over the chesterfield.

Hypothetically speaking, which would you rather have?

a. caribbean blue
-or-
b. abstract lanscape

replacements.

You know. There was a moment when I was about to go gung-ho on our apartment and replace all of the items that I had not loved.. you know, initial wedding registry gifts, quick fixes, items that were needed and the lowest cost was the only concern. And I didn't do it. I'm actually glad I didn't. Whaa? I'll explain.
Well, in the last 4 years I have learned not only my style, but we actually now have NEED to replace some of these things. More specifically, 98% of the reason for making the change NOW has to do with Hippo and his mouth. Yes, his crazy cute wrinkly face has wreaked havoc on a few select items. The other end is also guilty of doing some damage. I'm glad I didn't make the switch a few months ago when I had the itch, because luckily the items needing replacing are the ones Hippo has decided to add his 'character' to. Namely the media cabinet, the bedroom drapes, and kitchen rug. The other items have just been on my list anyway.

1. I have some beautiful linen fabric I've been saving for drapes. I've been waiting for a sewing machine, and am glad I have. Otherwise they would have been peed on and played with. Drapes make great toys for a crazy puppy. Our current drapes are ugly and were purchased just to fill the need. We have surprisingly tall windows and a really LONG window in our room and I just needed whatever I could find so long as there were 4 panels of the same style and height. Hippo likes to chew, twirl, and pee on them.. and I don't blame him. I'd pee on them myself if I didn't know if was a naughty thing to do. I'll probably be able to make these linen drapes when we move which will work out well because we'll hopefully be done with puppy teething and potty training. Can't wait.
2. This item is non-Hippo related, but you have known I've had the itch for this clock forEVER. See here. Best news was that I found out who produced it, and thanks to Walls it will be mine very soon!!
3. Hippo is not a couch chewer, thank goodness (we don't own the ones we're using currently), but he DOES shed. This item has ALSO been on my list for some time. The West Elm Baxter sectional is one of my favorites. You know it's worth buying if you haven't forgotten your love for it in well over a year's time. Also, I feel pretty strongly that it is worth investing some money into a fairly neutral sofa if you know you're paying for quality that will last. The fabric is a faux suede in their "saddle" herringbone colorway. I have a swatch and it's darling in person. That and the nice thing is that it hides the dog hair so well! I've tested out both Hippo and Bird's hair (even though she doesn't shed) on my swatches, and that is ultimately how I decided on the fabric. West Elm is kind to offer free swatches to anyone who is considering their furniture.
4. This is the inspiration for my painting. It's the panoramic I've mentioned before that Andrew is working on for me for our living room. It's a view of 2nd point at Scorpion Bay from the palapas. The saturation is perfect. It reminds me of the hot Mexican sun (Arrested Development anyone?), and makes me want a Sangria from the Cantina. (: The view from this shot is honestly one of my most favorites in the world. I cannot wait for that canvas to be hung.
5. This will be one of the best replacements. Our media center right now is one of Hippo's favorite chew toys. It's wood. Big no no. The bottom right corner is gnawed off, with bite marks along the middle shelf. And a chewed vhs player to boot. It was never my favorite piece. It's finish is a cherry color, which is not my style of wood, so the destroyed factor luckily does not make me upset. I've eyed the Ikea consoles for some time now, and have figured this one to be the best. First, it's METAL.. this is a much less attractive material to our chew happy fat man. Second, it has no open shelves! Also good for the biting pup. And third, it's low and long... my kind of console.
6. This is actually just a really fun Lee Jofa fabric I've fallen in love with recently. It would make for great additional pillows in my living room. Marrying my native american patterns to my industrial, coastal, modern taste. The triangles are actually a metallic silver! Cool stuff.

Most, if not all, of these things will happen 'post move' to wherever it is the wind takes us. Doesn't make much sense to invest in furniture while Hippo is still so young and chew happy. Also, knowing that it will probably get dinged up in the move and require a bigger truck no less adds to this decision. Waiting a few more months is a wise choice.

But still. CAN'T WAIT TO DESIGN MY NEXT DIGGS!

drum pendants.

I love pendant lighting! Talk about something that adds SO MUCH to a room. Not only does it play a part artistically, but this can affect the space dramatically through the ambiance created by the light itself. A lot of times if a space looks dingy, the best cure is through fixing the lighting. Most people do not realize that if they can't put their finger on WHY their space just doesn't look right, it's usually the lighting! So switch it out people, add more in, and jooshe it up while you're at it! And one thing to remember, large pendants are not JUST FOR DINING ROOMS. Use them over a master bed, over a bath, in a tall hallway, in an entryway... you name it. (:

A lot of my favorites are drum shaded, and so here is a little collection to tickle your fancy.

