Beni Ouarain Rugs

You may not know what they're called or where they came from but you'd have to be living under a rock not to have seen these beautiful rugs. I'm kind of obsessed. These Moroccan creations are woven with 100% wool and all it's glory. The natural oils and texture are responsible for the uneven color and shaggy appearance - all of which make these beauties more attractive.  They can work in a highly modern space or an uber traditional one. Perfect.

Nazmiyal Collection

Steven Scarloff

Landry and Arcari

Elle Decor

Palmer Weiss

Source Unknown

Organizing The Bookcase

I discovered this amazing video on a recent Apartment Therapy post. It was created by Sean and Lisa Ohlenkamp and I have to applaud them for tackling the tedious style of stop-motion! Such a fun lil video. Check it out.

Top or Bottom?

I was one of those kids that had a bunk bed all the way up until high school. I thought it was the coolest thing eveeeeer. I had one with a queen bed on the bottom and a twin on the top (which made it even cooler).  My sister and I used the bed to play numerous games of fish.  We would tie a string around a stick and put a hair clip on the end.  The person on the top bunk would use the pole to "fish" for toys while the person on the bottom would put a stuffed animal on the clip and yank on the string as if it were taking a bite.  Now if that's not a good time, I don't know what is! 

Buuutttt.....now that I'm in the design world I'm not sure I would want my kid to have one.  Is that mean?! They just seem to take over the entire room and it's inevitable that the child will grow out of it at some point. 

If I had to design around a bunk bed I would follow the lead of these designers....

Elle Decor

Traditional Home

source unknown

Sewing Lesson

Ever since I stepped into the design world I've wanted to learn how to sew.  Items like throw pillows and drapery panels are so ridiculously overpriced - I would love to be able to whip up my own.  I did receive a vintage sewing machine for Christmas but that was over a year ago and I have yet to touch the darn thing! I was way too intimidated. I knew I wanted lessons but I didn't want to go to some classroom with modern sewing machines.  I wanted to learn on MY machine.

Then out of nowhere.....Groupon offers up the perfect deal! I was able to purchase a private two hour sewing lesson with the wonderful Jessica Dooley.  I cashed in on my deal last night and it was so fun seeing that needle go up and down and actually sew two pieces of fabric together! Jessica was a fabulous teacher and sooo easy to work with. She comes out to your home and helps you learn on your machine.  If you live in the LA area and are looking to learn a thing or two about sewing she's your gal. You can find all her info at sewjessica.com.

My masterpiece - A real life pillow!  I used a remnant of fabric to practice - once I've mastered it I'll use the good stuff.

Twist on a Classic

I love when a classic design gets a fun update. Check out this iron draftsman stool that is being re-created by Wisteria.  These bright colors will add excitement to any space.  Not so bold? Go for the original iron finish.

Cooper's Small Draftsman Stool by Wisteria

Bathroom Beauties

Being a girl means you most likely spend WAY too much time in the bathroom.  I know I do.  With my hair alone I have to blow dry, straighten and then curl. It's a process and I am finding myself with more and more bad hair days because I just can't bring myself to do it. Maybe if I had the pleasure of stepping into one of these fabulous bathrooms I would be singing a different tune....

Sources uknown - from my pre-blog files, sorry!

Relaxing Neutrals

I'm always finding myself drawn to pops of color and bright, fun rooms but every once and a while it's nice just to chill out in a room full of neutrals.  It's classic, transitional and most important...relaxing! Check out these beauties...

Magazine Clippings - Source Unknown

Vicente Wolf

Happy Valentines Day!

It's Valentines Day and that means it's all about pink, red and LOVE.  Take the time to tell those around you how much you love them.  With that being said.....I love you all! Thanks for following this lil 'ol blog :)

 Jonathan Adler

Ghislaine Viñas

Lonny

Steven G

House Beautiful

Flea Market Fun

I just got back from the Melrose Trading Post and of course I had to make a purchase (or two). I absolutely love flea markets but I try not to go too often because my wallet can't handle it! There's just too much good stuff.  It's like a game..grazing through the various tents and seeing what treasures you can spot.  Today, I found a classic Suzani blanket that I've been coveting for a looong time.  These textiles are embroidered in central Asia and have become quite the hot item over the past few years.  I haven't made the purchase until now because it can cost an arm and a leg for a true Suzani.  This one is pretty authentic and it was a steal for what it is....

Some other fun stuff I came across...

Happy Friday!

It's Friday and that makes me happy. So does sharing some of my favorite rooms from my "Inspiration" binders I created back in the day (unfortuantely, that means I have NO idea where they came from!) I love the clolors in this room and the rug is right up my alley.

Vendor Spotlight: Exquisite Surfaces

The past few days have been all about shopping, shopping, shopping. We've had back to back client meetings at work and I've been elected to pick up anything and everything.  My usual duty is fabric shopping but yesterday I had the pleasure of looking for tiles.  This meant that I got to visit one of my favorite showrooms...Exquisite Surfaces.  They have the most beautiful flooring and tiles! It's definitely one of those "If only I could afford it..." type of places.

 

Boho Chic

Bohemian Chic has been in trend for quite a while now but I still can't get enough of it! I love the idea of mixing and matching various patterns and creating a collected look.  There's nothing worse than a sterile space with no personality.  Just look at this boho concept in action...

Daniel Sachs

 

 Domino Archives 

Elle Decor

Elizabeth Dinkel

Vendor Spotlight: Pier 1 Imports

I've been spending a lot of time online trying to find pieces for a girlfriend that lives out of town and as always, budget plays a large role in my selections. During my search I came across an old friend...Pier 1! As a kid my mom would always take us to the local store when we had to get birthday gifts for friends.  We would grab a basket and fill it up with different bath salts, soaps and other goodies.  It was genius! But I have to say, Pier 1 has come a long way since then.  They have some pretty fun pieces of furniture and a huge selection of accessories and dinnerware. Of course, you have to dig through your cheesy leopard print plates and fake flowers galore...but it's well worth it in the end.  You can check them out online but you have to make a trip to the store in order to purchase anything.  Here are some pieces that caught my eye...