Looks & Library Books

Showing posts with label Design. Show all posts

Disclaimer: I watched way too much HGTV this weekend. That said, I have a new-found fascination for arched doorways. I really don't know what it is about them or why I never noticed it before, but there is just something about them. They just add so much character to a space.

As an avid book lover, it should come as no surprise that I am a sucker for a good, quality built in. I just love how versatile they are. Not only can they hold a variety of items (for those of you who may not love books as much as I do), but you can have them practically anywhere in their home.

One of my absolute favorite interior style trends right now is picture ledges. I just love the amount of character they add to a space.

[Image courtesy of Ikea]

Everyone loves adding personal touches to their home, especially using photos. I don't know about you, but I hate hanging photos. I love the way they look once they are up, but it is far too much work to make it happens sometimes. To me, this is the easiest route...and it looks better (IMO).

It is almost time to start heading back to school and we all know how difficult it can be do function in cramped dorm space. There are some simple things that can take this space to the next level and make your academic year significantly easier to handle.

1. Rearrange It

Summer is officially here and I am somehow still stuck in Spring. Here are some ways that we can get our homes summer ready, and fast!

Fan-freaking-tastic

No one wants to be hot, but we also do not want to run the air too early. Never underestimate the power of ceiling fans. Besides, there are plenty of decorative options nowadays; avoiding an eyesore is always a win.

I feel like we are all a little bit voyeuristic, especially when it comes to other peoples spaces. My Grandfather would always make comments about other peoples yards. That was him -- a landscaping nut. He would spend hours upon hours planting flowers and tending to his garden. My mother thrives on people leaving their curtains open at night. Not that she's a peeping Tom or anything creepy, but a little glimpse at their wall or bookshelf while driving down the road and she is happy as can be. She loves seeing what others do with their spaces. Me...I am a weirdo. I love front doors. Not to say I do not observe their landscaping or home decor, but mostly I am distracted right off the bat by their door.

It is no secret to those close to me (though I have not mentioned it much here), but I have been itching to move. Aside from the fact that I am ready for a locational change, I need to get out of my house. It is a crappy little mold-infested, foundation troubled rental property. It is beyond unhealthy and I see signs of it's toll on my body almost daily. Unfortunately, I do not have the money or a new job lined up to move right now. In the mean time, I have been over-indulging in some HGTV and dreams of beautiful spaces. This week I am focusing on kitchens; these are some of my favorite tends right now...

All of this warm weather is making me crave some lazy summer days full of nothing other than lounging in the sun. Check out these to-die-for outdoor spaces & must have features.

As the weather starts warming up here on the East Coast, I have been dreaming of beautifully decorated patio areas. While I have a little patio area out back, it is far from ideal. I have been scouring the internet, searching for inviting outdoor spaces that I could easily mimic. I have not dreamt up the perfect space just yet, but I have come across some truly inspiring spaces. Here are some must-haves:

Country Charm

I have a slight obsession with flowers lately. I have the overwhelming urge to have them everywhere. I particularly enjoy them in my office. Yes, I realize that is strange since most people want centerpieces. Lucky for you (assuming you are part of that "most people" category instead of the "weird people" category like I am), I am going to highlight some fun & cute spring centerpieces.

Is your home ready for an upgrade? Who's isn't, really? Check out some of these top trends for 2015.

Blue is the new black.

Blue is the interior color of the year. Whether you simply accent with it like in the photo above (isn't that mirror wall to die for!?!), paint a whole room or maybe just switch out a backsplash it is surely going to give your home a whole new look.

I am going to share a little secret with you today...one of my guilty pleasures is Pottery Barn. Seriously, I could live there...right there, in the store. I once found a couch at the outlet that I was beyond in love with. I called every single person I knew with a vehicle big enough to transport it. When no one was available, I measured an SUV at least twenty times trying to find some way, some half-backwards angle I could fit it in there. Needless to say, it wouldn't fit and I was devastated. To this very day, I still dream of this couch. In hindsight, I wish I would have bought it and rented a small UHaul trailer to transport it.

Anyway, my current Pottery Barn crush right now is Christmas Decorations...

Nostalgia Christmas

Remember that time I decided to limit my shopping? Yeah, it's killing me. I have been deleting most of my shopping related emails, but today I made the mistake of opening one of my Fab emails. There are so many vintage/rustic items that I am in love. If you, unlike me, are in the market to pick up some old school goodies, may I suggest the following:

As you may have discovered, I love upcycling. I think you can find new purposes or new life for almost any old piece. I was reading my HGTV newsletter a few days ago and was excited to find even more ideas that I love. Check out some of my faves --

Kayla Kitts is one of my favorite HGTV bloggers. I have been following her Studio Style progression from the beginning and am so antsy waiting for updates.

I was in love with her space when it was empty and now that it is coming together I am so excited you would think it was my own. I highly suggest checking out the progression from the original floorplan (our first glimpse into this new project), to DIY projects, the pre-move shots, to the most recent update.

In case you haven't figured it out yet, I am a Pinterest junkie. Even though I am still developing my Delish boards, my personal account is exploding with more than seven thousand pins...no joke. Anyway, one thing I enjoy looking at on Pinterest is home decor and I am really fascinated by what is trending this year. Some of the - what I believe is borderline genius - eye catching design trends are below...

What is your design style? I am eclectic, that is for sure. Right now, though, I am really into minimalist designs...whether it be interior, typography, graphic...you name it.

I think minimalist interiors are literally drool-worthy. So crisp and clean...what is not to love?

Anyone who knows me is well aware of my obsession with exposed brick. I love it. I think every building should have at least one exposed brick wall. It is funny, really...considering how much I hate brick on exteriors. Brick interiors though...holy class & character!

In my internet stalking, I have noticed more and more painted brick popping up all over the place. I have always disliked painted brick because I feel it takes away from its natural beauty. This is one of those topics that people generally feel very strongly -- either they love it or hate it. It is the great brick debate!

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