Before

In a perfect world I would have waited to find the perfect faux bamboo cabinet to repaint, but I really wanted to find and finish a piece asap. Here's my Craig's list find, it needs a lot of love, but that's the fun part!! I love the fret work detail over the glass windows. I will share the after shots. I do know this, I'm definitely painting it a high gloss white and I'm either going to wall paper or paint the interior {possibly a coral pink color}! I'll be sure the share the after shots with all of you. In the meantime here's a bit of interior inspiration.

I adore this one!
images: pinterest, lonny mag. elle decor, coastal living

searching for...

My 15 month old daughter is a climber. Currently she's taken to climbing the open shelves in my kitchen, so I need to make a change quickly. It's not safe for her or my dishes. I'm on the hunt for a "find". The perfect piece would have a {Chippendale - esque} feel and with glass front cabinets. I would love to line them in something similar to the Griffin and Wong paper pictured below!! {as you've most likely noticed I love green and this paper is gorgeous!} I actually found a piece on Craig's list last week. I even traveled to see it but it needed quite a bit of work. I'm not sure I have the time to cut new veneer pieces. I'm most likely going to paint it, so If I'm thinking about that particular piece in a week, I'll call them back. It looked very similar to the second image but it was a cabinet not a secretary. I'll be sure to share my final find and the before and after photos.

 Images: Windsor Smith, Ruthie Sommers, C. Bell, Circa Who, Griffin and Wong

Inexpensively done!

I adore one of a kind pieces of art, the only issue for me is the budget. Would I love to scoop up every piece of art at my favorite gallery? You bet, but that's not an option right now. {I'm saving for my bungalow by the sea, remember?}. It will be an amazing feeling when I can buy an original but for now I get creative.

Here are some of my favorite ways to inexpensively incorporate art into your home.

1. Image one: Purchase from a budding artist

The adorable dog photo is my newest piece. The students at Endicott College recently had an art show. I fell in love with that dog and I knew my son would too.  I bought this photo from an art student, students are always up for selling their pieces.

The top image was purchased from a street artist in Saint Tropez. I always try to purchase at least one original piece when I travel. Besides taking photos it's the perfect way to preserve the memory of your trip.

2. Image two: #3 - Paint your own work of art.

This was originally a four that I had painted back in September. One of the first things I did after my break-up in October was to change it to a three! I actually like the three better. I will keep this forever as reminder of my crazy and unexpected journey in 2010. Seven months is a relatively short period of time, but I'm a different person today then I was last Fall!

3. Image three: Frame children's artwork - It's loose and free, I love it.

 A snap shot of my art wall. This wall is a mix of pieces, it includes two paintings by my three year old son!

4. Image four: Frame a piece of block printed wrapping paper or any other found graphic you love.

I've always loved the organic quality of Faux Bois. I purchased this paper with the intention of wrapping a gift, but I decided to frame it instead. p.s. Ikea sells a number of inexpensive frames, that

is what I've used in this photo.

5.  Image five: Shop on Etsy for art. It is an amazing online resource.

I blogged about this print a couple of months ago. It's from Siiso via Etsy. She will also make custom prints on canvas. 

Images: 2,3,4 -by Bellini Photography

Decisions, decisions

Isn't this a great idea?? If you have the extra space {or closet} why not convert it into a dressing nook? I would also add drawers for all my baubles, bags and scarfs. I love the framed couture fashion bags too. {which I'd better frame, because I can't say that I can afford much from Hermes or Prada.} How cute would this look painted a light shade of pink or better yet wallpapered in something simple but glamorous. I've been slowly transforming my bedroom into a feminine retreat. I can't wait to share the finished shots but for today I have a question. I have a white lacquered tray, and plan to collect my perfume and creams in it.  I usually only own one or two fragrances at a time. I'm looking to make some fresh changes in my life, so buying a new fragrance seemed like a no-brainer to me, {especially because my husband gave me the one I currently use} turns out it isn't. Here are three of the contenders below. I actually wear Hanae Mori now. It has a very clean scent. I know fragrances are quite personal but I'm stuck, and thought who better to ask then my fabulous readers, so what is your favorite fragrance? 

Burberry - Sheer

Top Image via: Moth Design

The hanging or "swing" chair

I have a great on-going project I'm working on. The client is a dream, and so easy to work with. We are in the process of finishing up her daughter's bedroom. The daughter's last request for her room: a hanging chair! Here are a few inspiration shots and ideas I sent over to the client! I think a white rattan version could work well in the space. They aren't easy to find and I don't really feel like having one painted. My fear is it won't wear well.

above is the egg chair by Danish designer Nanna Ditzel. This version costs upwards of $3,000. ouch.

