Add Some Wall Interest

Have a large wall but not a lot of art to fill it? Try this idea.

The decorative border creates a special area for a single piece of art.  Having the bottom part of the wall painted helps unite the space and the chandelier adds just the right touch of sparkle and refinement. So simple and pretty.

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image from Kidshop by Serena & Lily

Gray and Gold Interiors

Ever since Jillian's post about gold ceilings, I haven't been able to get the idea out of my mind. Nor can I stop obsessing about the gray and gold color combination featured in so many of her images. Love it! Here are some more gray and gold interiors that have captured my imagination.

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from top
A tudor mansion designed by Steven Gambrel; photographed by Simon Upton via Elle Decor
via belle maison via pinterest
Ashley Stark's home via Elle Decor; photographed by Eric Piasecki
Jackie Astier's home via Elle Decor; photographed by Eric Piasecki
Designed by Elizabeth Gordon via Houzz
via vintage luxe via pinterest
via Pinterest
Designed by Kelly Wearstler via Elle Decor; photographed by Mikkel Vang
Andrew Gn's Paris Apartment via Elle Decor; photographed by Simon Upton
Karina Gentinetta's home in New Orleans; photographed by Sara Essex for The New York Times
Levenson McDavid Architects via Houzz

Hemingway's Home

While in Key West a few weeks ago, I took a tour of Ernest Hemingway's home and studio. Built in 1851 in the Spanish Colonial style, Hemingway and his wife, Pauline, lived here from 1931-1940. They restored and remodeled the home, turning it into the National Historic Landmark that it is today. 

Tours are given now of the home and property and strange as it may sound, my favorite thing in the house was the bathroom. Large, arched windows let in tons of light and highlight the yellow and black color palette. The simple white tub and little wood chair are nice but did you notice the floor tiles?

So. Very. Cool.

The other highlight of the house tour was viewing Hemingway's writing studio. His time in Key West was his most prolific period and it's easy to see why. The space was bright and inviting and filled with items that I would love in my home – that table, those sconces (a different style than I usually gravitate towards but look at those decorative details), and I actually have a rug quite similar to this in my dining room.

Timeless design. And an awesome trunk. It's clear that this trunk has been through a lot. 

Again, so cool.

Rainbow Colored Silverware

I love this idea for transforming plain silverware into something spectacular, from Italian design magazine, Casaviva. 

Simply gather a group of mismatched pieces, dip each in a different paint color, and voila, you have your own rainbow collection! Who can possibly resist this colorful treat?

P.S. I discovered Casaviva while in Croatia this past summer. I picked up a selection of design magazines in each country we visited. Browsing foreign design magazines is so inspiring, and I love seeing fresh ideas and what is trending across the globe! Check out the latest issue here.

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image via Casaviva

Cuddle Up with Marimekko

I love a super soft throw blanket, and probably spend more time than I care to admit all bundled up in it. Though, working from home makes it not as weird, right? Anyway, I can't help but think that I might be a tiny bit more stylish wrapped up in one of these poppy-printed throws from Marimekko.

I love this candy-colored striped option, too.

What about this adorable hammock to go along with the striped blanket?

Oh my...on this very cold day, I feel relaxed and cozy just dreaming about it!

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Marimekko Unikko Blanket in Raspberry and Black/Gray via FinnStyle
Marimekko Kimara Throw via Polyvore
Marimekko Hammock via the Los Angeles Times

Chalkboard Question: Dena's Entryway

A few weeks ago, we got this email.

What fun! We quickly set out to brainstorm some ideas. 

Here is Dena's entryway.

It's a great space with natural light and a beautiful bannister. Dena had just painted the room Benjamin Moore Sleigh Bells so she has a clean slate to work with. Here is the console she was thinking about:

We love it. A black console goes with any decor but this one is kicked up a bit with those special legs. It's a detail that we especially like considering the shape of her banister. Dressed up with a sparkly gold mirror and styled with some colorful accents and a plant, it would be a friendly little welcome to her home. This is what we're thinking....

Consoles give you a nice place to drop your keys and usually offer you lots of storage opportunities but they aren't the only option. An upholstered bench like this one below with hidden storage would work well, too. Pillows add color and personality and the mirror packs a graphic punch. The yellow coatrack (featured here in a different color) is sunny and inviting, as is the little Home Sweet Home sign.

So what do you think? Which look do you prefer – vintage console or comfy bench? Let us know in the comments section!

P.S. Have a question about your home? Email us at thepinkchalkboard(at)gmail.com.

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Vintage Console:
crown sunburst mirror, rectangle lacquer tray, desert rose frame round, fridfull plant pot, keepsake brooch knob in bronze, gem keepsake knob, b&w wall hook, westport black white rug

Comfy Bench: 
tilden storage bench, chevron mirror, blu dot splash coat rack, pink origami throw pillow, pink apple pillow, ribba frame (around home sweet home art), capiz pendant, light bulb hook, home sweet home

Key West

A few weeks ago, we took a family trip to Key West, Florida. Known for their sunsets, the home of Ernest Hemingway and the lively Duval Street, there was much to see and do. Our visit to Hemingway's home and museum was a highlight (post to come soon) as was the butterfly and nature conservatory. A strange little aspect of Key West that I didn't expect – there were roosters everywhere. Why? I have no idea. But I'll tell you one thing. They don't just crow first thing in the morning. We were hearing cock-a-doodle-doos all day long.

