keen on design

Happy Sunday

2012-02-26T12:11:00.000-08:00

"The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely."

-Louisa May Alcott-

And a song for your listening pleasure:

Campers

2012-02-24T16:27:00.001-08:00

For years I have wanted to go on a family vacation up the California coast to Washington state. Picture it: Pa in the drivers seat, Ma with maps strewn across her lap, while scenes of the pacific coast flit pass the eyes of the children playing together peacefully in the backseats. In my dreams, the children are always playing together peacefully.

Well family, pack your bags because I have proof that living out of a camper for a week doesn't have to be like the stop at Possum Park on A Goofy Movie. These charming campers are filled with personality and comfort. They really are an apartment on the go. It just goes to show that with some effort and out of the box thinking, even the tiniest place can become a cozy haven.

here

When you are in a small, temporary space like one of these, using exuberant amount of color and pattern is okay. A small area can be the statement piece - the part that really shows off your personal style.

What do you think? Could you spend a week amid the California Redwoods in one of these? Which camper is your favorite?

How to Paint a Room

2012-01-27T20:43:00.000-08:00

I have spent my recent free time sporadically picking up Susan Waggoner's practical and delightfully helpful book, Simple Country Wisdom. Her logical take on the simplification of a home ranges from no-scrub tricks to make bathroom faucet gleam, to advice on keeping your home harmonious, all with the mindset of completing the task with as little fuss as possible. Susan strives to help her readers create a cheery, welcoming, warm home that caters to the needs of those who live within its walls. It is a book certainly worth purchasing.

Today I am sharing a section from her book on how to paint a room. This is a wonderful source to keep for future reference. It includes common sense tips to, hopefully, help the walls you plan to paint look a little less intimidating. I hope you find her tips as helpful as I have.

A refreshed room beings at the paint store. If it's been a while since you've painted, be sure to check out the latests gadgets. As I discovered last time I painted, edgers, extenders, pint-sized rollers, and a lot of other gear now make it possible to do perfect walls and ceilings in places that won't accommodate a ladder.

Once you're home with your paint, it's time to take everything off the walls and take everything that is moveable - including furniture - out of the room. It seems like a lot of work, but it will more than pay you back when it is time to paint.

Push all the remaining furniture to the center of the room and cover with the plastic sheets you bought at the paint store.

Cover the floor as much as possible with drop cloths. You may not be painting on the other side of the room yet but trust me, someone with paint on their shoe will be sure to walk where there isn't a cloth. I prefer to use old sheets as my drop cloths rather than the plastic drop cloths sold at the store, because the plastic slides around.

Examine the walls for cracks and divots that need spackling. If you're filling in a divot, remember that spackle shrinks as it dries, so you may need to do a second application. Be sure to let the spackle dry at least as long as the can says - longer, if possible, to make sure there is no further shrinkage or cracking.

Wash the walls with soapy water, even though you're about to paint over them. While you're at it, dust or wash the baseboards as well. Paint doesn't adhere well if the walls are dirty, and painter's tape doesn't cling to dirty woodwork. A quick version is to dust the walls lightly and thoroughly clean the baseboards.

Remove electrical outlet plates and register covers, and cover the switches and outlets with tape to guard against drips. Tape each set of screws to the plate to which they belong.

Protect the baseboards by running a strip of painter's tape along the upper edge. Press it down as you go and, instead of pressing it down to cover the baseboard, let it stick out horizontally - it will work like a tray to catch drips. Tape around the windows and door frames as well.

Work from the top down. Splatters happen, so this way you won't be splattering a wall you just painted. Start with the ceiling and crown molding. If you are painting the crown molding a different shade from the ceiling, you will need to avoid marring the freshly painted area. If you have a steady hand and a lot of confidence, use a small brush to carefully paint the edge of the molding that abuts the ceiling. Small spots and smears can be touched up later. If this idea makes you weak at the knees, there are a couple of alternatives. One is to hold a straight-edged metal trowel against the ceiling as you paint. You can also use painter's tape, but that means waiting for the ceiling to be thoroughly dry. I've learned that "dry" and "thoroughly dry" are two different things. The ceiling may feel dry to the touch, but using tape too soon may cause damage if it isn't completely set. How long this takes depends on the humidity in your home, and how thick or thin the coat of paint was.

Now you're ready for the walls. Again, start at the top. Use a brush or an edging pad to paint a clean straight edge where the wall joins the ceiling or molding. Use a brush to paint the upper few inches of the wall, the corner seams, and about six inches around the windows and doors.

After you have taken care of the areas that must be done by hand, switch to your roller. Thanks to all your prep work, you'll be amazed to see how little time it takes to cover the wall.

Step back every so often to see if there are places you missed. Remember that paint changes color as it dries, so the piece of wall you just did won't look like the patch you started with. I've found it easier to let the whole area dry, then apply a second coat if needed.

If you've finished your paint job in one day, throw the rollers away. If you plan to paint tomorrow or the next day, wash your rollers and brushes in warm water (assuming you're using latex paint), squeeze them out, and let them dry.

My personal advice when it comes to rollers is to buy a roller cover for every day you plan to paint. It takes gallons of water to get the paint out of the roller, and mine seldom dry completely before I am ready to paint the next day. This is a problem because a roller that feels just a little damp has a considerable amount of moisture in it, and the moisture dilutes your paint and makes for a bad paint job. So starting with a new roller cover every session is much easier, saves a lot of water, and results in a far better paint job.

When the room is thoroughly dry, replace the switch plates and register covers and enjoy putting your new room back together.

I used to save all of my leftover paint, just in case. Eventually, I realized two things. First, if I ever needed to do more than a touch-up, I'd have to buy new paint and redo the whole room anyway, because the old paint would have faded and the large touch-ups wouldn't match. I also realized that paint left in a can with a lid that no longer seals dries out. Now I pour enough for minor touch-ups in a small mayonnaise jar and dispose of the rest.

Use a drop of paint on a cotton swab to touch up a scratch or other type of blemishes on a painted wall. You won't waste a bunch of paint and you won't have to waste time cleaning a paint brush.

Keep a damp cloth with you when you're painting. Wipe up any splatters right away, and wipe your hands often to avoid accidentally leaving a trail of fingerprints where you don't want them.

Since last we spoke

2011-11-28T11:11:00.001-08:00

Hi, I've been distracted. When there are things like family and thanksgiving feasts and friends and trips to the cabin in the mix, sitting down in front of the computer is is the first thing to go. Here's what I've been doing since last we were together.

1. During a weekend stay at my family's cabin we took a little day trip. Parking our car in front of the No Trespassing sign, we walked around the frozen lake. 2. It was freezing cold at said lake. Cold enough that my brother allowed my sister to stand that close to him. 3. With snow soaking through our city-slicker shoes, we still stopped to take a picture. 4. A small cabin nearby the lake 5. This is my kind of holiday. We started Christmas a week and a half before Thanksgiving. One can't help it when snow is falling outside.

1. After a family outing we came home to a delicious meal prepared by mama. 2-3. Christmas tree decorating at home and the cabin. (Note: last year we started using the larger, round bulb lights on our tree. The effects are quirky and magical) 4. The joys of the holidays.

I love the holiday season. I love the kindness shared by everyone, the looking inward to see where improvements can be made, and the looking outwards to see where your time and service is needed. Along with this season comes an expectation of time spent with family, the joy of cooler weather contrasted by the bright lights, the many smells reminiscent of years past, and oh, the blessed Christmas music. It's a time when the world seems closer together, when greetings are shared, thanks are given, and smiles are visible on everyone's face. I always appreciate my life more around this time.

What are some of your favorite parts of this time of year?

Soho House New York

2011-11-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

Located in New York is Soho House, a private member's club and hotel in Manhattan's Meatpacking District. The Soho House was "born out of a reaction to the pomposity of the traditional private members club." In an area where private clubs are generally made of a similar crowd - a place for corporate men and women to gather together in their suits to drink some brandy, this private social club has a strict requirement allowing only those working in a creative, unconventional field to qualify for a membership.

I was in a club once. Meetings were held beneath the tree in my grandparent's front yard. We gathered once or twice to discuss in hushed voices what game we should play next.

I was in another club too, one that met in the closet beneath the stairs in my old house. That club never got further than calling itself a club.

Soho House has a history far greater than either of my wimpy clubs.

