Tag Archives: get the look

Do or Don’t: Command Centers

The offending wall. (She’s naked!!!)

One HUGE advantage to our little home in Alabama is that I have a dedicated home office. I love having a space for my desk that’s not about one foot away from where I sleep (like it was in Miami!). I also have a closet (for overflow crap), some drawer storage for craft supplies, a book shelf, and a comfy chair by the window (mostly for my cat/office assistant lol).

But one piece of my home office puzzle that I haven’t quite figured out yet? One big, blank wall. I have my desk against one wall, and all the others either have a door or a window, but then there’s a HUGE blank canvas on the other side.

I’ve been picking up pieces here and there for a potential gallery wall…but then I stumbled upon an idea on Pinterest. A command center! Many examples that I found seemed to be more geared towards household/large family management, yet I think they could be adapted to fit a freelancer’s needs! What do you think?

Here are 5 inspiring examples…

(From Beneath My Heart)

(From The Happy Housie)

(From Sarah Rosemary)

(From The Idea Room)

(From Simply September)

What do you think? Have you ever made a command center? Do you think having one in a home office would be helpful?

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A Rustic Bohemian Inspired Balcony

Ol’ Punxsatawney Phil just predicted 6 more weeks of Winter. Yikes! But down here in South Florida it’s the perfect temperature to lounge outside. In the Summer months, it’s way too hot to think about hanging out on our balcony. But now that the days are getting longer, and there are more hours of sunlight to take advantage of, it’s the perfect place to be. I guess you could say Phil’s decree is a GOOD THING for us. (Sorry guys!) Bring on the additional balcony weather!

In honor of this auspicious Groundhog’s Day, I thought I’d do some make-believe interior decorating. I’d love to give our outdoor space a makeover in a Rustic Bohemian Style. Our balcony is narrow, but runs the whole length of our apartment, and is completely screened in (no bugs!). The view is mostly of other buildings but when the sun sets, there’s still lots of colorful sky to behold. Oh, and of course palm trees a’plenty!

Here’s what I’d add to give the space a boho reboot with a touch of rustic charm…

A terra cotta and brass moon to hang on the wall and watch over us.

A set of roman shades to keep the afternoon sun out of our eyes (and nosy neighbors out of our business).

A wooden bowl to store a stack of limes for evening gin & tonics.

A throw pillow or two to make furniture feel like a cozy oasis.

A couple of planters shaped like cubes to house our plant friends.

A thrift-store-find side table that we can “antique” with a coat of paint and a few squares of sandpaper.

A gaggle of colorful tealight holders to really set the mood.

And an outdoor sectional that’s just as comfy as a living room couch (with a much better breeze!).

What styles or spaces are inspiring YOUR interior design daydreams? I’d love to hear! 

[IN THE MOOD FOR MORE MAKE-BELIEVE? A PALM LEAF PRINT INSPIRED BEDROOM!]

P.S. Are you following me on TWITTER? Let’s connect.  🙂

Formal Look: Polka Dots and Pants?!

I love the idea of wearing a flowy pair of pants to a black-tie affair. Wouldn’t they be so sophisticated, chic, and…unexpected?! And while we’re at it, let’s throw in a few polka dot patterns to boot!

To round out the palazzo pant extravaganza, I would pair with a sultry deep v-cut blouse, a pair of sky-blue kitten heels , and a little clutch. Then I’d go for a dramatic eye with this and this.

Note: I have absolutely nowhere fancy to go, just living my Thursday afternoon daydream-self truth!

What do you think? Would you rock this look? Or are pants (and double polka dots) a no-go for female formal-wear? 

P.S. 3 Weekend Uniforms.

A Palm Leaf Print Inspired Bedroom

Today is super dreary and we’re bracing for an endless string of days with thunderstorms in the forecast. So, to cheer myself up, I’m gonna do a little make-believe interior decorating! Palm Leaf Print seems to be everywhere at the moment. (Seriously, check out Pinterest.)

While I’m going for a more beachy vibe in my current bedroom (with light blues and greens and calming touches), I can see loving this decor in a future home. Maybe one where we don’t have NATURE’S palm leaf print right outside our bedroom window. 😉

Until then, commence the daydream interior design:

A palm leaf duvet cover serves as the anchor for the room and is perfect for cuddling up in on less-than-tropical mornings.

A wallpaper to create the illusion of an exposed brick accent wall.

A pair of round bedside tables to flank the palm leaf-ed bed.

A zig-zag wall shelf as the perfect place for plants to live.

A lamp for the dresser on copper tripod legs.

A sunburst mirror to make a bold statement.

A marble ring dish and agate boxes for storing tiny treasures.

A bright hamper to keep dirty clothes off the floor.

And a metal basket stows extra, cozy blankets and a stash of just-for-fun magazines.

What elements or prints are inspiring YOUR interior design daydreams? I’d love to hear! xoxo

P.S. Please take a few minutes to fill out my READER SURVEY. I will send you 10,000 virtual hugs!!! Thanks. 🙂

Do or Don’t: Pallet Furniture

pallets

Speaking of upcycling projects… One cool DIY idea that has always interested me is turning pallets into furniture. Have you seen one of these spectacular transformations? When I worked at Good Foods, I would pass HUGE stacks of pallets and wonder what sort of pieces they could become if they found their way into the right hands. There are some incredibly creative tutorials out there if this sort of thing strikes your fancy!

Here are 7 cool photos of a few finished products…

pallet furniture 2

(From Fox Hollow Cottage)

pallet furniture 3

(From Curb to Refurb)

pallet furniture 4

(From We Lived Happily Ever After)

pallet furniture 5

(From Pink When)

pallet furniture 6

(From Beyond the Picket Fence)

pallet furniture 7

(From The Merry Thought)

pallet furniture 8

(From Little House of Four)

What do you think? Have you ever made pallet furniture? Could you envision one of these pieces in your home?

(Photo at top by Joy Ever After)