everything LEB

Dreams do come true...

2014-02-19T13:54:00.000-05:00

I often find myself dreaming about that day I will have my own lake house. I spend hours planning it in my head. How it will look and feel, what it will be like to spend Summers up there, and how my family will be up there all the time. Some may say I live in fantasy land, but hey, dreams do come true!

This time I didn't just plan it in my head, I actually made up a few boards to give my ideas some real life looks.

I want a light sofa, but my husband likes dark. So I did one of each, naturally.

So tell me, what do you dream about??

Valentine's Day Love

2014-01-28T10:28:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is coming up an its time to get your love on. I know it's kind of a Hallmark holiday, but it really is the perfect time for some extra lovin' for that special someone.

Here are a few love themed items I thought were worth sharing...

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6. / 7. / 8. / 9.

Get the look...Kardashian style

2014-01-17T06:30:00.000-05:00

Love them or hate them the Kardashians are in the news A LOT! I honestly don't have feelings for them either way. I do think Kims post baby body is something to talk about, but that's neither here nor there.

Moving on to the eldest sister, Kourtney. I got a little notice in my email today that she was sharing pictures of her home on instyle.com and as soon as I saw "home" I just had to take a peek. Anything having to do to with interior design sparks my interest, duh. I was expecting something totally different from what I saw. But some of what I did see, I fell in love with. The black and white palette, peppered with color and quirky touches, is right up my alley. I know its not for everyone, just like the Kardashians, but some of this home design is for me.

I dont think I could actually live in this home, but some of the pieces are fun. Here are a few pieces I put together if you want to get the look for your own home

art - lighting - rug - pillows - throw - piano - chair & side table

Happy Friday!!

Box it up!

2014-01-15T10:14:00.003-05:00

I'm having major after holiday blues. November and December are filled with so much joy and fun that January is always a big old stinker for me. It's hard to get back in the swing of things and I know I'm not alone since I've been reading many other blog posts stating the same thing. Its comforting to know other bloggers burn out as well from time to time.

Anywho I just took down my tree this week and I feel like my house is so empty now. It's the perfect time to get organized again. Throwing out old mail, magazines and other junk that collected during my holiday bliss period is always refreshing. I like to take January to get my act together and get ready for another semester of school- this one being my LAST. Woohoo!

So in the spirit of getting organized for the year here is a roundup of my favorite storage boxes. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be a new home to just about anything under the sun.

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6.

Happy Belated New Year Everyone!!

Christmas 2013

2013-12-23T12:22:00.000-05:00

Sorry for such a long absence, school got the best of me this semester. I took two classes and both were time consuming and creativity sucking to say the least. I have a feeling it will be the same way next semester, so bear with me. It's my last class I have to take before graduation, woohoo!

Anyway, once school ended I jumped right into Christmas and haven't stopped since. It's the best time of the year and this year is no exception. I love that we live in an apartment and I get to enjoy my tree everyday! I take a lot of photos of it, so be warned....

We do everything by the tree, breakfast included!

Once school ended my creativity came back and I was busy crafting and making lots of fun things...

I made my husband decorate cookies with me one afternoon, can you tell which ones are mine and his?

Peppermint martinis...yum!

Bow Ties for my topiaries

The coffee table tray got festive as well

My gift tags this year aren't as elaborate as last year, just a simple letter and holly

And one last tree before I sign off for the holiday...

I hope you all have a very

Merry Christmas

and a

Happy New Year!!

xoxoxox

Lindsay

Holiday Style Challenge LIVE!

2013-11-18T12:07:00.001-05:00

Its finally here!! My Home Depot Holiday Style Challenge is finally live! Head on over to the Home Depot blog to check out my small apartment kitchen/dining room holiday decor!

While you are there read all the other amazing blogger entries- everyone went holiday crazy and the ideas are endless!!

Thank you Home Depot for asking me to participate in the best challenge I've done on my blog to date!

Coming Soon...

2013-11-15T11:08:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to announce that on Monday my post for the Home Depot Holiday Challenge will finally be up on their blog! I was so over the moon when they asked me to participate- receiving the super secret boxes of holiday decor back in October was a blast!