While the Soho House is certainly not in want of money, the designers did an excellent job at keeping the space from feeling like a ritzy museum. Their intention of a comfortable and cozy feel is evident in every room of this renovated factory. They maintained the original brick and aged wood as part of the space and chose inordinate amounts of tufted sofas and arm chairs, detail-ridden ceilings, ridiculously cool light fixtures, and a mix-and-match style to highlight the existing features.

I'm pretty sure this place is home to every chair crush I have ever had.

Kohler: Tresham Challenge Part III

2011-11-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

This is the final bathroom put together by the Kohler team to show off the versatility of the Tresham Collection. I'm most fond of the subltly printed wallpaper, the playful shapes throughout the space, aaaand her outfit.

Between Option one, Option two, and this, Option three, which bathroom do you like most?

Introducing: Swarm

2011-10-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

Look at these cool chairs I saw here (a neat house tour, by the way, with the best shade of grey I've seen in a while).

Made by Leslie Oschmann at Swarm in Amsterdam. Leslie finds objects in Dutch markets, French homes, or Belgian antique shops, then refinishes them. Her focus is in the juxtaposition of materials - silk on oil canvas, linen on wood, or stitching on canvas, then turning the old piece into something unexpected and beautiful.

Leslie is cool.

Kohler: Tresham Challenge Part II

2011-10-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to see the greatest residential bathroom ever designed?

It is stunning. Nearly perfect, even. I may have even fallen off my chair when I saw it, though those two events may have been unrelated. I often fall for no reason at all. Just gravity.

As I mentioned earlier, Kohler had a few of their employees engage in a friendly competition to design a bathroom of their taste using the new Tresham collection. I showed a preppy, delightful lounge designed by Kohler art director, Katie Begalke, and today I'm showing the bathroom designed by a team at Kohler. It's charming and delightful. Just...take a gander.

I know, I told you.

Though a space of this size and architectural detail is disappointingly hard to come by, the charming elements can certainly be applied in your own home. Everyone can have a space they enjoy as much as I like this and still pay rent, I promise. It just takes a little extra thought. Pedestal sinks are a classic choice for a restroom, Shaker-style furniture and mismatched frames create an old-time feel, timeless moldings beside the elegant wallpaper add sassy visual interest, and the placement of the chandelier...ohh the placement of the chandelier. Muah! There are a few things in this room that I'm ready to incorporate in my home when the time comes.

What elements (besides the model's outfit) would you like to mimic?

October 25th

2011-10-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my mama.

My mother is the reason I am in interior design - why I love creating, designing, and coming up with less-expensive options for a beautiful result. She has always been interested in these things herself, so when I came along in my overalls and slicked-back-ponytail glory (blessed, blessed 90's) and had an inborn interest in design, she took me under her wing and showed me the way. I'm so happy to have someone with whom I can get excited over grimy old furniture and scraps of fabric. We are pretty good friends.

Mama, your birthday present is wrapped and ready to be opened.

Kohler: Tresham Challenge Part I

2011-10-21T23:19:00.002-07:00

On paper, working for a company that manufactures toilets doesn't sound too magnificent. However, when one has the perk of creating a look for a company like Kohler using latest product like the Tresham Collection, the cons kind of get flushed out.

First up, Katie Begalke, an art director for the Kohler company. Using some things from her own home (the pictures, Nancy Drew books, white rug, and Antoinette Fainting Sofa) Katie created a preppy, traditional space. Once her own pieces were in place, she added the wainscot, baseboards, and the Tresham collection. It's a traditional idea with a quirky twist that was used for a non-traditional purpose.

My favorite elements:
The Pinstripe Faucet in Vibrant French Gold
Various colors on the walls, adding even greater dimension
How easily this look can be achieved with a small budget

Next up: Kohler Company's take on the Tresham Collection challenge. You're going to cry.

And your favorite elements?

Eclectic and Dark Home

2011-10-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Full of texture, patterns, comfortable linens, picture frames, classic shapes, and classic pieces. Yum.

SuzAnn and Will's Eclectic Chicago home from Apartment Therapy.

Emily's Favorite Things

2011-10-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

We all hope to find that perfect and unique gift for a friend on Christmas - the type of gift that you would really like to keep for yourself rather than give to your friend. And seeing as I work at Anthropologie, a place full of perfect and unique things, I thought I would help you out this gift-giving season by compiling a list of some of my favorite things. Mind you, this is not my own Christmas list made public - I'm doing just fine - it is simply a help for those who are searching for a gift for a loved one.

Cue the audience of screaming moms, models dressed as elves, and the men who really don't belong there. This is ~~Oprah's~~ Emily's Favorite Things.

Happy browsing!

1. Top-Ranked Sweatshirt $78.00 2. Royal Apothic Hand Creme - Meyer Blooms $20 3. Royal Apothic Hand Creme - Kensington Garden $20 3. Garden Stroll Bobbies $24 5. Long Jane Loungers $29.95

1. Eye Color Shades - Green $38 2. Eye Color Shades - Red Motif $38 3. Capri Blue Jar Candle - Volcano $28

1. Swinging Fringe Bracelet $58 2. Hinged Belt $29.95 3. Pin Gleam Belt $38 4. Pinch Posts $48

1. Q & A a Day $16.99 2. The Fashion Pack Note Cards $18 3. Blackstock's Collections: The Drawings of an Artist Savant $21.95 4. I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded $16.95

Cadiz Mugs $10

Do you have someone in mind for any of these gifts? Or will you be putting any of these on your Christmas list?

Blackened Spaces

2011-10-15T17:27:00.001-07:00

It would have to be in a room with large windows
with really cool floors
with natural materials in use
with light furniture - both in reference to color and visual weight
with some semblance of nature in sight
and in a space I don't spend that much time in
maybe even with a fireplace

With all of those things in mind, I will consider having black walls in my home. The trend has not yet died for me.

here

Still not tired of this shoot of Jenna Lyon's home

here

Why does this work?

While we're often advised to lighten up rooms, a darker paint color can be a bold statement to simplify the space. It can also be a serene addition. It just depends on the feel you want the room to have
Contrast the darkness with other light colors and natural light, be it on furniture, fabrics, or trim color
Black walls can be a great backdrop to a more important focal point
Play with the finish of the paint - glossy, eggshell or flat - they each have their own look

Introducing: Factory 20

2011-10-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Factory 20, you must stop. Your pages are filled with sawdust, rusted nails, raw wood, clean lines, worn-in drawers with labels on their fronts, and....and black! So much black. You make the 20th century look so good. And yet, you tease me. Your prices jump far, FAR above my own meager bankroll. Hmm.

I saw the Old Industrial Infinite Drawer Cabinet (seen above) and let out an audible gasp. My fingers left my keyboard and shielded my open mouth, and I sat that way for a minute or so. Then I realized my reaction may have been too much and I tried to put my hands down, but they couldn't bring themselves to close the page and get back to reality - a reality where that piece is not looking at me saying, "hey, thanks for buying me and putting me in this room. I'm happy here." A reality with cabinets that have six drawers at most because that is practical. Wretched reality.

Caged Light Pendants and 1920's Saltoon Town Hall Wall Clock

Switchboard Operators Stool

Kennett Textile Chest and Artist Sculpture Stand

Victorian Ornate Steamer Trunk

Vintage Shoe Factory Rack

Typesetter Box and Switchboard Tabletop Cabinet

Factory 20, you say that you are "confident that we can give to you the unexpected and the unforgettable". You have achieved that goal for me a hundred times over. Congratulations.

Some find it to be over-priced junk (dad?), and others, like me, are avid obsessors. What is your take?

Toast UK - Hello Autumn

2011-10-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

One joy about living in rented apartments is receiving the tail end of the prior tenants magazine subscriptions. Anthropologie, Brides, and Fitness Magazine were common, but my favorite surprise I recieved in the mail was a Toast catalog. Bringing in this rainy, autumn weather with their latest catalog, I find myself once again pouring over each page of old-fashioned homes filled with raw wood, perfectly worn-in linens, cozy crocheted blankets, and subdued light seeping in through wavy glass windows.

Greetings, autumn. I've been waiting for you.

What are your favorite things about autumn?

Before and After: Light and Airy Kitchen

2011-10-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

A very well thought out and budget conscious kitchen remodel. My favorite details are the cabinet paint colors and the glass backdrop.

