Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Rope wrapped awesomeness.

For those of you who like to DIY, wrapping old furniture and ugly accessories in rope is a quick and easy way to completely reinvent their looks. All you need is cheap rope (obviously) and a glue gun. And for those of you who don't DIY, places like Pottery Barn and West Elm sell rope wrapped items.








Monday, April 26, 2010

Friday, April 23, 2010

Ruffled romance.

Another current obsession: ruffled bedding, ruffled curtains, ruffled rugs, sheets, clothes, ANYTHING! Check out these amazing ruffled bedding sets. Gosh, they're awesome.

Prom Night Duvet by India Rose


Waterfall Ruffled Duvet Cover by Urban Outfitters


Ruffled Voile by Pottery Barn


Ruched Linen Platinum Collection by Pine Cone Hill


The original Ruffled Duvet by Shabby Chic/Rachel Ashwell


Tat Bedding Collection by Matteo Los Angeles


Ruffled Bedding by Bella Notte Linens


Tuxedo Duvet Set by Anthropologie


Farmhouse kitchens.

Nothing inspires you to make or cook really unhealthy things than a nicely stocked, beautiful farmhouse kitchen. There is something about being out in the country that really gets your Betty Crocker/Martha Stewart/Julia Child part of the brain really turning. I love these gorgeous kitchens and seem as though they'd make cooking that much more fun.


First off, for true farmhouse kitchen style, you need one of these fabulous white enamel double-size sinks. New sinks can run pretty high. But always try secondhand and rural stores before purchasing a brand new reproduction. But when buying used, always check the rust deposits around the drains, the quality of enamel on the front of the sink, as well as the size. Also remember total in the cost of a new faucet.


All farmhouse kitchens, or all kitchens for that matter, ought to have islands. But when you have a farmhouse or country home, it's always fun to purchase independent pieces of furniture to use as islands. For instance, you could use old workbenches, cabinets, desks, dining tables, etc... You want your island and work space to feel like it is its own handpicked piece of furniture. No matchy matchy cabinets, islands, countertops here.


Every kitchen that I've considered "my dream kitchen" has retro appliances. Again they make reproduction refrigerators and stoves that function like modern appliances but look old. In this case, I would suggest splurging on reproduction appliances. That way, you don't have to worry about malfunctions. Sink and tubs can always be secondhand.


If you have a lot of collectibles, like I do, it's a great idea to use glass cabinets in your kitchen. It's a great way to display all those odds and ends you've been collecting for years.


LOVE this pink refrigerator. Not sure my husband would though.


In more rustic homes, it's very effective to integrate unrefined elements into the space, like the rock walls, natural wood tones, and cowhide stools. Things like this help to keep the room more masculine.


Thursday, April 22, 2010

Color Balance.

This is a very interesting list of color meanings that House Beautiful created via decorology. Although you may be drawn to certain colors immediately, it is important however to really think about living around them everyday. I choose neutral tones because I often get tired of particular colors. I use brighter colors by painting furniture and accessories that I can move around. Before investing and painting all of your walls, spend some time thinking about how these colors might make you feel. They really do have a profound psychological and emotional effect.












Shop Ruche.

I found another great online clothing store called Ruche. They make awesome tops, bottoms, dresses and accessories...all vintage and indie inspired. Perfect for spring and summer in Austin. Their prices are great and the clothes look really breezy and comfortable. Take a looksy and check out their site at www.shopruche.com