Wood Beds

I am seriously been obsessed with my new favorite site, Toast. The image above has inspired me to work on my very small guest room. I think I want to buy a few blossom pillows and a set of ticking stripe sheets and duvet from Toast to start me off. I want to pair it with a plain wood bed that will fit snugly into the walls. I started searching online and I came across these two at Room & Board. The lines feel simple and a bit Shaker. I think I should keep investigating. Let me know if you know of any good inexpensive sources.

Calvin Bed, $799-$1,299, roomandboard.com.

Lowry Bed, $899-$1,299, roomandboard.com.

Animation: Natsko

I found these short animations late last night when I couldn't sleep. The clips are really imaginative and fun. I wish I could do animation! Check them out now: natsko.com.

Hans Wegner Dining Chairs

Hans Wegner, Wishbone Chair, on sale for $550, karkula.com.

My recent obsession with Hans Wegner's rope chairs sparked an interest in his dining chairs. Each one is simple and uncomplicated. The chairs represent a simplicity that feels more utilitarian then stark and modern. The uncomplicated lines make it a perfect suitor for nearly any type of interior. I have my eye on the Wishbone Chair above. I've seen this chair many times in basic black but this version feels really danish. The colors and textures are warm and appealing. A few of my other favorites below. Check out more: karkula.com.

J.Crew At The Liquor Store

I have been hearing rumors from all my New York friends about J.Crew's new men's store in an old bar. I don't care so much about the clothes but the styling of the store is amazing! Attributed to Andy Spade—of the Kate Spade mega-prep brand—consulted on the styling of the space. The store oozes old New England waspy charm. I definitely need to invest in some worn antique rugs and various wood pieces. Get the full scoop on the store and check out more images: urbandaddy.com.

J.Crew at The Liquor Store
235 W. Broadway (at White)
New York, NY
212-226-5476

Rainy Fall Weekend

All weekend it poured rain here in Marblehead. By this morning Greg and I were feeling like we were stuck in a fog of perma-sleep. We headed out for a long morning walk to try to refresh ourselves when we spotted this impressive display of fall mums and plants at Flores Mantilla. A striking spectacle of jeweled toned reds, purples, and yellows flowers pulled us in from across the street. The impressive show lifted our spirits and reminded us how much we love fall.

Astier de Villatte Website

I am getting ready for the Presidential Debates in just a 1/2 hour. While we wait check out this cool website a friend just sent over. Honestly, it took me a minute to figure out why the site was so cool. The website is flash based and you need to hover over different objects to make it come alive. A really fun idea. The website is even sporting my new favorite green! The green looks totally hot with that red dress. Maybe I need a red chair? Check out the site to explore: astierdevillatte.com

Paper Cut Prints: Elsita

I love these black and white paper cut prints from Elsita. I remembering seeing these prints awhile back and of course forgetting where I saw them. I discovered them again via the delightful blog, annsage.com. Elsita's paper cuts are prints of the original pieces. I totally need to add one of these to my art wall. Prints will run you $25 for a 8.5" x 11" piece. Check out more from Elsita: etsy.com.

Scarves: Matta

The weather totally sucks today in New England. Cold, gray, and rainy. I just took a little jaunt down the street for my second latte of the day when I spotted these scarves at my favorite new clothing store, French + Italian. French + Italian is full of decadent clothing and accessories that feel simple, earthy, and classic.

Tied around a simple gray tee was my newest obsession (above). Elegant turquoise and emerald greens flowers abstractly dance around a gorgeous 100% wool scarf. A great accessory for the fall to brighten up a simple wardrobe—like my new work from home basics.

The scarf is made by a NY based company, Matta. They carry a great selection of global inspired clothing and accessories. I am smitten with their scarves. Prices range from $100-$156. I know they are really pricey! Buy one and make it your signature piece for the entire winter. Seriously you will grab this scarf every time its cold and miserable outside. To check out more visit: mattany.com.