After two years of living with a dreary kitchen, it was finally time for Lindsey Ellis Beatty, Decorating Editor, who shares the space with her husband and two boys. After spending an entire year researching, compiling tear sheets, and planning the space, Lindsey devised a manageable renovation plan.

"I know that anything requiring construction cannot be easily changed, so I played it safe and spent money wisely." Having saved in other areas, Lindsey was able to invest in white quartz countertops, dark, easy-to-mop hardwood floors, and a new tongue-and-groove ceiling - all materials that will hold up well over time.

Being experienced in the remodeling process, Lindsey ordered all of her paints, fixtures, and appliances before construction even began to prevent delays waiting on products to arrive.

Raising the existing cabinets to the ceiling gave Lindsey space to install the floating shelves above the countertops. That extra space is so smart!

Mindful of her need to save money but not one to cut corners, Lindsey kept the kitchens original footprint and placement of appliances. She designed a new custom pantry with double doors that echo the look of the refrigerator. The extra storage space now houses the microwave and helps anchor the refrigerator against the wall.

As for the breakfast nook, Lindsey continued to work on a budget. She found the camelback sofa at a yard sale for $25. Having saved so much on the sofa, she reupholstered it in a bright coral.

So, what are your favorite parts of her new kitchen?

Found via Southern Living

Sources:

Wall paint: Seed Pearl (27-32) Cabinetry paint: Hardwick White Ceiling Lights: Clark Ceiling Light Sink: DOMSJO Double Bowl Faucet: Ashfield (529-7YPS) Barstools: Vapor barstools Range: Professional Series (PRG304GH) Hood: Professional Series (HPWB30FS) Refrigerator: GE Energy Star Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Dispenser Backsplash Tile: Encata Glass Mosaic Herringbone in Everest Countertops: Zodiaq Quartz in Snow White Cabinet Hardware: Nouveau III Collection Sconces: Serge Single Sconce Curtain Fabric: Smokebrush in Silver Sofa Fabric: Beach Strie (BST3) Chair Fabric: Alan Campbell's Zig Zag (AC302-16) Table: Eero Saarinen Style Tulip Table Side Chairs: Louis XVI (FC010-4) by Zentique Art: 1 2 3 4 5 6

October General Conference

2011-10-02T12:35:00.001-07:00

Twice a year, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gather together around televisions, computers and radios all around the world to listen to the prophets of our day speak in what is called General Conference. The topics don't often differ from the years past, with a reoccurring focus on the Book of Mormon, the Bible, faith, Christ's Atonement, temples, living a happier life, service, families, kindness, church attendance, and more. Even still, I look forward to April and October with longing for a desire to recheck my progress and be reminded of the Lord's plan for my life.

It is a tradition for my family to gather together to watch General Conference together and enjoy a delicious breakfast. While I am the only child at home this year, my parents and I are still carrying on the tradition of listening to the prophets while eating a delectable feast.

In an effort to follow the counsel of being more kind and service-oriented, I share with you the recipe for the best syrup you will ever devour. I will also share a link to the Mormon church's General Conferences, where you can listen to, read, or watch uplifting messages from years past. May I recommend Henry B. Eyring's encouraging talk on promises we made to the Lord, Elaine Dalton's tender talk on fatherhood, or Dieter F. Uchtdorf's uplifting talk on five things we should not forget.

I hope you are having as happy a weekend as I am.

Designing a Room For: Little Misses

2011-10-02T00:23:00.000-07:00

Never mind the swing that hung in my childhood bedroom. Take that out of the picture and I still thought I had won prize for the best bedroom. In my eyes, it was the coolest place a girl could sleep. In fact, for a while there it was the coolest room that three girls could sleep. Yes, all three sisters in one room. Two beds. A lot of teasing.

One of the details within the room that brought such joy to my little heart was the wallpaper. I have been thinking of that wallpaper as of late (I know, my mind is fascinating) and wanted to design a room for another six-year-old girl who loves wallpaper as much as I did, though I have doubts that she exists. Still, I started my project with Cath Kidston's Lace Stripe print. With that pattern in the shopping cart, everything else seemed to jump out as if it were begging to be paired with such a lovely pattern. The watercolors by Gillian McMurray seemed like a logical match for the gentle touch of artwork I was hoping for, and I finally found a home for the Waterfall Ruffle bedding from Urban Outfitters that has captured my attention for so long. Overall, it's a feminine room - subtle enough that it's not tiresome, temperate enough to welcome necessary change as the little girl grows older.

So, without further ado:

Sources:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Built-in beauty

2011-09-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think architecture can produce a more successful room than the dressings can.

Don't tell my tuition money I said that.

1, 2, 3

Palos Verdes, California

2011-09-25T00:33:00.001-07:00

While in the LA area for the Bon Iver concert, we thought it prudent to follow my grandfather's old commute and my mother's high school memories to a little place called Palos Verdes, California.

Stunning.

My mother grew up in Palos Verdes while my grandfather worked as a professional in the broadcasting industry in Los Angeles. Because of her upbringing there I have heard about this place for my entire life, but it wasn't until this past week that I had the opportunity to visit. I have laughed as my father has made quips about my mother waking up to a view of the ocean from her bedroom window in comparison to his waking up to a view of the six dusty siblings and four dogs that he shared a bedroom with, or how my mother had classmates who spent their mornings surfing before school while he was out milking the goats. Both sides are true...

One thing I enjoyed was the diversity of each home. While they all maintained a strict standard of class and elegance, each home stood strong as its own character, whether it was the charm of the East Coast, mimicking the tonal style of a Spanish villa, or a chic farmhouse with a wrap around porch.

The well-manicured yards and gardens would be enough to admire were the homes, cliffs, and ocean taken out of the mix. Each home was accompanied by budding roses, sprawling vines, neatly mowed lawns, and perfectly trimmed hedges.

Once again, a photograph proving that California laughs when I try to have some

control over my hair. And also, showing off the cliffs near my mother's high school.

After seeing the views she had while growing up, I now understand why it may have been a difficult transition moving to Las Vegas, a city made almost entirely of cement blocks.

Oh, and during our perusing, I noticed a home or two for sale. If anyone wants to go in on it together, I can chip in about...$6.

What a mischief you would bring young darling!

2011-09-23T16:53:00.001-07:00

When I turned 23 last month I thought there was only one thing that I wanted: a new set of scriptures. Well, it turns out there were two other things I, unknowingly, wanted as well.

One:

From Oliver

Two:

From mom. And Abby, kind of.

After hearing my sister and her husband strongly recommend that we go to their concert, my mother thought it wise to heed their counsel and purchased two tickets to their show in Los Angeles. And boy am I glad she did. At any given time there were nine to twelve people on stage all playing separate instruments, some a few instruments at once. And what's fabulous about that is it didn't sound like there were 15+ instruments in each song. It was a balancing act that Justin Vernon and his talented mind was able to achieve. Three songs in particular stick out in my mind. They were mesmerizing:

Skinny Love - the final song of the set. So joyous!

Re: Stacks - a favorite song of mine. It could have gone on for ten more minutes and I would have been glad.

Beach Baby - the break the violins take at :23 quickly made its way onto my list of favorite musical moments.

A photograph proving that A: I went to the concert,

and B: California weather does not agree with my hair.

Thank you and goodbye, Bon Iver

My Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-07T17:49:00.003-07:00

A few years ago my sisters and I spent a week together in D.C. It was there, while visiting Theodore Roosevelt Island, that I found my happy place. Giant trees form a green sky above the granite tablets with etchings of some of Roosevelt's more famous quotes. Unfortunately, that particular happy place is a long and uncomfortable flight away. And on an island. I don't expect to visit very often.

However, my parents recently purchased a lovely cabin in Zion National Park. Quiet and secluded, it is the perfect location for spending the occasional weekend away. The cabin is a place where time seems to stand still. Apart from a few practical modern day comforts, it seems to act as a transporter into decades past - the women happily prepare meals for the family, the men chop wood and keep the fire warm, books are read with the dog sleeping peacefully at the readers feet, and all the while the record player is softly humming Simon & Garfunkel or The Carpenters. It is a place where the natural good has time to show its face without Distraction there to rear its head.

This weekend was spent at the cabin playing a few rounds of Take Two around the table, watching The Killers live at Royal Albert Hall, canoeing on Navajo Lake (way harder than it seems), and trying to ignore the adorable meowing of the kitten that perched itself in an open window at church.

