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.

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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!

Posters from Afar

Check out this clever social media campaign from travel magazine, Afar. Last Spring they asked readers and followers to finish the phrase "To travel is to ____." They got some really amazing responses on Facebook and then created the following digital poster series with a few of their favorite responses. 

Not only do I admire this concept, but the design execution is really great. And of course this whole series makes me want to do a little traveling myself. 

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images via Afar

BHG bedroom

Isn't it funny how the magazines you read change through the years? As a teenager, I was a loyal Seventeen reader and then one day moved on to YM. Remember that one? I remember thinking that I would never outgrow that. I definitely did.

Then it was Lucky, Domino and Blueprint. And now it's HGTV Magazine and Better Homes and Gardens. Inspiration and good ideas are all over the web these days but it's still nice to have a magazine in your hands and come across a pretty picture complete with clever ideas.

Take this, for example, from Better Homes and Gardens March 2013 issue:

At first glance, it seems pretty basic but when you look closer, there are some great ideas here.

1. A pretty sconce is placed low down at a more appropriate level for this low bed. When your bed (or couch or chair) is low, it makes sense for your lighting to be low, too.

2. Wallpaper adds a pop of color and when cut to the width of the bed, it looks like an extension of the headboard. Many perks to doing this – added impact with less commitment (versus wallpapering an entire room) and by using less wallpaper, it's also a cheaper option.

3. The side table is my favorite thing here. It's a ceramic pot filled with stones and topped with beveled glass. Again, the low and wide shape of the pot works well with the bed but it's practical, too. Use this now and when you tire of the shape or color, move it outdoors as a planter.

What magazines have you been reading? Have you picked up any interesting ideas from them like this ceramic pot turned side table? If so, please share!

Honey, I'm Home

When we were brainstorming ideas for decorating Dena's entryway, Jillian and I thought that artwork in her space was a must. We settled on two options, both featuring the phrase Home Sweet Home (including Jillian's own design which I own and adore). I was perusing some old magazines over the weekend and stumbled upon this image of an entryway with another great artwork option.  

How charming to be greeted by that old-fashioned phrase, "Honey, I'm Home!" It feels perfect for this entrance, too.

The graphics are actually little vintage-inspired flash cards that have been framed, found at the Etsy shop CariKraft.

And here is my favorite little detail. In the upper right corner of each of these three cards, this phrase appears, "the best part, of every day, is coming back to you."

I just can't imagine a more welcoming greeting!

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first two images via Cottage Style 
Honey I'm Home flash cards from CariKraft via Etsy

Vintage Funk

I'm a fan of Emily Henderson's style. Her blog is always filled with interesting vintage finds that look amazing after they've been styled or sprayed with a fresh coat of paint. It's those unique pieces that really make a home but where to find them? Emily finds these things for what seems like pennies and I've never been able to – until now.

Enter Vintage Funk. My sister-in-law told me about this place that happens to be minutes from my parents' house. So many great things there. Some are ready for the home as is. Other items could use a some love (and paint). So let's play a little game. What would you do with these items?

First off is this Jenny Lind inspired headboard/footboard set. With a little wood filler and raspberry spray paint, it would look an awful lot like this Land of Nod bed, don't you think? Possibly even better.

This frame reminds me of one I bought at a House Sale a few years ago. It's one of those really old, really heavy mirrors that makes a statement when painted a fun color.

I painted mine chartreuse for a pop of color in my entryway.

Wheels would be a fun addition to a wall. A whole collection would be amazing either in an organized pattern or in a random bunch scaling a large wall. 

I bought a metal box like this last year at Habitat for Humanity's Restore. I thought it would look great painted orange and put in my son's room.

I have a few ideas for this frame. Spraypaint for starters and then it could become a few things – add cork behind for an instant corkboard or maybe some fabric and a little batting for a cushioned pinboard.

A basic mirror, but at $30, this is cheaper than most decorative mirrors you'll find.

And then there is this. Perhaps it's my most favorite find. A pair of these chairs.

The owner was asking $28 or $40 per chair. I don't remember which but honestly, it didn't matter. An amazing price. I would spraypaint the frame white and reupholster the cushions in a solid color like a rich, dark blue. Then decorate with a patterned throw pillow and put in a living room, facing the couch.

So what do you think? What's your favorite find and what would you do with it?

Muji's Mini Cities

Jillian first introduced me to Japanese department store Muji a few years back, and I've since been obsessed with shopping there every time we're in New York (and even Paris!).

Each time, I stand and stare at these little cities in a bag.

I have yet to purchase one, though, because I'm just not sure how to display it. As much as I love these special little cities, they could easily get lost or look cluttered when displayed on bookshelves.

That is, until now.

Simplicity is the key in this marvelous display, and it is exactly the kind of look I want to try. I love that the wood ledge matches the wood pieces. Everything blends together a bit but you still see the silhouette of this little world. Pretty magical!

OK Muji, here I come! I'm not going to let this pass me by again!

P.S. If anyone from Muji happens to read this post, please open a store in Philly! We could use a dose of your design-goodness. And I think you might like it here a lot, too :)

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top image via Hello Bauldoff
bottom image from Est Magazine via Emmas Design Blogg