Room of the week!

I guess I should re-phrase that to "moment" of the week. I love this dressing table and can only dream of having the time to sit and powder my nose and get ready someday. I'm usually lucky to throw an outfit together while watching my little one tear through my shoes. ;)

image: Pinterest

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

Choices...

I'm not too keen on freezing my tail off, there's really nothing fun about winter. {esp. this winter} With the exception of skiing on a perfect sunny, fresh powder day or the first fresh snow I'd take our three other seasons any-day. I'm surviving this especially long winter with small projects. I can't drop a ton of cash on large renovations nor do I plan on staying in this current house for too long so instead I'm working on small projects that can easily come with me! {besides a little painting}. Next up: organizing my jewelry collection. I love both ideas shown here, but I might opt for hiding some of my treasures in a small vintage table, and the rest on top of my dresser {away from curious, tiny hands}. I adore the coral, tray and bust idea in Susanna Salk's house, shown above.. via Rue Magazine

Ikea also sells lucite trays with dividers, that may do the trick!

Top Photo: Vogue

Think Vertically

My life has been a whirlwind this month..for reasons I can't even begin to get into I may be moving within the next year. I actually want to move in next year, to a smaller, cozier home. I will need to refine my belongings, {my kids toys}, and get creative with storage. Thinking vertically is key to using space efficiently. I love how tall bookshelves can house most of your books, magazines, beautiful art and objects. I prefer to mix all of these. Built in books shelves are even better then free standing shelves but if you're living in a temporary space or renting you can still mount free standing tall bookshelves to the wall for the same effect/storage.

Images: I Suwanee, ?, ?, Elle Decor, I Suwanee, Domino, 

I like this...

I saw the image below on Rom 1.2.3. and suddenly my heart skipped a beat. Can you see what I can see...La...dans le coin a droite...oui...there in the right corner! Look at these three little beauties of vintage crates turned into storage...The perfect combination of vintage and modern, smooth and rough. I have two of these at home that regularly change function/room from bedside table to coffee table to storage from lounge to home office and currently they are in Mila's bedroom but I would be quite happy to turn them into a storage unit on wheels like this...The idea is not new and Sally and Mark from Baileys Home and Garden suggested a whole unit out of vintage crates but this is a bit too much for me. I like little vintage touches in contemporary interiors not the whole shabang. What do you think? Do you like it?

Image 1 from Rom 1.2.3 | Image 2 from Baileys Home and Garden

J'ai vu cette photo dans Rom 1.2.3 (un magazine Norvegien) et mon coeur n'a fait qu'un bond. Est ce que vous voyez ce que je vois..la...dans le coin a droite! Regardez ces trois cageots anciens transformes en meuble de rangement...Une osmose parfaite entre l'ancien et le moderne, entre des matieres lisses et rugueuses. J'ai deux cageots similaires a la maison qui changent regulierement de fonction, parfois gueridon, table basse et qui sont pour l'instant dans la chambre de Mila mais cela me dirait bien de les transformer en meuble de rangement sur roues comme ca...L'idee n'est pas nouvelle, Sally and Mark de Baileys Home and Garden avait dans le passe suggere tout un mur de rangement avec des vieux cageots mais je trouve que ca fait trop. J'aime bien les petites touches vintage dans des maisons contemporaines mais pas le total look vintage. Qu'est ce que vous en pensez? Ca vous plait?

I like this...

Sorry guys, I'm posting this as a memento for myself because my computer is SO slow, I need to throw away some stuff and I want to keep this in mind because I like the look of the storage boxes on the right hand side with the brown labels. I think they sell similar boxes at Ikea. I also love the moody mood board on the left which is quite dramatic with its B&W images. Something like this would be fab for a home office

I like this...simply perfect

I love these cupboards - which if I remember well from various features in mags - are from Abigail's home

Too Much Stuff?

How much is too much? {above image} I just spent the better half of three days going through my closet and son's old clothes to prep for a huge "boutique" consignment sale north of Boston. I think my new motto will be quality not quantity..I had one too many couldn't pass up the price and fleeting purchases in my giveaway pile! Don't get me wrong, I adore clothing and fashion, but it's the Clutter - I can do without. I could deal with any of the closets below, but I still ask myself, would I wear all this stuff? or should I put some of the cash towards say - my children's future! {the true test will be tonight at the preview sale! - check out the sale if you live in the area, a percentage of the proceeds go to charity}

Kelly Wearstler's closet

I'd take this closet {with the Kelly Wearstler} rug shown above ANYDAY!

Love the simplicity of this idea. Kids grow so quickly and trash everything, so I try not to over buy for my little ones..

Shoe storage? yes please!

images: Douglas Friedman, Kwid, Canadian House and Home, Atlanta Homes magazine,?, making it lovely

Sweet Galley..

