The Estate of Things

Since I gave a shout out to my good friend Ami over at Sunset Gurl Designs. She is a graphic designer who is positively awesome at pulling great pattern inspiration from the web. Today I was grabbed by her introduction to Bloom Papers.

I love the pattern on the cathedral alcove in the bottom left image below. I watched a terrible movie with Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston last week that featured some pattern in an Atlantic City hotel that similarly grabbed me. (Bounty Hunter - I only recommend it for the decor.)

Run on over to Ami’s blog and cruise through the many inspirations she’s selected to share with her readers!

The Moravian star pendant is popping up everywhere. I’m thinking about putting one in the upstairs hall at the Indiana project. I think it will give that little hallway some charm. I love them at the entry, inside or out.

JAS Design Build

This Old House, Architect McKee Patterson

Twilight Field Journal, House Beautiful

Domino 

Craftsman home in the Elizabeth neighborhood, Charlotte NC via lumierefl

Sixx Design

Recent blog perusing led me to a new trend of decor involving vintage tennis rackets. I may come around, but for now I’m feeling a little feisty. These could double for applying your bashful blush on your way out the door to the tennies….

Meanwhile, I also stumbled upon this lady (who I think could be my friend). She wrote a post on her blog explaining BOBO (which is relevant to vintage tennis rackets as decor) and referencing the Unhappy Hipster that Sarah recently turned me on to. I found her through a google alert cause she embedded a song by my new band, Barbara. The same Kid CuDi cover that I shared for the weekend.. She embedded it with a generous compliment. Thanks Joy. Check her out. She’s got mP3’s for days.

Corkboard vs. Chalkboard? I think I’m leaning towards chalkboard.

I would like to know why these aren’t hot pink Nina! ????

I’m totally kidding! They look GREAT!!!

Just a friendly reminder that I want to own one of these. It’s been a little while since we talked about it. And I only bring it back up now because I’m keeping the dream alive. This puppy could cost you up to $3,000 from Design Within Reach. I am DIABOLICALLY opposed to that sum of money. But the other night I was cruising down Lincoln through Venice at warp speeds when I passed a storefront that had one of every imaginable color out on the sidewalk. I have to get back over there on a Saturday to see what the asking price is there.

My friend Frank from the AudioMuffin has a thing for Robot Music. I have a little something for Robot Lamps. I like that they have a persona. I feel like they would speak to me and say really helpful and kind things. Then I started seeing these big robot lamps around and I had to ask myself, “What WOULD it be like if machines took on free will?” I’d surely like to be around these sweet ass over-sized guys if that happens.

From RockettStGeorge.co.uk.

This is Max. Hi Max. Do you like tufted sofas Max?

“Attack of the Killer Lamp!”  Apartment Therapy.
I don’t think he would hurt anyone.

lastly, the original ad that I saw that made me smile.

Casa Sugar posted a little dittie on Fake & Fabulous Christmas Trees.

I have to admit I’m totally bedazzled by a fake and fab Xmas experience. I decided to go that route (in super small scale) in my home last year. It was pretty dinky, but a fun evening’s experience for a single girl at home.

In the end however, I have to tell you that I felt like a fraud. What a terrible thing to have done to myself. Even though I enjoy these pink and white trees as well as my meager attempt last holiday…… I think that ultimately my loyalty to personal tradition lies with the kitschy homey cozy effect of a real tree over-filled with stupid old mis-matched ornaments that have sentimental value.

I’m taking my stance. My Christmas tree isn’t going to be a work of art until after its a masterpiece of memories brought to life for the short season!

What’s your stance!?

Orbs, West Elm

Bone cocktail picks, Koo de Kir

Inlaid mirror, Wisteria

Ice bucket, Apartment 48

Boxes, West Elm

Inlaid dresser, Wisteria

Frame, Toast

This solution is the answer to high impact on a low budget. Making a colorful statement with an old piece of wooden furniture goes beyond trend. Its a really practical way to recycle old furniture and get excited about it again, not to mention save some duckets, something I’m sure I’ll push hard to do as I’m thrifting my way into new apartment decor. (If I can ever find a suitable apartment!!)

I caught a feature noting a few before and afters of this trend in my new Fresh Home magazine that arrived in the mailbox yesterday. I mention it now, not b/c I have these images to share with you, but because I figured that if you are into painting furniture, then you may be interested in keeping an eye out for this mag. It’s similar to ReadyMade in that it includes guides for easy DIY projects around the house - its a little less hipsterish and more homemakerish.

Jenny of Little Green Notebook might be into it. I noticed today that she snapped a pic of the magazine cover and posted about an Ikea Expedit project.  She is an example of someone who has turned some old furniture dogs into vibrant statements. Check out a few projects we grabbed from her site to show you!

Jamie of I Suwannee is about it as well. Not only is she refurbishing furniture for her own home, but she’s made it a valuable part of her Design Services and now the exciting new store front that she is opening later this month in Raleigh, NC. See this great “day in her shoes” post from a fellow blogger, High Heeled Foot in the Door.

The grand party of the Furbish Studio opening is November 21st. Please go in my absence, and tell her that I love her and I’m so excited to see this coming together. Here’s one of many pieces that you can buy while you are there!