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Idea Gallery: Dressing Area

Image via Southern Accents

This dressing area is feminine without being pink and fluffy. I love the graphic curtains paired with the white covered vanity and pale blues. The collection of mirrors is a great idea to create a classy three-way mirror.

Color Combos: Shades of White

Image via Coastal Living

So simple and so beautiful. This is how barebones and unique pieces shine.

New Look!

I thought my blog could use a little re-design! Like all things- I get a little bored and need to change it. Perfect example is this weekend when I took down everything on a wall in the bedroom and re-hung everything changing the layout and pieces. My husband came home and said "Can't you ever leave well alone?" The simply answer to the question is "Well, no..."

Things I Love Today: Breakfast Nooks

Images via Massucco Warner Miller

I have seen a lot of cute breakfast nooks recently. It is a great use of a kitchen corner. I love how intimate, relaxed and comfy there are.

Idea Gallery: Old & New Bedroom

Image via Miles Redd

While wallpaper is not for everyone, I used this example as a way to show older styles with modern ones. The vintage wallpaper and canopy bed work perfectly with the modern striped rug and pops of blue in the pair of lamps and tables used as a bench. Again demonstrating the power of accessories in showing the mood of a room.

In Follow-Up: Mailbox Makeover

So here is my lovely, purple Morning Glory vine growing up the mailbox. I love it- I know I am lame but it's the little things. I didn't include a picture of the whole thing for security purposes but it is a basic white mailbox with the standard sticker numbers. I am thinking I either want to paint a design and numbers on the box or buy some nicer numbers. It's all about curb appeal and cheap quick fixes!! Stay tuned...

How Hard Would It Be: Shallow Shelves

Image Via Frank Roop Designs

I love these wall length shelves in this bright bedroom. It is a functional headboard, that I think would be pretty easy to execute. One of our guest bedroom walls needs something and this may be it!!

Idea Gallery: Mailbox Makeover

I am looking for inspiration to fix up my mailbox. I have a beautiful purple flowered vine wrapping around it but the actual mailbox is very blah. This example from MyHomeIdeas.com is a pretty good example of how far you could take this- don't know if I would go this far but mailboxes shouldn't be overlooked. It is often the first thing you see when you pull up to a house. I am thinking about using a decal to decorate it or paint it- need to investigate further!

How Hard Would It Be: DIY Nightlights

I saw these at the Bee-Hive Co-Op in Mt. Kisco and thought they were sooo cute. I think these would be pretty easy to re-create. Stay-Tuned....

Craving: Crewelwork Anything

I am currently loving any kind of crewelwork. I have seen a lot of things recently in Pottery Barn and Anthropologie that are fueling the fire. The curtains above available in three shades(Anthropologie) are no exception.

Idea Gallery: Romantic Kitchen

Image Via Coastal Living

Love the romantic feel of this kitchen. The glass cabinets, chandelier, and distressed long table are functional and chic. The long bench pulled up to the table is great if you are tight on space. But that table is definitely the star of this picture!

Things I Love Today: Bedroom Nooks

My favorite shell lamp and rocker. Bought the lamp several years ago when I barely had anything for an apartment, found the night stand on the street, and the rocker is an antique my parents passed on (cushion 5 bucks from Marshalls). In my opinion small little nooks make a house.

DIY: Coppertop Penny Table

What You Need: A table that is damaged and/or boring, a lot of pennies (depending on size), fast drying poly, and a sponge brush.

What's The Process: Paint layers of poly and add pennies to sticky surface. Allow to dry and then coat with 2 layers of Poly to create a glassy & even surface.

What You Get: A converation piece for people not "made of money" (pun intended!).

How Hard Would It Be: Flower Chandelier

I am digging this chandelier I spotting this weekend. I think this is very doable: fabric and pretty silk flowers and voila!!!

Before and After- Earring Holder

Before:
Wood with an old window screen. Did the trick but wasn't so pretty.

After:
I spray painted the frame crackled white and hot glued an open weave lace to the back. It really makes it lighter and more girly!

