Tag Archives: interior design

mid-week round-up

Wednesday Links, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What’s everyone up to? Last week was my grandma’s funeral in Ohio. While the occasion was certainly not a happy one, it was nice to spend some time with my family for a few days. As soon as I arrived back in Alabama, Chet had to leave for a work conference. Now we’re settling back in to routines after a hectic stretch of days, and welcoming the little glimpses of Spring. The sun has finally returned after what felt like weeks of rain (seriously, our yard looked like a little lake!) and Mardi Gras is right around the corner. Have a great Wednesday, and for your reading pleasure, a dozen links…

Beautiful bohemian interiors that are perfect inspo for a spring home decor refresh.

How a recipe goes viral on Instagram.

Students are going on strike to demand action on climate change, in a movement led almost entirely by teenage girls.

This llama tote makes me smile.

The Art of Leaving sounds like an amazing memoir.

Show them what crazy dreams can do.

Great advice: no more zero days.

How people spent sudden financial windfalls.

Living and working in 350 square feet. Love how light and feminine this space is!

Raffi is singing new songs and fighting new fascists. (Remember ‘Baby Beluga’?!)

Have you tried the 20/20/20?

How an internet obsession resurrected a long-lost Sesame Street cartoon.

P.S. A few Finding Delight posts you may have missed — Five Great Graphic Novels and 6 Reasons You Should Be Sleeping More.

If you enjoy my blog content, please consider supporting what I do (and keeping me caffeinated). Thank you! xoxo ☕

Advertisement

Entryway Wish List

Home, Style and Design, , , , , , , , ,

Where do you focus your design-energy in your home? There are the obvious spaces — like creating a zen-like bathroom or a kitchen that feels cozy enough for guests to gather around the table. But lately, I’ve been feeling inspired to add a little of my aesthetic to our new entryway. As I mentioned in this post, it’s the first design project I’d like to tackle in our new abode. After all, it’s the first thing folks see when they walk in your house!

So far, I’ve got these hooks hung and a runner rug laid out. (Shout out to my mom for choosing the rug!) I took to Amazon to track down some other pieces that are now wish listed for the project …

This shelf, sitting long-ways, can display my bits and bobs, but also offers a storage solution by tucking a basket or two in the bottom cubbies.

A director floor lamp to cast an inviting glow.

I could add texture by sticking an oversized plant in the mix and housing it in one of these mid-century modern planters.

Ya gotta have a mirror so you can check your look before leaving.

And maybe a large print in a gold frame for the DRAMA.

Finally, I’d like to add this piece to my bar cart (which is what you see as you walk down my self-created entryway) because I’ve considered tons of small wine racks and I always land back at this one.

For little touches – I’m all about a giant candle with sweet matches at the ready, succulents nestled in terra cotta pots, and maybe a thrifted crate to house muddy shoes.

How have you decorated your entryway? Tell me in the comments! 

P.S. Since we’re renting this home, I’m following these tips.

A Rustic Bohemian Inspired Balcony

Home, Style and Design, , , , , , , , ,

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.  🙂

A Palm Leaf Print Inspired Bedroom

Home, Style and Design, , , , , , , ,

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. 🙂

mid-week round-up

Wednesday Links, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

orange-butterfly

What are you up to today? I have some errands to run (including getting my hair cut which I’ve been putting off for ages) but I’m feeling a little mid-week lazy. Can’t I just drink coffee and read books every day??? I hope everyone had a fun Halloween however you chose to celebrate. I was pretty pleased with my last-minute farmer costume. (Overalls!) Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday, and here are a few links I’ve gathered for your reading pleasure…

The Dakota Access Pipeline protest is unprecedented and 150 years in the making.

How a poster in a bar restroom cleverly combats sexual assault.

“I dressed like Rachel Green for a week and here’s what happened.”

What was the Princess Diana Beanie Baby?

House Tour: An art-filled Nashville home.

How to host a dinner party in a small space.

Our financial errors vary by age.

Lady Gaga does carpool karaoke.

Why American and European cities are dramatically different.

Why is Election Day on Tuesday, November 8?

Humans of New York and the cavalier consumption of others.

The feminist power of female ghosts.

A Cute Guest Room Round-Up!

Home, Style and Design, , , , ,

There’s something about a guest room that feels particularly “adult-ing” to me. Friends rolling through town? Not a problem! Family dropping by for the holiday? Mi casa es su casa and all that. While our space for guests is technically Chet’s office that doesn’t stop me searching for inspiration amidst my favorite home decor corners of the internet. Here are a few of my top picks…

guest room 1

via All Things Thrifty 

guest room 2

via Studio McGee 

guest room 3

via The Daily Nest 

guest room 4

via Miss Alice Designs

guest room 5

via Dear Lillie 

guest room 6

via Style Your Senses

What do you think? Which room would you like to lay your precious head? 

Cool Poster Round-Up!

