A Peaceful Weekend

I (Mindy) was in yoga the other night and my teacher quoted this beautiful phrase as we began our final resting pose. It felt so good! 

So, we thought we would leave you with thoughts of peace this weekend. Enjoy the holidays and we'll see you back here on Monday. 

Hugs, 

Jillian & Mindy

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image via Beach Coast Style

Happy Pencils

I wanted to share with you my most favorite desk accessory—these cheerful pencils that Jillian gave me. 

Seriously. Polka-dotted, rainbow-colored pencils with streamers on top? Hello, happiness!

I have been redecorating my office space in an all-white theme and these pencils provide a perfect pop of color.

These colored beauties also gave me an opportunity to play with one of my other favorite accessories—painted ball jars. This time I painted one white so that my happy pencils could be the star. I just love this little bit of joy on my desk. Thanks, Jillian!

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images via The Pink Chalkboard

Tessa's Nursery

My friend, Morgan, had a baby on Monday. Welcome to the world, Tessa Reese! When Tessa comes home from the hospital, she has an amazing nursery to go to. Pretty curtains and bedding in a beautiful color palette of purples and blues, thoughtful artwork, and this amazing alphabet wall.

Morgan has been collecting letters for this wall for months. Some were purchased and used as is (like the Scrabble letter S), others are decoupaged with images from Morgan's favorite books (B and V), and still others were projects that family members decorated (the W was masterfully done by Tessa's older sister, Sadie).

I love this wall – it's good-looking, personal, adds depth and interest and above all else, educational. It's the main attraction in the room, but other aspects are just as nice, too.

Can't wait to meet you, Tessa! Wishing you wonderful days and sleep-filled nights in this lovely room.

Lucite Letters

I have become completely carried away with these lucite letters from Tory Burch! 

Such a cool, modern, and thoroughly sophisticated alphabet. 

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first three images via Tory Burch

last image by The Pink Chalkboard

Decorating Vases

Do you remember this post about the vase I found at Anthropologie that was decorated with necklaces? I recently did that in my home.

I have a large, silver vase in my entryway that I usually fill with fresh flowers. A few weeks ago, this bunch of greens caught my eye and I thought it would be a nice change. But when I saw it against the painted green mirror, it all just looked flat and boring. It needed a pop of color (and preferably a pink one)!

So I went to my closet, found an old necklace and wrapped it around. It was a perfect fit.

A small detail, but a pretty one, and just the update I needed. But decorating with necklaces isn't the only way to dress up your vase. Look at this Jonathan Adler image I just got in my inbox.

How clever to use it as a hat display. And so chic with all of those fedoras stacked on top!

Design Goodness from J.C. Penney

Have you heard the news about Jonathan Adler coming to J.C. Penney? The designer/department store collaboration is called Happy Chic and you can see (and purchase!) all of the design goodness here. Unfortunately, the Happy Chic line won't be available in stores for a little while longer—as late as May according to this LA Times article. I am so excited to see everything in person!

But that's OK because in the meantime I've found some other great items that are calling my name.

You may know Royal Doulton and their traditional china patterns, but take a look at this adorable line sold at J.C. Penney. Called Pop in for Drinks, this collection includes china and barware fit for trendy entertaining, featuring illustrations and witty phrases that are decidedly British.

Cocktails, anyone?

*****

first two images via Live Royal Doulton

all other images via J.C. Penney

New Uses for Old Frames

Much has been written about reusing old frames. We've posted about that before, too, but lately I've come across a few more interesting ways and wanted to share.

Through Pinterest, I found this way to create your own canvas...

and saw this idea to frame out a light switch. I normally wouldn't highlight a light switch but if your switch plate is in a strange place and in the middle of your gallery wall, this is a great option to make it look considered and designed.

Over the weekend I was driving past my new favorite store, Vintage Funk, and popped in for a quick visit. I picked up this frame for $8.

Without any glass or art inside, it's perfect for a corkboard project I'm planning. Picture a red spraypainted frame with a kraft paper/white printing faux bois paper. Perfect for an office that I'm working on for a friend. I'll be sure to post photos once it's done.

What have you been doing with your old frames?

Happy Spring

Yippee, spring is finally here!

While we may not be basking in warm weather just yet (at least not in Philadelphia), it's such a great feeling to know that sunny days are right around the corner.

Here's to the beginning of a new season full of design-goodness, big milestones, and beautiful blooms.

