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Change

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Since I've been living in bigger than a 10x10 dorm room, I've had a constant desire to change my room's aesthetic.   Move the desk, switch the pictures, change out the pillows, etc.  Although I'd like to attribute it to my varied interests and unique sense of self, it is likely a dose of discontent with my everyday life.  But, nonetheless, even acknowledging and stating I have the problem, it continues.  But now, I think I have discovered another rationale (not that I'm denying the first) for this constant itch--the possibilities!  There are so many!  So much to love!

The most recent catalog for West Elm is delectable!  It makes you want to transport your home to a white sandy beach and trade all your jewel tones for seashell shades of gray and pink.  Enjoy!

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Martha at Her Best

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Now, for many, Martha Stewart is too traditional and expected--the glossy white wood work, pale crisp walls, and traditional lines.  I have to admit--I have found myself turning to Lonny Magazine and blogs like Laura Day for some spice. But this month, Martha is at her best.  Below are some beautiful rooms...go get this issue, it is beautiful and packed full of design sense (not to mention a peek at Trina Turk's house!).
 

 

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Yellow

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So, the color boost today will have a slightly different flavor.  I want you to imagine the possibilities of wallpaper--yellow wallpaper.  So, I found us a bathroom to put our imagination to work.  For me, wallpaper is an easy choice for a small space.  Although there are notable exceptions, I like very dramatic wallpapers in small spaces.  It makes a statement in powder rooms, enclaves, and ends of hallways. These yellow wallpapers would easily carry any small space. 

 Here is our pallette from House Beautiful.  Isn't the pink fabulous?

  

Chato & Co's Kaje - 01 at wallpapercollective.com

Camilla Meijer's Poppy Yellow at wallpapercollective.com

French America's Pigeon Boheme Superlemon on White Mylar at wallpapercollective.com

The poppies are my favorite, which likely surprises very few of you.  I think we can agree that wallpaper is no longer limited to the "country kitchen" books at your oversized home improvement stores.  These wallpapers are pricy, yet punchy.  Don't afraid to splurge on the small space, you won't need too much and you'll love it!

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Until Tomorrow

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Although I promised a color boost tonight, it will have to wait.  My eyes are tiring from a long day of staring at the computer and thinking.  Tomorrow will bring renewed energy and my promised color boost.  Sweet dreams.

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"After"

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Introducing, my new dresser.  What do you think?  I love it.  This project was an exercise in experimentation for me.  Could I get the glossy sleek look?  Would the knobs pop, like I hoped?  My goal was to stay true to the shape and traditional finishes of the dresser, but, to enhance the dresser with a modern color and demonstrative knobs.  There were two dressers that caught my eye, while I was contemplating the project--they established my design trajectory.

Jonathan Adler

My dresser, ultimately, looks very different than these inspirations.  But I wanted the mid-century pop of the Jonathan Adler with the crisp sleekness of the aqua dream above.  In the end, the project was gratifying, and thankfully, complete.  I hope you like it.

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Dan Butler

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While I was at NYU, my dorm was nestled perfectly between the East and West Village, north of Soho and just a hop south from the biggest Farmer's Market in Manhattan, at Union Square.  It became a matter of habit to take a studying break and stroll through the tents of the market, pluck some fresh flowers for my desk, and enjoy the local artists' paintings and drawings.  One particular artist, Dan Butler, displayed his screen prints with an antique typewriter sitting prominently in the middle of his display. 

As I began to anticipate my departure from the beautiful island, I searched for the perfect piece of art to commemorate my daily life in the City.  Dan's work consists of screenprints.  The screenprint below is of the  antique typewriter I got so used to seeing with a dash of watercolor for good measure.  

In aims to not be too hasty, I've kept the print bottled up and searched and settled on how to frame my NYC memory.  I think I've made a decision!  From the moment I laid eyes on the work of Larry Laslo of Larry Laslo Designs, I knew I had found my framing inspiration.  The picture hanging to the left is my aim (though the matting on the right is so interesting).  I would like a sleek, brass, minimalist frame with chunky tall, but skinny and narrow, matting.  Can you see it?  I'm so excited--I'll reveal, of course, my finished product, once I find a frame shop who can rub my pennies together and make my dream a reality!

Thoughts?  Color boost tomorrow and "After"...See you then. 

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"Before"

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This weekend was not exactly the weekend I had planned, but it was relaxing nonetheless.  I chose the past few days to update a piece I've had for years, but never had the nerve or know-with-all to change. This was not to be had.  Nice pieces of wood furniture that are packaged without sentimental strings are perfect  specimens for creativity.  One can experiment and take some chances, without ruining a piece of history packed with feeling (even though you can't stand the sight of it but can't bear get rid of it!).

This piece traveled from apartment to apartment with me in college and law school and has now made it back home.  Unlike almost all my other furniture, I plan to enjoy its presence in my temporary abode and not ship it off to storage!  

