The Aestate

Free Shipping

2013-05-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

Until 5/31, all domestic, non-custom print orders ship free. Enter code "SPRINGFLING13" in the checkout.

Also selling this 70s burl wood Henredon occasional table:

obsession: succulents

2013-05-13T07:51:00.002-07:00

I have a problem. Posted this pic on instagram a while ago, but my succulent collection has grown a lot since then. Every time I go to Lowe's, I leave with one or two new plants. It's one of the few things you can actually grow year round in Arizona. I really can't stop buying them.

Donkey Tail

String of Pearls

Black Rose Tree

Giant Agave

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Kubus Inspired Table DIY

2013-05-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

Bought this coffee a while ago with the intentions of faux-malachiting the top section:

{Heritage Coffee Table, Amazon}

Still think that would be rad and someone should do it. But you guys know I love Pierre Frey's Kubus long time. So this happened:

What I didn't realize is how freaking long this would actually take. I've been working on this for weeks. Some people were asking for a tutorial but I didn't take any pics as I was doing it. The most complicated part is drawing the pattern on the table. I used a t-square, ruler, and a protractor. And then once you figure out how to draw the pattern on the table, you're just taping off sections and spray painting.

{Baies Noire Candle, Nordstrom / Metal Urchin, Target / Pot, Homegoods / 'Alexander McQueen : The Life and Legacy', Amazon / 'Gypset Travel', Amazon }

Here it is with some last-minute styling. Excuse my not-blooming orchids (am I the only one that keeps them after the flowers fall off? I heard they're supposed to bloom again)

I love it, but not so much with the rug I currently have in the living room. Thinking this one might do better:

We'll see. I'd like to finish the living room soon, so I can focus on the office.

Patric Öhlund's apartment

2013-05-06T07:16:00.001-07:00

Stockholm-based model, Patric Öhlund, has most bad ass bachelor pad I've seen in a while. Ugh, Swedish models always have the best apartments...

*Note: Some of the art shown below might be considered NSFW*

{lovelylife.se}

Single guys who don't know how to decorate: I'm gonna help you out. Black/white + lots of books + lots of art + cool accessories= panties droppin. Obviously, the key is styling, but you're off to a really good start.

{Art I Love} D.U.R.A.

2013-04-30T07:18:00.003-07:00

I found out about D.U.R.A via instagram (@durahana) Immediately fell in love with her fun and ethereal illustrations. She is a self-taught artist from Malaysia who's had her work featured in multiple fashion magazines.

Love that last piece especially hard.

She's also does beautiful abstracts

Check out her site D.U.R.A. Artspace for her full portfolio. She has originals up for sale there and on her Facebook page which are surprisingly affordable. You can even snatch up some A4 size fashion illustration prints for five dollars. FIVE DOLLARS.

You're welcome.

Project: Guest Bathroom

2013-04-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Praise Jesus we're finally fixing our hideous guest bath. No "before" pic yet, but you guys can picture a bathroom that was outfitted as cheaply as possible back in the 90s and then neglected for like 15 years.

We hit up Floor & Decor (el cheapo flooring place)...I was pleasantly surprised:

Decided to go with the marble hex tiles for the bathroom floor.

They look more like this without the instagram filter:

Right now there's a prefab shower/tub combo that we're going to replace with a walk-in shower. Would love to have the black marble in the first picture for the shower, but my second choice, this glossy black subway tile was in the clearance section for about $4.00/sqft:

I think it'll do just fine...

The black shower idea was a last minute decision. These are the only good black shower pics I could find out there on the internets, so I guess this isn't something people do a lot. I'm sure our tile guy (who was pushing travertine hardcore) is going to be like WTF? He seriously would not shut up about travertine. And then tried to tell me subway tiles were "out of style"...I was like:

Idk, it's a risk, but I think it'll pay off. They just look so sophisticated and cave-like (like a luxury glam cave, not the gross kind, obvs)

Or I'll waste a bunch or money and end up with an ugly bathroom, but you know, whatever.