Here is a little peek...

I love Christmas so much that I have left all my decorations up since I finished the Style Challenge. There is just something about getting in the holiday spirit early that makes it so much fun!!

Be sure to check out the Home Depot blog on Monday for more of my holiday fun!

But in the meantime check out all the other Holiday Style Challenge posts- there are some pretty great Christmas spaces!

Personal Safari

2013-11-06T11:12:00.001-05:00

I've got a little obsession with the Stark Antelope rug lately. I want it so bad, but when I priced out a runner for my hall it was a big whomp whomp. That wont be happening anytime soon, but maybe I could find a pretty alternative. At least I'm crossing my fingers I can.

In the mean time here are some of the pretty inspiration that is driving this love....

Amanda Nisbet Designs

Vogue

Sally Wheat Interiors

The Visual Vamp

Traditional Home

Veranda Magazine

And my favorite....

Baily from Peppermint Bliss- HELLO!

Lately...

2013-10-24T10:39:00.002-04:00

Lately I feel like I haven't had time to even breath- I know get out your violin and play me a sad song, ha! My second half semester class started and that just means double the work. But after this semester I only have 1 class left, woohooo!

Anyway, here are some things I've been up to and loving lately...

The Decorista posted these on Instagram the other day and I fell in love- how awesome are those??

Walking through the Boston Public Garden never gets old. No matter what time of year, it always makes me stop and really appreciate where I get to live!

Yes, I have had a fireplace in my apartment and never once used it. I was always afraid of smoking myself out or something worse happening. But I finally decided people pay big bucks for fireplaces, so I need to take advantage of it while we are living here. It finally just got cold enough for a fire this week, and I cant WAIT to light it up this weekend!

Don't you love it when you score a good deal at TJ Maxx? I stopped in the other day and these Cole Haan beauties were calling my name. Since most of my wardrobe is plain, solid colors- I love spicing it up with some bling on my feet.

The Home Depot Holiday Challenge is in full swing, I'm up to my eyeballs in Christmas decor around my apartment and loving every second of it. I love that I had an excuse to get out the Christmas stuff early this year! Here is a sneak peek at what I have going on.

That's it for now- off to go catch up on some of my favorite blogs. Tell me, have I missed out on anything good this week...give me the good blog / interior design / DIY scoop going around!

Chinoiserie for me, Chinoiserie for you

2013-10-10T14:32:00.002-04:00

For the last two weeks I have spent every free minute working on my term paper for the class I'm taking right now. We had to pick an interior design style and write about it, I chose Chinoiserie. So its only natural that it has been on my mind for weeks now- and still is. I just love the look, and it fits so well with other styles, what do you think?

Ashley Whittaker

de Gournay

Katie Ridder

Mary McDonald

Ashley Whittaker

de Gournay

Massicco Warner Miller

Michael Smith

Veranda

Shiny Candy

2013-10-01T11:49:00.002-04:00

I figured instead of keeping everyone waiting on pretty after photos of the bookcases I might as well just dive right in. But first lets back up. To paint the bookcases I really only needed to take off what was on the shelves. Everything else could stay in the drawers and cabinets. So I took off all the books and piled them neatly in front of my fireplace.

Fast forward 3 weeks when the bookcases were ready to be used, I decided it was time to give the office a good cleaning. Yes, this is my husbands 'space', but in my defense this 'space ' is like a black hole of crappola. I was sick of putting his mail neatly on the side of his desk only to find it a week later spilled on the floor, unopened. Nails on a chalkboard I tell you!

So I took the opportunity during one of his out of town business trips to go to work....

Just keeping it real here folks! Good design isn't just about the pretty after pictures all the time. There is usually a process in getting there, and here is mine.

I labeled bags and sorted for hours. It was liberating!

And for the record, he was very appreciative that I took the time to do this because in the long run it will save him HOURS of looking for lost documents. So it was a win-win.

Anywoo, as a reminder here is where I left off last time-

And here is what they look like now!!

Ahhh, so fresh and so clean!

I cant even tell you what a little white paint does for this space. It has completely opened up the office and made it feel so much bigger than it is. For a pair of bookcases that were headed to the sale pile, I gave them a new life (till I change my mind again).

