cactus soil... you could make your own if you prefer).

Next, I gently pulled apart the plants until I had individual units. I wanted to keep some of the original soil in effort to not shock the roots during the transfer. I even saved some of the broken pieces, and let them sit on just on top of soil. After a couple of weeks, roots began to form.

I decided to separate my plants out into mostly individual containers. I was to give each of them room to grow and to really establish their roots. At some point, I may combine several of them into one container to make an interesting collaboration. Here are the outcomes...

During the holidays, I decided to decorate my mantel with the terrariums in lieu of having a Christmas tree. It was quite serene in my opinion.

Right now, I have placed mine in the window seal for extra sunlight. There are so many ways to use succulents in your home! Really the possibilities are endless. Plus they are great conversation starters. People love them!!

So far, I am pleased with my results (i.e. nothing is dead yet!).

Peace on Earth...

2012-12-15T22:57:00.000-05:00

Our hearts and prayers remain with the the families and the community of Newtown, Connecticut and all of the other tragedies that have occurred over the past few weeks.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Must-have-coffee-table... Stat

2012-11-03T11:51:00.000-04:00

It is time to introduce my living room (as seen here) to a new friend, and to give the hubs something other than the floor to place his finished yogurt container. For the love! Seriously, the garbage can is ten steps away. He's wonderful, I can't complain. Heck, it's my fault that I've gone this long without a proper piece of living room furniture. Yes, my friends, I'm talking about a coffee table. But I don't want just any coffee table. No, no, no. That would be too easy. I want a beautiful wood carved Moroccan coffee table with intricate details that cost a bazillion dollars.

Such as...

Photo via Saffron and Silk

Or like this one which was placed in a living space designed by one of my favorite designers, Windsor Smith.

Photo: Windsor Smith

Then there is always the option to explore stores like West Elm, Anthropologie or even Material Culture (if you are lucky enough to live in Philadelphia). The table below is from West Elm and is nearly perfect in my opinion. It could really work in my current space.

Photo: West Elm

Although these stores are really great, this girl is on a budget. So, I'm hoping the Land o' World Wide Web will meet me where my pockets end. That or a flea market. First stop, Craigslist. The closest piece I could find that had that Moroccan style was this one. However, I need a coffee table, not an end table.

This table is a small in scale, but has some nice details. It could definitely be painted.

Then there's this one that could also use some fixing-up. Right size and shape. Some detail, but not exactly what I'm looking for.

I know they are not totally the same, but it's the closest I could find on Craigslist. I think with a little TLC, they could possibly work. Could I do a DIY? Would I even dare? Eek! I love the spirit of DIY-ers, but as I've mentioned before, I'm a self-proclaimed BIY-er (BUY IT YOURSELF)! I don't know where people find the time and energy. Oh how I wish I was a teacher again and had my summers off! Dream on, sister! I think if I were to purchase any of the above, it would have to be the first one. Even though it's not a coffee table, it has the look I'm going for. Maybe I'll have better luck at Clover Market tomorrow!! I want the real deal! I hear they are going to have a lot of antique dealers at this upcoming market.

Wish me luck!

West Philly Home... Living Room

2012-10-30T21:13:00.000-04:00

Hello ladies and gents, here is a glimpse of what we've been up to at The Tiny Abode. Tiny spaces are tricky! Figuring out a layout does not only need to look good, but its got to work too. We do not have a lot of Benjamins to be throwing around, so most of the furnishings are the same we had at our previous apartment in East Falls. Now that a layout has been established, we're starting to consider accessorizing options.

I know its hard to tell with these dark pics! It was broad daylight. Maybe it has something to do with East facing windows, or it could be that I am relying on my iphone. Regardless, this girl needs to add "awesome camera" to her Christmas wish list. Sorry for the giant tangent!

Anyway, I am not sure what color curtains (or patterned curtains) to use in this room. As awesome as this Persian rug is, I think I may have made a boo boo purchasing it. Who am I kidding? It was an AMAZING deal, but I am not sure if it is the kind of vibe I want in this room. I would love to bring in some graphic prints! Vintage Modern, if you will. I will also be adding some greenery and a gallery wall for those finishing touches.

Okay, here is a look at the before. Gross, right!?!

Any ideas on paint colors? Better yet, anyone want to come help me paint!?! Painting to me is such a task and seems like such a big commitment. In reality, its the simplest and one of the cheapest ways to spruce up a space. I must just be ~~lazy~~ over worked.