This has been a long-time favorite bathroom...

So I'm thinking of spicing it up a little by adding some design, probably a greek key border on the floor of the shower or the rest of the bathroom like so:

{1-5: The Aestate, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13}

This is the part where I would ask for opinions, but we already bought the tile so just tell me what an awesome idea this is.

Bananas

2013-04-23T07:56:00.001-07:00

Summer is coming, and my patio is in order...

(Had some people asking about the pillows - similar ones can be found on Furbish)

I'm glad I'm not the only one still not over banana leaf prints. I haven't worn Juicy Couture since college, but their summer collection is coming correct:

{Wallet | Green Scarf | Palm Leaf iPhone 5 Cases | Silk Parrot Print Crewneck Pullover | Hansen Bowler | Canvas Bucket Crossbody Bag | Pink Scarf | Palmetto Jacket | Palmetto Shorts | Crossbody Hobo Bag | Grace Canvas Mini Purse}

Definitely going to need the wallet and iPhone case.

PSA: The iPhone 5 Cases are 50% off and the bags and wallet are an extra 30% through tomorrow (4/24)! Plus free shipping on all orders.

Erika's Femme Modern Gallery Wall

2013-04-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

Not sure if you guys already caught the sneak peek over on Small Shop, but I'm so happy that Erika is including not one, but two of my prints in her office re-vamp. Been coveting her entire office (and home) for the longest time. From that styled brass etagere (which I did score on CL) to that perf shade of gray on the walls...ugh. Can't wait to see the full makeover.

Ok, and how insanely good is the black + white Kate Moss picture with the burl frame?

{Erika Brechtel/ Small Shop Studio}

Newest print, "OUI" also making a cameo

Click over to Small Shop to see more...

---

And just a heads-up that, in addition to Furbish, the Lips poster can also now be purchased at Made By Girl!

{Jen Ramos/ Made By Girl}

A perfect pair with Jen's small gold LOVE print

Clickety.

Instastalking Pt 2

2013-04-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, part 2! If you're not already following these people, do yourself a favor...

@jamiemeares If Happiness had an instagram, this would be it. All the Furbish/isuwannee goodness you would expect plus doggies.

I have so many more favs but I've run out of space and time so I'll have to do another one of these in a few weeks. I'm always looking for new people to follow, so leave me a comment and let me know your favs!

Instastalking Pt 1

2013-04-16T07:45:00.002-07:00

Some of my fav instagram accounts at the moment:

@KellyWearstler Ok, not someone you guys aren't already following but I had to include

@modishetcetera:

@ecmothdesign:

@meyouandawiener My all-time fav blog, which is no longer. Sad face. Bless instagram for allowing me to continue stalking Bri's seriously sick home and DIYs.

@couturezoo Another fav, now-defunct blog. But thanks to instagram I can still see Kecia make Haus and jaunt around Europe.

@smallshopstudio

(Psst - See more of Erika's killer gallery wall here)

Who are you instastalking?

Check back tomorrow for Part 2!

Friday Inspiration Dump

2013-04-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

Everything I'm loving this week that didn't fit anywhere else...

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Trend: Horn Accents

2013-04-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

I was so tempted to title this post "feeling horny" bc I'm totally feeling these horn accents. Disclaimer: I'm talking faux here. It's a really dick move to kill animals for any sort of decoration.

Also, this is one of those decor items that falls under the category of "Things in My House that an Intruder Could Use to Kill Me With" ....Do you guys ever pick something up and think "Oh, this could totally be used as a weapon against me in a horror movie-slash-Dateline: 20/20 scenario, but oh well, it looks awesome I'll buy it anyway..."?

No? It's just me?

Ok. Enjoy...