And since everyone loves a side by side- here is the before and after one more time..

I've still got a few more projects for the office to show you, but for now I'm so happy with how they turned out.

Now go grab that white paint brush and get to work!

Shiny Chalk

2013-09-20T06:30:00.000-04:00

The tiny office in my apartment has been the bain of my existence since we moved in. Its ALWAYS a mess and its right off of the family room and of course in my direct line of vision daily. Anywoo, I'll do a whole office post later, this post is more about the Annie Sloan chalk paint that transformed the bookcases I was about to throw to the curb.

Originally I bought them for a song, with grand plans of painting them white. But then months and years passed and they sat creeping up the office and making it feel smaller and darker than it is.

They sat so long because I realized how much of a job it was going to be to sand them, prime them, then paint them. Yuck.

Enter Annie Sloan chalk paint and their promise that it requires ZERO priming. I had held off so long because of the price tag, its kind of steep. I also want them in a high gloss finish, not that chalky finish. But the thought of spending so much time sanding them and the fact that with the wax I could polish it to a shine sold me. I bit the bullet and bought a can of Pure White Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and a can of the clear wax.

Now I did wipe down both the bookcases with a vinegar and water mix to clean off any grossness that was one them, and then I went to town.

*So a little word of advice, if you want to paint something dark brown like these bookcases order a can of Old White AND Pure White. Yes its more expensive, but I ended up using 2 full cans of Pure White on these. I learned the hard way the Pure White has no pigment and it doesn't cover like the other colors. I wish I would have ordered the Old White as well because then I would have more than half of two cans left instead of nothing left.

The painting was the easy part. It goes on quick and dries faster than any paint I've used before. The hard part was the wax. I had no idea it would require so much buffing. I did two coats of the wax and buffed every single inch of those bookcases like nobody's business. I wanted shine and shine they do. It doesn't even look like that chalky finish I was afraid of.

Now since these obviously get a lot of wear and tear I wanted to make sure they were good and cured before I put anything back on them. I let them sit like you see above for a good 3 weeks before I put anything back. I'm really glad I did, because the finish has not scratched once yet.

I'm still finishing up this space, but here are the pulls I ordered to replace the old ones

I love them and they look so great with the Pure White! I've got a few more projects to finish up in the office and then I'll share.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Colorful Tile

2013-09-09T06:30:00.000-04:00

I've been seeing colorful tile designs more and more these days and I'm totally loving it! I wouldn't say its a trend so much as its a lasting style that's been around for centuries. Specifically I'm talking about Encaustic tiles (Or Cement, Moroccan, Spanish, Caribbean, Cuban, Victorian or any tile of the sort). Encaustic means that the pattern isn't just on the surface of the tile, it goes all the way through each individual tile. It's a laborious process, which is reflected in the price tag for sure. But even after hundreds of years of wear the tiles will still have the same design and pattern as they did from day 1. You definitely get your money out of them if you keep them for a very long time.

The colors, patterns and designs are endless with these tiles. I rounded up some of my favorite looks, take a look

Elle Decor Photo by Simon Upton

Cle Tile

El Mueble

Elle Decor design by Steven Gambrel, photo by Eric Pizsecki

Casa Josephine

Elle Decor, house of Nabil Nahas from the April 2011 issue

Nuevo Estilo

Original Mission Tile

Cement Tile Shop

unknown

While I really think the elloborate designs are beautiful I tend to be drawn to the more simple & geometric designs. There are numerous websites that sell encaustic tile and I rounded up my very favorites. Now I just need a client who loves them as much as I do so I can get to work installing them in a home!

Top to bottom: Villa Lagoon Tile, Mosaic House, Popham Design

Avente Tile, Villa Lagoon Tile, Mosaic House

Popham Design, Popham Design, Cle Tile

Cement Tile Shop, Mosaic House, Cement Tile Shop

The hexagon star tile from Popham Design is the front runner for me. I just love it in the bedroom above and I would LOVE to use it in a house of my own!

What do you think, any favorites? Do you like this look?

