It seems that most people have vintage furniture pass through their lives at one time or another. For some of us, its by choice, some by inheritance, and some because its all they can afford. Given my profound love of this kind of furniture, I sometimes get questions about how to use it in a more modern way.Apartment Therapy has a very cool home tour today. The owners used vintage furniture throughout the house, but my favorite example is the dresser used in the living room. Its used as a one of a kind entertainment center. Given the small scale of the home, the dresser is a perfect fit. This idea can also be used for bedrooms or dorm rooms that don't have square footage to spare.
The bottom compartments are used for varying media units and remotes. What more could you ask for? I'm guessing some of you are still not feeling the love for vintage, so here is another great detail. Most vintage furniture is sturdier and better built than 90% of furniture made today. I have a dresser similar to this one and know what I'm talking about. My husband cringes a little every time I ask him to help me move it again, because its built like a tank! Its difficult to find new furniture of the same quality unless you are prepared to pay for very high end pieces.So, when asked how to best use vintage furniture, its best to have an open mind. (Perhaps, a piece can be used for other than its original purpose) Also, mix it up. Don't be afraid to throw in one or two vintage pieces with your modern furniture. Be adventurous!!!
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This is a tribute to all those little things that make our homes special and unique. I found this stylish place on Flickr. If you are a photography nut be sure to link over to Nam N's site. Not only is he an amazing photographer but he also collects the coolest objects! Gorgeous!Warning: Some May Consider This Post To Have Too Much Personal Information. Scoffers Look Away!
I sat down to do some blog surfing and ran across this video. It is a Swedish dance group's tribute to Michael Jackson. (Found here) Its just fantastic! Here's the funny part. As soon as the dancing began, I broke down into tears and could barely see the monitor through my fogged up glasses! So, what I think is that I have been in mourning. I don't think its a coincidence that since Michael Jackson's passing, I haven't had two creative thoughts to rub together!
I feel very silly admitting this. I mean I sound more like a 13 year old than a 33 year old. But its the truth. When someone as inspiring and magical as Michael passes away, its like the world becomes a little grayer. Some of you are probably wondering why a Texas girl who loves interior design would take this so hard. I mean I don't sing, dance, or anything along those lines. But it was his Passion! His insane talent and his determination to live in his own way. No matter what others thought. That is what inspired me as a little girl. To be completely unique without apologies.
Okay, if anyone is still reading, thanks for indulging me and my crazy feelings. I'm not sure what to do about all this, maybe I just need some time before color returns to my imagination.
I sat down to do some blog surfing and ran across this video. It is a Swedish dance group's tribute to Michael Jackson. (Found here) Its just fantastic! Here's the funny part. As soon as the dancing began, I broke down into tears and could barely see the monitor through my fogged up glasses! So, what I think is that I have been in mourning. I don't think its a coincidence that since Michael Jackson's passing, I haven't had two creative thoughts to rub together!
I feel very silly admitting this. I mean I sound more like a 13 year old than a 33 year old. But its the truth. When someone as inspiring and magical as Michael passes away, its like the world becomes a little grayer. Some of you are probably wondering why a Texas girl who loves interior design would take this so hard. I mean I don't sing, dance, or anything along those lines. But it was his Passion! His insane talent and his determination to live in his own way. No matter what others thought. That is what inspired me as a little girl. To be completely unique without apologies.
Okay, if anyone is still reading, thanks for indulging me and my crazy feelings. I'm not sure what to do about all this, maybe I just need some time before color returns to my imagination.
I'm considering having myself put into a deep meditative state to overcome my creative funk.
Just let go of all cares and maybe my brain will do a hard reset. Aahhhh.
Don't know if it will work, but its worth a try, no?
I found two amazing bedrooms that would be just right for this process. I think they are perfect for weekend unwinding.
Just let go of all cares and maybe my brain will do a hard reset. Aahhhh.
Don't know if it will work, but its worth a try, no?
I found two amazing bedrooms that would be just right for this process. I think they are perfect for weekend unwinding.
Attention! Houston readers don't miss Harbenger Duo's furniture line at Design Within Reach, tonight.
I'm so excited to see this cool line and to meet Audrey!
P.S. if you're there stop me and say hi:)
Hello...hello? Where has the inspiration gone lately? I woke up one morning with a creative block so thick that it has had me at a loss for anything to say. I'm not sure what's going on, its very frustrating! Maybe its too hot outside and my brain melted, or maybe its so overrun with ideas that it finally wore out.
