Skinny Spaces

Narrow spaces are notoriously difficult to design. Add in lots of doorways, plus a wall of working french doors to the mix, and you've got my sister and brother-in-law's family room in their new house. Great room, but challenging design-wise.

So, how does one tackle the difficulties these dimensions present?
A few tried and true thoughts we plan to apply to Brooke's space:

• Visually Widen the Space: Seems like a no-brainer, but making it reality is another story. The wood floors are beautiful, but their linear quality only adds to the visual that this room is loooong and lean. I'm thinking a large rug, with an expansive pattern.
• Keep Furniture Lean: Think smallish, cozy-but-trim, and very-well edited. Nothing overly-stuffed for a sofa. For additional seating, something like a Wassily chair that offers comfort without bulk.
• Trick the Eye: We'll use light colors - the walls have already been painted Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray - and probably a large mirror to create a space-doubling effect.

Here's the initial idea board we're working from - think cheery, eclectic and young, but past your first-time homeowner stage.

Which reminds me....If you'd like some help pulling together a room, or know someone who could use some design tips, I'm happy to oblige with styling services. Email me for more info and rates - Catch me while my skills are way underpriced (like, almost free! ;) It could make for a super holiday gift!

Post-Holiday Blues Killer

The Monday after a short, holiday week generally bites, so in an effort to lighten your mood - I share with you my latest little guilty pleasure: Regretsy - Where DIY meets WTF.

You've no doubt heard of Etsy, but have you seen all the gawd-awful items that didn't quite succeed on the handmade website? That's where Regretsy comes in to play. A couple of recent listings...
Hand-crocheted turkey hat, anyone?

Or, this amazingly-accurate portrait of the Seinfeld cast!

The Regretsy commentary is key.
So, go ahead, take this moment to laugh some of that turkey and pumpkin chiffon pie off your booTAY.

Table Talk

I didn't have much to work with - our wedding china, crystal, and silver are all in storage back in the US. There's no such thing as real, but decorative pumpkins down here, and I didn't want to spend a load on fresh flowers. However, I think I eeked out a bit of ninja tablesetting skills...

No, I won't call it my "tablescape." Whoever invented that word probably puts their child daughter in pageants.

What I DID have on hand? My maternal grandmother's china, pressed linen napkins, large globe glasses (Pier 1 clearance several years back), and an abundance of fresh herbs. It was sort of a mish-mash, but it worked out nicely.

As did all the DEE-lish grub. Hope you haven't been trampled today by someone wanting that $119 Wii...

Turkey and Dressing, and Gravy, Oh My!

Well, lurchers, this turkey is trottin'.... Am preparing the full meal deal for a good-sized group on Thursday, and must get to preppin' Wishing you a happy, (and, if you're flying), grope-free, tryptophan and gluten-infested day. Seriously, many blessings your way - Happy Thanksgiving!

Great Minds...

I really hate posting on things I know the entire design blogosphere will be all over, and I know the latest issue of Rue will make many rounds on the interwebs, as it is quite the delish, but I just COULD NOT resist noting how Windsor Smith used metallic linen on the tufted banquette shown in her feature.

I envisioned redoing an accent chair in this killer fabric some weeks back, but lamented the lack of images of furniture to reference.

Well, now we have one - a really amazing one, at that. Any questions?

Chic Camera? Oui, Oui!

Ben and I don't exchange Christmas, birthday, anniversary, gifts in the traditional sense. He claims it's too much pressure to pick out the "perfect" gift (cough-copOUT-cough), and I never know what to give him, as he's the least materialistic person I know (that's a good thing, I realize).
However, in the event he ever wants to surprise me with something I am guaranteed to love, I do keep a Wishlist on Amazon. (hint, hint Honey ;)
I recently spied this too-cool-for-school camera - a Lomography Diana named the "Parisian" for its adorably-chic, and oh-so-French navy and white striped body.

"Lomo" is a style of photography dating back to the early '60s. Images in the Lomo style typically have high color saturation, yet a dreamy, vignetted appearance.
Most photo editing software offer ways to "Lomo-ize" digital images - like I did here using Picnik...

...but how great would it be to pick up an actual film camera again, and have a go at creating your own images in the iconic style? Perfect gift for your photofile family or friend (or of course, me!)

Not your average doll house

Introducing Emerson House - the modern dollhouse guaranteed to make you feel like a schmuck for buying that pink and plastic version that most certainly leaves a giant carbon footprint.