The lucite bubble chair by Eero Aarnio (1968)

More rattan versions, the one above is from the Home Port Collection! I'm sure this is fairly priced.

and the steal of the day, a hanging chair from IKEA. I've seen this in person, it's fun and could work. I would add a plump pillow and maybe a sheep skin throw to the seat!

We'll see what they like!

images: House Beautiful, Domino, British House and Garden, getty, Lonny - Lee Klienhelter's home, 

narrowed it down!

1.

2. 3.

4.

I took a break from my own home design this summer..but now with Fall approaching {can't really believe it's 9.1} I need to finish my baby girl's nursery! I of course always love sharing my finished spaces with you, so I'll be sure to do so..! I've definitely decided I am going to design her headboard {there is a guest bed, that will eventually be her bed in the room} and call it Emerson {her name} and add it to my furniture line! {that's in the works and will be open, for sale, and added to my website by mid-winter - beyond excited about this!}..So here's my question to you..because you may be future customers right? What's your favorite? I will of course tweak the design a bit, but I'm leaning towards a timeless, feminine feel! {oh and would I love to use Leontine Linens? - you bet cha,, but unless they have a huge sale, it's not going to happen in a child's room}

image credits: Coastal Living, Kimberly Ayres, ?, La Dolce Vita

{ps. I'm off to West Elm to pick out my rug - see previous post here}

Emerson's room - back to work!

When I return from Vermont {see yesterday's post} I'm going to resume work on Emerson's room! Don't you know designers always finish their homes last? Okay so now the point of my post. I've got a cute little dresser that I'm planning to paint! I really want to mix two colors, but I'm not sure of how I'm going to approach it! I'm liking both the idea of either painting the architectural details white {above} or the drawers a lighter shade {below - love how this works with white and light grey}

+ finally I'm pretty sure the main color for the piece is going to be lemon yellow - {the shade below to be exact}

images: ?, The Decorista, Thomas Smythe

Which do you like?

Deep Grey Diamond

Okay, so I had to return a West Elm rug today, it was in my living room but just wasn't holding up well! so now I need another rug {from W.E. - with my credit} and I'm torn. I love both the diamond and Chevron (zig-zag) look. I feel like the diamond looks a little fresher and would most likely hide stains better {I have a three and six month old}. So I ask you..Which do you prefer? Diamond or Zig-Zag?
If you read my blog regularly, it's going in my living room, {as seen here}which as quite a bit of dark brown..but I'm thinking of mixing in deep charcoal. My husband just painted the inside of my back door black and I'm loving the look, so I'm going to have him paint the inside of my front doors too! (oh btw. I used Zorro by C2 - it's a rich inky-grey black, love it!}

+ an update on my gallery style art wall. {PLEASE excuse the poor photography - I don't have much light in my foyer - when I'm done I'll have this professionally shot}

I'm almost finished with my art wall...It's a mix of high and low, some of the art is by my three year old son. Most of it is from various trips I've taken. I think artwork is the best thing you can buy when traveling {unframed that is}. I need to add two or three more pieces. {to the right side} I'm thinking I'll add a collage, and maybe a still life of flowers or something??? It's getting there! Oh and I'm definitely going to add one of these Suzanne Kasler for Ballard Designs antlers to the mix. {i was inspired by that from a photo of a previous post}

a couple close up of two pieces.

Shelter...is live

My website has been live for a few weeks now!! Last year was a busy one, so I'll be adding some new work this Fall! Stay tuned....Next up - A new look for Shelter - The blog!

Design by: Communal Design

I heart yellow!

I just received this amazing letter pressed poster for my photo wall. I ordered it through Made By Girl. The artist is Hijirik.

I know this is nothing new...but I love yellow! When I am looking to add the perfect pop for a client, I usually go with yellow! It works with most colors and in small doses, never disappoints! Here are some recent yellow finds in my life!

I've always had this house in the back of my mind. I originally read about Sixx Design and their amazing get away via O at Home {now defunct} but was recently chatting about it with an e-design client. When she mentioned the home, I knew what she was referring to instantly! LOVE IT! My house is yellow..I am dying to paint the front and back doors high gloss navy for an instant update!

for the wardrobe..not an everyday shade, but on a warm summer day with a hint of tan! - Perfection! {also love that art work behind Ms. Kelly!}

I own a jacket very similar to this one! I grabbed it at Old Navy a while ago.

A shot of my closet! I found the lucite stool on ebay and had the yellow top made. The artwork is by yours truly!

images: Made By Girl, Pink Wallpaper scan, Dress Design Decor - jkt shot, Molly Ferguson - my home.