a vibrant outlook

Photo from bhg.com
Lately I have been drawn to a more neutral palette than my usual inclination toward deep, but cozy colors. However, I just finished reading a feature in February's Better Homes and Gardens, and I have fallen in love with the design sense of Elaine Griffin. Bold, earthy and contemporary but classic, Griffin somehow blends and balances trendy colors and patterns with a dose of timelessness.

Photo from bhg.com
The combination of rich orange and leaf green has got me wishing I could paint the walls of our new apartment.

I am sort of on a design book buying binge, so I think I'll add her book Design Rules to my shopping list. I have really enjoyed viewing her portfolio on her website, www.elainegriffin.com.


Since I can't paint, I guess I can get my color punches in the form of artwork, accessories and fabric. Maybe once I find those perfect bookcases, I could paint them a nice juicy color, like Benjamin Moore's Rumba Orange. Doesn't that just sound like a good time?

still pining

A photo I took for a previous post on revamping my home office, inspired by this issue of domino.

Well, it has been almost a year to the date that domino magazine announced its untimely closure. Call me a freak, but I still miss it. I find myself leafing through year old issues, each month, opening them up as if they were just delivered to my doorstep. And I still find new things, and rooms to love. It's incredible how comprehensive each issue was in offering of the moment trends, great design ideas by great designers, and all of the sourcing in one place.

I googled domino magazine just the other day, to see if there might be any rumors about it resurfacing. I am sorry to report that I did not find even the slightest thread of gossip on that topic. I did find a couple of good resources though.

Flickr has a couple of groups that feature photographs from the magazine.
The Domino Magazine group also includes photos of rooms and things inspired by domino. The Domino Magazine Files only has photos from the magazine or of the covers.

You can buy back issues for as cheap as $3.59 to as much as $25 on amazon.com.

I really couldn't find much more, except for the old articles written about its closure. And what of domino's esteemed editor-in-chief, Deborah Needleman? What is she working on lately? She was quoted in a NY Times article by Maria Ricapito, about bar carts in December. Anything else?

I guess I'll just keep dreaming about its return. Until then, I'll do my usual perusing of the many great design blogs and reading the other design publications I get every month. Nothing can truly take its place though.

Please, if you are reading this, and you know anything different than what I have reported, let me know! I would love to be proved wrong. Viva la domino!

hunting for a bookcase

I am on the prowl for the perfect bookcase. One with character, the right proportions and of good quality. It seems that this must be a lot to ask for, maybe even too much, especially when working within a budget. At this point, I have searched tirelessly online through craigslist and big box retailers, as well as hit up local consignment and antique shops. While I have found tons and tons of what I don't want, I have also found several pieces that might do the job, but aren't exactly what I want.

The Verona bookcase from World Market. I actually like a lot of things about this bookshelf. It is sophisticated, a little on the rustic side, at 15 inches deep, would provide a few extra precious inches than others of its kind. I like the warm medium wood tone, and I think that a pair of them would flank the buffet very beautifully. My only concern is with the quality. I have put together furniture from World Market before, and had great difficulty. At $199 each, I could afford two, and really make the most of that long wall in the dining room.


Ikea's Markor series comes in at an even better price for $169 each. I like its simple lines, and the dark wood finish would provide a nice foil for the white buffet, and honey toned dining furniture. Its dimensions are a little less deep than what I want, but I think I could still make them work. My hang up with this one: its IKEA and everybody buys Ikea. However, I could make it my own, by covering the back panels with a fun wallpaper or fabric, an idea I credit to my sister. This would also add a splash of color and pattern.


And this beast, is one that we found at Greenwood's Cobblestone Used Furniture. It's solid oak, except for a few of the shelves, which are plywood. It's also enormous. At 65 inches wide, it would just fit in the dining room. The issue with this piece is the lack of versatility. The shelves are a fixed width, very similar to the one bookcase we already have, and although we would be able to get it up the wide stairway in this apartment, who knows if it would fit in a different space. Our lease here only lasts nine more months, and I don't want to spend $400 on a piece that we can't take with us when we go.