Emerson house is a pint-sized study in modern, green living - complete with solar panels that power the recessed, LED lights. (I think I'm becoming sick just writing this)

Other amenities include, "six rooms, an open floor plan, floor-to-ceiling windows, mitered-glass corners, two fireplaces, sliding glass doors..." (yep, gag reflex in full force, now)

Also, so that your child won't be exposed to any harmful chemicals, the house is made with "Non-toxic, led-free (their typo, not mine) wood stains and paints." (I'm now convinced we're positively, purposely, trying to ninny-fie our children)

"Recommended for children age 13 or over" (because what teen is still hanging with the dolls, versus blowing things up on their Xbox - or whatever the hell those game things are)
Offered here

Happy non-sarcastic weekend.

One that got away...

I spied this Hickory Chair french provencial sofa for $175 on Craigs-Houston last weekend. With visions of a fantabulous redo for my sister's formal living area, I immediately contacted the seller. Yes, she still had it, yes, she'd make an exception, and let me pay via paypal to secure it. Suh-WEET.
However, over the course of the last three days, lines of communication went awry, and well, she decided my sister and I were too complicated to deal with. Whaaa? I'm just a designer/sister in BRAZIL trying to coordinate a purchase ONLINE, that my SISTER who lives in ANOTHER TOWN will pick up in HOUSTON. How is that so complicated?
Anyway...it got away...dammit.
Means something better is meant to be...right???

Gwyneth on Glee - Thumbs up?

I promise I'll get back to design stuff soon, but...Did you see it? The "Gwyneth" episode of Glee last night? Lawd only knows why I did, with the difference in time zones, the show began at 11 PM, and that's way past this blogstress' bedtime. (Now you know why I'm so out of the loop on current television pop culture.) BTW, immediately downloaded Cee Lo's "Forget You" onto my workout playlist - lurvs it!

So, we now know GP can sing AND dance. Were you throwing pea-green spitballs at your tv? Methinks girlfriend is setting up for a Broadway appearance - it's just a natural course, what with her mother's stage success.
The dance number to Chicago's "All That Jazz" really did have me praising her ballziness at taking risks for the sake of her art, but let's face it, what I was really critiquing was....her face...

You know I'm obsessed with celeb plastic surgery, and I'm always ready to sniff out any work they've had done. Gwynnie's face and complexion look very, very good. I know she takes care of herself, and she's gotten into great shape after wallowing in post-pregnancy blahness, but, I still. think. there's. been. some. tweaking.
Botox for sure - but not too much. Lasers or skin peels too for the radiance, but if she's doing fillers it's very, very subtle.
Like everything else she touches, she has opted for classicism and restraint. Whoever's touching her up is an artist in their own right, and I'd probably give a digit to have them on speed-text.

I'm Stoked!

FIRST

YOU are one gracious group of lurchers! I knew you were, I just had to call you on it! I tried to respond directly to anyone who left an email address, but if I missed you, please accept my sincere thanks for the amazingly-supportive comments ya'll left after my post announcing my intent to pursue an education in design. You made my weekend, fo sho, and I can't wait to take you along with me!

SECOND

Did you see the engagement announcement of Prince William to Kate Middleton? I for one will be glued to the papparazzi feeding frenzy that will ensue. I do feel badly for the scrutiny she will surely be subjected to, but, from I see of Kate - she is impeccable.
Lady is gorgeous, has effortless style in spades, and a body that won't quit. Lucky man, that Prince William!

What a thrill it would be to be a guest at what will certainly be THE social event of the year, but seriously, what do you give to someone who will inherit some of the most valuable real estate, art, antiques, and jewelry in the world? I bet they do something different, and ask for charitable donations, instead. That would seal them in the Court of Coolness for me!

I couldn't agree more...

stationery by cartoules letterpress

MLHP made this week's "It" List

Each week, Jill of JillGG's Good Life (for Less) puts together an "It List" of some of the week's great blog posts. Everything from fashion picks to beauty items, to design talk (that's where MLHP comes in.)
Thank you, Jill, for picking my (now infamous) He Said, She Said post from earlier this week. If you missed the banter between Ben and I, you can go here, or better yet, link to it while you check out the other gals who made the list.

Happy Friday everyone... this list is jam packed with great inspiration! Make sure to check out these blogs today...