Cheers,
Jillian & Mindy

*****

image via Boden

Tarnished Silver

Back in November, West Elm posted these images of a bohemian living room styled by Sana of Pip & Estella, on their blog. I just love the look of gorgeous florals with this tarnished teapot. 

Last month I posted about pretty shiny silver, but this photo inspired me to take a look at some more tarnished pieces. 

Love it! Tarnished silver is so imperfectly pretty.

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Image by Suzanne Kantak for Pip & Estella via Front & Main
Nicole Franzen via Pinterest
An Indian Spiced Tea by Mike Yarmish via Tassels
Lisa Madigan via Pinterest
A Life of Beauty and Grace via Pinterest
Room Seventeen Style via Indulgy
Indulgy

Gorgeous Greens

With St. Patrick's day around the corner (and emerald being the color of the year), we are loving these gorgeous greens. 

P.S. Still craving pink from our last colorful post? Check it out here.

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1. Vintage Sixties Storage Locker from Sundance
2. John Lewis Metal #2 via Svpply
3. Green Ikat Dinnerware from C. Wonder
4. Green Diamond Artwork from Dwell Studio
5. Agate Earth Coasters from Terrain
6. City Bike from C. Wonder

Hanging Plates

My great aunt (original owner of these chairs) used to have a collection of pretty plates hanging on her wall. Ever since, I've been a fan and recently spotted some pretty ones at Anthropologie.

 

Like what you see? Anthro is offering 15% off during their Spring Dinnerware Event. Take advantage of the savings and buy some pretty plates for mealtime or for your walls.

*****

images top to bottom, left to right
Evenings In Quinto Dinnerware
Studio Sessions Dinner Plate
From The Deep Dinnerware
Pacifica Dinnerware
Piecrust Dinnerware
Papillions Plate

Cotton Ball String Lights

Is it spring yet? It's that time of year when I can't wait for winter to turn to spring and I long for warm weather. I just discovered these cotton ball string lights and they have me dreaming of hot summer nights. I don't know where these have been and why I haven't noticed them before, but I can't imagine an outdoor scene without them! Just take a look at these bright and colorful concoctions. 

Even in white, this lighting is enchanting.

And while I've been thinking of outdoor decor, The Modern Baby shows these string lights as an accessory in a child's room. I might love this idea even more!

See what I mean? Seriously cute. These cotton ball string lights have quickly made it to the top of my Spring decorating list.

*****

Graham and Green
The Modern Baby
Pinterest
Project Decor
ThaiLights via Etsy
Ginew via Etsy
The Modern Baby

Viva Terra's Versatile Items

I love a good multifunctional piece. And while perusing the latest issue of Viva Terra, a found a bunch.
 

Items like this aluminum stool. I have 3 silver stools similar to this in my home. They are surprisingly versatile – as a side table next to the couch, as movable outdoor furnishings, even as extra seating. (I actually have the medium size hammered drum in my family room. I found it a year or two ago at Home Goods before I had even heard of Viva Terra!)

This clean-lined foldaway desk would be lovely in an entryway. The top of the desk opens to reveal a writing surface and secret storage space. The stool is perfect for the desk but when placed in an entryway is also a great place to put on shoes before you walk out the door.

This wooden easel was designed to hold a tablet and would be great mounted in the kitchen. Equally lovely, though, would be to use this as a perch for a small framed image or as a little rotating gallery for kids artwork.

What versatile home items have you found lately? Please share!

J.Crew is Dip Dyed and Neon

Hello and Happy Monday! I wanted to share this image from J. Crew's latest catalog.

I love that these dip-dyed, neon-painted stools make an appearance. They highlight J.Crew's clothes perfectly, while displaying a delightful decorating trend. As an added bonus, these stools would make a very simple DIY project. I like the gray version, but think the neon pink color is great, too. It's certainly a fun and simple way to inject a little neon into your scheme. Which color would you choose?

P.S. Looking for some more of this look? Check out our Half-Painted posts here and here.

*****

image via J.Crew

Another Mash-up

Remember my mash-up post about pairing a zesty, floral couch with abstract art? I just came across another example of an unusual decorating combo.

Found on Dwell Studio's e-catalog, I'm loving the pairing of a more traditional and somewhat formal-looking peacock bedding with abstract, watercolor art. I also find the placement of the artwork interesting. Who says art needs to be centered above the bed? A cluster of objects on the left side table, in particular a tall lamp, would provide a nice balance.

Like what you see here? Everything in Dwell Studio's e-catalog is on sale this week for 20% off! Check out the full collection here and be sure to enter in the code SPRING2013 at checkout.

Have a great weekend and happy shopping!