Idea Gallery: Window Treatment

I love this idea for a window treatment I found in a home design store in Croton-on-Hudson. The wooden piece is a great way to provide some privacy and visual interest, all while letting the sun shine in.

Finds: One of A Kind Sculpture

I fell in love with this guy yesterday. A hand-painted & signed antique parrot sculpture from Spain. This picture does not do it justice. I found it at Rezidenzia in Dobbs Ferry, the place is amazing and the owner is so nice and great to talk to. She is rare in that she is a collector and only has things in her store that she truly loves. When I told her I just had to have it, she needed a moment to say goodbye, a good sign in a shop to me. Everytime I see it- it just makes me happy.

Dreaming of... Amazing Pools!

Is this heaven? No, it is Northern California, at a home that I think is my version of heaven. Vineyard, check. Infinity pool, check. Amazing weather, check.

Dear New York weather gods- could we have a day with a high under 89?!

Progress: Sprucing Up the Hallway

So the hallway has been a work in progress. Still need to put up the chair rail, but in the mean time I have been sprucing it up with some art(mirror $20 at Homegoods) and accessories. Check out my grandfather's wooden skiis! How cool are they?! Stay tuned for an official Before and After...

How Hard Would It Be: Outdoor Shower

While I have far from this view to work with, I do have a fairly private yard and love the idea of an outdoor shower. This one from Restoration Hardware and uses your outdoor hose. This item is apparently a hot commodity as they are completely sold out, but by looking at it- the construction and plumbing are pretty simple (when your hubby is a carpenter). Do you hear the wheels churning and see my husbands eyes rolling?

Things I Love Today: Fun & Inviting Laundry Room

Image via Coastal Living

Making laundry fun in so many ways! The shell chandelier is awesome, the rustic island for folding, the painted green middle cabinet for pop, the vintage sink with striped skirt, the bright art as a backsplash. Love!!

Idea Gallery: Antique Mirror Display

This is my mirror wall in the bathroom. I like the mix of small mirrors to make a larger statement.

Idea Gallery: Hallway Space-Saving Design

Image via HomeLife

This is a great idea in a narrow hallway. Floating shelves at counter height with storage drawers give you a spot for your keys, sunglasses, mail, etc but while not taking up visual space with a bulky console.

Finds: Blue Arm Chair

I had been stalking these blue wooden chairs at TJ Maxx. They started off at $99 and I snagged them for $33, at that price I bought two.

These "Isabella" chairs are on sale at Pottery Barn for $139. Sorry PB you lose again (and mine has arms)!

I Think I Am In Love: Double Sided Couch

Image via Elle Decor

What a great way to layout a long living room: double-sided couch!!! Two intimate conversation areas in a big room. This is just so cool- next house:)

New Use For: Cloth Napkins

Here's a great DIY window treatment idea from Better, Homes & Gardens.

Purchase a rivet and grommet kit from a fabric store. Join the edges of two napkins together with jeans rivets spaced every 2 inches. To install, cut a small hole in the fabric, insert both pieces of the rivet or grommet, and use the tool that comes in the kit to press them together. Repeat until all napkins are attached and the panel is wide enough to cover your window. Add the large grommets along the tops of the panels and thread onto a curtain rod.

There are so many adorable cloth napkins- the possibilities are endless. You could also do this for a valance as well as the cafe curtains above.

Finds: Cushioned Kitchen Mat

So I found these cushioned mats at Marshalls very similar to the ones at Williams-Sonoma for only $20. They are soft and resilient, and ease the strain on feet & legs while you cook and wash dishes. I bought two and put them together, now I have a sweet runner. I love the feel and look and price!!!

Things I Love Today: New Irish Pottery Wall

A housewarming gift from the In-Laws (haha). Love handmade pottery- found these two pieces perfect for the narrow space by the front door at a lovely little shop called Hedgerows.

So if you ever find yourself in Birr, Co. Offaly- definitely pop in!