While at our cabin, the days are spent simply and joyfully, and it has quickly become a happy place of mine. Do you have a happy place?

By the way, if you would like your happy place to be next door to mine, and if you have a few dollars to spare, my neighbors cabin is for sale.

A House Tour: Keri Russell

2011-08-25T13:54:00.001-07:00

I so enjoyed reading this article and looking through the well-executed home this couple created. Though a renovation of this magnitude is hardly something that can be done by just anyone, the personal approach taken in the completion of their home is what I most admire. It is a very tangible expression of the couples hobbies, talents, family life, and appreciation for one another.

Without further ado, here is a look into the 1860's brownstone purchased, renovated, and resided in by actress Keri Russell, husband Shane Deary, and their son.

"The son of one of the most respected contractors on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Shane Deary grew up in a house his father built. The apple, as the saying goes, doesn't fall far from the tree. Deary gutted the brownstone to brick and studs himself, then moved walls to open it up, must notably in the master bath, where no walls exists now. The pumpkin-pine floor stayed, though he painstakingly pulled up, numbered, restored, and nailed back every plank."

"He dug joists out of a dumpster and saw the perfect kitchen table, then unearthed the house's old shutters in the basement and turned them into window castings. Beside their bed, a golden block of reclaimed pine flooring serves as a night table. After living out of a suitcase for years, Russell now hangs her clothes on sleek plumbing pipes Deary saved from a past renovation job."

"It was a collaboration from the beginning, with Russell sketching room layouts, choosing furnishings, and picking out fabrics while Deary took charge of materials - almost all of them cast off. The kitchen cabinetry is built entirely from a dismantled post-and-beam house, as are the bathroom vanities."

"The young actress is so enamored of her husbands talent that when it came time to fill the place with furniture, Russell made sure it didn't speak louder than the rooms themselves. She stuck with a neutral palette, kept it spare, and worked in as many textures as she could without straying into 'girly territory.'"

My favorite things:

The wood flooring and crown molding, of course.

Subtile feminine characteristics in the furniture choices

The focus more on the architecture rather than filling the walls with artwork

The harmonious transition between each room

The unfinished fireplace in the kitchen

What do you like? What could you live without?

Featured in Photographer: William Waldron

If you google "nightstand" you'll find a forum for men explaining to other men how to get a one night stand

2011-08-16T13:53:00.001-07:00

Last night, after I finished writing some thoughts, I turned to place my notebook on my nightstand like a normal human. But what wasn't normal was that amidst the other notebooks, other pens, and other books, I could not find a sturdy place to place this notebook.

What I saw on my nightstand both shocked and satisfied me. The lack of organization shocked me, but the contents made me happy.

It reminded me of an article I read in House Beautiful where designers showed the readers a picture of their nightstand to give the readers a feel for the designers "real" life. Things between me and House Beautiful were already on the rocky side - I was ready for our time to be up, but I had made a commitment for a year long relationship with the subscription and I had to stick it out. That article did nothing to light the fire we once shared. It was filled with pictures of perfectly staged nightstands with fresh flowers, dust-free picture frames*, and a pair of spectacles** lying oh-so-neatly beside a glass of water, no doubt fetched from the well that very morning.

Nope, I had it. We were through.

Now this. THIS nightstand is a look into real life. On my nightstand was a jumble of books, papers and notebooks, all of which have been used recently. Each book has a paper marking where I left off and each notebook has a pen in it ready to be used when I have a thought come to me. I like that my room looks lived in, I like that my nightstand shows so clearly the things that I enjoy doing before I end my day.

But oh, the lack of organization!

So I got off blogger and tidied up my room.

What's on your nightstand?

* the adorable picture frame you see here (with dust so lovingly collected on it) was made for me by my friend Missy. She's really cool.
** my pair of spectacles lying oh-so-neatly on notebook #1 are are not a prop.

“If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”

2011-08-13T16:27:00.000-07:00

Quote by Vincent van Gogh

You know, it makes me very happy that I have a job.

But it makes me even happier to have a job that I like. Enjoy even. Anthropologie is a place that applauds the creative mind, something I work every day to develop.

To spend my time surrounded by ingenious things of high quality and people who appreciate the beauty in the details is a joy.

check it.

check it ²

Are you livin' life?

2011-08-03T19:47:00.004-07:00

Photo by: Mark Shaw

It's interesting to me how easily an outsider - meaning someone who is outside of your mind, not depended upon by your responsibilities, free of your worries, and unaware of your insecurities - can clearly point you in the direction towards the things you long to do, to be, to learn, to see, to wear, to create, etc. That outsider can see through the I wish's and hopefully later's and see the desire and passion for now.

I try to help people live the life they hope for. To do something enjoyable each day, to make daily tasks and work the best it can be, to stop worrying about what is not there and to do something to prevent it from ever becoming a reality. To go to bed early with a good book, to talk to that handsome boy or pretty girl you've had your eye on, to be vulnerable and honest in conversation and hope that the other person likes what they see, then to move on with positivity if they do not. To make that trip, to call that friend, to develop a new talent. To do the things that make a richer, fuller life but are so often put on a shelf and looked at longingly while thinking I don't deserve that. Not yet.

However, the tables were turned during a conversation this weekend. I became the one who was told to live more of the life I have envisioned. I became the one to realize that I was placing pointless limits on myself merely for the purpose of placing limits. Or maybe it is out of a lack of desire to work for something that does not come naturally? I'm not sure yet.

And as my friend and I discussed the things we once did and wish we were doing, the question was posed: why not? Why not practice now with the life you hope your future self will have?

So? Why not? We can each put aside the boundaries and expectations made by ourselves and those around us and begin living the fulfilling life we have in mind. Of course, we must remain responsible and dependable, but even while working through the drudgery of required tasks we can find enjoyment. Because after all, isn't joy what we are all pining for?

Starlings

2011-07-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

Have you listened to Elbow yet? You should. If not for their poetic lyrics, than at least for their music that seems to enter the listeners ears, then roam throughout their body. Take a gander.

Paintings by John Constable

2011-07-18T18:31:00.001-07:00

Seascape Study with Rain Cloud

Sure he doesn't have the most creative names for his marvelous paintings, but John Constable makes up for the lack of written creativity with his rich colors, sharp textures, deliberate brush strokes and, a must have for any artist on my list of favorites, the abundant amount of blacks in each of his paintings. Mmm mmm.

A Farm Cart with Two Horses in Harness

Willy Lott's House

Michaelis Boyd Associates

2011-07-15T23:06:00.001-07:00

Most girls who have seen Anastasia or Lion King know that it is possible to have crushes on things that seem uncrushable. Dimitri? Simba?

Well, I have made an addition to my list of weird crushes, an addition that will fit nicely on the shelf along side the work of Roman and Williams. They are a design firm by the name of Michaelis Boyd. Formed by Alex Michaelis and Tim Boyd in 1995, Michaelis Boyd Associates has established itself as a practice producing simple, elegant architecture with an environmental emphasis. They are based primarily in London and do both residential and commercial work. And boy, are they good. Take a looksy.

Pizza East Restaurant

Byron Burgers - High Street Kensington, London

Eastcourt House - Private Residence

Byron Burgers - Canary Wharf

Do you think they are crush-worthy? They had me at the lighting.

Baby Baby

2011-07-12T14:13:00.001-07:00

Disclaimer: Yesterday I got to hold my cousin's baby boy. Hence these thoughts that I am nowhere close to needing to have.

Nurseries!

When I used to babysit my little cousin, Cassidy, I always loved spending time in her nursery. It felt like a sanctuary in the home - accent lighting, a cohesive scheme, and always the perfect temperature. At the end of the day, once all the kids in the cul-de-sac went home and I fed my responsibilities dinner, I'd allow the older kids to finally watch television - probably Power Rangers - while I'd sneak away into the cozy nursery and take way too long putting the little blonde baby to bed. That's when I knew I would have accent lighting in my bedrooms and I'd always let the air conditioning run at 72.

Tips and Tricks

1. Use as many non-baby items as possible. Ease the burden of needing to redecorate in a few years and make the room capable of changing and growing with your little one.

2. Everything is more chaotic and difficult to manage when that adorable little baby is screaming. Make those times easier by making the nursery serene in your lighting choices, calm with your colors and patterns, and very user friendly. You'll appreciate the organization later.

