The Little Paint Swatch That Could*

Recall that I've decided to paint our ugly, old Ikea media cabinet, and I want to go Hague Blue. I tend to become very one-track-minded when it comes to these sorts of things. NOT a great disposition to have when you live overseas, and the product you desire is only available in The USA and Canada.
I think by the time it's all said and done, this project might qualify as an Act of God, because that's practically what measures are going into finding the closest match to "Hague." You see, this deep blue has many faces....

In a flat or satin finish, she appears fairly straightforward - marine-like blue with maybe a hint of gray.

Source: google.com via Alison on Pinterest

...but, gloss her up, and she takes on mutations of teal.

Source: google.com via Alison on Pinterest

Nimble little minx, isn't she?

I won't go into the finer details of the attempts I've already made to find a close match, but let's just say they do things a wee bit differently in the paint world of Brazil, and it hasn't been successful.
So, I did what all desperate bloggers do - made a plea to Stateside blogstress amigas, Kathy and Jenny - who both have first-hand knowledge of The Hague.
According to Jenny, Benjamin Moore makes two dead-ringers for The Hague:

So, armed with swatches of all three, as well as another from a Sherwin Williams colormatch, I will march down to my local paint store, and demand my right to some Haaaggguuueeee!

Oh, and I'm pretty sure an 'interpretation' of this painting needs to go above aforementioned media cabinet.

Source: jaclynpaige.tumblr.com via Alison on Pinterest

Bottom Line: If I can design to my tastes in Brazil, I can design ANYWHERE!

*Post title coined by Kathy

Better late than never today

A kiddo home sick means my planned post for today is delayed, but if you'd like to see what I'm serving up on this (finally!) rainy, cool day - head on over to My Little Happy PLATE

What Would YOU Do?

The other day, I hit the jackpot on Shannon's The Designer's Attic - scoring five yards of Schumacher Katsugi for 1/3 of the retail price. Designers and bloggers have been singing the praises of this loose floral for years, and I for one, am still on the bandwagon.

Now, I just need to decide what I'll do with it! Five yards is a good amount to work with, so I'm not even considering something small like accent pillows.
Tom Scheerer aka Katsugi King has used it to great effect in bedrooms... but my bed frame would hide a great portion of the skirt...

Curtains. Maybe. But I'd have to pull it together in a room scheme....

So, what say you? What would YOU do with five yards of Katsugi?

MLHP Reader Discount: Rockin' Friendship Bracelets!

Remember these über cool glammed-up friendship bracelets I posted about awhile back? If you missed them, then it's your lucky day, as Lia, the designer behind PureEssentia is offering MLHP readers a 15% discount on the one-of-a-kind baubles.

Two (super-easy) requirements:

• "Like" PureEssentia on their Facebook page - Here
• Mention My Little Happy Place in your order, and Lia will send you the discount code

*She has several new items in the Etsy store, but if something you like is sold, she can do custom orders, too. Happy Shopping, peeps!

Fall Color Obsession: Saddle and Peacock

Every year about this time, it happens. That lust for all things Fall. I actually try to discourage my brain, since the seasons here in Brazil are opposite of the US, I have little opportunity to relish the fullness of the North American Autumn season, and it always leaves me a little remorseful.
Sometimes, I say to hell with it, and seek out the symbols of the season, other times (like this), they hit me - WHAM-O!

That was the case when I saw this image. Could the warm, saddle leather of the Wassily chair look any more fantastic paired with the peacock-blue of the small bureau?

Megan Young Designs

To me, the colors read comfort, nostalgia, hospitality - all symbols of the Autumn season, and now, my official Fall color-combo obsession. For the record, I'd also throw in some deep, rich cognac, but balance it with a punch of chartreuse - much like this designer did.

I began scouring my house for an area I could work in the combo without doing a complete overhaul.
Living Room.
Coffee table - certainly not saddle leather, but the color is similar. Great.

Broken, and in need of H.E.L.P. Ikea media armoire: Not. So. Great.

If I could get my hands on some Hague Blue paint, it could work magic, ya know?

Source: google.com via Alison on Pinterest

A tad O'Killed, but....