*all pendants found here.

Pillowies.

I've revamped (aka: recovered) most of my throw pillows in the family room, KELSIE YOU'RE AMAZING, thanks for being my seamstress! But I couldn't help myself and made an addition to the bunch along the way. Thanks, CSN!


I've got a Mexi-Nautical vibe going on with the whole bunch, and I'm digging it. The pillows are jiving together and the textures make me giddy. (:
Pretty obsessed to be honest.

PS. In case you couldn't tell, I'm definitely not a photographer, and wont pretend to be either. So you just have to trust me when I tell you that they all look like a million bucks in real life. Because it's true. Maybe someday I'll be awesome enough to have a photographer follow me around everywhere and take photos of my life whenever I want. Haha. YOU want that job. We'd have an awesome time.

..Think about it.

Santa.

Chevron Knot Rug- 1. Bexley Aqua Lamp- 2. Chemist's Jar- 3. Embellished Fur Throw- 4. Amber Tumblers- 5.
Santee Sofa- 6. Deep Sea Dishes- 7. English Bulldog- 8. Linen Towels- 9.

Clock'n It.

I want this clock! I've been wanting one like it for some time now. I'm not a fan of the one we have in our front room, so if anyone can find this one for me somewhere, that'd be awesome.

and the chandeliers..
and the mantle..
the chairs..
the table....

Give me this room, and I'll love you forever.

**update: i've found the clock!! and it'll be in my posession shortly! HORRAH!

Plates Galore.

Guys. I LOVE PLATE WALLS!! One of the seemingly silly little designs I'm excited about doing when owning my own home someday is simply to put a plate wall in my dining room, or even the kitchen. Heck, maybe over the fireplace. Basically we might end up eating from the dishes hanging on every wall in our house.

Oh man, here are some reasons why I love them so...

You can be colorful.

You can be refined yet dramatic.
You can use just a few.. or build gradually.

You can focus on pattern.

You can focus on shape & depth.

You can group them in tight corners.

You can hang them in whatever direction you choose.

You can use them to unite spaces.

You can mix old with new. You can be organic or use symmetry. You can spread them out or keep them close. You can be comical or timeless.

Basically.. there's no wrong way to arrange one, and the key is in the selection.

Advice: Make it YOU.

I can't wait to make one ME. (:

Cheers.

Linen.

I love french linen. The look, the texture, the feel.. so yum. You know the Seinfeld where George wishes he could be draped in velvet? Well, count me in for linen. Here are some examples of why..

{via AT}

{via Veranda}

Yum.
Draped in linen, I tell you.
DRAPED.

Edland

Growing up, my parents have always had a 4 poster bed. I loved it as a child because it was awesome to play on. It was really sturdy and fun to swing on, but as way of aesthetics go, it has never been my cup of tea. Since then, I have always assumed I don't like 4 posters in general. But I've come to learn that I DOOOO.

When Andrew and I become real adults within the next year, and move to a place where he will work a full time job, and we live in a fairly permanent residence, I plan to buy us a BED. Right now we have the most ghetto second hand metal frame & headboard, and our box spring makes us feel like we're sinking in the middle (isn't that what a box spring is supposed to prevent?). So I'm thinking it'll be high time when Andrew graduates and we pack up and leave (if not.. sooner.. muahaha) to invest in a REAL piece of furniture.

As far as budget is concerned, I'm thinking we'll still have to be modest on what we select, and what is more modest in the cost factor than Ikea, right? Anyway, I just received the catalog, and somewhat have fallen in love with their Edland 4 poster bed. See for yourself...

I love the thin lines, and the white-acrylic finish. Not to mention, it costs like a dollar! Well, you know what I mean. Anyway, I'm seriously considering it, although my mind will probably change a year from now..

What do you think? Are you a fan of 4 poster beds, or what? A part of me thinks drapery would be so fun to change up with this thing... but I have yet to know if Andrew would even go for such a bed. It might not be manly enough for him, although he has always loved my design/decor preferences (minus our second hand rocking love-seat.. which I LOVE!).. so who knows.

We shall see.

