Friday, November 25, 2011

All That Glitters


...in Target.

I love using silver, gold, and anything metallic instead of the traditional red and green during the holiday season to decorate.  It also helps with my laziness when I prefer to leave the decor up for a week or two after Christmas.  Thank you Target for providing amazingly affordable accessories!


Mercury glass anything will do!


Sparkly Christmas trees for table centerpieces



Gold crackled glass lamp base... you could totally use this year round or just change it out seasonally for only 30 bucks!  It would look great with a white drum shade.


Metallic silver or red trays for the coffee table


Do you have any favorite places you scout for holiday decor?

Vintage Find Quick Fix

One of the last needed finishing touches (for now) on my dining room was to fill the wall space on each side of the buffet with framed pictures.  I specifically wanted two gold bamboo frames.  Try that for specific.  After searching in several antique stores, I found the perfect frames for just 35.00 a piece!



I wasn't in love with the feel of the prints, so I swapped them out for a more modern fabric.  I am really happy with the turnout and can't wait to show you the entire room once we have it photographed!


Have you had any vintage finds lately that you have updated?  

Thursday, November 24, 2011

DIY Roman Shades

In preparation for our babies' first birthday, I made plenty of to-do and honey-do lists that each consisted of about a million things.  Thankfully, my husband is just as driven as I am when it comes to checking things off of a list, so we powered through until about midnight several nights in a row to complete these fab roman shades.  We get a ton of sunlight in the back of the house and it had resorted to wearing sunglasses while eating dinner, so I figured it was time to do something about it.






I can't take the credit for the instructions.  My BFF, Google, lead me to this tutorial, which seemed the most thorough and easy to follow (thank you for the pictures).  Let me know what you think of the fabric choice.  I wanted to use a large floral that wasn't too traditional and picked up on colors we already have existing in the kitchen.  I found several no-sew options, but ultimately decided that once I invested in the fabric they would be a long term solution and sewing was the best option.

Have you ever tackled DIY window treatments?  How did they turn out?

Design Inspiration

I love finding new decor books to use as inspiration.  They also serve as eye candy in your home.  I have them scattered throughout the house in stacks because I can't get enough!  I can't help but get a little giddy when a Barnes & Noble package arrives at my front door!  Here are some of my latest and greatest finds.  Many of them are put out by online bloggers, so check out their website if you need a daily dose!







Do you have any recent finds in the book world?  Please share and help continue my addiction!




So Thankful

I could not be more blessed or THANKFUL for my sweet family!





Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Photography by Ashley Glasco

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

design*sponge meets Richmond Anthro

One of my favorite design bloggers, Grace Bonney of design*sponge, recently stopped through Richmond for a book signing at our local Anthropologie!  As soon as I got the email, I immediately RSVP'ed for my friend Meghan and I to go!  Grace was super sweet and signed both of our copies of her book.  I am excited to add it to my collection of inspiration.



Additionally, it was obvious our Anthropologie was just as excited for Grace's signing!  The store has never looked so amazing!  Check out this amazing geometric cardboard decor!


 Love the vintage/peeling wall paper and rustic boards...

I am always in the mood for winter white!

 Love this three-dimensional collage wall!

 Lastly, I would love to try and DIY these Christmas ornaments!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

NURSERY REVEAL: Surprise Baby

Remember the concept board I put together for my girlfriend's owl themed nursery?  Well, Baby B is due in less than two weeks and the nursery is complete!  I was so pumped to go over to their house and see the final product.  They did an amazing job and the mural her brother painted is BEYOND spectacular!


 






 


Congrats again on your sweet little one; I can't wait to find out if it's a little boy or girl!!!!!

Monday, November 14, 2011

San Fran: Cutest One Bedroom Apt Ever

Remember our recent trip to San Francisco?  It was our first experience using an online website to rent someone's apartment.  We really lucked out and found a one bedroom apartment that was in the basement of an amazing house in the city.  I couldn't help but love it's Anthropologie-esque vibe and how it was all put together using Target, IKEA, and vintage finds.


This view is from the front entrance.  The main living space is painted a cool gray.  I love the glass and metal coffee table, exposed brick, and splashes of red.




This little dinette is behind the sofa in the picture above.  Even the placemats and salt & pepper shakers were cute!


The bed was flanked with hanging pendants and antique school chairs.  What a cool alternative to your typical nightstands and table lamps!


This looked like it was found at a cool vintage shop or something, but is a total DIY project.  Bang up and old board, throw on some stain and laquer, garnish with knobs and voila!  You have a cool coat rack!



This bathroom was so simple but I loved it for some reason.  I think it was the chocolate brown subway tile.  And I actually liked how the tile looked without being arranged staggered.  

Have you stayed anyplace cool recently?

Antique Plates Wall Gallery

I am super excited to show you an antique plate wall gallery that my mom and I just put together in her living room this morning.  We have been working on this room for a few months now (thankfully, she is very patient and understanding of my crazy schedule).  Remember this post on navy and green?  Well, the fabrics at the bottom were what inspired this entire room and it is finally coming together!


This is only one area of the room, but I just couldn't wait to show it off.  I am really please with the way it turned out and I think my mom is too.  She has the coolest family pieces and what better way to display them?  I love the vintage and eclectic feel.  I kept the inside of the china cabinet full of antiques as well - they are just so unique!





Here is another clue on what we used the trellis fabric for!   I can't wait to reveal the whole room - I am hoping to have it done before Thanksgiving :)


Have you created any unique wall galleries out of anything other than pictures?  Please share!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Run, Mommy, Run!

Once again, I'll ask for your forgiveness for slacking.  I just finished my second marathon yesterday and have been busy with training, working, and oh yeah - taking care of babies!  I promise to resume design oriented posts tomorrow as I try to keep up with my thirty day challenge.

Here's a little peek at what the past five and a half months have been for.  It was tough, challenging, and amazing all at the same time.  I am proud to say, I challenged myself to bounce back after having the twins by running a second marathon and I DID IT!  I am sad to say it is over, but looking forward to my next race and a tiny bit of free time for the holidays.

My tiniest fans

 My very enthusiastic mother running in front of us with her poster.  I could not have asked for a better training team or running partners.  

 My running partner, Mike, and I at about mile twelve.

My biggest accomplishments to date, our sweet babies.

Little man enjoying post-marathon snacks

My biggest supporter, Jeremy, and the babies

My proud parents

What has been consuming your time lately?  Anything design related?  It's okay if it's not :)