Spotted at:
French + Italian
129 Washington Street
Marblehead, MA
(781) 639-5129

Script: Mermaid Inn

I am working on a new banner for my blog. I spotted this script at The Mermaid Inn a few months ago. The curvy lines of the script are thin enough that its not too fancy or feminine. I am thinking about incorporating a script like this with a line landscape drawing of Marblehead. Maybe in all black and white? We'll see how it goes! Be sure to check out The Mermaid Inn's website. A few screenshots of their super cute website below.

Pinhole Artwork

This is my last post for the day. I promised myself I would get my office/studio clean so I can start making some of my own artwork. Right now I just want to stare at these beautiful pieces from Heather Smith Jones. Each piece is so delicate and elegant. Totally affordable! An original paper cut pattern will run you $45 for a 5 x 5 piece. Check out more: etsy.com.

English Floral Pillow

O.k. I know I already showed my love for new favorite site, Toast. But I had to share these super adorable pillows! The print is so cute but not too cute. They feel vintage and pure English. Even better? The fabric has accents of my new favorite shade of green! Maybe they are perfect for my hated brown couch? To purchase visit: toast.co.uk.

Wool Blankets: Toast

I am a huge fan of cuddly blankets. I'm an even bigger fan of plaid wool blankets! I found this great UK site via poppytalk. So many great things! Check out some of my favorite blankets from Toast above and below. So pretty! I want them all. Thankfully, gathering all my favorite into a blog stops me from buying everything in sight! See more cozy favorites: toast.co.uk.

Linen Tableclothes: Libeco Home

I have been dreaming a lot about linen tableclothes. They have to be one of the most sumptuous items you can dress your table with. The flow and grace of linen is distinctly feminine and classic. I've been drooling over these gorgeous pictures from Libeco Home. I don't think I could choose just one. Check out more: libecohomestores.com.

Wall Colors I Love: Greens

I've had these images in my inspiration folder for awhile now. A couple of the photos we have seen before. I thought I would group them together here for inspiration. I love these greens they are so earthy and classic.

Felt Storage Boxes

Small felt bin $95.

How about a little afternoon love for these felt beauties? The grey feels perfect for the season. Two or three would be perfect in an entryway to organize hats and mail. Can be custom ordered from Feel Design. Check out more: etsy.com.

John Derian For Target

John Derian for Target is finally here! I've read about the new pieces a number of times but was never able to locate them online. FYI it looks like some of pieces are available in-store only. I kinda want to jump in the car right now to check it all out! All the pieces are super affordable. Prices range from $9.99-$24.99. I would pick up your favorites now because I am sure they won't last! Check out more: target.com.

Birch Trees: Entryway

I think I may start on the entry way in the next few days. I thought a lot about wallpaper and different stencils I could do. My first choice would be to wallpaper the space in a bright floral. I'm afraid of investing in a fancy wallpaper because the stairway is so small. It seems every time we bring a something up the stairs we bang the walls. So what about if I painted it? I was thinking about painting a mural of birch trees like this Cole & Son wallpaper? The walls get pretty high once you round the corner of the stairs which would make for a cool effect. I love the simple color palette and lines in the Cole & Son paper and I think I could duplicate it to fit in the space. It could be a fun and creative project to do. I just don't know if trees would be weird since we live by the ocean?

Future Gardens and Other Destinations: Julian Lesser

I am so bummed I can't attend Julian's art opening this weekend. Be sure to check out Future Gardens and Other Destinations: A new body of work by Julian Lesser opening September 27th at The Drawing Room in Stoneridge, NY. I love Julian's work! Julian is a master of balancing color and composition. Layers of shapes and colors allow the viewer to delve into a world of fantasy and imagination. To find out more about Julian and upcoming events: julianlesser.com.

The Drawing Room
3743 Main Street
Stone Ridge, NY

Meat Shot

I had to share this funny photo I took in the Meatpacking District in NY. It seemed everyone that walked by couldn't resist taking a few shots.