When traveling, I take a lot of photos of architectural details and vegetations that are different from what I usually see at home. You never know when you'll get that special photo that is equal parts artistic and interesting and when hung on your wall, will be a special memento from your trip. 

The Key West Fabrics building photo is my favorite from the trip. I'm not sure why – maybe it's the simple peak in the architecture, the clear blue sky or the way the light hits the left side of the building. I envision this photo printed really big and hung over a couch. The Key West Fabrics signage is nice but doesn't have any real significance to me so I would crop it out. Something like this feels about right:

The blue and red-brown in this photo doesn't really go with my house at this time (I'm currently in a gray/black/white/green/pink color mode) but I'm sure this will make it's way into my home some time soon. The section on the left shows the sunlight so nicely that it makes me feel warm just by looking at it.

A little warmth would be a nice thing, indeed, on this cold, winter day.

More Melted Crayons

Remember this melted crayon art?

Look at the new gem I found on Pinterest:

Same melted crayon idea but with a very different result. So pretty. Check out the how-to on Jenna's blog.

I must try this for myself. Love that Pinterest and all of the creative folks out there!

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top photo by Meg Duerksen via Whatever
all other photos via Jenna Brown

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday, Mindy! Wishing you a wonderful year that takes you to new heights and happy places.

P.S. When looking for a birthday image to show today, I came across this one and it just felt right. Hours later I realized why – it reminds me of this print!

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Rifle Paper Co. Fly Away Birthday Card

Chalkboard Favorites: Mirror of the Moment

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Serena & Lily's Mosaic Mirror in Poppy
Jayson Home's Donnabella Mirror

Painting or Placemat?

Do you remember the painting I made inspired by Franz Kline?

Look what I just found at West Elm!

Pretty similar, don't you think? A good little reminder that when you have black paint and a mini roller out, you can decorate just about anything – a canvas, placemat, napkin, even a whole tablecloth. So many possibilities!

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top photo by Sarah DiCicco, styling by Lily My Love and The Pink Chalkboard
inkbrush placemat set
inkbrush napkin set

Pink Balloons

Oh my goodness...

This photo from photographer Youngna Park fills me with such light and happiness. Isn't it incredible?! I love that a simple subject like floating pink balloons can make me feel so good. As the perfect antidote to a gray winter day, this beauty just found its way into my shopping cart.

Want to see more of Youngna Park's work? Jillian posted her favorite find here.

Speaking of photography that moves me, just a reminder that there is only one day left to take advantage of Little Nest's Sweet Cheep! promotion. This special offer expires on January 18 at noon EST. Go get some amazing photos at a fabulous discounted price today!

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Balloons (Midtown, Manhattan) by Youngna Park via 20x200

Comforting Clouds

There is something so dreamy and soothing about clouds. Perfect for the bedroom in a big way

or a small way.

Or if you are artist, Berndnaut Smilde, you could actually make your very own cloud. Did you see this installation? Amazing.

And speaking of dreamy, don't forget about Little Nest's "Sweet Cheep!" promotion. Their special discount offer ends January 18th at noon EST.

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claudia wallpaper
believe in yourself paper cloud wall hanging

Using the Chalkboard

When we named our blog The Pink Chalkboard, we envisioned the whole site as our "chalkboard" — a place to write about interesting finds, inspirational items, and project ideas. In creating our logo, we made an actual pink chalkboard but haven't used that as a message board until now.

From time to time, you may find little messages up there. Whether it's a little hello, a shout out about a new design item we're loving, or a friendly wish for a happy day, it's just another way for us to say hi, tell you we're thinking of you, and that we are so glad you stopped by.

A Good Zigzag

Jillian and I both love a good zigzag (take a look at some favorites we've posted about here, here, and here), so check out how amazing this gray and white zigzag print looks on these upholstered pieces from Ballard Designs. 

This print adds just the right dose of cheer to any room and the gray makes this zigzag pattern a neutral that is anything but traditional. And did you notice that lampshade? It's just plain fun!

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Chevron Stripe Gray Fabric via Ballard Designs 

Sweet Cheep!

For years, I've told my husband that I have a great memory and can remember things from when I was very little. He doesn't believe me at all and says that I "remember" things based on photos. I'm not sure if that's the case or not (I can clearly describe to you the look and placement of a cookie jar from my grandmother's house -- the last time I was there I was 2 years old and I've yet to come across a photo of that) but regardless, photos no doubt help in holding on to memories and that's why I think they are so important.

When my son was born, I knew I wanted to document his first year so I called Laura Novak, our wedding photographer. Laura is beyond amazing - so talented and nice, too. In the years since our wedding, she had set up a few studios in the area called Little Nest to photograph kids and families so we've been going there. Here are some of the shots from our latest session. I especially love them since my son usually shies away from the camera, but our photographer, Megan, worked her magic and we amazingly have tons of photos of him smiling and hamming it up for the camera.

My experience at Little Nest was such a good one that I was thrilled when they called and asked to partner with us on a special promotion they have going on this week. Called "Sweet Cheep" (love that name!), this special promotion is available to all of The Pink Chalkboard readers. Click here for details and see more samples of their work below. Offer is good until January 18 at noon EST so sign up today to document those memories! The winter holidays may be over but think about the other special days coming up in the future – Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc. Photos make great gifts!

One other thing to note – I've been going to Little Nest's Wayne location and I have to say, I love the look of the studio, too. Great color palette, furnishings, and overall style and feeling. Have you ever gone to a place and said to yourself, "I could live here"? That's totally how I feel about Little Nest.