As a designer, I realize not everyone has gobs of money to make their home look smashing. {I certainly don't}..but I'm a firm believer that a small sweet home beautified on a budget can look and work just as wonderfully as a huge Mc Mansion..{who needs all that extra STUFF anyway?}. I came across this small galley kitchen from Southern Living today, it's simple but has a great feel doesn't it? Note the small details that make the difference.

- painted wood plank ceiling

- great light fixtures

- Use a piece of furniture to store and display your platters, dishes and plates

-clean simple surfaces and finishes

-creative storage solutions, recessed t.v. eg. stashed cutting board

- leaving one side open without upper cabinetry makes this kitchen feel roomier

- Always allow enough natural light into your spaces - even if you have to splurge on a new window or two

- Use shallow shelving for storage, every space counts!

Best BookCases and Storage

spine wood bookcase

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Solid-wood shelving is ideal for narrow spaces.Ten shelves. Assembly required.

newkirk media tower

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Versatile storage for media equipment and more. Wood construction. Some assembly required. Open shelving for storage and display. One adjustable and one fixed shelf.

rectangle cutout bookcase

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A combination of open and closed storage, perfect for revealing and concealing. Designed to accommodate west elm’s canvas storage collection. Wood construction. Assembly required.

A frame bookcase

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Graduated open shelves scale bold new heights. Versatile, modern design in wood construction with oak veneer. Assembly required.

stacked modular bookcases

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Open stacked shelving does double duty as a room divider. Wood construction. Assembly required.

room divider bookcase

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Impressively versatile. Tall, freestanding open shelving works double-duty, dividing a room while displaying art, books and collections. Wood construction. Assembly required.

cadman spine bookcase

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Minimalist design maximizes vertical wall space with 14 removable shelves. Assembly required.

parsons bookcase

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Airy open shelving for storage and display. Wood construction.

Inspiration 1.12

How brilliant is this? If only I had the closet space....

(Via Pretty Lovely and This is Glamorous)

The queen of baubles, chic + more...

Iris Apfel is so unbelievably chic! See this style icon's rare + glamorous closet on view right now at the Peabody Essex Museum. Her wardrobe is the ultimate mix of high and low and knack for putting it all together is truly inspirational.

The Peabody Essex Museum is actually located about 1.5 miles down the street from my house. I'm ashamed to say I haven't been to the exhibit yet but I plan to sneak it in this weekend!!!

and for all those baubles you are amassing...{one of my favorite, favorite, favorite things to purchase is accessories} here are some brilliant some storage ideas.

top left: Kelly Wearstler's collection and storage solution! I will someday have a velvet lined drawer much like this for all of my jewelry!!! Image: Hue, Kelly Wearstler

top right: Love the idea of using vintage china to display and store a jewelry collection -Martha Stewart

Resolutions!

Honestly, this time of year can get a little depressing in New England; the extra chilly weather is just setting in, the scale is tipping in the wrong direction, my house is usually a post holiday disaster!!

Thank goodness for New Year's resolutions, they motivate and feel like a fresh start, and when they actually come to fruition it's quite satisfying....

I'm feeling great about 2010 and am of course very excited to meet our new baby bundle arriving this month!!

So onto my 2010 resolutions.....

ONE. to focus on saving to purchase a pretty home close to the beach!

Image: Martha Stewart, Backen Gillam Architects

TWO. To travel to Paris with my husband for my birthday. {In October}. I've been to France but never to the city of lights....

Image: Print available through Etsy

THREE. I read Julie and Julia in 2008 but saw the movie just last night. Julia Child's story is very inspiring. I've always loved to cook but haven't been very motivated in the kitchen lately. I hope to refine my cooking skills, entertain more and try some new techniques and recipes in 2010. {all while sipping new wine selections}

Images: Andrea Wyner

FOUR. Is to purge and organize my "stuff" and life!

How great is this closet? It belongs to Nicole from the amazing blog "Making it Lovely" The cabinet is available here through IKEA.

To have a small dresser just for jewelry, belts and scarfs would be a dream wouldn't it?

{owww I just had a thought-I'll keep you posted}

FIVE. To set aside more time to exercise and whip this body into shape after my "little one" arrives.

SIX. To contiune to be inspired by and explore more cultural endeavors {something I rarely have time for since having a family}. This will include reading more novels {including a few classics}, seeing more movies {including vintage flicks}, and attending more art shows and museum exhibits.

Image: Tom Palumbo, Martha Stewart Blog, CecilyLowe

SEVEN. To continue to grow and develop SHELTER - The Blog and The Design Firm!!{I can't wait to share my new website - it's set to launch at the end of the month}

EIGHT. To lose the "grass is always greener" syndrome and live for the here and now!

Peace and Happy New Year wishes to you!

Cheers to your best year yet!

Julie