A Life Size Jewelry Box

2013-09-05T09:38:00.000-04:00

So I have now seen the photos of Cameron Diaz's apartment on Extra, E!, the news, gossip websites and I'm sure you have seen it other places too. Now, I guess, now you've seen it here too. It's just so good I cant get enough of it. Like THAT good.

I know Kelly Wearstler isn't for everyone, but she is for me. I love her and her ability to put together the craziest designs that just work like nobody's business. Even if you don't like the overall design, take the pieces in each space and look at them on their own. I bet you'll find at least one thing you love in here. How could you not?

This is what it would be like to live inside of a jewelry box filled with shiny treasures and I love it.

The kitchen might be my favorite room. Those custom green cabinets, the unlacquered brass backsplash and the ebony cerused floor just make me I'm looking at a room filled with kittens and puppies. I just want to pet something.

There is not one surface left untouched here- its like pure eye candy in every direction.

Floor to ceiling Ann Sacks tile. HELLO!

Custom brass bed in the guest room. How do I get an invitation?

So even if this isn't for you, is there at least one thing you love here? Look at the tiny details, because you know hours were spent thinking about each and every one.

Design by Kelly Wearstler, photos from Elle Decor by William Abranowicz

presto chango

2013-08-30T13:02:00.000-04:00

I'll start by saying that I know I'm not an artist. I've tried my hand at painting and quickly realized that I should leave it to the professionals. But, when my husband told me he was moving to a new office that had no windows and was seriously lacking in some character and color I just had to do something.

Now he doesn't work at this office everyday. He travels a lot and works from home most days. But when he does go into the corporate office to work, it's depressing to say the least. I can see why he stays away.

Case and point...

...this lovely Ikea "art" is what he had to put in his office. I took one look at it and knew it had to go. The Ikea pop art just wasn't jiving with the other stuff he had to hang on the walls.

So one Sunday afternoon he tempted me with lunch if I helped him spruce up his space. I packed a can of primer, few bottles of cheapo paint and some brushes and set out for a quick presto-chango art job.

First I took the pop art outside and used the can of primer to cover everything

Those bright colors took an entire can of primer!

I decided on using just green and whipped up a few different shades and tones of the green paint I had.

A few relaxed brush strokes later and this is what I had... scribbles.

Now I understand this is not professional art here.

But, it is much better than the before, no?

At least I think so, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

What matters is that my husband thinks it's an improvement, and that's what counts.

Plus it breaks up the sea of white going on in there.

Lunch in exchange for a 30 minute paint job, I think that's a good trade.

Have a good long weekend everyone!!

Book Review: Tom Scheerer Decorates

2013-08-27T10:03:00.000-04:00

I often see emails for new design books coming out, some catch my interest but most don't. I have limited bookcase space, so I only get books I can learn from and that will be valuable when I'm finished school and have clients of my own. But when I heard that Mimi Read was coming out with Tom Scheerer Decorates I just had to get my hands on it!

This book is surely a new go-to on my shelf. His ability to put together color and pattern, paired with classic shapes and forms is outstanding! There are plenty of those bright, bold colors that I'm completely smitten with, but he uses them in a way that's totally understated. Its just the right amount of over the top without crossing that crazy line.

That Tom Scheerer has me enamored and this book will be read over and over again. That is for sure!

(Photos The Vendome Press by Francesco Lagnese)

I'm Loving...

2013-08-21T11:16:00.001-04:00

If I bring one more thing into my apartment without getting rid of something I think it might explode. It's time for a major purge session. But, what do you know? Before I even purge I'm already shopping for new fun accessories. Here are my current favorite finds

1. Lauren Bush Laurens new FEED line at Target has some great things! Not only are they cute, but they also provide meals for those in need. These metal storage bins would be so cute in a kitchen pantry.

2. It was love at first sight with this blue chest. I ~~need~~ want it. I have to have it. Blue and gold, extra storage, the perfect size to go just about anywhere, what's not to love?!?

3. These Three Sheets cocktail napkins make me giggle- they would be an adorable addition to any bar area.

4. I just bought myself a new fiddle fig leaf tree plant at Ikea. I talk nice to it everyday in hopes that it doesn't die on me. I'm scared to even touch it or re pot it, but if I threw the plastic pot in one of these baskets it would be the perfect pair.