3. My favorite type of design is the unisex style - the kind where men can feel like men, what with all the natural woods and basic shapes, and woman can still enjoy beauty. Try to keep the nursery gender neutral so it can easily transfer between boys and girls. It will save greatly on costs and need for storage.

4. One of the easiest ways to make an otherwise sophisticated nursery into a playful and young environment is through the accessories and wall art. Consider shadow boxes of baby items. Create a memorable nook by framing pictures of your family members as children. Etsy is home to an overwhelming selection of baby-friendly artwork. Frame artwork from your older children and display them in the nursery. All those things are easy to replace and take down but will significantly change the feel of the space.

5. If you are going to paint, do so early to avoid your baby breathing in harmful VOC's. Plus, it will then give you time to live with the color and be sure that it is exactly what you want.

Pictures from Simplified Bee, Project Nursery, Oh De Doh, and Honey and Fitz

Principles and Elements of Design

2011-07-06T15:11:00.003-07:00

I have no pretension when it comes to my education in interior design. Though a formal education in the subject truly ups your knowledge, I believe that the ability to design your home in a way that is fitting to you can be acquired through your own learning, studying and practice. Yes, I am aware this thought could potentially put me out of a job, but so be it.

I suppose that in order to help those who find this way of thinking to be all too kind and somewhat naive, I should teach you the basics I learned in ID 104 - no tuition necessary. May I present to you: the Principles and Elements of Design.

Principles

Balance, Harmony, Rhythm, Dominance, Variety, Proportion

In design, balance creates a feeling of equality. It is achieved through the proper use visual weight (of colors, patterns, shapes, and textures) and measurable weight (positioning, size, and mass)

Harmony is created when the separate elements in the room dance together to form a unified picture.

The rhythm of a room is similar to that of music - it has some repetition, some emotional value, it provides the illusion of movement, and provides a "beat" to the design. Think in musical terms - is it legato, staccato, forte, pianissimo?

Dominance is created with contrast, size, placement and line direction. Feature that which is most important as the dominant feature, be it a view in the living room, a bed in the bedroom, a color in the kitchen, etc. Each room needs something to be the foundation for all of the accessories to grasp onto.

Variety in the Elements of design creates visual interest. Remember, Variety + Harmony = Unity.

Proportion refers to the relative size and its physical relationship to other objects. Playing with proportion can completely change the room - compare the grand and proper feelings within a cathedral to the comfort of a treehouse. Playing with proportion, be in in a pattern on a fabric, a piece of furniture or the architecture of your home, can result in a sassy attempt at adding personality.

There you have it, the Principles of Design. Next up, Elements

Elements

Form, Scale, Texture, Pattern, Color, Light

The form is the basic configuration of an object and is typically 3-D. The four characteristics of form are line, shape, planes and volume.

Scale is similar to proportion, but it considers each individual element one to another before the whole proportion is taken into account.

There are two types of texture, 1. Tactile - something that can actually be felt (velvet), and 2. Visual - something like a small pattern on a fabric that gives the allusion of depth.

Patterns are repeated elements within the appearance of the room. Was that obvious enough?

Color has the most control over the feel of the space. Keep in mind that nearly every emotion can be felt through color so choose wisely.

A mix of natural and artificial lighting is preferred in every space, but that is not always possible. Lighting can be used both practically and as a way to add emphasis and helps create the feeling you are going for.

Here is a helpful hint to remember the difference between the Principles and the Elements. The Principles of design are the laws that will create what our eye considers to be the best design possible. The Elements, however, are the things that will help those rules come to life - they are the single ingredients that, when molded and prodded, will assist in creating the Principles.

What is so great about having a knowledge of the Principles and Elements of design is that once learned, they can be applied to any blank room and put into practice. Much like an artist needs paint in order to begin his masterpiece or a violinist rosin on his bow, a person needs an understanding of the principles and elements of design before a room can be completed. And remember, once you learn and accept the rules, you are then qualified to stylistically break them.

Balance, Harmony, Rhythm, Dominance, Variety, Proportion, Form 1, Form 2, Form 3, Scale, Texture, Pattern, Color, Light

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T15:41:00.021-07:00

I hope you enjoyed your holiday as much as I did. I spent mine in the company of good friends and family hiking, shooting, getting dusty, and eating well in the setting of Zion National Park. Very American, right?

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him."

Abraham Lincoln

"All great change in America begins at the dinner table"

Ronald Reagan

"Our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance. It is also owed to justice and to humanity. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong."

James Bryce

"How often we fail to realize our good fortune in living in a country where happiness is more than a lack of tragedy."

Paul Sweeney

Elements of Style, Desire to Inspire, Elle Decor, Elle Decor, Flourish Design and Style, Pinterest, We Heart

The Luckiest Kid in Town

2011-06-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

I have yet to meet someone who can top me in a "why I had the best childhood" contest. Why is that so?

Indoor swings. I have a cool dad who hung a swing from my ceiling in my childhood bedroom. My siblings and I would host circuses for my parents and my babysitters swung in my bedroom until I fell asleep. I recently ran into a friend from elementary school and she even remembered the swing. Yes, that was about the only thing that made me cool in elementary school. Behind the swing was the same shy girl with a slicked back ponytail and overalls.

My mother was kind enough to put aside all her pretenses and design sense and allowed the swing to stay hanging. She allowed it, that is, until I foolishly came crying to her one afternoon because I fell off. What a pathetic way to end such a magnificent era.

Thanks, Casa Sugar, Sea of Girasoles, So Fawned, Ouno

Fear Factor

2011-06-21T23:02:00.000-07:00

I once had a conversation with someone about the weird, irrational fears we each have. This conversation was held in the most covert of circumstances in the most hushed of voices, but I am going to break that confidence for the sake of a new post.

His fear was aliens.

He said when he was young he watched a movie on aliens and since that time, the fear of an unknown creature from another planet walking (hovering?) into his bedroom at night has haunted him. I laughed aplenty.

With a hesitant voice, I told him my fear. My most irrational fear is that someone would seek to avenge me for some wrong doing and cut off my eyelashes. He stared at me with a puzzled look because guys don't generally think about their eyelashes, but I tell you what, I have had very realistic nightmares about needing to rewrite my entire "getting ready" schedule to work around a new lack of eyelashes. I have a feeling only girls will sympathize with me in this.

Another fear that I have is the 1990's. Especially the 1990's style of home. It makes me claustrophobic walking into a peach room with blue tone-on-tone striped sofa sets and scalloped valances. Very little good came out of the 90's.

The indian boy in the corner is the perfect touch.

This room reminds me of uncomfortable birthday parties with elementary school classmates.

And this - this room has a poignant reminder of those late nights babysitting in a home that does very little similar to the way your own home runs. I always wished those parents would come home early.

Cane. Cane and no area rugs. Even the sunshine was grosser in the 90's.

Collecting these pictures was the most unpleasant way I could have spent my time.

But this makes me wonder about the trends. They are good at the time that they are good (great sentence, Emily), but come a new decade they are generally frowned upon. Great efforts are taken to rid ones home, wardrobe, fridge and hair roots of what was once all the rage. So, people, are there things you can see now becoming a forbidden and embarrassing trend of the 2010's? I have some ideas that I will share at another time.

Never Forget This

2011-06-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

If you learn only one thing from me let it be this.

Never. Never ever ever. Ever. Have a colored toilet.

Ever.

Thank you for your time.

Acoustic Night

2011-06-08T18:34:00.001-07:00

I didn't realize how badly I missed doing design-related things until this past week.

So there I was, right? Working the fitting rooms at Anthropologie when the visual director of the store comes to me with a project in mind. I've kept no secrets of how much I'd like to someday be the display coordinator at Anthropologie, so the one at my store has promised to let me help with displays when it is needed. Today was one of those days and I was happier than a clown. What did I get to do, you ask? Punch circles into painted paper. That may be considered menial work to some, but my heart reveled in each circle I punched. I'll share some pictures as soon as the display is up. You'll be able to tell which circles I created because my smile is all over them.

A few nights later I helped my brother with the set design of an acoustic show his band was hosting (I still can't figure out a way to say "my brother's band" without making it sound dumb. Just believe me when I say it isn't dumb.) He had all these wonderful ideas of painted backdrops, crescent moons, theatre curtains, and arm chairs with a homespun feel swimming around his mind and though he had the ability to do it well on his own, he humored me and let me help. The results, like everything he puts on, were quite good.