Registering

If I could have registered at Alice Lane when I was getting married, I would currently be rockin the best stuff ever! I love them, and I wish I got dishware and furnishings there instead of at BB&B (registering at BB&B was a mistake... ). Target was great, but it would have been nice to have a heavenly registry to go along with it. Practical? Maybe not... but a girl can dream. I will own a beautiful bed of theirs someday.

Globe Pendant

So every time I get my West Elm catalog in the mail, my mouth waters for the Globe Pendant. Yes, it's that good that they keep it around for catalogs to come. Pretty timeless if you ask me. It's on sale now, but still not at a price I can really say "wow, totally worth it."
So until then, I will just dream, and sigh, and then lust some more.

{via West Elm}

Rolling Stools

Yay, nay?
Either way, I think they're totally clever.

{via AT}

White Rooms

Sorry I don't post often anymore friends..
Life has really been busy for me, and I absolutely LOVE IT!
It's such a refreshing direction in life, and I'm glad I was inspired to do so. (:
So for the billionth time, forgive me for not being around more. If it makes you feel any better, I miss reading your blogs religiously..

Anyway, moving on..

So, you may have noticed by now.. I have a thing for white rooms. Plain, simple, white rooms. Full of nothing but white (okay, maybe some things BESIDES white, but the majority is definitely determinable.. you get the idea). Recently in a class I shared that it's actually my favorite color (did you know?) because it is. I think it makes for such a wonderful feeling.
These rooms and others like them make me feel joy, peace, happiness, comfortable, relaxed, cozy, sexy, elegant, sophisticated, romantic, wise.. and so much more!
Others in the class, however, felt quite differently. Like rooms such as these are ..boring, plain, uninteresting, with no personality.

Now I understand personal taste and color choice play a huge roll in this debate,
But I strongly disagree.

Agree to disagree I guess.

Which leads my curiosity in this direction, what do you think?
Inspiring, or dull?

via AT

via Cococozy

via Decor8blog

Love ya, have a killer weekend. (:

Braided Doormat

So I think this is totally precious. However, even though I would prefer it in our home's entryway, I'm pretty sure it would get ROCKED by dirty feet, so I'm thinking the bathroom would be a better choice. That is, unless it were made with a different colored rope...
Either way, if you like it too.. you can MAKE it!

Martha shows you how, here. (:
(I must admit, she lost me after step 3. Better luck to you, haha.)

Alice Lane

So if you're a Provo/Orem/Utah County resident, and like all things AMAZING for your home, and haven't been to Alice Lane before.. MAN OH MAN are you missing out! It is such an inspiring store full of GREAT design, that I can hardly stand it. I about explode walking in there. I wish I lived in all the little nooks and crannys of that place. Anyway, check it if you haven't, and if you have.. you know what I'm talkin' about! PS. They have this drop dead GORGEOUS bed frame that I've been drooling over and have been having dreams about (true story, owned it in my sleep). Haha. Maybe Andrew will give me the go for my birthday. (;


Well. There you go. And sorry, but honestly these photos do NOT do the place justice. AT ALL. You gotta see it for yourself my friends.
If you don't live here, you can check out her (Jessica's) designs on the shop online.. here.

Cheers!

PPS. This was a totally shameless plug (as ALL my posts are), purely driven by lust. (:

Baxter Sectional

I want this sectional.. STAT.
I'm serious.
Andrew approves. However, I need to sit in it first before such a HEFTY commitment, and there's no showroom in Utah... boo.
Mom, perhaps you can venture to the San Diego (Mission Valley) West Elm store, take a seat, and tell me what you think..? Ya? Thanks. (:

Oh it is lovely.
{via West Elm}

Medallion

Can I just say how cute the headboard and frame of this bed are? The headboard is on sale too! If only I were PAST school, and we had a home we could fill will lovely furniture!
I plan on starting soon anyway.. I keep telling Andrew I want a sectional for our living/family room. Someday in the not so far away future, that will become a reality. (: It's just a matter of when I find the dreamy piece that fits our budget.

{via Brocade Home}

Loose Leaf

We currently aren't in need of a doorstop, however, if and when we do.. this one is a definite contender!

{via AT}

ACCEPTED!

That's right baby...

YOURS TRULY will be attending LDSBC for their Interior Design program!!

WOOHOOOOOO! (:
I'm so excited!
...and I'm already registered for next semester's classes. (:

YESSSSSS!
Can you tell I'm elated!?

Felt Trees

Aren't these felt trees scattered in this room so precious?
I love them. What classy and cozy holiday decor. And, not to mention, baby/child friendly. (:

Happy Christmas time everyone! (:

{via CB2}