As I have talked to friends about locating the perfect bookcase, I have learned that this is not an uncommon dilemma. It's just that I am probably taking it too seriously. I do feel though, that I am at a point where I don't just want to buy for looks, I want to buy for keeps. So I guess its good to be choosy. I will keep looking and keep you posted.

what's on etsy

I heart etsy. I wish that I had the time to create things to sell on etsy. For now, I will just ogle what others have the dedication and talent to craft. This is what I saw today. All of these handmade items come at great prices, and offer fun ways to liven up your interiors.

From Soap Studiooos in Brooklyn, the "Chair Pillow". An instant, cheeky punch for any bench or perhaps a desk chair... for just $35 plus shipping.


Mostly because in my new apartment, I am not allowed to paint the walls, I am drawn to the idea of the increasingly popular wall decal. Styleywalls has really sweet, but simple designs to choose from, and any of them would look great on my ginormous, blank living room wall.
Love Birds on Branch with Leaves $44.00.

I usually don't like candles that are pretending to be anything but candles, but look how cute these "Mad Men" inspired candles by Soy Chic Candles are. They are poured into cocktail glasses, and I have to admit, it would really add some sparkle to the bar during a martini party. Vodka on the rocks anyone? Only $8.


Lucy Snowe Photography had some beautiful color photography. Great compositions and interesting use of filters. I LOVE this Bird at the Beach print. Its small at 8x8, and its $25. I wish it was like 18x24, because I have the perfect frame for it!


I am looking forward to discovering more great accessories on etsy to decorate my new place with. I've got some specific art work and organizational items on am on the prowl for, and will let you know when I find them!

paring down

Holy moly,we brought way too much stuff!

The last month and a half has been an insane whirlwind...no, more like a freaking tornado. We made the decision and finalized plans to move on December 8th. We found an amazing renter for our house on December 11th. We celebrated Christmas with a train trip to Chicago to see family on December 18th. We arrived home on December 28th and immediately packed up the entire house, in between work, a sinus infection and ruptured eardrums, and moved into Seattle five days later. We made it through, but it was, as I said, insane.

This move has been the ultimate lesson in downsizing, organizing and being prepared. None of which I was able to do successfully, due to the time table we had to work with. At the last minute, I held a "design grab" and had my girlfriends over to go through the bunches and bunches of stuff that was clinging to the shelves in the basement. They took lots of the good items, which was very helpful, but there was still SO much. On the day of the move friends and relatives were taking multiple trips to St. Vincent de Paul to donate items. Crazy!

I had packed as much as I could in the few days before we left. I labeled the boxes as thoroughly as possible. I carefully considered what I could live without. I gave things away, threw things away and boxed items for storage (my generous boss' basement). I laid out furniture using a floor plan tool on my iphone, so I could really decide what would fit in the new space. But we still brought too much.

Did I mention that we were moving from a three bedroom house with a full basement (and I mean FULL), to a ONE bedroom apartment with ONE closet? Even if I had had ample time to take on this downsizing, I think I still would have overestimated what the new place could hold. Its just such a huge undertaking, and one we have not done in about 5 years. In the past, most of our moves had been to larger places, so we just filled them up.

So this move was difficult. We are still sifting through things and will most likely take more items to storage. Its a great feeling though, this clearing of the decks and relearning how to live without so much stuff. Although this move is somewhat temporary, these lessons will be permanent. I think that this change is very, very good.

My preliminary floor plan for the living room... too much furniture and some of it was too big.

The dining room plan should pretty much work out. We still need to find bookcases to flank the buffet/dresser. This weekend's mission!

a new abode

I'm having to grasp a new concept: we will be moving across the water to Seattle. While the thought of leaving our sweet and wonderful home behind and settling into a totally urban environment freaks me out a lot, I am doubly excited to decorate a new home. Several major elements must be determined before we can start our apartment search in earnest; the biggest of which is finding suitable renters for our house.