We started late one night with the linen canvas hanging on a wall in our garage. I had mixed up a few blue paints that Oliver liked and the rest of the colors (yellow, tan, black, white) we already had at home. Using somewhat unconventional brushes to get more texture, we started painting in swooshes. We listened to Jonsi's album Go Do and Coldplay's live album LeftRightLeftRightLeft to keep us awake and creative and kept Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhone in the back of our minds.

The venue was the roof of my aunt and uncle's loft in Las Vegas. One of the first things Oliver thinks whenever he goes to a new place is "could this host a show?" A few months of patience allowed him to finally use this roof, and it was a perfect location.

Three favorite things in this picture - Tyler, his new left handed guitar, and the moon.

The talented Miss Ellen Tingey

This behind the scenes picture is the only one that shows the lights on the plants

Tyler and Aubrey

Brumby did two of their own songs then they invited some friends up to do their cover of The Killers "Read My Mind"

It was a joyous, musically filled summer night. Who's ready for another?

Ett hus utan gränser

2011-06-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

With my extensive knowledge of foreign languages, I deduced that this home is in Sweden. Also, with the help of an online translator I figured out that this is the home of two empty nesters looking for less space. They built this one story, one interior wall home together to "facilitate their every day lives".

Thanks, Hus & Hem

I'm quite taken by the charm in the home, the collections that date back to their entire lives together, and the simple details in the raw finishes. You go Sweden, you go.

Why is this such a secret?

2011-06-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when people ask me to do a project for them I think "really? me?" This quote explained to me exactly why that is the case. I have the potential, but right now I don't feel capable of creating my best. I suppose it will come, like everything, with practice and hard work. I'm excited for the day when my hands are able to create and my tongue is able to explain the things my mind comes up with.

Saving Space in the Kitchen

2011-06-02T01:10:00.002-07:00

Thanks, House Beautiful

Last night I asked my dad a very serious question. "Pa", I said, "if I'm a take-out dinner wife, will you disown me?"

The kitchen is a place full of potential. Some people (like every other girl in my family) have the patience and ability to create that potential. Me? Well, I longingly smell their food and eat their leftovers. It doesn't take much space to create those delicious masterpieces but for some reason we have it in our minds that a lot of space is needed. I came up with a few tips for opening up a smaller kitchen:

The Right Color. Softer colors allow light to bounce around a reflect, creating more depth and life to the room. Darker shades absorb light and will only make the room look smaller. Whites, pale blues, soft yellows, and light grey's would be great choices for kitchens. Try to stick with a one or two colors for simplicity and cleanliness.
Declutter. The task may be daunting, but if everything in the kitchen has a specific space it will make for a much smoother system. Try to have uniform containers if things like cereals need to be kept out, avoid knick-knacks and other decor around the tops of cupboards and on fridges, and put away appliances when you are finished. Extra shelving within cupboards can be added to most effectively use space.
Emphasize Light. If you are lucky enough to have windows in your kitchen, emphasize the light it provides by keeping the window uncovered, clean, and freshly painted. Allow the kitchen to become a focal point. Under cabinet lighting is a practical addition to add to any kitchen. In the photo above, mirrors are used as the backsplash to create the illusion of more space.
Multiple Purposes. Try to only purchase necessary things in regards to food and furnishings. Meal plans can be planned ahead to use the same ingredients multiple times throughout the week, saving on money and space. Consider how the furniture you have or are looking to purchase can double up in purpose - coffee table as kitchen table, bench seating with storage inside, a roll away island that can be hidden away when it's not in use.

Do these tips help? What unsolvable problems do you have with your kitchen?

Thanks Tidy Stuff and Great Interior Design

By the way, my dad's response to my troubled question was simply, "that would get boring, expensive, and unhealthy". Which I translated to "you better not".

Adventures of Dusting

2011-05-23T17:03:00.003-07:00

tulipsandteapots

I used to think I wanted a home filled with collections and things I love. I wanted my guests to have a very clear idea of who I was as soon as they walked in my home and found themselves surrounded by my life. Crown moulding, framed pictures, hand-me-down furniture, fabrics, books, and details, details, details.

How naive I was.

Today, I was a good daughter to my mother and decided to dust her entire home. Repeat: her entire home. Well, at least the parts I could reach, so my 5'3"ish self actually dusted about 1/8 of the house.

I dusted around the crown moulding, framed pictures, hand-me-down furniture, fabrics, books, and details, details, details.

coohomehousedesigning

Since then I have come to my senses. I now think something like this would better suit me. One quick swoosh of a rag and you're done. Easy breezy.

Jaime Hogge

2011-05-22T23:55:00.001-07:00

can't. narrow. down.

too. talented.

I mean, come on.

I've been staring and staring...

frightening and peaceful

how does one make a space this boring look so inviting?

yum colors, framing and texture

and my ultimate favorite:

it reminds me of days in San Diego

Did you not feel as if you were standing in each of these places? I sure did.

Jaime Hogge, you are spoiled with talent.

Blind-date Boy and the Balcony

2011-05-21T22:23:00.002-07:00

Once upon a time I was set up with a boy who had a balcony overlooking all of Salt Lake City. Every time I went to his house, I would make him take me out to the balcony - rain or shine, day or night. You guys, it was incredible. I loved it out there. However, that was the only thing I loved about my time with him. And I'll admit, I went on those last few dates just for the balcony. It was hard to say goodbye.

The balcony stayed in my mind far longer than ol' what's-his-name did, and since then, my interest in designing outdoors has been peaked. Here are some tips to keep in mind when creating your own outdoor living space.

The Purpose

Be it for gardening, grilling and dining, poolside, the kids, relaxing, or parties

The Assistant and Wanda

Space

Obviously you have what you have. Let's make it work.

Flickr and Apartment Therapy

Comfortable Seating

Hammock, day bed, cushioned chairs, sofa set, poufs

A Punch of Color and Flickr

Color

To me, natural sunlight and greenery calls for a bohemian color scheme

Caitlin

Landscape

Remember, you're outside. Let nature take over a bit.

Lighting

Floor lamps, overhead lighting, spotlights, candles

Mi Vida Bonita

Flickr

Shade

And if you live in a warm place, misters are awfully helpful

Flickr

The Inspired Room

Happy Birthday, oh creative one

2011-05-19T21:25:00.002-07:00

My younger brother, Oliver, has this obnoxious and inspiring habit of turning everything he touches into a masterpiece. I'm not just being a nice sister - this is the truth. Without a day of private lessons in his life he has managed to learn enough guitar and piano to get by in the music writing process, without a solitary hint of support from any English teacher he has written some amazing lyrics, and he's picked up paint brushes, sewing needles, guns, hair straighteners and cameras and always manages to create something better than the next guy. It would be disheartening, however I assume some of that natural talent was shared with me during the divvying out of chromosomes so I keep on trying.

Today, being this handsome giant's birthday, I was able to present him with a gift that I think is more so a present for me than for him (he will get to use it, but I'll get to look at it...and maybe sometimes he'll let me use it too). After over a month of keeping this perfect present a secret, I handed him a Polaroid camera and five boxes of film. I can't WAIT to see what he creates from this moody film and the details he chooses to capture in the infamous 3.5" x 4.2" box.

Here's to many more years of creativity, Olivert.

Being Happy and Content

2011-05-11T00:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Let go live freely

I think something we must all remember is that we don't need a new replacement for every outdated thing in our life. We can make things work, be grateful for those things, find the beauty in our "used" goods, and then move on to live happily with what we have.

Scattered Blacks and Whites

2011-05-10T23:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Habitually Chic. Really, I thank you.

Roman and Williams, you can do no wrong.

A room inside a room - how creative is that?

Why does this work?

Textures galore! Even the flooring, though it isn't so much a tangible texture as it is visual.
Complete cohesiveness in their style of furnishings. Rustic, yet tailored.
A room inside a room. Did I already mention how insanely creative that is? It seems so comfy as well.
The white isn't a dull, lifeless white. There is a tint of cream in it, allowing it to remain white but dance in the light with different hues.

Smorgasbord of Headboards

2011-05-08T23:47:00.002-07:00

Some say it comes when you first start supporting yourself, some say it is when you turn twenty-one, but I think the mark of adulthood comes when your bed has a headboard attached.