I consulted several of my fellow weekend designers and decided on a color.  The dresser, as you can see below, is pine with only a slight stain.  Sanding and painting have proven tasks well worth completing.  I'm excited to make the big reveal, probably, after our color boost this week.  So, for those who are listening, here is "BEFORE" 

[Please excuse the blur--I was rushing the piq for no good reason!]

More to follow...may your work week be productive, gratifying, not too stressful, and helpful to those you are privileged to serve with your talents!

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Twice as Good

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I love Sara Groves and her newest album does not disappoint. She writes her own music and plays the piano beautifully. Her lyrics are vulnerable and transparent; giving words to emotions I feel but can neither fully comprehend nor articulate. Twice as Good made me cry upon first hearing; so blessed to have these kind of friends in my life. 

The title track to her album is Fireflies and Songs.  The album cover opens with the following note to the listener:

" With a couple of thematic albums under my belt, I approached Jeff loosely with a list of new ideas for this project.  I appreciate his suggestion that I put themes aside and just write.  When Charlie came on board, he said his only request was that I enjoy God and songwriting!  As a result of those conversations, I starting turning ... soil that had not been tilled for a while.  I am more grateful now than ever for songwriting and the tremendous help it is to me in processing life... . "

On her website, she expresses her desire for the album to be "emotive."  She has clearly achieved her aim.

*Note: The album is produced by Charlie Peacock, who also produced Jon Foreman's Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer--another great album.

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Gray

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My days are clearly running together: my Mondays and Tuesdays are a marathon at work with the normal Monday fury, an early evening meeting, followed by an early morning Tuesday meeting.  By Tuesday night it might as well be Friday!!  So, you are getting your color boost a day early.

My thoughts on all things gray:  Not too long ago I read a designer's commentary on color trends in design.  He declared gray is the new beige.  Well, I couldn't agree more.  Gray is a peacemaker with other neutrals.  Mix it with chocolate, navy, black, creme, white, mint, pink, yellow, orange, and teal.  Its luxurious, sophisticated, often unexpected, and relaxing.  Here are some great products [I want the shams!] as well as some latter evidences of the marrying nature of the color gray.  Enjoy.

Anthropologie.com

 

Cool Gray Pom from Party Poms' Etsy Shop

"Live Out Your Dream" from the Elva Collection at ElvaFields

Swan Print at Jayson Home & Garden

Ned Marshall

 

Vincente Wolf

MarthaStewart.com

 

Kara Mann

So, next time you look for the neutral creme, tan, or white, resist, and throw in some gray!

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Mid Century Modern

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So, I know I've been way too quiet these past few days; moving has me occupied.  But now, until further notice, I'm settled, though my new abode is lacking in the area of organization!  I thought I would muse and plant a clue about my upcoming project.  Let's talk Mid Century Modern.  Mid century modern denotes the geometrical, the minimal, and the 50's!  I love the sleek legs and punchy upholstery.  Imagine the mix: french, mid century modern, sentimental keepsakes [imagine the most dear], fresh flowers, and a Sally Benedict King original. I'd say you have yourself a room.  Now, until tomorrow....ready for a color boost???

Headboard Side Tables Lounge  Sally Benedict King Peonies

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Mint

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As promised, our weekly tribute! This week? Mint.

Wisteria's Chinese Garden Stool

Roberta Ketchin's Charleston home, as featured in Charleston Magazine

Elegantouch Etsy Shop's Flocked Velvet Lumbar Pillow

 Vintage Apples from SpaceJam's Etsy Shop

Spring Wrag Wreath from tiedupmemories' Etsy Shop

Lux tweed ballet flats from J.Crew

P.S. -- Mix your mints with pinks, tans, and yellows...you won't disappoint!

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Shower Me With Flowers

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Life's main events: birthdays, weddings, engagements, births, graduations, and holidays give one the perfect excuse to need to go to the floral wholesaler and indulge.  This weekend, a wedding shower provided just such an excuse.  The flowers included stock, roses, aster beauty, lisianthus, and yarrow.  The bride likes things soft, textured, feminine, and indulgent...and so the arranging went.  

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A Tradition Please!

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So, may I establish a tradition for us?  Starting this Wednesday and each to follow, the WEEKEND DESIGN is going to feature a color with furniture, chotckhes, fabrics, flowers, architecture, clothing, and accessories.  To give us each a mid-week boost, we'll explore how important color--even the monochromatic pallette--is to design!

Stay tuned, but for now, just for a taste, let's think about pink.

More to follow...Cheers to a fabulous work week!

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The Corner Chair

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So, I've recently began to love the corner chair.  While perusing all my favorite websites, I came across this Victorian corner chair at Fyndes.com.  Isn't it great?  I love the nautical accents and Victorian flair!

But, corner chairs aren't limited to the Engligh Victorian era.

The Dutch Colonial

 The French

The Norwegian

I'm a sucker for the French, as always, but I'm sure I could find room for the Victorian.  Enjoy!