What Not To Do: Dry Carpet Squares in 90+ Heat

So I am constantly suggesting things to do on my blog, so here is something to NOT do.
Attempting to dry carpet tiles on your lawn in 90+ degree heat was not the most brillant plan me and my hubby have ever had, we thought that one day wouldn't hurt- famous last words. Now we have a burnt grass version of hopscotch.

Idea Gallery: Beachy Kitchen

Image via Coastal Living

What a beachy, laid-back kitchen! Love the distressed white stools, the muted tiled counters, and most of all the use of a retro screen door for the pantry. That is just adorable!

Lifesaver: Decorative Box

My vanity was really bothering me. It looked messy and unbalanced, but I didn't want to hide all my makeup & lotions away and not have it easily accessible (being that I don't give myself too much extra time to get ready- would rather spend those minutes sleeping!)

Solution: Cool Asian-inspired fushia box I found at Homegoods for $15. It is big enough to hold all my makeup, perfume, lotions etc. and pretty enough to display. I still have some things I want to change about this area, but that one accessory made a big improvement.

Craving: Patriotic Treats

Image via Better Homes & Gardens

So simple and so yummy! Layer blueberries, ice cream / frozen yogurt and strawberries, and it is like America in a glass (Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Happiness). Definitely the latter!!!

Happy 4th!

I Think I Am In Love: New Lounger

My birthday gift from the hubster! "The Deluxe Orbit Lounger" is a little taste of paradise. I think I know where most of my holiday weekend will be spent!!!!

Things I Love Today: Ivy on Anything!

I have always loved ivy. Maybe because the house I grew up in had ivy growing on one side. I just think it makes a house look alive and almost mysterious. These pictures were of course taken in Ireland, all in County Offaly (same as the last post) where my better half is from:)

Color Combos: Irish Exteriors

I love the bright paint colors in Irish towns, they are so cheerful and inviting. American exteriors seem so boring in comparison (white, beige, gray). Think we could all use some color!!!!

Says It All: Back from The Emerald Isle

More to come, once the jet-lag settles!

New Use for: Rectangular Basket

For a quick and cheap side table, flip over a rectangular basket you can basically get anywhere, place something you like on top (I have a embroidered placemat, but you could use art, photos, cool wallpaper, etc.), put glass or plexi over it and voila, a smooth surface with character!

Side Note: My next project is that lamp- stay tuned....

Quick Project: Deck Decor

Why not hang art on the outside of your house? We count our deck as a room- we eat outside and hangout there constantly so why not jazz it up! Just make sure to not hang your Rothko and Pollock's where they will get too wet! You can get extremley cheap art at any of my favs: TJ's, Homegoods, etc. Just make sure to get canvas or even some of the metal art works well too- you just might want to spray some sealer on top!

Idea Gallery: Cool & Comfortable Family Room

Image Via Coastal Living

I love the setup, color combo, and vibe of this room (and the view doesn't hurt). The ottomans and couches around the coffee table invite conversation or a music session. The beachy shades of turquoise, periwinkle, and bluey-grays mix beautifully with shades of brown, tan, and white. The straw rug as wall art is unexpected, and the casual fabric lanterns are modern but still organic.

Finds: Glass Beverage Dispenser

Image Via My Home Ideas

I found one very similar to this at Homegoods. I am excited to fill it with a festive drink- I am thinking White Sangria. Such a good idea for a outdoor party, keeps all the bugs out & I love the mason jar glasses too.

Just in Time for Summer: Tom's Shoes Wedges

I love Toms shoes, and now in a cute and comfy wedge- I am in! They have several fun colors- but I am digging the orange! The best part is every pair of Toms shoes you buy, they donate a pair to a child in need. Need I say more!

How Hard Would It Be...Garden Trellis

Image Via Canadian House & Home

How hard would this be? It looks like a fairly simple construction. Love the vines climbing up and the privacy it creates...oh, carpenter hubby...!

Color Combos: Hamptoms Living Room

Image Via Elle Decor

I thought this color combination was so fresh and unique. The taupe walls with accents of fushia, red, yellow and browns look unexpectedly fluid. I love the mix of patterns and the fun and functional accent furniture. That large ottoman pulls it all together.