Monthly Archives: August 2009

weekend project

I am a big-time freak when it comes to organization. Growing up, I anticipated trips to the office supply store as much as the toy store (and don’t get me started on back-to-school shopping!) These days I spend time organizing other people’s homes as well as my own constant project – the home office space.

So when I found this project on Martha Stewart, and I’m not joking, my heart started racing and the wheels began to turn. It’s an office in a chest – super easy to construct and it holds all of the need-it-off-my-desk stuff. Plus, I’m a huge fan of hidden storage, so I will probably make a cushion for mine to become a bench when needed.

I am currently on the hunt for the perfect chest a la Craigslist, and I will be posting my version of the project once I get it finished.

If you want the instructions for your own weekend project, click here

Happy Weekend!

spotlight on: Austin, TX

It seems that, in spite of the economy, people are still doing a fair but of travel this year. I myself have been dreaming of a mini-break to Austin and it seems like I’m not alone – almost every magazine I look at these days has a travel guide for the live music capital of the world.

This image, from a recent issue of Southern Living, really fueled the fire. The first thing I thought was that it looks like the French Riviera, the place that my summer vacation dreams are made of.

The aptly named Oasis, is a restaurant overlooking Lake Travis. It features live music most evenings and a spectacular view of the sunset. Oh how I wish I was there right now…

To plan a best of Austin vacation, check out some of these travel guides
Southern Living, Weekend Itinerary
Design Sponge, Austin Design Guide
Austin Visitor’s Bureau
Austin’s 10 Best

The Home of Windsor Smith

The September issue of House Beautiful is truly a great one. Aside from it being all about color, they feature the homes of some wonderful designers who use color in fresh and daring ways.

One such designer is L.A. based Windsor Smith. Without giving away too much, I wanted to show a couple of spaces that really caught my eye.

This is technically the entryway, but I would just hang out here. The colors are masculine but very inviting and every element feels luxurious.

Just beyond (also shown in the picture above) is the family room. But this family includes a bunch of boys so Windsor decided to make it about them by painting the walls black and placing a ping-pong table smack in the center of the room. How fun!


Good design is all about balance. Paint one room black and offset it with a pink one. Even in varying shades of pink the room still feels comfortable and inviting to everyone. Plus, I love that yellow chair…

You can also visit HouseBeautiful.com to read the article, find your color personality and so much more. It’s a great site.

wonderful walls

Inspired by yesterday’s post, In the Library, I decided to pull together some wall treatments to put a little skip in your step (at least that’s what it does for me…)
Lotus Papers
The first one comes from Farrow & Ball because, after all, they were the inspiration for the post. This print is called Lotus from the special edition collection. Visit Farrow & Ball to order a free sample.

Gallery image
This print, Arches from Phillip Jeffries, is printed on hemp paper which adds a textural element and makes a bold statement in blue.

This image, from the September issue of House Beautiful, features fabric covered panels from Lee Jofa used to create a textured crewel wall treatment (and the pitchers are vintage Wedgewood…love love love these!).

image courtesy of Signature Prints

I have long been a fan of Florence Broadhurst’s – partly for her bold graphic designs and partly for her mysterious murder (I’m very intrigued by that sort of thing). This print, called Shadow Floral, is one of my favorites. Shown here in dusty turquoise.

Wall coverings are a great way to liven up a boring wall or bring focus to areas that sometimes gets overlooked (like an entryway, the interiors of open cabinets, even ceilings). The next time you’re in the mood to shake things up, sit down with a book of wallpaper and see if you can’t just find something that inspires you.

in the library 8.17.09

My design book pick of the week:


I love Farrow & Ball for their gorgeous collection of wallpapers and elegant paint color selections, but this book just pulls you into a world of graceful yet completely livable spaces.

I love the subdued tones on the walls and trim and then the pop of rich cinnamon. I picture myself spending a lazy Sunday afternoon here re-reading Pride & Prejudice.

Varying shades of green create dimension as the white ceramic and glass stand out against the soft mint wall.

Warm, rich colors create a backdrop for the earthy elements that make these spaces so inviting.

Find the book at Farrow & Ball

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