5. Ikea is really stepping it up this season with all their new stuff and this fabric is no exception. Its quirky, colorful and not just for the kiddos!

6. Speaking of purging, I think its time to rid my bookcases of my magazine collection. By collection I mean about 5-10 subscriptions from 2000. That's a lot of magazines folks. I think if I had this magazine holder I would have to limit my new "collection" to 1 months worth. My apartment might thank me for this purchase.

What are your recent favorite finds? Do share!

Brazil Love

2013-08-13T06:30:00.000-04:00

Have you guys seen the new issue of Rue? Another great issue for sure, but what makes this one spectacular is that it features my friend and fellow blogger Alison Giese!! Her home in Brazil is one of a kind, bright, colorful and so lovely. I love everything she has done here and I cant WAIT to see what she does with her new Stateside home.

All photos from Rue Mag, by Emily Johnston

Light it up!

2013-08-08T15:01:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the radio silence going on here...Not doing it on purpose, promise. I took an intensive Lighting class this Summer and I had my final project due last week and my final test yesterday. Needless to say it took up some time and energy. But its over and I get to enjoy my Summer now...well all 3 weeks of it till my next classes start in the Fall. I'm already getting tired just writing about it.

But woah, I give all those lighting designers out there major props, it is NOT as easy as it looks folks. Cut sheets, RCP's, electrical plans, schedules on top of making sure everything is all shipshape together is not an easy task.

Anywoo, lighting in a space is important. After all, without light how would we be able to see all the pretty colors and details going on? Table lamps are an easy way to bring in light to a space. With so many choices out there its impossible not to find at least a dozen to play with in your own home. I find that table lamps are also an easy way to bring in a little sparkle, funk and color to a space. They can be switched out on a dime, so why not have a few back ups in storage?

Nick Olsen via House Beautiful

Rachel Reider

Amie Corley

Elle Decor

Baily's house from Peppermint Bliss

Ivy & Piper

Tobi Fairley

When it comes to your own home, I think people often have a hard time getting out of their comfort zone. But, lamps are the perfect place to test the waters. Here is a roundup of some fun lamps that would sure spice up any space.

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6. / 7. / 8.

search word jackpot

2013-07-31T14:19:00.000-04:00

I have this fantasy that I will open up Craigslist one day and everything that I've ever looked for will pop up within one mile of me, all for great prices of course. Oh and they can all be delivered to my doorstep.

Right now at the top of my Craigslist search is a set of pretty brass (or any metal really, but brass is tops) chairs. By set, I'd like 2 arm chairs OR 6 dining chairs. Also, it would be like picking the Power Ball number if they were covered in some delicious, perfect condition velvet or leather. But I wont push it, those changes I can make with a trip to the upholsterer, I just want the chairs. I have no place for these chairs, but if I found them I'm sure I could find space.

Look how pretty they look!

via

Those floors?!? I would LOVE for floors like those! Not to mention those windows, the shelves, and the blue doorway!

via

What do you think? Are metal chairs for you?

Fit for second first love

2013-07-23T16:14:00.000-04:00

Since the birth of the new Royal Baby, the whole world has baby fever. Not going to lie I have been following the news of the new Prince, but I've also been thinking of another special baby. My best friend, Erin, is pregnant and her baby is set to arrive in early January!

Obviously as soon as I heard the news I got to work on planning the nursery. Yes, I'm that crazy friend that sends daily emails with a million nursery ideas. Much to my dismay, she isn't finding out the sex of the baby. So my job is coming up with a gender neutral nursery fit for a he OR she.

Erin has a boxer named Harley, that she already thinks is her child. She has actually said she loves him so much she feels like she birthed him (crazy dog people I'm sure can relate, yes? no?). To say that she loves him is an understatement. Anyway, I felt it was only fitting to make him a big part of her new human baby nursery and this is what I came up with

I love, love, love the Osborne & Little Best in Show wallpaper but I really wanted to use just Boxers. A little creativity later and I came up with is special Boxer wallpaper that I'm calling First Love.

