::making a house a home::

We've been in our home for almost 4 months now. Luckily, we've been able to acquire a couple big pieces (like this sofa -- oh, Restoration Hardware!) that we love. I started a secret board on Pinterest to hold a handful of special images that I'd like to recreate. And since it's not just my home, it's important that Jay can get behind it too. Here are a few things I've been itching to do lately to make our house OUR HOME...

1. hanging plants in windows
For some reason, I can't stop buying plants. We have a window box in our kitchen that's quickly filling up. But I love the idea of hanging them in a window. The string of pearls plant is perfect for this.

2. painting two thirds of the wall
All of the walls in our house are a creamy white. We also have a lot of wooden panel walls. I'm excited to add some color and I really like this treatment to make the ceilings look even higher.

3. finding the perfect little tree holder
I picked up a cute fiddle leaf fig for the corner of the living room. As you can see, he needs a decorative  holder/pot. I'm all about the vintage pottery, so it'd be awesome to stumble on an old ceramic piece at the thrift store.

4. light fixtures
Jay and I were talking about this tonight. Most of our house has recessed lighting, which is nice, but I love pendant lights and decorative lamps. I think lighting plays a huge part in a home with style and ambiance. This one from Anthropologie would be nice.

::interiors::

This space is so clean and simple. I'm not sure where I can find those light bulbs, but I will hunt for them. We've been really good about incorporating plants into the house because Jay is really into bonsai. Since we moved into our house, I've been looking at interior photos with a whole new perspective. Luckily, Jay and I didn't have lots of big furniture pieces to move, but now we're slowly trying to acquire key pieces that we love. Our space is really open, so it's neat to see how we can make the layout work. We ordered a beautiful sofa and next on the list is a dining table.

It's only Monday, but I can't wait until Friday. I have a great friend coming to visit this weekend (hurry up, N!), and I'm sure we'll end up doing some house shopping. She's done amazing work on her new home so I'll be picking her brain.

::transitions::

In a couple weeks Jay and I will be moving into our first home. A beautiful house with room(s) to grow and play. It also means that I'm pinning places & spaces like a mad man, getting tons of ideas for decorating and making it home sweet home.

Plus, 6 petals will have it's own space, which will kick start the shops back to life! finally...

::vintage & modern::

I love how well this home mixes modern pieces with vintage decor. Little nooks and crannies of stuff to add pops of color and bring personality to a heavy-white space. And seriously, that couch! It's the kind you just want to jump on. Those Scandinavians have some wicked style.

source via here

::exposed::

When it comes to a home, I'm all about the details-- built-in cabinets, vintage door knobs, those oddly placed tiny windows and exposed beams. That look of tall, crisp white walls with natural wood ceiling beams is such a show stopper, and they add so much character to a home. I'm keeping my fingers crossed (tightly!) to stumbled upon some of these details when we start the house hunt.

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::this purple works::

source unknown

::rustic interiors::

My heart goes pitter-patter when I see paint-chipped wood and rustic decor. I always wonder where the pieces have been and who used them long ago. How great is that old ladder turned shelf? Would be fairly easy to make with an old pallet. Add that one to the 'make it' list.

source

::pretty clutter VS minimalism::

When it comes to decorating I usually fall into the "pretty clutter" category. As a collector, I can't help it! I come across such unique pieces in my treasure hunting that it's hard to pass up another cool item for my space. I decorate like I salt...I sprinkle it all over. Do I need it? Definitely not. This is what I'm trying to tame.

I'm also drawn to more minimalist and simple settings that let the architectural lines, nature of the materials and necessary furniture pieces speak for themselves. 

With everything, I guess it's all about finding that balance.

left to right, top to bottom   1   /   2   /   3   /   4   /   5   /   6   /   7   /   8

::tiny details::

Old Brand New was one of the first blogs on my radar. It's where I heard the term vintage vulture. Dabito photographs just about everything and his images are always so clean and professional. The shots from his home capture all the little details that make it so unique: his collection of vintage trinkets, flag-shaped molding on the wall and a white-dipped nightstand. Not only are the details in his home, I love seeing the little changes he makes on the design of his blog. His new logo is a graphic treat. While you're there, check out his print shop!

::mimic::

Occasionally I find images of rooms that I admire. This bedroom is one that I really love, something I'd like to mimic. Like, every tiny detail. That crocheted bedspread, crisp white walls, mix-matched pillows, floral paper lantern, and step-stool exit + entry would never get old. Simply perfect if you ask me.

via here

::kitchen envy::

I guess I have a thing for kitchens...

The neat lighting, plenty of green chairs and a long table for friends + family, and lots of cement. I love those numbers on the oven too...especially the sixes. 

source via here

::stylish space::

I took a page right out of Anne's book with a little style to room inspiration and paired some stylish pieces with inspirational spaces. From looking at my closet and my home, you can definitely tell they belong together.

