Antique Store Score

I picked up this little beauty at a store downtown not too long ago:

Then I found this on Pinterest--almost an exact match!

Decorating Blues

You've probably guessed by now that I like blue. From calming and serene to energizing (and even appetite-suppressing), the range of hues is vast. Here are some great ways to use blue in decorating.

Color Magic: Tap Into Psychology to Better Use Blue at Home

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Kids Products on Houzz- For Example:

Changing Tables · Crib Accessories · Kids Chairs · Kids Toys · Mobiles · Nursery Decor · Rocking Chairs And Gliders · Toy Storage ·

Colorful Combinations

Like going bold with color? Here are some great tips for using color and some lovely palettes that you might not have thought of. I know which one is my favorite--can you guess?

8 Daring Paint Palettes for Fearless Color Lovers

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Window Treatments on Houzz- For Example:

Cellular Shades · Curtain Poles · Curtains · Roller Blinds · Roman Blinds · Venetian Blinds · Vertical Blinds · Window Blinds ·

Welcome Home

I have a fascination with foyers, probably because my house doesn't have much of one. There's a small pony wall and column to separate the entry from the living room, but no space at all for any sort of furniture or even a mirror for a last makeup check before heading out the door. We have coat hooks (very handy this time of year), but I long for a bench or a pretty chest where I could stash a few running-out-the-door necessities, especially a sticky roller for removing dog hair.

Entry No. 3 here makes me swoon, but it's more than I could ever hope for:

Readers' Choice: The 10 Most Popular Entryways of 2012

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Lighting on Houzz- For Example:

Ceiling Fans · Chandeliers · Floor Lamps · Kitchen Lighting And Cabinet Lighting · Lamp Shades · Light Bulbs · Table Lamps · Wall Sconces ·

And, of course, the organization in No. 2 is insane. What's your favorite entryway?

Pattern Play: Houndstooth

I'm so excited that houndstooth is popular again. I've always loved this traditional pattern, and it so fun when done in unexpected colors and sizes, or used in unusual ways. So when I came across this Houzz article, I had to share it. Enjoy!

Guest Picks: Hankering for Houndstooth

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Home Office Products on Houzz- For Example:

Bulletin Board · Cable Management · Desk Accessories · Desks · Filing Cabinets And Carts · Task Chairs ·

Dining Room Drama

My dining room update is moving along, slowly but surely. I found the perfect curtains. Well, almost perfect. They're a bit short, so I need to either move the rod down or add some trim to bottom of the panels—probably the ladder.

So with that in mind, here are some of my favorite dramatic dining spaces.

Source: sacramentostreet.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: inspirebohemia.blogspot.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: room269.tumblr.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: luxeandlillies.blogspot.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: theglitterguide.tumblr.com via Beth on Pinterest

One of Those Weeks

I'll take this:

                                                                 Source: houseofturquoise.com via Beth on Pinterest

And this:

                                                               Source: burnhamdesign.com via Beth on Pinterest

Is it Friday yet?

Animal Skin Rugs: Tired or Trendy?

I subscribed to Metropolitan Home for years (until it went away with other beloved magazines, victims of the Internet and a bad economy). I loved the warm modern style the magazine showcased. But one thing I found maddening was the ubiquity of Saarinen tulip tables. Evey issue had at least one—dining tables, side tables, marble-topped tables. Toward the end there were tulip tables in just about every home tour, three or four per issue.

Now, don't get me wrong: I love the simplicity of a Saarinen table and the fact it looks just as good in a modern space as in a more traditional setting. It just started to become a cliché, and I found myself cringing every time I saw yet. another. one.

Which brings me to the subject at hand: hide rugs.

Decor Pad via The Simply Luxurious Life

I can hardly open a design magazine or read a blog post lately without seeing yet another hide run. Cowhide, zebra—you name it. While I like the organic shape of a hide, I'll admit I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea of decorating with dead animals (my leather Eames-style lounger notwithstanding!). But that's not what I'm objecting to (faux animal hides are all over the place, too). I guess it's just starting to seem rote and unimaginative.