Room & Board Chairs

I snagged a few photos of some cool chairs at Room & Board while in NY over the past few days. Above are a pair of woven rope chairs by Hans Wegner.They are so nautical and New England. Unfortunately, they were a bit out of my price range at $2,785 each. The white dining chair feels very shaker with a modern twist. Available with or without arms for about $250 each. Check out more: roomandboard.com.

Wedding Flowers from Nicollette Camille

I just got back from a wedding in NY. I am totally exhausted and in need of some r&r. Before I headed off to a nap I had to share these gorgeous flowers from my friend's wedding. Gorgeous! They were a total hit. I love all the different colors and textures. They smelled exquisite and they mesmerized all of us! All the flowers were designed by Nicollette Camille. I would hire her in a heartbeat for my wedding. Check out more: nicolettecamille.com.

Off to a Wedding in NYC

I'm leaving tomorrow morning for a wedding in NY. The ceremony is scheduled for this Saturday (cross your fingers: no rain) under the Brooklyn Bridge. Even better? Nicolette Camille one of my favorite floral designers (I recommended her) is doing the flowers! I'll be back next week with a full report and pictures. For now check out Nicolette's portfolio here.

Hand Embroidered Napkins

Here is a little afternoon eye candy. Hand embroidered linen napkins from Marston & Langinger. The napkins are individually styled with a tulip or heart embroidery. $45 each at marstonstore.com.

Curtain Fabric: Josef Frank

I've been checking out fabric to make curtains for our living room. My inspiration room has browns and greens. I was thinking about just putting in simple linen curtains. I am a bit hesitant because linen just feels so boring and cliché. I love Josef Frank's textiles. How about one of these as curtains? The colors and lively flowers totally fit my aesthetic. Are they too crazy? I don't know if I can afford the fabric anyway. We decided to put in blown in insulation which will pretty much eat up my decorating budget for now. Grr. Check out more fabrics from Josef Frank: justscandinavian.com.

Blown In Insulation

We had a contractor stop by this morning for an estimate on blown in cellulose insulation. Our house has absolutely no insulation in the walls. With a projected record cold winter right around the corner we need to act fast to come up with some type of solution. A neighbor told us that the town that offers a 50% rebate on the cost of an insulation upgrade. The estimate came in at $4,000 so hopefully we can recoup half of that costs with the rebate. The contractor is booked for the next 3 weeks. I guess everyone has the same idea as us! I'll keep you updated on the whole process.

PhotoShelterPrints: Nature Photography

Photo by Oscar Gutierrez

One more affordable art option for the day. This tip comes via design sponge. I love both photos and think they would be great over a bed. Greg loves the trees. I kinda like the clouds. Super affordable! A 12 x 18 goes for $125 and their largest size (20 x 30) is only $250. I will have to keep these in mind! Check out more: pscprints.photoshelter.com.

Photo by Jason Florio

Matthew Smith: Sealife Etchings

I discovered Matthew Smith in a local framing shop. The "Northern Right Whale" above is my favorite. The whale looks so old and grumpy. The prints are made using a technique called, Copper Block Etching. The images do not do them justice. The colors in the etching are stunning in person. A great holiday or birthday gift. Prices range from a reasonable $170-$360. To purchase and check out more: quincypondprintworks.com.

The Stove is in!

Getting the stove up the stairs and into the kitchen turned out to be quite a project. We had to remove a number of the pieces to clear our 27 inch doorways. The door, front panel, knobs, grates, burners, all had to come off. Lifting it up the stairs was incredibly hard because the stove was still pretty heavy at about 150 pounds. We made it up the stairs and through two doorways with a lot of sweat and patience.

The last door into the kitchen prove to be the hardest. The door was the smallest measuring at 25 inches wide. We had to remove the back panel to make it fit. Getting it though the door required us to pretty much bench press the stove up and over the sink. I can't believe I actually did it. I guess I really wanted the stove. My arms are still pretty sore today. We got the stove back together on Friday night at around midnight. The whole process took us 4 hours. Crazy! I love the stove but it does look pretty silly in our ghetto kitchen. I'm just glad I can finally cook again.