Style and Design, , , , , , ,

After a recent apartment refresh (new couch! score!), I’ve been feeling especially design inclined. “What other updates should we make to our space?” I asked myself. So, I took to Etsy and descended down the rabbit hole on a variety of decorative elements. What struck me most were all the beautiful posters! And they’re all so affordable! Here’s a round-up of a few of my favorites…

Movie Posters

the breakfast club poster

The Breakfast Club

up poster

Up

Vintage Posters

india travel poster

India Travel

vertigo poster

Vertigo

Typography Posters

killing it poster

Killing It

good vibes only poster

Good Vibes Only

Map Posters

lexington poster

Lexington

louisiana poster

Louisiana

Art Posters

moon poster

Moon

pinapple poster

Pineapple

Photography Posters

mountain poster

Mountains

tropical plant poster

Tropical Plants

Which would YOU choose? Do you have any tips for tracking down affordable art? Let me know below! 

Are you a bath person?

Style and Design, , , ,

bathtub 1

Are you a bath person or a shower person? I’ve always preferred showers. I tend to think of baths as soaking in my own filth. (Is that gross? It’s not that I’m THAT dirty…but still.) When we moved into our new apartment I was super stoked to see a stand alone shower in the en suite bathroom…and not one of those mega tiny, glass door showers either. It’s not cramped at all! And I love that it’s made of white tiles– a new decor obsession of mine. So, I guess you could say I’m a shower girl. HOWEVER! These tubs could cause me to change my tune. Aren’t they pretty? Maybe if I could shower FIRST, I would hop in for a luxuriously long soak! Complete with candles and a novel of course. Which would YOU choose?

bathtub 2

(From Frenchy Fancy)

bathtub 3

(From Apartment Therapy)

bathtub 5

(From Nipponterest)

bathtub 4

(From My Domaine)

What about you? #TeamShower or #TeamBath? Would beautiful tubs like these be a big selling point when seeking a place to live?

(Top photo from Cargo Collective)

mid-week round-up

Wednesday Links, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

lady at beach

What are you up to, my loves? This past weekend Chet and I explored Coconut Grove. The temperature felt quite mild due to it’s proximity to the water but the humidity was still as gnarly and tropical as ever! Chet vlogged the whole adventure if you’d like to take a look HERE. Yesterday was a really productive day for me job-wise and I hope that work flow continues the rest of the week. I think this was due in large part to Chet fixing our internet which had been super spotty and annoying for the last week. Finally, we watched the movie Faults last night. Have you seen it? I love anything about cults so I was a huge fan. Have a great week, guys! And here’s a little reading material…

An adorable storage container cabin.

The secret to a perfectly fried egg.

What’s going on beyond the crop?

My gut reaction to refugees being housed on the grounds of former concentration camp, Dachau, was horror, but now I’m not sure. Thoughts?

Don’t waste it, plate it!

An unlikely debate round.

This historian couple loved the Victorian Era so much they decided to live in it.

The changes one middle school classroom has made since implementing Common Core.  Sounds awesome to me but I know Common Core has been quite divisive.

OMG. Wedding goals.

Jimmy Carter on the kiss cam (!) at a recent Braves game.

Is nursing a talent? HECK YES!

Why is reality TV experiencing a boom in blurred genitalia?

Must-haves for sleeping in the heat.

How to's, , , , , , , ,
Summer is upon us…and all the merciless heat and humidity that comes with it. Since slumber should be your one true respite from all the annoyances of ANY day (not just the hot ones), your bedroom and nighttime routine are worthy recipients of a refresh during these warmer months. With just a quick change of sheet texture, a cool breeze, and a good read; I think I’ve found the keys to honing in on some cool vibes. Here are my tips for a “chillaxed” night of sleep that will HOPEFULLY keep you from running to the freezer at 3 in the morning to toss ice cubes down your drawers….
summer slumber border
-A lightweight, cool to the touch set of sheets is my TOP must have for the summer months. These deliciously soft Egyptian cotton sheets from Parachute come in at under $100 for queen size and the website promises they’ll get even softer with age! If you’re feeling like splurging, the linen duvet cover set in “Sea” is airy and light-colored with a truly beachy vibe perfect for summer.
***
-If you have a ceiling fan, count yourself lucky and turn that sucker on! If not, a personal fan on your nightstand or dresser is a worthy (and affordable) purchase. Be sure to turn on your fan an hour or so before bed time to get the air circulating and the temperature down.
***
-No matter the month, you can never go wrong with a sound conditioner. However, in the summer they are just the ticket for drowning out cicadas and early morning disturbances (for the Country Mice), as well as, late night traffic and extended sunlight revelry (for the City Mice).
***
-Lately, I’ve been absolutely OBSESSED with this coconut water toner. Gently spraying your face at night, rather than lathering on goopy moisturizer and diligently working it into your skin, is so much more conducive to the hot weather. And your skin will thank you! It needs a little hydration too after a long day in the heat. Pop it in the fridge before spritzing if you’re feeling really scandalous.
***
-Calm your mind by getting a little distracted before bedtime. Quiet the fast-paced social media world and the glaring Netflix binge screens and tuck into a good book. Need a recommendation? Astonish Me by Maggie Shipstead is freaking fantastic. It is brilliantly written and while I’m somewhat biased towards it’s Balletic plot-line, I think it would be entertaining for just about anyone.
***
-And finally, scent can be a handy tool when needing to float away to the Land of Nod. Give your landing pad a quick once-over with a lavender scented pillow spray before nuzzling down for the night. ZZZZzzzzz

STAY COOL AND SLEEP WELL!