All of these colors and patterns make me so happy. 

{I'm getting this in writing so I can hold myself accountable...}

After such a pretty art festival and a few weekends of mini-shopping sprees, it's time to put myself on a little spending freeze. Pinterest, among all the beautiful blogs I follow, makes it incredibly difficult not to create a list of wants a mile long. Lately I've been working on lots of contract design work. That means a lot of sitting at a computer screen. How do you other designer gals find time to keep your figure? I'm afraid this means I need to get up early to get a run in before the work day starts. Let's just say I'm not a morning person. But something's gotta give. 

Here's to saving and getting healthy.  

PEACHY PINK //  1  2

FLORAL //  3  4

AQUA //  5  6

::all over the place::

I've been having some issues with the new laptop...for some reason I thought I was technologically savvy. The Mac gods say otherwise. It sounds like there is a robot inside the cd-rom-- it makes a weird siren noise every now and then. I'm hoping it's newborn hiccups or something similar.

Cheers to working computers and a very happy weekend. Any big plans? I have two auctions lined up and I'm hoping to land an old, large metal sign at this one place. I went early to scout out the inventory up for auction, and I'm a big fan of vintage typography.

In case you're looking for some vintage home decor. 6 petals has you covered. Here are some of the more recent items in the shop.

from the top to bottom, left to right...

1/the one and only, Band-aid, tin

2/flower + birds ornate tin

3/cream-colored Westclox alarm clock

4/sage green potato ricer

5/solid brass impala bookends

6/{instant collection} nature-themed wall art

::let's decorate::

Since moving into a new place, I find myself looking at more and more home decor blogs. One in particular: House of Turquoise. Erin's blog is full of that color (along with sea foam green, robin's egg blue, teal, and all the shades in between). I'm also finding new DIYs and decorative elements to add to my own space.

pattern mixing

white (er, turquoise) space is good

pops of color, everywhere

source

::an awesome space::

My Aunt Kathie is super smart, sophisticated, design savvy and just plain awesome. Her space reflects those same qualities and is so inspirational (just like her).

The inspiration board is filled with postcards, beautiful papers, photos, well-designed business cards, old postage stamps, dried leaves and other randomly collected items. I love the way she used tall clay pots to organize rulers, paintbrushes, pencils and paint sticks. And books, books, books everywhere! 

What a perfectly simple design on these little booklets on her coffee table.

Can't wait to visit you in Seattle, Kathie. xoxo!

::take a seat::

I love the idea of mixing an matching chairs for an eating area, especially when a couple are a little roughed up like that sky blue wooden school chair. Mix textures, colors and styles to create a one-of-a-kind space.

p.s. Unrelated to chairs, there's some exciting things happening in real life-- I'll be sharing soon! Hint: I'm NOT pregnant.

sources: 1  2  3

::score::

Dabito over at Old Brand New scored a neat little cabinet that I probably would have looked past at first glance. It's so functional and cute with its sliding, vertical post doors and skinny legs. It helps that he has the coolest thrifted trinkets to decorate and style. Love it.

images via Old Brand New

::the classics::

image sources: weheartit, friend's photo (thanks, Halie!)

After taking 3 years of high school Latin and a Greek Mythology course in college, I was convinced I'd major in Classics. Somewhere between football games, late night escapades, witty professors in creative classes and college soccer, my path veered. Nonetheless, there are ways to show off my admiration...

image sources: lonny, the glamourai, martha stewart

::pretty room::

There are so many great things about this room...

photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy

1. I love the use of a sofa or upholstered bench at the table. Growing up, my mom had a blue, wooden bench at our dinner table. It was so easy for the kids to slide in and eat up. And, mixing the white painted chairs with the dark wood table and hardwood floors provides the perfect contrast!
2. An antique, wooden table adds so much character. The long, thin table is great for small spaces like this studio!
3. A rustic chandelier completes the room. Using candles (though not superior for lighting an entire room) is so much more appealing than incandescent light bulbs.
4. Mix-matched frames and wall art, and placed somewhat randomly, make it more personal.
5. Fresh flowers are a must! This little bit of nature is pretty and provides wonderful aroma.
6. Skip curtains and valances to let in more natural light.
7. A cozy, neutral colored couch, perfect for snuggling up and watching a good chick flick or reading your favorite book ;)

Oh, and it's Friday. Woohoo! Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend everyone. Thanks for reading :)

::patterns::

Recently, I stumbled across these gorgeous Turkish rugs from Dhoku. I've been looking for the perfect living room rug to make my place a little more cozy. One of these pretties might make it's American debut.

Of course I love the antique patchwork styles.

The uneven designs in the neutral-colored rugs below give it a handmade feel, perfectly imperfect. And, the blue reminds me of ocean waves. And, who wouldn't want some waves in their home? I've got Costa Rica on my mind...