{1 2 3 4 5 6}

{Gold Bangle, Tom Ford | Curved Faux Kudu Horn, Wayfair | Antelope Jewelry Holder, Wonderland | Horn Sconces, Arcadian Home | White Horn Sculpture, Pulp Home | Marble & Brass Tusk Side Table, 1stDibs | Kudu Horn Door Handles, Arcadian Home | Giant Brass Horn, Jonathan Adler}

latest craigslist finds

2013-04-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

I've been on the hunt for the perfect console table for a while now. Those of you that follow me on instagram (@theaestate) saw that I finally found it on craigslist last week:

It's lacquer, perfect and totally in budget. I also scored that white tole palm tree floor lamp on craigs. I'm kind of obsessed with it. That's the shade it came with, going to swap it out with a black drum style shade.

You can see in the pic, we also just got baseboards installed (finally!) Like the flooring, we're doing it ourselves, so you can see on the corner there it still needs some touching-up. But I'm thrilled because its finally starting to look like a real house. I just wish I had tons of money so I could hire everything out...and just buy everything I want on 1stDibs in one weekend instead of scouring craigs for months...

So anyways, I've been gathering even more console styling inspiration lately...

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Lust List #9

2013-04-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

{Diamond Sapphire Eye Necklace, Shopbop | Kelly Wearstler Horn Necklace, Shopbop | Chunky Pyrite Ring, Max & Chloe | Sass & Bide Ikat Jeans, Shopbop | Orientalist Scented Candle, Mr. Porter | Feathers Business Card Holder, Furbish | Banana Leaf iPhone 5 Case, Piperlime | The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck, Free People}

Shopping: Jamie Shop

2013-04-02T07:20:00.004-07:00

Ok, maybe I went too far with that April Fool's Day prank, idk, I make my own fun.

I'm about to make it up to you guys though. How would you like access to all the best "To the Trade Only" resources? And at only 25% above wholesale cost?

Mm hmm. Thought you would like that.

One of my long-time favorite designers, Jamie Herzlinger, offers an online luxury interior design buying service, Jamie Shop. Click over to check out the huge resource directory. Browse manufacturer's sites, and once you find what you're looking for, contact Jamie Shop and get a quote. You can even shop some of the rooms she's designed, with a list of the manufacturers used in each room provided.

{Jamie Herzlinger}

Like a kid in a candy store right now...

Kelly Wearstler for Target 6/21

2013-04-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

It's happening you guys...

The design gods have answered our prayers. Target just announced that it will be collaborating with Kelly Wearstler on a line of affordable home decor and accessories available online and in stores June 21...

april fools bitches

sorry, you still can't afford kelly.

that would be cool tho.

oh and you're welcome I didn't link through to a rick roll site or something. Actually, I was gonna BOTDF-roll you guys but the 30 second ad at the beginning kinda kills it...

console hunting

2013-03-29T09:22:00.001-07:00

Been on the hunt for the perfect console table for our living room. I feel like the room calls for more than the traditional pair of matching end tables. We already have one end table I got from my parents, and I want a console on the other side of the sofa. Something vintage glam one these:

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New Print in the Shop

2013-03-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

{Etsy -The Aestate}

Here's my latest print - OUI. You might have seen the sneak peek I posted months ago. I'd been lusting after these abstract black and white, sort of 70s-looking pieces and decided to create something similar.

{1 2 3 4}

I experimented with gold-leafing by hand on one of the original versions. Love the raw texture and imperfections of the gold leaf, but I'm still looking to get a gold foil stamped version, if anyone has a print shop they can recommend, please let me know!

Burl Ives

2013-03-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

Just call me Burl Ives.

Have you guys had it up to here with the burl yet? Because I haven't.

Meet my new desk

This is not the best picture, but you can see it in it's past life here.

Already posted this on instagram, but I'm still trying to decide on a fabric choice for my waterfall bench...

I thought I was going to go with the velvet. I like the color of the velvet on the right but for this bench I prefer the chenille texture. I've ordered another swatch that looks promising. If it doesn't work out, I'll probably go with the velvet...or the middle one..idk.

Also, as you guys have probably heard Google is getting rid of Google Reader/ GFC. I recommend switching over to Feedly, which is actually a really nice alternative to Google Reader.

