Yellow Button Studio

I think that art should look nice but also make you feel good. I recently discovered Yellow Button Studio on Etsy and am loving these prints.

Perfect for a nursery, these would look wonderful framed side by side. I like their repetition of form and sweet little messages.

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I love you to the moon 8x10 print
You are my sunshine 8x10 print

J'adore Paris

Ahhhh Paris. I love it here. When we visited a few years ago, this city just captured my heart and never let go. I couldn't wait to go back. There are so many neighborhoods with charming little streets and grand boulevards, stylish boutiques, and delicious restaurants.  You are likely to find something beautiful and delicious around just about every corner. My ideal day consists of walking around the city—exploring, taking in every single detail, stopping at a cafe for a glass of wine and some people watching—and then doing it all over again. So, for the five days we were in Paris, we did just that.  Having seen most of the museums and monuments during our last visit, I didn't feel guilty about skipping some of the tourist attractions. 

While the weather in Amsterdam, Dubrovnik, and Split was very warm and sunny, it was cool and rainy for much of our time in Paris. But you know what? It didn't matter one bit. How could it? We were so lucky to be in Paris! 

We stayed in the Bastille which was a fun neighborhood and really lively at night. We explored the Marais, Latin Quarter, the Opera, and ate ice cream at the famous Berthillon on the Ile Saint-Louis. We went into what felt like a thousand different stores and ventured to the Paris Flea Market (more on that to come!). I got a real French manicure and bought an awesome pair of sandals. We ate amazing Thai and Spanish food, Breton crepes, and traditional French fare which was to die for. And of course we went to see the Eiffel Tower (and took dozens of pictures). 

One of the coolest things about this time of year is that it stays light out until really late (the sun doesn't set until nearly 10pm), so you feel like you have 24 hours of incredible possibilities. It's really an amazing feeling. 

Here is just a sampling of some of the things we saw in this majestic city. 

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Instagram images by The Pink Chalkboard

Happy Father's Day!

We just wanted to wish all of the fathers out there a relaxing weekend and a very special Father's Day. Here's to a lifetime full of laughter, hugs and kisses, and sweet memories.

See you tomorrow!

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image via Social Proper

Scenes from Split and Trogir

After our wonderful visit to Dubrovnik, we traveled north along the Dalmatian Coast to Split, the second largest city in Croatia. This is where the Roman Emperor Diocletian built an elaborate palace in preparation for his retirement. Today, what remains of the palace is actually a living, breathing city—full of restaurants, businesses, and lots of shopping (I've never seen as many shoe stores anywhere as I did in this city!). The Riva (waterfront promenade) has a Mediterranean vibe and is a stunning place to sit with a cocktail, people-watch, and admire the boats in the harbor.

We also had the opportunity to visit the nearby medieval town of Trogir, and had a blast exploring its narrow streets and passageways.

Another great thing about Croatia? The food! Italian influences (the Venetians ruled this land for hundreds of years) and the prevalence of truffles in the northern part of the country mean lots of delicious pizza, pasta (in a truffle cream sauce!), cured ham, and fresh seafood. Yum!

Croatia is an extraordinary country with boundless natural beauty and warm, friendly people. We can't wait to go back and discover more!

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Instagram images by The Pink Chalkboard

Jennifer Sanchez

Even though I've posted many times about art on 20x200, I still feel like it's my own secret place to discover artists and their beautiful work. My latest favorites are by Jennifer Sanchez.

I was first drawn to the print on the left for its orderly-like grid and delicate, layered colors. But then I started getting more and more into the print on the right. It is much more moody than Jennifer's other works featured on 20x200, but even though much of the painting is dark, the horizontal bits of color just feel like optimism to me.

See more of Jennifer's beautiful work here.

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print on left: ny.11.#42
print on right: ny.11.#12

One Settee Two Ways

I recently came across this settee and was struck by it's clean shape and fabulous pattern. It got me thinking -- where would I put such a bold piece in a home? Two places came to mind: an entryway and in a girls bedroom.

In the entryway, the settee would be the main event, contrasted against green/gray walls and accented with some natural materials like that woven basket (perfect for magazines or to use as a basket to transport items upstairs). The coat rack has some exposed wood that relates to the basket but the gray lacquered base keeps the look clean and modern. The bone inlay mirror adds lightness and a subtle sheen, bringing out the creamy color in the settee's ikat fabric.

Using the settee in a girls bedroom, though, would be completely different. Here it would still make a statement but it wouldn't be as look-at-me since shades of pink would be used throughout the room. The walls would be a soft gray. The bed would be made with pink polka dot sheets and a crisp white duvet with a thin throw in bright orange draping over the duvet. A vibrant, colorful pillow would be tossed on the bed along with this sweet cloud pillow. I picture the settee sitting at the foot of a full-size bed but it could work anywhere in the room. Did you notice the repetition of form between the circle shapes on the sheets, the table and the cloud pillow's cheeks? A small detail but one that I think would make the room all the more cohesive.

What do you think? If you like the settee but aren't as keen on the pink, it's also available in a graphite/yellow ikat or in a simple sandstone color. But color aside, where would you put this piece? In an entryway or in a bedroom? Or do you have another idea? We'd love to hear from you. Please share!

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Henley Armless Settee from Grandin Road.


entryway:
Blu Dot's Splash Coat Rack
Sherwin Williams SW 6207 Retreat
Crate & Barrel's Pramana Magazine Basket
Serena & Lily's Cyprus Bone Inlay Mirror


bedroom:
Land of Nod's Pink Dots Sheet Set
World Market's Porter Round End Table
Land of Nod's Ribbon Throw Pillow
Land of Nod's Head in the Clouds Pillow

Feeling Federal

What do you think of this mirror?

To be honest, I did not like this Federal style mirror up until a few months ago. Ornate pieces with eagle ornaments just never attracted me. But, it has been making a weekly appearance in my life, thanks to ABC's Once Upon a Time. Yes, a piece just like this is the "Mirror, mirror on the wall" that belongs to the Evil Queen. I know it sounds crazy, but the mirror has really grown on me!

While it doesn't necessarily fit in with my own decor, it would work well at my mother's house. We recently spotted a small version at a house sale and I convinced my mom that she needed it. The picture below is very similar to what we found. 

Hers is a showing a bit of wear and tear, but that's something I can easily fix by repainting it. I can't decide whether it should be a bright gold or a little brassy.

And then, just a couple of days ago, we spotted two different versions of this mirror, used by designer Darryl Carter, in the June issue of Elle Decor. 

It seems that Mr. Carter also likes to use these mirrors for himself! Take a look at the designer, photographed in his home by Patricia Lyons:

I am just loving this mirror in black, so maybe that's the way to go!

What do you think? Are you feeling federal, too?

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Large Vintage Gold Eagle Convex Mirror by Syroco from Estate Eclectic via etsy

Hickory Manor House Regency Eagle Antique Gold Beveled Mirror via Bellacor

images of David Morey's home by Simon Upton via Elle Decor

image of Darryl Carter by Patricia Lyons via her blog