Fabulous Fireplaces

I don't know about you, but I've had just about enough of this heat. I'm ready for sweaters, apple cider, and brisk windy weather. There's nothing better than curling up by a crackling fire when it's chilly outside. Here's some fabulous fireplaces I've been pining after...

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Wallpaper Dilemma

My spare bathroom has been in a state of almost-remodeled for far too long, and I'd love to get it finished soon. But first I have to decide on the wall paper, and that is no easy task. All the bathroom fixtures are white, and there is white bead-board halfway up the walls, so I've got some room to play with pattern and color with the remaining wall-space. (Note: this is a different bathroom than the one I need a new shower curtain for.)

Petal Pusher in metallic gold/white, $125/roll

Oh Joy!'s gorgeous Petal Pusher pattern with Hygge & West is my top pick, but I don't know if I can handle the price tag (I need 3 double rolls).

Swirls in black/gray/ivory, $50/roll

Also a strong contender is Graham & Brown's fabulous Swirls pattern. It's a bold look, and although I love it now, I do wonder if I might tire of it after a bit.

Victorian Effect in paintable white, $25/roll

My remaining option is Graham & Brown's lovely Victorian Effect paintable pattern. The wallpaper comes white with the embossed design, and you can paint it any color you want. I actually love the idea of an all-white bathroom, and it's definitely the practical choice since I can easily change the color later on, but I'm worried that I'm missing out on my chance to do something really fun with this room.

So there you have it, my wallpaper dilemma. Which would you choose?

Black + White + Winner

 I love this rug. The print is referred to as zebra, but I think of it more as swirled paint. It's from Target, so it's affordable, and appears to be completely sold out right now. I hope they do this design in more colorways, I'd love to see it as a subtle tone-on-tone version.

Giveaway Winner!

According to random.org, the lucky winner of the gray rose earrings is commenter #13.... Bekah Rankin! Bekah, I've contacted you to get your address so I can send these out to you. Congrats!

Sunshine

It's very dreary here, and I'm still sore from painting like a fiend. But this image is so cheery, it feels like sunshine to my imagination. I love everything about it, from the yellow couch, to the wire lamps, to the framed silhouettes. Wondering how I can recreate this look someday...

photo via escapade

ABC Carpet & Home

I have heard people sing the praises of ABC Carpet & Home for years, but never had a chance to see it for myself. While we were in NYC, Heather and I spent an entire afternoon drooling over the 6 floors (!!!) of goodies. Here's a little peek of what we saw...

And that's just a glimpse of it. I have never seen such a fantastic selection in so many different styles, it was truly a visual overload. If you ever get a chance to visit ABC Carpet & Home yourself, do it!

White on White

While I'm too much in love with color to ever decorate solely with white, I can certainly appreciate how serene the effect is. Check out these fabulous white on white living spaces that I've discovered on Pinterest.

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Ceiling Medallions

from Do It Yourself, via Apartment Therapy

I love the look of these ornate ceiling medallions used as wall art! Ceiling medallions used to be made of plaster, but are now most commonly formed of urethane, so they are extremely lightweight and easy to hang. Most come already primed, and will take a coat of paint quite well. I'd love to see a grouping in various shades of pink! It would also be great to use one with a large center opening and have a mirror cut to fit. You can find these medallions at your local big-box hardware store, though their selection may be limited. I've discovered a fantastic online retailer, The Architectural Depot. They have a huge variety of ceiling medallions, ranging in size from 4 inches to over 70 inches, and prices start at around $8! You can check out their selection here. I really can't wait to have an excuse to try these out!

I want this house

The amazing home of Jamie + Larry, via The Bedlam of Beefy, via Etsy

I can't get over the sublime gorgeousness of this home. It belongs to the husband + wife team of Jamie + Larry Oliver, located in Dallas, Texas. I am in love with the glamorous yet neutral scheme; and every little perfect detail steals my heart.

Of course, the stunning photography doesn't hurt! You can browse their home here, there's lots of beautiful detail shots.

Drool.

House Beautiful: Pink!

In keeping with my current pink crush, I am in love with House Beautiful's latest issue.

 I love seeing how the color can transform a room. FYI, pink #7 is my favorite. If you like pink even a little, you'll love this issue. Grab it from a news stand, or better yet, subscribe!

Ikea Trip

We decided Cory's office needed a makeover... all of a sudden. So we rented a minivan and stuffed it to the rafters with flatpacked goodies. Gotta love Ikea!

Check back on Monday to see what we've been doing with it all. Until then, I'll be swimming in allen wrenches.

What I use

image via creature comforts via apartment therapy

I just read this post by Creature Comforts and then read the original post by Apartment Therapy about stuff we actually use vs. stuff we have. It's something I have been thinking about for a while now, sorting through all the things and stuff and forgotten objects. Digging in the recesses of the closet and in the boxes taped up since the move, and seeing what really there and what's worth keeping. For a while I felt like I if I did it, I'd have to go crazy getting rid of stuff and then I'd regret losing what I got rid of. But I've realized that I don't want minimalist decor and a completely clutter-free home. I can lose the pot with the broken handle, the stained dishtowels, and the skirts from college and never miss them. But the mismatched silver from my Grandma, the vintage tablecloths I love to use for everyday, and the stack of magazines I still flip through, these will stay. For me, a little clutter is okay if it's meaningful and happy. Somewhere in the purging, I think I'll find the balance between that which I use and love and that which is just taking up space.

Anybody else ready to purge? What's on your list to keep?

Neutral Wreath Roundup

I'm loving the look of neutral wreaths this season. Here are my top picks, I'd be happy to hang any one of these on my door!

1. Photo Wreath (DIY from Country Living)
2. Felted Wreath (West Elm, but no longer for sale)
3. Door Sweater (Cranny, $34.50)
4. Twinkling Doily Wreath (DIY from Martha Stewart)
5. Wings of Butterfly Wreath (Royal Buffet)

Knack Studios: Eudora

I am completely in love with Knack Studio's new piece entitled Eudora. See the amazing before and after here, and buy her for me here (only $525!)

Before & After: My Office

I meant to show the living room before & after next, but that one has more pictures to edit and will require more time to write. And as time is something I am sorely lacking these days, you get to see my office instead.

Here is my office before...

Not horrifyingly ugly, just extremely bland. And ugly carpet. And ugly paint. And ugly window trim. And ugly valances.

Here's my office after...

Big surprise, I painted the walls gray! Shocking, I know. Though this shade has a nice tinge of green in it. As always, wood floors go a long way, and they make me happy. The curtains were made by my darling mother, and I love the sophistication they add. I found the fabric at an outlet near here for a sweet deal. It's hard to tell from the photo, but they are very tapestry-esque, and feature birds, deer, and foxes hidden among the flowering vines. The desk was a Craigslist find that I painted white. I'm going to cover the top with a patterned white paper, but just haven't had time yet. And it's difficult to see, but the cubbies in the desk are painted a mustard gold. The chair was an involved reupholstery project that I will eventually post about. (FYI, I don't actually sit in this chair all day. But it looks way cuter in the photo than my normal desk chair.)

There's actually a lot more to my office than this, but it's trashed right now, so you can't see it. And I have to finish painting the bookcase first. (I did the first coat a year ago.)

I think I need an intern.