Luli Sanchez

Lourdes (Luli) Sánchez's home was recently featured on Design*Sponge. Looking through her work, I found a lot that I liked and was surprised to see many felt familiar to me. Perhaps it was the watercolors or the abstract quality, but they kept reminding me of other works I've seen and have featured here before.

See what I mean? Reminiscent, but certainly special in their own right. See more of Lourdes Sánchez's work here.

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from top:
Lourdes Sánchez's #13 in the paintings gallery and Land of Nod's Fall Foliage Wall Art
Lourdes Sánchez's #18 in the abstract gallery and Günther Förg's Aller Retour (featured on The Pink Chalkboard here)
Lourdes Sánchez's #14 in the dots gallery and Britt Browne's Dots (featured on The Pink Chalkboard here)

World Peace

Artist Wendy Gold decoupages vintage globes with recycled materials to create beautiful works of art. The sentiment behind the globe below, entitled "Peace," is the perfect way to end the week. I want to send a special thank you to all those working to make this world a more peaceful place.

Wishing you a peaceful weekend! See you on Monday.

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"Peace" by Wendy Gold via ImagineNations

Colorful Chesterfields

Ah, the tufted design-goodness that is the Chesterfield Sofa.

Traditionally seen in a warm caramel like the images above, or a dark brown leather, this classic piece is living a new life in brilliant color, and it is quite a site. 

Take a look at the modern Chesterfield in all it's varied hues.

And just look at these intense patterns!

But if these are too crazy for you, don't worry! This classic beauty still looks amazing in neutrals.

Ooh and if you are feeling just a little bit daring, there is always this gorgeous interpretation upholstered in camel-colored velvet. Just look at these legs!

*****

images from top to bottom

Chicago Home and Garden via Pinterest

via Rouge Blanc Noir

via Pinterest

via The Sofa and Chair

via Little Blue Deer

via Pinterest

Atelier Chesterfield via Anthropologie

via Pinterest

via Iced Vovos 

Milo Sofa via Anthropologie

First Sense via RusticvGlamour 

via Pinterest

Chesterfield Sofa via Neiman Marcus

Greige Design via Pinterest

Union Jack Chesterfield Sofa via Barker and Stone House

Multicolored Patchwork Chesterfield Sofa from Name Design Studio via Pinterest

via The Decorista

from The Decorista via Pinterest

via Isabsson

Grey Velvet Chesterfield Sofa via Maisons du Monde

Chesterfield Tufted Upholstery via Pottery Barn

Sterling Style Love via Pinterest

Chesterfield Sofa via BDDW

Using a Crib

Although they're small, babies need a lot of stuff. Big stuff, too. Take the crib, for instance. It's necessary in those early years but what to do with the crib when your child has moved on to the big girl or big boy bed? Find a new use for it!

Turning the crib into a workspace for kids is a genius idea. I wish I knew the source for this but unfortunately I don't. A friend had found it on Pinterest a while back and sent it to me.

And while I found the desk image last year, I couldn't think of a good way to reuse the crib mattress but Ikea just did. Check out what they did in their monthly online magazine:

See the crib mattress? It's the headboard! Wrapped in fabric and propped behind the bed, it's a great solution for a queen size bed. So clever, creative and affordable. Versatile, too – whenever you want to update the look, just switch out the fabric for something fresh and new! 

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top image via Pinterest
bottom image via Ikea Family Live Magazine

West Elm Gallery Wall

A while back, I was in Georgetown and found this great gallery wall at the local West Elm. I was inspired by the chalkboard background and hand-drawn frames. It was a clever way to fill out the wall without spending unnecessary dollars on frames.

I thought of that when I received this Valentine-inspired image (and frame promotion) from West Elm. They've done it again – but this time it's the art inside the frames that is super easy and attainable.

Do you see all of the design goodness? Let's break it down:

Lots of little details but nothing too complicated. Together they add up to a beautiful and very personal gallery wall – appropriate for Valentine's Day and the whole year through.

A Home Full of Inspiration

While researching images for my Gray & Gold post last week, I fell in love with this room and the story behind it. I thought you might enjoy it, too, since it is so beautiful and inspiring.  

This home belongs to Karina Gentinetta and Andrew James McAlear of New Orleans. In 2005, their home was destroyed when a nearby floodwall broke during Hurricane Katrina. After losing everything and struggling for years after the hurricane, they were finally able to rebuild this beautiful cottage. 

What I found so inspiring was that after enduring so many setbacks, they persevered, and their new home gave this family a new beginning. Karina found comfort and inspiration in decorating magazines and in refinishing furniture that she salvaged. She has since left her career as an attorney and now sells stunning antiques here. 

Just take a look at how amazing and beautifully styled this home is. I can't stop looking at these photos! I love every perfectly imperfect detail. 

The tray pictured below, an anniversary gift, was one of the very few pieces they were able to salvage from the wreckage. The family refers to the age and distress brought to these pieces as their "Katrina patina."

Want to know something else amazing about this home? It was furnished for $12,500 (excluding appliances and electronics)! Can you believe it? I am in awe!

You can read all about this family's home and inspiring journey here.

*****

all images via Sara Essex for The New York Times

A Pink Post

Hello, February. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, what better time to do a post filled with our favorite color? Loving these perfect pink items.

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1. Highway Wildflowers by Kelli Hall via minted
2. Annabelle Pink Jade Empire Chandelier via Marjorie Skouras Design
3. Neon Pink Ampersand Screen Print from the Ampersand Shop via Etsy
4. Rivadossi Sandro Maui Flatware Fuchsia via Fab.com
5. Be Mine greeting card via Sugar Paper
6. Hot Pink Stripe Ikat Pillow by Madeline Weinrib