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

Top Picks: Wisteria

I don't know about you, but I get lots of home decor catalogs in the mail each month. As I come across items I like, I tear out the pages. This usually amounts to one or two pages a month. But every now and then, a catalog comes along that knocks my socks off and it's page after page of things that I want. How to keep track of all of that fabulousness? A new series called Top Picks.

What I like best about these items from Wisteria is that they all look unique and very uncatalog-like. Just what I'm looking for when I'm buying things for my home.

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1. Treasured Sage Chinese Console
2. Honeycomb Mirror
3. Raised Shallow Bowl
4. Colorful Fold Art Flock
5. Handpainted Basket Shelves
6. Diamond Pattern Stool
7. Oil and Wine Jar
8. Colorful Wooden Tray

Loving Lavender

A couple of years ago, a coworker told me that lavender was starting to become very popular. Thinking of the lavender-painted bedrooms of childhood friends made me a bit skeptical at first. But after doing some research, I quickly became sold and even painted two accent walls in our apartment a perfect shade of pinky-lavender (I hope to show you pictures soon!). Here are some photos including wonderful shades of lavender that offered me inspiration.

Whether you are covering your walls and furniture, or just adding an accent pillow or two, a little bit of lavender goes a long way in bringing depth and interest to any room. 

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Lovely Lavender Bedroom by Kelly Porter of Porter House Designs via Houzz 
Classic Panelled Walls in lavender via Canadian House & Home
European Cabinets by European Cabinets & Design Studio via Houzz
Paint Walls, Trim, and Ceiling photographed by John Cullen via Canadian House & Home
Jamesport Showhouse by Eileen Kathryn Boyd of EKB Interiors via Houzz
Contemporary San Francisco Kitchen by Mercedes Corbell of Mercedes Corbell Design + Architecture via Houzz
Morrison Living Room/Dining Room by LUX Design via Houzz
Contemporary San Francisco Living Room by Amoroso Design via Houzz
Pretty Purple Pillows photographed by Stacey Brandford via Canadian House & Home
Eclectic Dining Room by Dreamy Whites via Houzz
Hammet Eclectic San Francisco Entry by Mark English Architects via Houzz
Patchwork Style photographed by Mads Mogensen, designed by Michela Curetti, via Elle Decor Espana

• West Elm Bedroom posted by septembergirl21 via Houzz

Minted Art Prints

Mindy recently discovered the custom art prints created by independent artists on Minted. We are going through the whole collection and will feature our personal favorites soon. But there are too many good things at Minted to show in just one post. Here are some prints that I think would look fantastic in a nursery and would make for a really special baby gift.

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clockwise from top left
animals alphabet
over the moon
paper cut abcs
greatest adventure

Jewel of the Adriatic

Hello! I'm popping in again to share some of our favorite photos from the three days we spent exploring and relaxing in the Dalmatian coastal city of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is located in the southern tip of Croatia and it is magnificent. Surrounded by an impressive stone fortress, this ancient walled city is a magical and one-of-a-kind destination. With the mountains of Bosnia on one side and the Adriatic Sea on the other, imposing seaside cliffs and lush tropical foliage, this place is indeed a "jewel".

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Instagram images by The Pink Chalkboard