The Making of a Gallery Wall

I posted last week about our family room more or less being the bane of my existence... My sofa overhaul is now on hold (pending a potential move and new sofa - Shhhhh! ;) But the large wall with big-but-not-big-enough painting had to be tackled immediately.

I had in mind an eclectic gallery wall - something along the lines of this...

Apparently, there are two theories to hanging gallery walls, and they correlate to Kevin Costner's thesis on the Golf Swing in the movie Tin Cup....

There's the plan it out, space correctly, nearly poetic placement method....

...And there's the "grip it and rip it"- basically throw it up on the wall, and hope it works method

Because I have no patience, and Ben is my architect - we went with the grip it 'n rip it model. (A bit of shuffling frames around on the floor was as scientific as it got)

I considered using mixed media (baskets and whatnot), but Ben x-nayed that, for fear of looking too cottage-y. He was right.

We "shopped" art we had around the house, not purchasing anything new. A few spaces are bare now, but I think it was a good trade-off.

Little by little...progress....

*Updated* Friendship Bracelets - All Grown Up

I don't remember my friendship bracelets from the 80s being as rad as these glammed-up versions from Frieda & Nellie. I love that the ethnic vibe of the traditional woven bracelet gets a kick in the pants with the rhinestones. Given my choice, I'd layer them up with a menswear-style watch, a classic oxford and strong denim. Shazaaam!

They're sold via Charm & Chain - a website that carries unique, but relatively affordable jewelry.

*Update: A very cool reader (thanks, Anon) led me to this Etsy store - looka looka!
...and for A LOT less dolla dollas! (Most are sold, so convo the vendor to say, "I love these, please make more!")
Anyone like to start exchanging again?

In My Kitchen at A Diary of Lovely

Rarely do you get a glimpse of what I'd call my "real" style in my "real" home - that is, our house in the States. Helena of A Diary of Lovely hosts a guest series that I absolutely love called "In My Kitchen." Head over THERE to get a glimpse of my beloved kitchen in our North Carolina home, plus one of my fave recipes!

The Bold and Going-to-Be Beautiful

I've heard it said before if you love interiors, your home is always in a state of flux. There's always something new and inspiring, something to switcharoo for a change of scenery. I certainly fall into that group.
Truth be told, I'm least content with our current home. I imagine it's because our homes in the States were ones we selected and loved, while our home here in Brazil - nice as it may be - is one that was assigned from a housing pool. There's a lot I would like to change, but can't. **Is there anything more nerve-wrecking for a design junkie than having a lot of decorating roadblocks???**
Fortunately, we were able to bring all our own furniture, so I have some flexibility to work with and change it.
Hence, my obsession with redoing our TV/Family room.

I really, rullly cringe at the thought of posting this pic (my husband even said, "aren't you wanting to show your best work?", but I'm. Keeping. It. Real. (eek!)

Try not to be jealous.

So, on my agenda is:
* Possibly replace, or certainly reupholster the couch. (Velvet ranking very high on my wishlist)
* Camouflage all the media components. (Possibly a tailored skirt situation)
* Bring in more/better assortment of art for the large wall
* Buy new curtains that aren't expecting a flood (these are Ikea - washed after installation)
* Change out rug with one more size-appropriate
* Manage the kiddo epicenter

The room is very shallow, so I can't commit to an ottoman or coffee table option for flow purposes, but we would definitely appreciate something to prop our feet up.

In trying to round up a style aesthetic, I culled some of my fave Pinned images - and whadya know? Velvet couch takes the lead! But first:

I considered doing something like this - keeping the couch in a neutral, and working in lots of color and pattern elsewhere, but really, a fug couch is a fug couch, and must be put out of its misery.

Since our room has so much natural light, I would love to go really dramatic like this room BUT all walls must be white when we leave. *Arrggghhhh

Can you get OVER that peek of stripe inside that skirt corner? No? Me Neither.

This room is looking a bit too Trad for me, but I've made mental notes on the greatness of velvet + animal print.

Jewel-tones and a cacophony of ethnic pattern. No harm, no foul.

Again, honing in on my tireless love of ikat, and wishing I knew where I stashed my Indian wood block, so I could recreate those curtains.

That's two pics with humongo lumbar pillows! I love the pattern play they allow, but think they would do very little in terms of comfort.

Where there's a will, there's a way, and I have will to spare.

*Please don't harass me for photo creds, Pinterest made me do it.

The Design Scene in Brazil

I dragged the Fam out this weekend in search of these ikat rugs I saw advertised in a local design mag. Not that I could come within an inch of affording one, but still, my eyes needed to witness this greatness in person.

Bummer. Turns out only the São Paulo location has them in stock. But, while we were at it, I figured I'd catch up on some Brazilian design.

Loved, loved, LOVED this grouping of theater-style pendants. I'd use them together like this as a type of light/art installation, or as singles to direct attention to other great pieces.

Classic, pre-worn Chesterfield yumminess. This one would set you back about eight grand. Ugh.

If you prefer vessel sinks and fantastic fixtures, then you would love it down here.

A painting I definitely could love in my home.

Mini Panton chairs. Nearly irresistible.

These bamboo garden seats were at a patio furniture store, but I wouldn't hesitate to use them indoors to bring in a natural element.

One trend I picked up on was large, LARGE lamps. You'd certainly need to know what you're doing to work with the scale on some of these, but oh, wouldn't it be fun?!

Yes, they used an entire tree trunk for this one.

And, last but not least, a table full of Buddhas....

I think it's the store's way of telling their customers, "Hey, you just dropped a butt-load of cash, but it's all gooooood."

See any eye candy yourselves this weekend?

Hacking Update: That's more like it! *Updated with paint color

My sister ahem, client sent me pics of the improved color of her dining room buffets.

Remember, these are Ikea's Edland two-drawer chests - which have good lines to begin with.

But, nothing much beats a few coats of high-glossy plus extra lacquer for funsies. Oh, yeah, and some stepped-up hardware. **The paint color is "Daring" by Sherwin Williams - and it was professionally sprayed. We found the Indian hardware at a local antique co-op.**

The first go-round was a little pinky-peach....

While our goal was for true coral. Check it with the chevron kilim and fuchsia velvet.

Some finishing touches are in store, but I'd say this room is well on her way to outright fabulousness.

DIY Gemstone Finials - kinda of a duh...

I've been keen on the design world's general fascination with all things geode and agate over the recent past. It just so happens the vast majority of these goodies are mined right here in Brazil. This weekend, we took a road trip to the gemstone mecca where we waded through piles and piles of all things lapidary.

Gorgeous, amethyst formations

The mother lode of rough-hewn rose quartz

Famous birds of Brazil carved from semi-precious stone

I've been wanting to work some of the "positive-energy" pieces into a project, but figured I'd start off small...

So, I ordered these project-ready lamp finials with prongs from this Ebay seller.

...and picked out a few choice crystals from the piles (Sure you could unearth similar finds on Ebay as well)

...a little hot-glue gun action to stabilize everything

...and my lamps got a little facelift. (I can feel the energy, already! ;)

Next up my sleeve...Turning one of these:

...Into one of these....

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Alison on Pinterest