So what do you think: Are animal skin rugs passé or here to stay? Am I just being a crank? And did the person who designed this room want to drive me over the edge?

Dream House in the Hills

I know it's been around for a while, but I just ran across this gorgeous Hollywood Hills home via coco+kelley, and I'm officially obsessed.

                                                                            Source: magazinec.com via Beth on Pinterest

From the neutral color palette punctuated with shots of bold color to the big windows that let in all the glorious LA sunshine, this home has me written all over it. And then there's the location. It's no secret that I covet a house in the hills.

                                                                      Source: livecreatingyourself.com via Jacquie on Pinterest

Every detail is perfect.

                                                                                Source: magazinec.com via Beth on Pinterest

The place is owned by Hollywood insider Jacqui Getty. See more pictures at C magazine—but have a tissue ready, because it's drool-worthy!

Decisions Made

You probably know by now that it takes me awhile to make a decision. Not always, but I can take my time. But after struggling with some decor choices, I think I've finally made up my mind.

First in the dining room, I think I've found curtain fabric I like. Well, two fabrics, either of which will work:

Pretty, aren't they? They have the colors I'm looking for (a white background with red, blue and yellow—well, they're more gold, but close enough), and the patterns are fun and not too traditional. Jo-Ann's didn't have enough of either pattern when I was there, but I'm sure I'll be able to find what I need.

I also want to make a matching panel for the sliding glass door in the kitchen. I've been struggling with what to do about that since we moved in. It has vertical blinds (shudder!). I leave them open most of the time since we don't have privacy or light control issues there, but I like to close them when the gardeners are here, because that calms my dogs (OK, only a bit, but I'll take what I can get). The panel can go over the blinds and hide them for the majority of the time they're not in use.

I also think I'm going to use a stencil rather than wallpaper on the back wall of the dining room. My reasoning is that if I decide I don't like the stencil, I can always paper over it. Plus, I want to use the stencil in other rooms, so it won't go to waste. I haven't decided exactly which stencil yet, but probably this one.

As for the living room, I think I'll take Charmaine's advice and paint it the console coral. It's a very bold choice for me, but I need to push myself a bit. Thanks, Charmaine!

I've also decide to stick with the curtains that are there but maybe add some trim to the ends in the same fabric I use in the dining room.The colors will work, and it will all tie in together.

So now that I've made my decisions, it's time to get to work!

Are you stuck on any home projects? How did you finally get past it?

Should I Paint the Console?

I'm thinking about painting the console behind the sofa in the living room. There's nothing wrong with it as it is (well, except scratches on the top from dogs), but there's just so much dark wood furniture in the room, and then the big dark fireplace. It feels a little heavy, and I think paint might lighten things up a bit.

Then of course I have to decide what color. White is an obvious choice, but it's predictable and, besides, the cute owls from West Elm wouldn't stand out—and I love those owls.

I'd like a light gray, but I'm not sure how it would work in the mostly tan room.

I think I'm leaning toward blue. Something light and bright and fresh. And it would work with the side chairs, which are called "sea foam" but are really kind of an icy blue. My only concern is that blue might look a little too country, which is not at all the look I'm going for.

What do you think—should I do it? And if so, what color?

On the Set

Did you catch HGTV on the Set with Emily Henderson (love her!) on Friday? I just randomly turned it on (I really don't even watch HGTV that much these days, sorry to say). But it was touring the set of Big Bang Theory, so I had to watch. I love that show and I really like Leonard and Sheldon's apartment for some reason.

Anyway, it went on to show the sets from Modern Family. Like the show, love the sets! Claire and Phil's home is probably closest to my own style (although Cam and Mitchell's place is a very close second, and the exterior wins, hands down).

The Dunphy living room, via Hooked on Houses

Exterior of Cam and Mitchell's duplex, via Hooked on Houses

But by far my favorite TV family home is on NBC's Parenthood.While I enjoy the scenes in the yard of Zeek and Camille, it's Adam and Kristina's Craftsman that I want to move into. Right. Now.