You can also keep in touch with me on:

Bloglovin

Twitter

tumblr

Facebook

dying

2013-03-14T07:22:00.002-07:00

Dying.

Dead.

Starting to decompose in my office chair.

Look at this burl and lucite credenza that I found for a client. She pulled the trigger and I cannot wait to see it in the space we're working on. It's definitely in my top 10 favorite pieces of all time.

I can't even right now.

Unable to even.

Oh and right after posting about needing some yellow velvet the other day, I found these x-benches on Overstock for $195 a piece. Considering them for the living room...

yellow velvet

2013-03-12T07:24:00.001-07:00

I think it started when I saw this picture of a room done by Nate Berkus

And now I've decided I have to have something yellow velvet in my house.

The above picture's got me thinking about some Milo Baughman chairs...

done up in some yellow velvet with a hint of mustard, like this one by Robert Allen.

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Constellation gallery v 2.0 and some 80s goodness

2013-02-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

It took almost an entire day and an American Horror Story marathon (which probably slowed the whole process down actually) but I finally hung the gallery wall. If anyone's interested, I'll post a full tutorial on how to hang a super-anal perfectly straight gallery wall.

Ah, but it was all worth it because constellation gallery v 2.0 is my favorite thing in the whole house right now...

But it might have some competition because I just scored this little relic of the 80s:

So much potential....

I'm leaning towards a plum or magenta fabric. Maybe something fandango (ya'll don't know about the color fandango)

But this peacock-blue velvet number by MiNTY is also delicious.

Speaking of delicious, we all know that Furbish is delicious. But what you might not know, is that you can now purchase my lips and skull prints there.

While you're there, you should also get this cat teepee because I'm on a temporary self-imposed shopping ban and that way my cat and I can enjoy it vicariously through you and your cat.

You don't even have to have a cat actually.

Cerused Oak

2013-02-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

I'm obsessed with the look of ebony cerused oak lately. Love the rich texture and the way the contrast showcases the beauty of the grain.

Look at that gorgeous grain. Seriously, it's drop dead.

Kelly Wearstler is obviously a fan.

I also love the softer look of traditional cerused/limed oak.

A faux cerused door

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I've been scouring craigslist for a nice vintage oak piece with great lines. The Ornamentalist has an awesome step-by-step tutorial on creating ebony limed oak that I can't wait to try.

In other news, I have another giveaway for you guys over on Sadie + Stella... This is going to be the last one for a while, so good luck!

Giveaway on The Peak of Tres Chic!

2013-02-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

I have another giveaway for you guys over on one of my long-time fav blogs, The Peak of Tres Chic...

{The Peak of Tres Chic}

Enter to win an 8 x 10" of your choice from my shop...Closes this Friday at midnight, so click on over!

Giveaway winner + Target finds

2013-01-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

Good morning, I have a giveaway winner to announce! The winner of the Fall Into London print is.....

Congratulations, Kristen! Check your email.

Thanks to Eleni for sponsoring this great giveaway, and thanks to everyone who entered! Now is a great time to pick up your favorite print because the Fall Into London New Year's sale is still in effect. Enter the code NEWYEAR13 for 10% off.

...

In other news, I'm a Target whore.

I went in to grab light bulbs last week and left with like two carts full of home decor.

What have I become.

I'm normally all about supporting small shops and buying vintage/antique, but I couldn't resist a pair of these guys:

Threshold Cockatiel Lamp Base 21"

I got the black shades with white trim there, too, but I'm not so impressed with the quality. The trim is glued on wonky on both shades :/

I also picked up a pair of these coral x-benches for $60 a piece, which I don't have to tell you is a steal. I'm still keeping an eye out for a nice cushy pair to get reupholstered in leopard, gray, or magenta velvet, but these are nice placeholders in the meantime.

{instagram: @theaestate}

PS- FYI, I've begun hoarding incandescent light bulbs. In case you haven't heard they're banning all incandescent bulbs in the US, just like they did in the EU years ago. So, if you hate CFLs as much as I do, start stocking up...