Autumn Inspired

How about some color inspiration for Fall?
I love mixing in a bit of blue with these traditionally Autumn colors:

Now...here are some great ways to use these same inspiration colors on your Fall tablescape. Have fun!

What a Stitch!

Big plans for this coming weekend. I bought this pattern a few weeks ago to sew dresses for my girls...and it might just happen. I just love the wrap waist and fullness in the skirt and sleeves. Cute. I'm considering fabrics by Amy Butler...check out her workspace below. Ahh.

"Kyoko" dress pattern by ModKid

Fabrics by Amy Butler

I want Amy Butler's workspace.

Sconce and Circumstance

Which to choose...which to choose?



Lighting from Restoration Hardware

Well, we've decided to give it our all and finish off the 700 square feet in the basement, half of which is going to be a home theater. We have the projector and the screen...and that's it. Right now, it's time to make some lighting decisions...I'll keep you posted on the progress and share some before, during and after photos.

Little Black Lampshade

Mmmm...black lampshades:

Just like that favorite {little black} dress, the black lampshade is timeless. Pair it with the quintessential brass lamp...or a more modern, refined polished chrome base. You cannot go wrong with a good quality black lampshade.

I know I love mine (above)... black velvet atop a trophy-style, silver-plated lamp. It's a keeper!

"E" for Estelle

Please check out my friend, Brandy E.Ward

I really admire her work...and guess what?...she and I share the same middle name, Estelle (I know!).


This photograph (below) is Brandy's fine work:





So, I designed the following virtual bedroom...using her gorgeous photograph as inspiration:

Wouldn't you love to have a room like this?...especially with that stunning photography?

Got Milk Glass?

White hobnail milk glass...gorgeous as a collection...and not too costly. Look for vintage Fenton or Westmoreland if you want the good stuff.

Pictured as seen on quilted-giraffe.blogspot.com


Have a terrific weekend!

Annual Review

Autumn is the perfect season for a bedroom re-vamp...you know you'll be spending a bit more time under the covers once the snow starts to fly. So, why not think about making your bedchamber into an irresistible retreat? Inspiration...

Things to love about this room:

1)classic polished brass lamps

2)cinnamon-colored stain on the cherry wood pieces

3)oil painting propped on the night stand


Ralph Lauren speaks French with the new Arles Collection. Ralph Lauren Arles Bedroom Collection, New at Bloomingdale's. Classically beautiful.

Bonus: This bedding is available at Bloomingdale's...or cheat like I do and get the look-alike at TJMaxx. Gold sheets, white coverlet, and a paisley throw. Mix in a few vintage floral fabrics on the throw pillows and you've got yourself a bedroom makeover.

P.S. Don't forget the fresh flowers ($3.99 for a seasonal bouquet at Aldi).

Picture This

I just love the idea of displaying photos and artwork salon style. In fact, this is how I have displayed artwork in my own living room...as shown in the photo above.

This is a great way to mix all of those family photos in with your framed prints and paintings. Tip: unify the look by using similar frames or all white mats.

What's Your Number?

Can you believe these pieces of artwork are paint by number? How cool...and what an inexpensive and fun way to fill your walls! Tomorrow, I'll give you a tip on how to arrange your art and framed pieces. But back to these fine works...

Consider trying your hand at completing a paint by number. Hint: to give your finished, cured painting that aged patina, use a diluted dark brown artist's oil paint or stain and rub on then quickly wipe off. Seal with a water-based polyurethane. Gorgeous!

Lip Service

Okay, so all of my posts so far have been about home decor...but this one is about beauty. Check out this find:



As a lady on a budget, I am always on the lookout for the best deal. Well, this lipstick is a winner! Have you heard of the discount grocery store, Aldi? Did you know they offer beauty products? They do...and I love this lipstick brand, Lacura. Only $3.49 (what?!) for a .17 oz. tube...and it is not tested on animals and is dermatologically tested. My favorite color: Truffle

Animal House

Ah, animal prints...just a dash, please. So sophisticated and classy (I love that word)! But don't over do it...what do they say about too much of a good thing...? Consider tucking a leapord-print pillow in your favorite chair. Or how about an ottoman upholstered in a zebra print? Ooh, la, la.

Above photos as seen on ElleDecor.com, the article "The Allure of Animal Prints" by Dickson Wong:

Benchmark

In place of a traditional cocktail table, as a seat in an entry, or at the foot of the bed...a bench is a versatile, functional piece of furniture. Don't be tempted to purchase just any old bench...check out these beauties:

As a lover of all things yellow or gold...I must say this bench is the best. Also love the Greek-key motif, a classic.

You can never go wrong with at least one piece of tufted furniture in a room...

This 70's vintage piece is from http://www.redmodernfurniture.com/. Quite stylish.

Happy Weekend!

Best Chest

If you are on the hunt for that functional, but unusual piece to finish off your bedroom/entry/dining space...search no further.

This Hemnes Mirror Chest can be found at IKEA for only $299.00

See this chest at www.cococozy.comHandcrafted, sustainable chest for $1250.00 at www.blakeavenue.etsy.com

Brown + White

Who says white walls aren't gorgeous? Also, the contrast between the strict geometric pattern on the bedding and the distressed nature of the vintage framed prints is simply perfection.




The traditional gold wallcovering could feel a bit frumpy...but not when paired with the crisp white and brown linens which are fresh and updated. Large white mats on the artwork...love.

Floor length panels and a bamboo shade are undoubtedly a great solution for most windows. Love the shot of turquoise on the vintage lamp.

A certain classic...but take note of the modern chair at the desk. And the touch of french blue on the painted nightstand subtly brings the room to life.