But I think I'm doing it backwards. I have cheated the system. I have gone back to a life of living at home after being away for a few years - something that seems a bit more adult-like than living under the roof of my parents - and yet, now I get a headboard. I'm not complaining one bit. I'm merely commenting on how I longed for a headboard during my years of a lumpy mattress balanced precariously on cinderblocks. I'll consider it my graduation present.

While a headboard can be a steep purchase for someone bouncing from apartment to white-walled apartment, the sacrifice doesn't have to be made completely. Below are a few creative and do-able headboards for a less than expensive price:

A display of things you love A piece of fabric draped over a rod

A fireplace mantle A jumbled collection of cool things Simple, yet bold artwork

A wire room divider A framed chalkboard. Especially useful for an artist.

I find joy in making things work. It is such a pleasure to have to think around a problem to find a non-conventional solution. But for now, I'll stick with my real life adult headboard.

A House Tour: Sheryl Crow

2011-05-06T22:54:00.001-07:00

I recently had two interviews with the same company. One of which was a group interview, which is essentially a game of who can sit up the straightest and make all of the good answers fit into one run-on sentence.

I sat up so straight.

In one particular run-on sentence by a competitor she stated that this company was, in a way, that person. That person who always looks tailored, the one who can pull off anything, the one who gets the coolest jobs in the coolest cities and has friends all over the world, but still treats you like you are her best friend. You know, that person. I agreed completely with my competitor and started daydreaming about people I know and places I've been who have those characteristics.

Her explanation reminded me of a house tour I saw recently by Architectural Digest. I suppose I should admit that this is Sheryl Crow's house. I guess it's good that I'm a fan of one thing she's created...don't tell her I said that.

Thanks, Architectural Digest

What I like most about this home is that it looks like a harbor to her collections. It looks like someone lives there and that personal thought has been put into the decor. Not to mention the black and white theme that ties every room together - something I've become more fond of over the past few months. This house, despite it being a Hollywood Estate for a Grammy winning artist, seems reachable. It has elements that can be tied into the home of someone who has never released a studio album. It seems like Mrs. Crow found what made her happy, displayed what she liked, narrowed out what she didn't like, and slowly made her home into a library of furnishings and collections carrying her personality.

Serena Eller Photography

2011-05-03T20:53:00.001-07:00

Serena Eller has a really cool job. For one, she gets to be a photographer every day. My jealousy is already raging. But beyond that title, she gets to be a photographer of interiors, which means she gets to spend her time in rooms like these:

Very cool, Serena Eller, very cool.

Determining Your Style

2011-05-03T15:26:00.003-07:00

One of the easiest ways for someone to decide what they do like is by first deciding what they don't like. It's a simple solution, as a designer, to bring magazine clippings of rooms to a meeting and circle, cross out, highlight and take notes on the picture based off of the comments made by the client. That unfortunate attention on the negative can usually result in an understanding of the client's style, if that has not already been determined.

Below I will post pictures of sitting rooms, all completed well, in my opinion, but each in a very different style. For those of you in the process of decorating or redecorating a home, consider this my free consultation with you. You can take notes on aspects and details that you find appealing and "live-able" and also on those parts that seem completely out of touch with your needs and wants. By that process of elimination, your style should be determined.

Be honest with yourself in this little quiz. Some styles are more popular than other right now, some photograph better than others, but when you are choosing the look of your home it is important to choose something that will seem timeless and perfect to you. Let's begin.

Thanks, Apartment Diet, for this beautiful industrial-rustic space.

Cozy and French, via Pretty Little Things For Home

Tailored, yet eclectic, via House Beautiful

Soothing and airy, via House Beautiful

Thanks, My Little Apartment. You showcased a modern glam room with a hint of natural elements

Traditional with - I say African - they say tropical influences. Thanks, Traditional Home

A Danish cottage beauty thanks to NY Times

The "No-One Really Lives Here" living room, via Traditional Home

Sleek and Modern, thanks to Home-Designing

And this is hardly the beginning. There is Moroccan, Contemporary, Shabby Chic, Tuscan, Bohemian, Mission Style, and many more. But I'll stop here before anyone gets too overwhelmed. So, did you find something you like?

Designing a Room For...

2011-04-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

Every so often I come across an idea. piece of art, or some sort of inspiration that I would love to design a room for. Today, it was a bedroom based off of the illustrations of Robert Samuel Hanson:

I love the geometric shapes, soothing, yet saturated color scheme, and the quirky personality it carries.

Thinking Out of the Box

2011-04-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

This is the background on my computer:

Thanks, you.

This background sustained me though my final weeks of design school. It kept me willing to think of and try new things within my final projects. Now, with the phrase running through my mind every day, I'm discovering more out-of-the-box designs. Here's a look at a couple that have caught my attention.

Thanks, Contemporist

CUBE Architects designed the bookshelves for a book store in the Netherlands. What most impresses me about this is that CUBE maintained the practical needs of a bookstore within and still managed to shine a creative (and bright!) light on the bookshelves. They certainly reinvented a magnificent wheel.

Thanks, Anna Kern

The stark contrast of black to white has its edge taken off by the natural materials in this loft. And anyone who can feel secure painting a wall black deserves a round of applause.

Jonathan Alder has intrigued me for years. Though he is a world-renowned creator of pottery, fabrics, and interiors, his designs remain...graspable. That is a made up word, I know. They look as if they are filled with collections of pieces purchased because the owner loved them and the thought of "where will this go?" and "what does this go with?" was thought about after the fact.

"I think a room should be 95 percent chic. There needs to be a solid

foundation of good design, functionality, and harmony. Then you

have the remaining 5 percent to layer on a playful vibe.

If a room is merely playful it's usually wildly unchic. Conversely, if it's

too chic it's dry and off-putting. I try to strike the perfect balance of

chic and cheeky — an inclusive, unsnobby sort of buoyant spirit."

Jonathan Alder

Craigslist Lovin'

2011-04-18T23:04:00.001-07:00

Despite my somewhat abusive relationship with Craigslist (notably called Tedslist, as in Ted Bundy, by my brother) I can't stop searching it's unorganized pages full of usually ugly items and always misspelled words. My latest fiasco has been in the pages of CL Worldwide, where I peek through the doors of available rooms in London and Paris and South Africa. Feel free to leave comments telling me how stupid I am, but not until you look at this:

If I were living here I'd probably add a few rugs to ground the furnishings into place and create spaces that look intentionally separated rather than their current sparse feel, but I'll let it slide this time.

Yeah right. Good luck trying to sell a room with that pathetic view...

I love the quirkiness of this apartment and the character that is visible everywhere you look. What I've discovered is that the items with character generally don't cost much more, but they are more difficult to find. Creating a home that is uniquely you takes a lot of time and even more patience but the end result will be something you will love far longer than some run of the mill furnishing. For as long as I remember my mom has told me that you can't finish your home in one weekend. My parents have lived in their home for nine years now and it's still a work in progress (my dad loves that, don't you dad). But that search for the right piece and the patience of waiting for an item to go on sale has resulted in a beautiful home that so many visitors admire. Stick it out people. Wait for the charming armchair like the one above to finally grace your presence, keep searching for the perfect mirror for above your fireplace. And for heaven sakes, if you learn nothing from this and the past post, let your character ooze into every corner of your home. Including your floors. (those floors!)

Final Rose of the Night

2011-04-18T16:49:00.003-07:00

Editors Note: I apologize if this post brings back tender emotions for any of you. I also apologize if you lose any respect for me and the fact that I watch this show. Diligently.

I know I was supposed to be focusing on the fact that Brad let Shawntel go just a few days after she told him she loved him this season of The Bachelor, but during their long walk through the Gansevoort Hotel in New York City I kept pausing, rewinding, and taking snapshots on my computer screen. Why?

Those floors! Do you see them? Whoever designed this hotel thought the plans all the way through at an early stage. Floors often become a last minute thought in a space that result in the most budget-friendly option, but think of how far less exciting this lobby would be without the chevron pattern on the flooring. In fact, after watching this scene (over and over and over again) I hopped back onto AutoCAD and redid part of the design for one of my school projects to add a little spice. While some of the other features in this lobby are a little tasteless in my opinion, those floors stand well on their own. How timeless! How innovative! Bravo expensive Gansevoort budget, bravo.

Spicing up forgotten spaces

2011-04-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

This.

Thanks, Country Living / Victoria Pearson

This hallway. The frames, the chandelier, the out-of-place chair, and, of course, the walls! This hallway has been stuck in my head for nearly my entire school career.