The drawer pulls on the dresser/changing table aren't bows, they are bones! How adorable?

Hawaii is near and dear to Erin and her husband so I felt I needed to add a little color to the space in the form of this watercolor map- I love that it adds color while staying gender neutral.

The rest of the items are those typical nursery things: a crib, rocker, some toys and lighting for those late night feedings that are sure to be plenty.

I'm sure there will be many more rounds of the game I call "hey what do you think of this nursery idea?" But this was a solid start and one I hope I can recreate for my already loved niece or nephew!

Lady Crush

2013-07-17T14:36:00.000-04:00

I've got myself a serious lady crush on Ashley Whittaker and whoever lives in this Manhattan apartment. This is what my dreams are made of. Seriously though, when I imagine the backdrop to my past single life, this is what is in my head. Or when I imagine a movie being made about me, this is the kind of apartment they will film it in.

I decided I wanted to add a few of the elements of this space into my own and came up with a list of pieces I needed, here they are

*all photos from House Beautiful by Thomas Loof

Come on in!

2013-07-11T06:30:00.000-04:00

If you're anything like my parents, and I suspect many other families with garages, the garage is the last spot that gets any attention. Or one of the last spots I should say. There is always something higher on the to-do list than sprucing up the garage door entry. At least that's what my Mom tells me.

Anywho, I'm here to tell you it doesn't have to be overlooked. With a little elbow grease it can turn into a space you want drop your boots and run from, to a space that is an extension of your entryway/foyer.

Here's the plan:

Most of the garage doors I've seen aren't anything special, basic molding and a factory finish color. Yawn. Take the door to the next level with some crown molding, paint it black and add a brass kick plate. If your family is like my family you are always kicking the door open the kick plate is a good idea to save the black paint.

A boot tray is made special with some river rocks, thank you Martha for that idea.

A hardworking rug would be the icing on the cake. Doesn't have to be a fancy antique Persian, but wouldn't that be so cool if it was?

Don't forget the hooks. No one wants to drag in a wet jacket into the house, with a few hooks it can dry outside. Also a good place for the dogs leash, reusable grocery bags, umbrellas, just about anything that can hang.

These are just the basics, there are many other things that a garage entry could use too.

Tell me, what are you garage entry must haves?

Gussied Up Entry

2013-07-09T11:16:00.003-04:00

My parents use the garage entry as the main entry to the house. Coming in from the garage the door opens right up to the side hallway and it's often where family and friends come in from the driveway too. (as I mentioned in this blog post too) A few months ago my Mom wanted to spruce the place up without spending a ton of money. I gave her a few ideas, but painting a runner on the stairs is my favorite idea yet. So Mom (and Dad, since he'll probably be painting) this one is for you. Also for any of you who are looking to spruce up your stairs

via the Estate of Things

Love the edge detail here. It's like a banded runner, but with paint.

Living, Etc.

This Old House, photo by Nathan Kirkman

This edge detail is fun too

Unknown, anyone know where this photo is from?

Via Home Life, photo by Polly Wreford

What do you think? Do you think a painted runner would spruce up a garage entry and give it a little character and charm?

Tomorrow I'll post my other ideas on how to spruce up a garage entry. You know, how to make it worthy of that judgy friend to see too!

PS- yesterday I was a guest blogger over at Brittany's blog Classically B. Head on over to check out what my latest favorite finds are!!

Channeling Willy Wonka

2013-07-03T06:30:00.000-04:00

I'm totally loving the new Moonlight Garden line at Beacon Hill Fabrics. Obvi I love bright colors and these are no exception in the bright color category. No boring fabrics here, that's for sure!

Moon Blossom in Orchid and Midnight

How cool on a lounge chair?

Or as inspiration for a out of this world table setting?

Lioness in Walnut and Indigo

Can you spot the lion in the fabric above. It's like Where's Waldo. Such a fun game to play with fabric! I'm still waiting for lickable wallpaper though. Personally, I'd love to taste snozberries.

I cant wait to get my hands on some of this fabric. The colors are just itching for a fun bedroom or family room to cover

What do you think, could you live with this fabric?