Sister's Bedroom Wall

My little sister is in NYC for graduate school. Last week when she was home for Spring Break, she posed the issue that she needs some art for her bedroom. So, I took to the blogs & internet to see what I could come up with that would be on a budget.

First, I did some research and brainstormed on what would look best given that it's such a tight space: click here for some tips about Wall Decor. Even more helpful perhaps, was this little bit from Elements of Style and the talented Erin Gates. Here is the look I put together to make a cluster that would hang just over her bed:

What do you think? Here is a description of what is below:

A: This pink and green print is part of a larger series called “Paris vs. NYC.” At first I thought it would just be cool to do three or four of these but then I decided just to use one. I like the one with macaroons and the cupcake b/c of the color. It’s an 8x10 print and sells for $24.00.

B: This photo I love! It’s simple but the color is great. It’s an 8x8 print and sells for $25.00

C: This poster is part of the “Keep Calm” series but I thought this one is hilarious since it has to do with Harry Potter. It’s only a 5x7 but it also only costs $10.00. I think it’s a Must Have since my sis loves HP!

D: This frame you could find just about anywhere but I selected this one with the three different slots for 4x6 photos. It’s on sale at Pottery Barn for $23.00: I really like the quality of their frames.

E: This smoky print has a pink undertone to it which I like. It makes it more interesting in my opinion. It sells for $25 and measures 8X8.

F: These vintage keys could by hung any way you like. Only $19.00 for a set of 7, I think it’s a pretty good deal. This also introduces another color/metal into the cluster which I think is necessary.

G: I also think she should do a larger 5x7 with a big white mat around it. Those look very elegant. It could be done in any size but I think it's important to keep it horizontal. I also found this frame on Pottery Barn (see letter D).

H: The biggest of all the pieces at 11x14, this print is still only $26.00.

Well, how did I do? We'll see....Hope I'm not fired already :) Ha! Happy Saturday!

Escape For a Day

Do you ever wish you could lead another life or at least think about what it would be like? Well, I often do. Not that I wish for another life but always find myself thinking, wonder what it's like to be her....?

This is one of my favorite photos taken by my good friend Karly Duncan. I often find myself wondering about this woman! Is she fabulous or what?

Favorite Photos

I have been looking and compiling some of my favorite photos from the last few years in hopes of doing something cool with them for our new bedroom. I love that each of these photos I took reminds me of a special place or moment in time. See for yourself:

Happy Friday!!

Finally Found It

No I didn't lose anything, I have been looking for the perfect spot to use orange in our home and I finally found it!

As you know, I have been working on our office space and front room in our home. We are working to transform our little messy home office into a more useful sitting space. Here is the direction I am leaning and a few of the concepts I am working on:

The orange fabric would go on the two grey chairs and the green fabric is actually a RUG. I also plan on painting the office in the same gray as our bedroom so there is some continuity in the house (see swatch above). Sit tight as the madness begins! :) More pictures and updates to come!!

Tres Chic

Spring is approaching and I am getting excited about retiring some of my winter colors in exchange for the soft hues of Spring. Here is an outfit that I am craving!

The LOFT Chunky Strand Flower Necklace $39.50

Banana Republic Crinkled Ruffle Sweater $79.50

Maxi Dress from Anthropologie $228.00

Sandals from Nordstrom $39.90

And this Cole Haan bag $198.00

Wishing my husband was more understanding when it comes to "updating my wardrobe." Oh well, a girl can dream can't she?

Dark Paint

Dark wall paint is certainly becoming more popular whether charcoal, navy or black. Though I've tracing the trend mostly in dining spaces (perhaps thanks to Tori Burch's artful dining room design), these colors can certainly be used in other rooms of the house as well. Look at these gorgeous examples of this new trend:

Hope you're having a great week! We are enjoying such gorgeous weather in Austin that I cannot wait for the weekend! Have a good one :)

Wedding Wednesday: Photos

I love wedding photos! After all, when the ice sculpture has melted and the flowers are dead and the dress has been dry cleaned, the pictures are the thing that tells the fun and brings back all the memories!

I saw this photo on this photographer's website, and I thought it was such a cool idea. What a neat way to capture all the friends and family that attended your reception and celebrated with you on that special day!

Hope you're having a great week! I'm so glad today is Hump Day :)

Charcoal Loves Orange

Following up on what I posted yesterday, here is a look at orange and charcoal gray. What a beautiful and bold use of color!

I love this trend that gray and orange are being paired together as I was getting a little tired of gray and yellow or gray and mustard. I like these two hues together. Thinking of some orange to implement into our new gray Master Bedroom...Stay tuned...

Orange, it's HOT!

Though Honeysuckle may be the color to wear this season,

I am seeing orange making a huge splash in the design world. It doesn't have to be lots of orange like I posted here, but certainly every room deserves a little pop of this fun color:

Get with it and put a little orange in your life!

Sumptuos Silver

I picked up an issue of Austin Monthly Home and was thrilled to see so many photos of rooms done in silver. Here are some beautiful designs using this fun hue.

I love the fabrics used in this dining room

This gorgeous feminine wallpaper may be my absolute favorite!

So lovely!!

Whether light fixtures, vases, frames or mirrors, every room needs a little taste of this metallic! Good finds Austin Monthly Home!

The Princess Needs Peace

I now understand why the Princess in the story of "The Princess and the Pea" was so irritated when she couldn't sleep well because her room and bed were out of sorts. I can sympathize because I too haven't felt truly at peace in our new house until our bedroom was "finished." I say that in quotes because I don't think a room is ever really finished; we are still in need of some wall art, throw pillows, maybe some curtains and a throw across the end of the bed.

BUT, I also am extremely proud of the progress we have made since we moved in a little over a year ago (considering we started from scratch and this room was totally empty for the first 6months). Here is a look at the royal chamber:

I have lots of favorites in the room, but I love the mirrored credenza (of course!) and also the white cowhide rug (you might remember I was ogling over some animal skin a few weeks ago here). Thanks to my sweet husband for such a fun Valentine's Day present.

We are so happy with our new space! Hopefully you feel energized to put a new little spin on yours :)

One Kings Lane

For those of you who have not yet visited this site, it is worth a look: click here. Similar to Rue La La and several other discount online shopping site, this site is for things for the home. Through Saturday, Random House is having a sale of design and coffee table books. I took this opportunity to buy a few for myself in hopes to further my education in home design and decor.

All these beautiful coffee table books are hardcover and between $20-$40. I know my coffee table is certainly in need of a little love. Not a bad price! Don't forget that Mother's Day is just around the corner...

Visit One Kings Lane today!!!!

Wedding Wednesday: Big Long Tables

I have to say that I really love big long tables at weddings. At our wedding, we had no choice but to have twelve top circular tables dispersed across the room. A big long table would not have worked. I think it can be done well in may ways,

1) If you are having a smaller, more intimate affair then everyone can feel included by being at the same table with the bride and groom.

2) If you are having a larger wedding, it can be easier and more fun to have long tables and mix things up a little.

3) A bride and groom can sit with both sides of the family or with their wedding party (to avoid reverting back to the cliche "head table" at the reception, have this long table situated amongst all the others. There is nothing worse than having to face the entire room while eating (especially if you are in some hideous taffeta creation.)

Here are a few photos of some sumptuous long tables that I love:

This table features large potted plants along the center of the table.

But this is my absolute favorite! Nothing says romance like a wine garden and chandeliers. Well done!

All of these and many more can be found on my FAVORITE wedding blog, Style Me Pretty! If you aren't addicted yet, you will be!