Speaking of which,

Nailed it.

Now back to the stripes. I love the way the homeowners applied their personality into such a small and generally forgotten space. I have wanted to do something like this for so long, but none of my "clients" had the personality for it. I'd be curious to try it with the glossiest paint finish in the business and in a space, like this hallway or a guest bathroom, that could use a little sprucing and can handle an overwhelmingly noticeable finish like this. I will continue to wait until someone has the gusto to live in such a stripy wonderland.

The Importance of Character

2011-04-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

I had a free morning today (you know, because I'm graduating tomorrow so most of my classes were already done. Because I'm graduating) and decided to spend time going fake house shopping. My neck is constantly twisting and turning as I drive around Salt Lake City admiring all the adorable architecture and store fronts that surround the streets. Usually when I'm in the car I am on my way to something and don't have the ability to stop and wander, but not this morning. This morning I was on my way to 9th east to walk the streets and snap a few pictures. I think they call this "free time." So I thoughtlessly put on my most uncomfortable pair of shoes and started walking. Take a gander at what I discovered.

Mind you, these were all found in about 5 blocks of one another. One thing I love about Salt Lake is all of the character - it's everywhere. This city has been around for about 150 years, and it still holds a many original buildings and homes. The residence work hard to maintain the charm of the olden days in both interiors and exteriors, and though there comes additional maintenance and cost with living in an older home, I think most people can see the attraction that people like my new friend Charlie and his puppy, Jimmy, have in living in these colorful and unique places. Charlie and Jimmy have lived in the the third home on the top row for "way too long" but Charlie loves it. When I walked by he was digging for a new walkway in his front yard and told me of his plans to paint the exterior soon. In the meantime, Jimmy was running through all of Charlie's dirt piles getting flecks of soil all over his long coat. He's going to be a sad pup when he discovers Charlie's plan to give him a big haircut tomorrow.

Interior Design Portfolio Event

2011-04-11T19:29:00.005-07:00

In just a few days I have this thing called my college graduation. Hold on, I'm going to faint from excitement just one more time.

In preparation for that, my school held it's Portfolio Event for all the graduating girls. Twenty-three girls put months of hard work, few showers, accidental diets and many sleepless nights into their work and now it was time to display it. We each created portfolios to hold our 5-10 projects and "homes" to showcase a featured project. Within our binders were projects assigned to us throughout our time at school along with a few extra-curricular projects assigned to ourselves. It was incredibly inspiring to see the final product of my fellow student's and see their humility in all that they had created. I found myself grabbing their business cards (despite already having their contact info, but the cards were too stylish to pass up) and thinking "I want her to do my house when I grow up!" One might think that twenty-three girls spending so much time in classroom 802 would become caddy and difficult, especially in such a high stress major, but it is the polar opposite. Each girl is so supportive and excited for the next girl and has the highest hopes for where she may end up. It has been a pleasure going through school with each of them.

May the angels above bless my mother for selflessly coming to Utah to help me set this up. I would have DIED without her. I am one lucky girl.

I embraced the quirkiness of my initials and happily displayed them as part of my official logo.

A look inside my portfolio
Hotel 8649 - A San Francisco Hotel styled for men - simple, timeless, and industrial
Cresthaven Apartment Lobby - Welcoming residence into a Utah apartment complex with natural elements and modern sophistication
Tingey & Tingey Law Firm - An appropriate marriage of comfort and professionalism
Arch - Using colors, textures and a timeless back-in-the-day feel to create successful, detailed renderings
Oceanside Condo - A mix of old detail and modern clarity
In Motion Dance Studio - Inviting the sumptuous Baroque style into an elegant dance studio

And now, sit back, relax, and think about a company who will hire me as I present to you: my portfolio.

Leave the Light On

2011-03-27T03:25:00.002-07:00

Sometimes* at night, when I'm feeling a little homesick, I'll leave my bedside lamp on and fall asleep to the yellow glow behind my eyelids. This helps me feel like I'm back at my home in Las Vegas where I almost always fall asleep while reading in my cozy bed, but always wake up in the morning to a bulb that has been turned off by one of my parents. If it was my dad who turned my light off for me, he will usually ask me the next day if I dreamed I was a deer in the headlights, to which I'll laugh because nearly everything he says makes me so unbelievably happy that laughing is the only way to get rid of the giddy feeling.

Obviously I'm homesick as I am writing this.

Thanks County Living and Flickr. For those of you with small spaces, especially studio apartments, create a nook for your bedroom with curtains, headboard, footboard, dresser, bookshelf...some sort of barrier from the rest of the room like in the second picture. The sheer curtain pictured provides the sense of privacy while still allowing light to travel into the rest of the space and taking up less visual weight.

Thanks, Wary Meyers. Textures, pillows, books and artwork - all items that conjure up the image of coziness. Book lovers, what is your favorite way to display your collection? Alphabetical? Lying flat? By color? In piles?

Thanks, Roman & Williams. They do everything right, notably their use of rich colors and soothing patterns.

*Only sometimes, because other times I think of the bills that must be paid or my incredibly "green" professor whom I would have a hard time facing if I was using up energy so lavishly.

Not Too Big, Not Too Small

2011-03-26T22:48:00.002-07:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about the beauty in having less, specifically in the thought of having a smaller home. This thought came to me when I moved into my new house in Salt Lake. My current room is miniscule. In fact, I can lie on my floor and touch two walls at one time, and I am a human of smaller height proportions. I enjoyed the process of making this box my home and using every inch to my advantage, especially while "building" my own closet.

We focus a lot on smaller spaces in my schooling and one book specifically has been mentioned in many of my classes - Not So Big House. The simplicity in having only that which you need/really, really want and making use of every corner is appealing, not to mention the peace of mind in getting a mortgage paid off quickly.

I came across a tiny, Victorian cottage that does just that. It is small, lovely, and practical for the shorter amounts of time that it is being used. The owners, Todd & Sandra Foster, maintained their smaller budget by doing the carpentry themselves (obviously they have the skills in order to do that), salvaging preowned items and refinishing them to fit the shabby chic style, and scouring flea markets for many gems under $20.

{thanks, New York Times}

Why does this work?

White-on-white-on-white can get dull and tiresome, but The Foster's used texture to avoid the feeling of a sterile hospital.
Texture creates more life, so when you want to create contrast with a monochromatic color scheme, mix it up with some lace, velvet, matelasse and moire fabrics, and sanded, striped, or glossy and patterned paints. Even the antique floors and windows have texture.
They were lucky to have a space with high ceilings and a lot of windows. Light, either natural or artificial, will help open up a space because everything is made visible.
Using a monochromatic color scheme with pops of color ties each piece into the next for a more uniform space. Imagine if a space this small had varying colors. It would seem a bit too messy for my tastes.

Allow me to introduce myself

2011-03-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

Oh, hello there. My name is Emily Tingey - Emily for the Simon and Garfunkel song, Tingey for my father's family line. My older sister suggested I start a blog to share the thoughts that a constantly buzzing around in my prominently right brained self. Seriously, very little left-brain action going on up there. I dwelled on the idea for a few months, gathered some ideas, and now I'm here to share them with you.

For much of my life I have found joy in creating, imagining and designing. I started as a young girl exploring my grandmother's exquisite home - a home that carried collections from her and my grandfather's well-lived life - and my mother's closet, then donned with fashionable clothing from the early 1990's (she is going to be so embarrassed that I said that). Years later I was able to act on the talents my grandmother and mother saw in me at such an early age, and I sought out the skills to become an Interior Designer through the rigorous program offered at LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah.

There comes great pleasure and tranquility in the creation of something that sprouted from a simple idea. The passion in, dedication to, and understanding of design is instilled in me through the teachings of the women before me, my thorough education, and through my own discovery.

Design is so much more than a pretty color matched with an overpriced piece of furniture. To me, design is another language. It must be practiced and studied in order to be maintain fluency. Styles are constantly on the move, adapting (hopefully) to the needs of the people around them. This blog won't be a journal of all things pretty that *oh my gosh I want so much!* (again, my mother would be very embarrassed if I did that), instead will be a study of those styles and the practical and realistic application that they can have in your life. Design is within reach of everyone, no matter the income or place of residence. Hopefully I can help inspire you to find your specific style and then surround yourself with that. So cheers to the beginning of this blog and happy reading!