Ruffled Bliss

Oh, how I love me some ruffles! They add a classy and feminine touch to just about anything, be it a shower curtain, throw pillow, blouse...so long as the ruffles are subtle and not overdone (otherwise you cross into the scary country ruffle style where it's total overkill). I've been seeing a lot of gorgeous ruffled pieces out in the marketplace and rounded up some of my favorites. How do you feel about this look? Are you a fan or do you prefer being ruffle-free?

 IMAGE CREDITS: 1 & 5) MISS MOSH ETSY SHOP; 2/9/10/12) COUNTRY LIVING; 3) MARTHA STEWART FOR MACY'S; 4/8/11) ANTHROPOLOGIE; 6 & 7) INDIA ROSE; 13) HOUSE TO HOME

Quote of the Week

In a time when nothing is forever and even tomorrow can feel uncertain, when our sense of self can be dashed in a day, by work gone wrong or gone mechanical, by love gone awry or a careless word, there is always bed...bed is a sanctuary...a place to center yourself, to feel protected until you are ready to face the world again.

-  Ilse Crawford, Home Is Where the Heart Is

 IMAGE CREDITS: HOUSE BEAUTIFUL; HOUSE & GARDEN;

Flea Market Make-Overs

The fabulous website Skona Hem is full of inspiring ideas and articles - I seriously could spend all day on this site (thanks in part to Google Translate). This cute little DIY project series shows that just about any piece of "junk" salvaged from a flea market or thrift shop can be transformed into a mini-masterpiece! The sky's the limit...all you need are a few tools and lots of imagination. Here's what they did for their flea market make-overs:

Inspired by a rococo bureau, they painted the original wood finish with water-based enamel paint in white. The black details were painted by hand using a fine brush; they said painting free-hand can seem a bit scary, but adds an extra charm. The pink straps are fitted with wire inside so that you can shape them any way you want. (I wish they had a "before" picture!).

Before the sconce was painted, masking tape was placed over the flowers and small little dots were also taped off. After a few coats of water-based spray paint in green, the white flowers and random polka dots really pop.

After the chairs were painted with a coat of white paint, they painted a design of loops with dots, inspired by the wallpaper behind, across the padded seat and seat back.

Don't Leave Your Drawers Naked...

Line your drawers with some love! These fabulous drawer liners are from Hammocks & High Tea and they not only look wonderful, they smell wonderful too! That's right, each liner is scented with organic essential oils, like rose tea, lavender, mandarin / jasmin...and more! And they're printed on 100% recycled paper with soy ink. Size: 12 x 18. Sold in a pack of 6 in a recyclable tube for $25.

Design Inspiration Boards: Find Your Style

I've been feeling especially creative and inspired this week (for the first time in a while!) and decided it was time to create a few new style boards. There are so many fresh, beautiful and affordable new things popping up for spring all over the marketplace, I thought it would be fun to group together a few of my favorite finds. Which color palette / style do you identify most with? What else would you like to see in terms of different color combinations, design styles, etc? 

LOOK #1: Black, Yellow & Crisp White 

1. Artichoke Lamp via Green with Glamour

2. Silhouette Console Table via Brocade Home

3. Accent Pillows via Blissliving Home

4. Samba Yellow Tray - C&B

5. Octagonal Mirror - Modern Chic Home 
 

LOOK #2: Turquoise, Blue & White
 
1. Square Lattice Wallpaper via Modern Chic Home 
2. Grove Pillow via Blissliving Home
3. Garcon Rolling Bar Cart - CB2
4. Genie Table Lamp - Target
5. Lanterns & Lotus Candleholders via Z Gallerie
6. Lily Fleur Mirror - Urban Outfitters

LOOK #3: Earth Tones with Orange accents

1. Tropical Flock Chair - Anthro

2. Martini Side Table via West Elm

3. Mini Cuckoo Clock - Urban Outfitters

4. Area Rug - Home Decorators

5. Weathered Curlicue Mirror - Anthro

Salon & Spa Bliss!

Both of the spaces featured in today's blog post were created by Habachy Designs, an amazing design firm located in Atlanta Georgia.The first is Polished Beauty Lounge, also located in Atlanta. Um, can I just say that if I lived anywhere near this place, I'd be popping in all the time for a mani or pedi!  My goodness, where do I begin?!  The glossy white furniture and crisp white walls accented with bold pops of hot pink and turquoise...the acrylic chairs upholstered in that gorgeous floral printed fabric...the wallpaper and plush hot pink ottoman...and just about every other little detail that makes this salon stand apart from so many others!

The second place featured is Entebello Spa, which is equally as gorgeous! This luxury spa is designed with a color palette of crisp white and bright blue, accented with mirrored tables, decorative wall accents and tufted furniture for a touch of sophisticated glamour. I'm in love :)

IMAGE CREDITS: HABACHY DESIGNS