To try and remedy this problem, I have set out on a quest. I want to find where inspiration comes from! What do creative people do to jumpstart their imaginations? Is inspiration a sort of mystical force that falls upon us, or does it come from working and being forced to make on the spot decisions? In other words, is inspiration a blessing from God, or does God expect us to do our homework and inspire ourselves? Maybe it comes from a place or a person that serves as a muse. I'm not really sure, these are the kinds of things I want to figure out...or at least try;)
For today, I thought I would start the journey with looking at a few things that inspire others. I hopped over to The Selby, because I love the unusual homes and objects it features. Selby is such a cool site for many reasons, but my favorite feature is the attention it pays to little details in each house. You know we all keep little objects around that would mean nothing to someone else, but mean the world to us. I really love the office of George Gorrow. He is the creative director of an Australian fashion house called Ksubi. Random objects cleverly put together, give this space so much character. One detail I love is the collection of sunglasses. Gorrow designs sunglasses and so surrounds himself w/ this amazing collection. This brings up a reliable source of inspiration. Studying and admiring those who have gone before you. What were those talented people thinking? How did they come to the final product? As they say, you have to start with the basics. When I was a kid I never understood why I had to learn what others had done. I wanted to do my own thing, so why did it matter? Now, I understand that starting from the beginning gives me the tools I need to really build something new. (Learning the importance of tools is also a sign of having been married to an engineer for a while).
So this is my first quick stop on my journey. I hope its not one that is too aimless. I'm flying by the seat of my pants on this, so I hope all of you are interested in flying with me. BTW, any input about finding the source of inspiration would be greatly appreciated!
My rusty brain and I are off!
The color blue is on my mind lately. As many of you know, I've been obsessed with orange and green for a while now, but I find my eye jumping to all things blue. The top picture is from the portfolio of Eric Cohler. I LOVE this guy! The painted molding to coordinate with the wallpaper is such a great detail. 
Strong color doesn't have to be used on a large scale like an entire room. It can be used in small doses.Frank Roop has a great eye for adding just the right amount of blue. (Found here)
My dream would be to live in a bright blue house like this. I guess I want to be just like Frida Kahlo:)I'm curious to know. What color are all of you smitten with, lately?
This week I'm dreaming about a Mid-century home that is like a tree house for grown-ups and a tribute to the work of A. Quincy Jones.
It looks like it is made mostly of glass, but set in the beautiful environment of Santa Monica; who can question it? 
I ADORE these beautiful shiny floors. I realize they have to be waxed, but it would be worth it.
On our trip home, we decided to make a quick stop in Austin. I say quick because we weren't even there 24 hrs. That didn't stop me from photo stalking;) (Annie, I hope you like these. Ha!) I've been itching to see the Saint Cecilia Hotel, since I first heard about it. Designed by the developers of the San Jose, I knew it would have to be amazing...and it certainly was!!!I know many bloggers have written about this place so I hope you all will indulge me. I'm just so excited about it! Also, please excuse Mr. Liam who had to walk through almost EVERY photo I took. Here's a tip: Don't take small boys when taking photos. They don't exactly know how to sit still.
I don't have many photos to share, because I didn't actually stay at the hotel, I was just passing by. Yes, I know...the definition of stalking. Honestly, there is so much inspiration that just a quick walk around supplies more than enough eye candy. One of my favorite details was the black and white tile in a chevron pattern. Oh you all know how much I love stripes!
Yeah, he knows how to pose!
My other favorite part. This hidden courtyard. The design of it isn't complicated, but its just perfection. It occurred to me how simple it would be to find a couple of simple outdoor benches and paint them bright white. This bench is one large L-shape piece but two benches placed caddy corner to one another can have the same effect. The pillows are simply made with black outdoor fabric. 
The jewel-tones and the stark lines are so striking. St. Cecilia, hopefully next time I can see you from the inside. Love ya!
Wow, I'm back! I've been gone for 9 days, visiting my family. We finally got home last night and I feel all out of sorts. Mark actually forgot which cabinet we keep our dishes in. I apologize for no posting, but I had spartan internet access, at best. In a funny way, I enjoyed being away from computers. I was able to forget about a lot of my concerns. Unfortunately, today I'm trying to catch up with the rest of the world. I found this house via Accidental Mysteries, and it reminded me of how I feel....lost in time.
This home was recently sold in St. Louis. The entire structure is a time capsule, all the way down to the matching pink bedside lamps. Go to the article here, to see how strategically placed carpet squares and a basement allowed this house to stay in such pristine condition. Its hilarious!