Adam and Kristina's family room, via Reckless Bliss

Exterior of Zeek and Camile's home, via Reckless Bliss

It's worth watching both shows just for the house porn, but I like the characters, too.

I also love Don and Megan's new pad on Mad Men, but that's for another day.

What's your favorite TV house?

Home Office: Office Space

Whether you work from home full time like I do or you just need a place to pay bills and browse Pinterest, a functional home office is essential. And if you're a creative type, you'll want your space to be inspiring.

My musts for a home office are:

• Quiet. If you can shut the door, that's great, but if you can't, consider investing in some noise-canceling headphones.
• Inspiration. I'm surrounded by things I love and things that make me smile. And throughout spring and summer, there's always a fresh flower on my desk.
• Storage. Some people prefer open shelving so they can see what they have, while others prefer to hide everything behind closed doors. Whatever your style, make sure you have a place for everything (and not all of it on your desktop).
• A comfortable chair. If you work from home full time, don't skimp on this one—it really is worth the price.

With all that in mind, I've rounded up some workable work spaces, from a desk in a closet to a spacious room.

How clever (not to mention beautiful and efficient) is this closet turned office? Even caught a glimpse of it on HGTV this weekend:

IHeart Organizing

Sarah's House 2

This simple and serene desk is tucked into a corner:

Apartment Therapy

I've had my eye on this sleek Josephine desk from Cost Plus World Market for some time:

Nuestra Vida Dulce

This office built for two uses Ikea cabinetry:

The Weekend Homemaker

Gotta love girly and glam, with fresh flowers:

pop.culture

Mini-House Tour

Since I gave you a little peek at my home on Monday, I thought I'd let you see a little more of it today. I've been holding out on doing a house tour until I get a better camera, but that might be awhile (it can take me forever to make up my mind about something). So think of this as an introduction, not a full-on house tour.

The living room:

 

The Ork poster is new. I love it.

The dining room:

The kitchen:

The bedroom:

I hope you enjoyed this little look at my home.

Tray Display

The beauty of a tray isn't just in the materials it's made from but in the way it can elevate even ordinary things. Corralling items gives them purpose and style, and keeps piles from looking like clutter.

I have trays in nearly nearly every room of our home, holding everything from the makings of a cocktail to perfumes, magazines and even my husband's cell phone.

Of course trays can hold food, but there's so much more they can do. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

From the Right Bank via Houzz

Glitter Guide

Martha Stewart Living via A Lovely Being

Breakfast at Toast

Via Arianna Belle Organized Interiors

Making it Lovely

Do you use trays in your decor?

Designer Crush: Thomas Paul

I've been a little obsessed lately with Thomas Paul's whimsical but elegant fabrics and home and fashion accessories. They play right into my love of nature and animals. I mean, seriously, how perfect are these:

All images via thomaspaul.com

Lighting, rugs, pillows, bedding and laptop covers—Paul has it all. He also offers a line of fine stationery and even e-stationery. I just might have found what I've been looking for!

White and Bright

I grew up in a white house. Not the outside, but the inside. My dad had pretty good taste and enjoyed shopping and decorating (that must be where I got the bug), but he didn't believe in painting the walls. So we had white walls. And a white sofa. And white carpet (just in the living room).

When I bought my own home, I was finally free to add color to the walls. And I did—blue in the bedroom, yellow in the dining room, green in the master bath.

But browsing through my Pinterest boards, I've noticed that a lot of the spaces I choose to save are light and bright, with white walls and large windows. That might have something to do with the fact my house is a bit of a cave, with little natural light, despite having fairly large windows.

While I don't think I'll be covering my walls with Benjamin Moore's Linen White any time soon, I do enjoy revisiting these spaces:

Source: bhg.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: breakfastattoast.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: nestegg.typepad.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: emmas.blogg.se via Beth on Pinterest

Source: seesawdesigns.blogspot.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: providenceltddesign.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: livecreatingyourself.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Beth on Pinterest

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Beth on Pinterest

Which do you prefer: clean and white or full of color?