Because we will also be renting, I am certain that painting walls will not be an option, so the slate will quite literally be blank. Once we have our space picked out, we can start the process of determining which pieces to bring with us, and what will get left behind, or given to friends. This task seems sort of inconceivable at this moment in time. Of course, I can't help but imagine new furniture in our new space, along with the old. However, per the usual, the budget is going to be tight, actually, it's likely to be the tightest ever.

The good news is, I will be surrounded by all kinds of new design inspiration, and loads of great shopping will be within reach. I am very excited to explore each neighborhood and scout the best deals on the greatest home accessories, fabric and furniture. This move will afford me lots to blog about, no doubt. A few of the stores that I have visited only briefly, and loved, are about to see alot more of me!


Watson Kennedy
On First Ave, Watson Kennedy is a gorgeous smorgasbord of French trinkets, dishes, and stationary. While some items are a bit pricey, this is definitely the spot for those little affordable luxuries: fine soaps and lotions and pages of ancient sheet music. And, the beauty with which it is all displayed is sure to provide tons of FREE inspiration. One stop in here and I feel like I am instantly living the good life!

Hidden Hamlet plates $12.00 each.
Anthroplogie
At Anthropologie, I sometimes find myself drooling. Again, I lust after the beautiful displays full of lots of things I can't afford, but there are always some treasures worth searching for in the clearance area. And, I do not want to wholly discourage, because many of their regularly priced tabletop items are also fair.

The Anne Bonny in the Capitol Hill neighborhood offers choice vintage artwork, furniture and knickknacks. In addition to finding several funky items to pine over, I experienced an amazing in-store music performance by J. Tillman of Fleet Foxes a while back. They have moved since then, but I am really looking forward to experiencing the new space.

I have never visited Red Ticking in Madison Valley, but have always wanted to. I plan on becoming familiar with their inventory of vintage French textiles, and finding ways to apply that beautifully simple yet sophisticated aesthetic in my new place.

And there will be sooooo much more to write about. I can't wait to share all of the details with you, and to report on the progress of simplifying before the move. On to new adventures in budget decorating... always!

subtle, warm, dramatic

Photos by Roger Davies.

The November issue of Country Living magazine holds a decorating treasure within its covers. I am in love with Caroline Scheeler's country home. As head buyer for Chicago's famous Jayson Home and Garden furniture and decor store, she has created a look that epitomizes refined rusticity. I was immediately drawn to her use of natural textures and artifacts and pleasantly surprised by the delicate drama inherent in her intuitive juxtaposition of dark and light. Who knew that neutral could go so bold?

Scheeler achieves this style by using weighty charcoal and rich chocolate as a backdrop, allowing lighter neutral pieces to pop. Or, as in her master bedroom and entryway, an application of the exact opposite combination. The sheer size and scale of the furniture and artwork she has chosen boosts the drama, while simultaneously filling the large rooms in her home with a sense of intimacy.


All white cabinetry and marble counter tops keep the kitchen's dark walls from dominating the space. It still manages to feel extremely light and airy.


The over sized scale and understated simplicity of this photo in the entryway, speaks to the decor's duality.


The hefty and intricate headboard seems to float against the pale grey-blue walls, keeping the master bedroom calm and cozy.


This collection of both reflective and textural objects is a miniature study of Scheeler's overall design aesthetic.

I am very inspired. Scheeler's home is equal parts gorgeous and livable. I think that these lessons in scale and contrast would be easy enough for any of us to apply in our own homes and on any budget. If you are ready for a decor change, instead of choosing a trendy paint color, I challenge you to consider staying neutral and making your design statement by pairing light and dark and picking size over quantity. The result might be something that is both timeless and bold. Thanks Caroline Scheeler!