In West Philadelphia...House Tour

2012-09-29T00:14:00.000-04:00

I may not have been "born and raised" here, but for now this is HOME. The teacher inside of me wants to say, "We moved at the beginning of the year." (School year that is). It has been a hectic time at the ol' 9-5, so I'm just now getting around to posting a tour.

Here's the outside... and yes, that is a a google maps pic. How'd you guess? Our's is the one on the far right with the cute little window box. Flowers come with the house, score!

Living Room

The house is on the small side with only 840 sqft of design space available (that's including the basement). On the bright side, we have a basement! No more shared washing and drying!!! I was the worse!

I'm not digging the modern fan and some of the remodeling choices, but the wainscoting is a nice touch. I'm not too sure about the Navajo-ish fire place either. It's not my jam. I'd prefer a white brick fire place like this one. I toyed with the idea of fauxing something up, but I'm sure I'd just %@# it up.

Source: unknown

Kitchen

Again with the modern lighting... why!?! Not only that, but the cabinets practically match the hardwood, and white hardware reminds me of connect the dots worksheets from elementary school. Boo! On the up side, check out all that cabinet space! Major step-up from our last place.

This is an odd space and really the only option I have to add a table. So long farmhouse table. You are just too big for this space. Here's a picture of it in our old apartment.

I'm thinking a banquette setting would be nice due to the limited space, but that's only if we plan on staying more than a year or so.

Photo via Apartment Therapy

We are only renting, so heavy investing and hardcore construction are out of the question. One of the best things about the house is the outdoor space (a treasure in the city).

Backyard

So there you have it. This was only the first floor. We have two bedrooms upstairs, but that will have to wait till another day. All in all, I am so grateful to be living in an actual house rather than a tiny apartment!! Four years and four places later, I finally feel settled.

Peace.

Oh Baby, Baby!!

2012-09-28T00:17:00.000-04:00

Before you say congratulations to me, I'm not the pregnant one {but my baby sister is!!!}. That's right, this girl is going to be an aunt! This is the birth announcement I made for my sister who lives in New Zealand. They call each other kiwi's there, like I might call you my homie. Just kidding, I would never call anyone homie. The announcement has made it's rounds on Facebook, so I feel that it is safe for me to post without stealing all my sister's glory. Can I just say that I'm super impressed with my graphic design skills right now! Agreed?

On another note, I can't get Salt-N-Pepa's song Push It out of my head!

Kill / Steal: Persian Khorasan Rug

2012-07-22T11:28:00.002-04:00

I was checking out One Kings Lane Beneath the Feet rug sale, and my jaw nearly dropped when I spotted a Persian Khorasan rug on sale for $1169. I would kill to have a beautiful Persian rug. However, my pockets currently do not run that deep.

Persian Khorasan Rug

Kill: One Kings Lane (sold out)

Instead, I scavenge Craigslist as though I am in search for a long lost family member until I find the identical twin that I always hoped for. Now, I'm not always successful, but there are times when I come across amazing steals!!! Take for instance this nearly identical Persian that I scored on Craigslist for only $100!!

Steal: Craigslist Find (Doylestown)

I'm hoping that I can find a way to modernize something so traditional like this rug by incorporating more contemporary furnishings. I have not been able to find an inspiration photo that I really like, so I'll be working on a mood board to help direct my attention. Any ideas on how to make this piece work in a contemporary living space? Have you used a Persian rug in your home? I would love to hear / see what you came up with.

Lil' Peanut Baby Shower

2012-07-21T22:56:00.000-04:00

It's been a crazy hot mess around here, but I thought I would share with you what we have accomplished during this heat! Ok, really it's just an update on the Little Peanut themed baby shower.

So go ahead a take a peek...

In this video you will see the invitation which I modified from a free template and a thank you card which I designed. By the way, sorry for the poor video quality. This is my first time creating a video, so be kind. I swear it looks top notch from my video player. We'll save Video 101 for another day.

Design Consultation: The Tiny Abode
Set-up: Family of the Guest of Honor
Photography: Jessica Espey @ The Tiny Abode
Lil' Peanut Invitation (Template: Bump Smitten, Edited by The Tiny Abode)
Ribbon Wreath by Jessica Espey @ The Tiny Abode (seen here)
Lil' Peanut Thank You Card designed by Jessica Espey @ The Tiny Abode

P.S. The mom-to-be popped Baby Stella out a lil' earlier than expected. We've got work to do!