Source: google.com via Alison on Pinterest

Can you see it?

Don't let my doodling skills fool you. I'm serious, peeps. (Now go ahead and tell me what you think)

Meal Planning for this week?

Craving something soul-warming? Check out my post about a rockin' recipe that happened by accident. It's all gooooood.....My Little Happy PLATE

Let's see...what else have I got?

Wow, you all were decidedly not interested in baby Oliver's to-be rockin' nursery. Four comments? ..and I worked my tail off on that board, too. Sads.

Well...how about this? We learned yesterday that baby #3 is another GIRL!! From the get-go, I figured we were destined to have girls, but I took one of those Gender Predictor tests, and it said Boy. So, I had sort of gotten used to the idea that we'd have an XY child in the mix. Turns out, I should've trusted my instincts, as an ultrasound tells no lie, and a baby girl it is. No worries, though, she's looking perfect, and we're delighted and blessed for that.

Still not what you're looking for?

OK - how about some pretty rooms...The latest Lonny killed it. Sent me into some kind of design schizophrenia.

The house full of creamy (and in some cases, contrasting) neutrals have me seriously questioning my devotion to color...

...and then I spy glossy persimmon and aqua velvet (the fabric, not the aftershave), and I feel a tugging at my soul.

Lacquered walls - will we ever get over it? Not when it's this good.

How perfect would this be to reflect our overseas life?

Hey! They're mooching off my inspiration!

3-D butterfly art, Lonny Style:

3-D Butterfly art: Casa G Style:

Lonny's Glossy Turquoise Bureau:

My Glossy Turquoise Bureau:

See? We are of equal, rad style.

This pink couch, amid all this amazing natural light, gives me huge amounts of inspiration for when we move to Rio. What? Did I just say that? It's a secret, so shush.

Now for the quiz:
1) What two things did I reveal in this post?
2) What Missoni item did you snag from someone else's cart yesterday at TarJAY?

Style Board: Oliver's Nursery

I'm working with a client who is expecting her first baby - a boy they plan to name Oliver. She's hoping for a fresh take on the traditional "boy's room." Here's where we are so far - don't you love the "O" for Oliver in the pattern of the rug?!

Oliver's Nursery by atexski on Polyvore.com

Ikea Vivan
$20 - ikea.com

Ikea Hemnes
$299 - ikea.com

Ikea Meldal
$100 - ikea.com

Bungalow 5 Taboret Orange Stool / Side Table | Gracious Style
graciousstyle.com

DL Rhein Zig Zag Orange Embroidered Pillow
$90 - laylagrayce.com

Jenny Lind crib - ebony
$205 - toysrus.com

20x200 : Praia Piquinia 04/08/07 16h04
$50 - 20x200.com

Glider
$995 - serenaandlily.com

Need help pulling together your space? Email me for styling rates! atexski@yahoo(dot)com

Trendspotting: Curvaceous-Legged Tables

This elegant, warm, and feminine office featured in the latest Traditional Home stopped me in my tracks. Specifically, that desk! With its exaggerated, bulbous legs. What a brilliant way to feature such striking curves; to set the dark silhouette against the glowing backdrop. I immediately coveted it.

Source: google.com via Alison on Pinterest

Interior Design by Julie Kays for the 2011 Pasadena Showcase House

... and look! The same piece turned up a few pages later in this room designed by Mark Williams.

Source: traditionalhome.com via Alison on Pinterest

In fact, these curvaceous models are popping up all over the place. A more rustic version:

Source: traditionalhome.com via Alison on Pinterest

So, where's a gal to source one of these lovelies? This version on Alice Lane is pretty, but will set you back nearly two G's. Pretty, but no can do.A quick search on Ebay yields some styles with potential. I'd touch this one up with a darker stain, and drop the leaves down to use as a great entry table for a small space. Still, it's more barley twist than truly curvy.

I think you could really work some magic on this small, corner version - Buy it Now for SEVEN DOLLARS, people!

Again, this one doesn't offer the same unique silhouette, but I do love the ebonized finish.

Not quite the perfection I seek, but totally do-able, and I trend I can certainly handle more of.