• rose a la mode sports what could possibly be the most perfect fall outfit ever. I just love every piece in this outfit... and the gorgeous fall light makes the photos so gorgeous!
• karina, ink spruces up her little boys rooms with fun and whimsical vintage inspired pieces. So perfect for sweet little guys!
• my little happy place discusses eclectic design with her husband. Make sure to check out this fun "he said, she said" post.
• sweetie pie style shows off a lace top that is perfect for everyday wear. Paired withe the clogs, this look is perfect for a busy mom!
• one hundred inspiration puts together a great look for less for Carey Mulligan's chic red carpet look. (and I just watched An Education... so I'm loving Carey lately).
• dressing mommy pulls off a fun new trend wonderfully... check out how she styles harem pants.
• good tots! dreams of little TOMS shoes underneath the Christmas tree for her kiddos, and kids all over the world!
• really cute stuff's leopard print note pads are perfect for any fashionista... whether it's grocery lists, to-do lists, or to-wear lists!
• fashionably southern perfectly defines casual chic. I love this look - especially the striped scarf!
• fashion confessions of a mommy takes a summery skirt and gives it new life for fall, this look is perfect for a warm fall day.
• stylish dish 'dishes' on her favorite lip balms for winter... something I am constantly struggling with on the colder days. I love the philosophy balm, myself!
• closet confections has winter under wraps with this coat and scarf combo - I love the way she combined plaids for a fun and funky look!
• jewelscapes is always so perfectly accessorized. These pieces look amazing with her yellow and paisley scarf combo - so lovely!
• good life for less is rockin' the "magic" with this outfit. Anything that can put a little extra pep in your step is worth it!

~~~

Interested in learning more about the "it" list? Click here or email jill at goodlifeforless @ gmail.com

Coming Clean

This post has been a long time a 'comin, so sit back, and please sit through with me...

All of us can probably describe in detail the "aha!" moment we had when we first discovered blogs. Mine came about right after we had moved to Brazil. I had been writing a blog for our daughter - to keep family and friends abreast of her milestones, but was oblivious to design blogs.
One day, a friend tipped me off to a fabulous interior designer's blog, and I sat and read each and every post. I was so enamored of the concept of sharing a passion for design via the www that I knew I had finally found an adequate outlet for my own design fervor, and had to have a blog of my own.

I started it without any ambition, other than to share - with whoever might read. I had no idea of knowing that my blog, and all those I read, would create this avenue of inspiration and self-discovery.

This bloggy world is a strange and competitive beast, though, and soon I became aware of things like hit counts, original content, quantity and quality of comments.
Now, may I sidetrack for a moment?
I can honestly say I've never been a stalker - even before I knew how gratifying it is to receive reader comments - I've always openly commented. I guess I just wanted to be part of this giant blog party.
To me, reading someone's blog without ever commenting is like ringing their doorbell, and running away before they answer the door.
So, if you're hovering in my shrubbery (so to speak), please come in - say hello every now and then. I know you're out there, and I'd love to meet you.

I'll admit to becoming ensnared in the comparison game, too. Am I as witty, stylish, talented, unique as the next blogstress? Dangerous game that is. And superfluous, too, as I know in my heart the only Beings who I must rank first with are these three... ...and I do.

But, it brings me to this: What is it all for? For me, there must be an end game - a raison d'etre. I can't just keep wishing and dreaming - I must begin doing. If I want to legitimize my aspirations, I need some book cred - so, I'm heading back to school...design school.
Having a lot of education (and educational debt) has certainly given me pause about taking on yet another study program, but I guess it's just been my circuitous path to discovering who I am. I'm not a salesman, I'm not an attorney, and I'm not yet a designer - but I will be.

Would You, Could You?

Cut up your Mexican Otomi coverlet for lampshades or upholstery purposes a la Anna Spiro?

Since Avery's room has taken over what was our only guest bedroom, my Otomi has found a place of honor at the top of a closet, which makes me sad.

I'd love to do something with it, to be able to enjoy it on a daily basis, but don't know if I can commit to cutting it. The upholstery idea seems swell, but these things snag at the slightest tug, so I don't know how long it would survive in a two-child household.
Thoughts?

*first two images courtesy of the new ezine, Ivy and Piper, (read it, it's cute) third is mine - duh.

Let the Sunshine In

My freshman year at Texas (hookem!), I took an Introduction to Architecture course - most likely to fulfill a Fine Arts requirement. Little did I know just how informative and inspirational it would be. It was taught by the Dean - a lowly assignment by most academics' standards - but also the perfect chance for him to communicate his pure passion for his art to a group of first-year sponges.

One lecture I remember in particular discussed the importance of proper placement of a building. How critical it is to relate it to the geography, the climate, and the purpose of the edifice. For example, in Austin, one certainly wouldn't want to face a wall of windows towards the west - because, like everything else that's "Bigger in Texas," so, too is the withering heat for most of the year. A west-facing facade begs for a giant oak to provide shade and natural cooling. However, a south-facing window can take full advantage of the muted radiance that is the Winter Sun.
The point being, a well-designed space takes into account, and manipulates light to its best advantage.

I couldn't help but admire how each and every one of these images brings that idea to fruition. I also couldn't put the thought out of my brain that I NEED to live in Spain - where all these homes reside. *wistful sigh*

Welcome to my humble abode...

Wonder what's more mesmerizing - the view during day or night?

My new blogging spot

Don't even think about sharing that closet!

Simple steel railing - I love you.

Mornin', Sunshine!

Sorry, this bath is Occupado.

images source