Friday, April 29, 2011

Bed Head

Keeping in the bedroom theme of the last post , is my bedroom design conundrum. About two years ago, I bought a very nice bedroom set. I was really excited to be buying "big girl" furniture. I shopped for months and finally found something I loved because of the design and quality.

However, it kind of stopped there. I found out I was going to be a mommy and then there has been the whole raising a new baby thing for the last year. I love my furniture, but my room design is lacking (har har).

This is my bed (not my bedding though). My wall color in my bedroom is a soft green and since green is my favorite color, I think I will leave it that way.

My bedding is cream colored with stylized ocean items like seaweed and shells embroidered in the same color making it monochromatic but with some texture.

I have a matching dresser, gentleman's chest and end tables. There were several options for the endtables in the furniture collection. I chose this one because it was functional yet airy with open space for the wall color to show through:


Oh- those end tables. I have been searching for lamps to grace their surface for just about as long as I have had the furniture. I know I want an off white or cream shade in a clean style like a barrel or modern taper. I think a brushed nickel base would work with the furniture's hardware and would be neutral. Here's the sticking point- I would prefer my lamps to be unique and have some weight and substance. The only decorative items I have in the room are these oceanic totum things like this:

I may actually have too many. I got them before the furniture. I have two or three then some coordinating candlesticks. Along with my bedding, I guess you could say I have a minimalist ocean/sea theme. So why not go with something like this?:


Though it fits the requirements, I am not entirely sure I want to be so married to a theme with a big-ticket item. My boyfriend would prefer something more traditional:


I am not sure this style has the right amount of "uniqueness" for me. So, my hunt is still on.

... to be continued

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Come on in!

In the week or so after the party, things have been blissfully relaxed. No obligations, projects or issues to attend to. My boyfriend and I decided to use some of this free time and "window shop" some local home building sites. We are not in the market but we can get ideas and dream till our hearts are content.

One thing we note when looking around are that we like houses with a nice entryway. After all, we DO live in the South (a big porch is practically mandatory) and it is the first thing a person sees when they approach your home. Our current house has a small front porch, but it it pretty lacking in character:

I think we would both like something that has more texture and substance. Personally, I like stone and timber like this but with an actual "porch" with enough room for some chairs:


Another style we like is what is billed as Craftsman in this area, but could be Arts and Crafts style. Either way, a modern interpretation which could be inspired by either movements. Note the substantial tapered columns and stone work:


Granted, we could apply either of these styles to our current home, but there is something about the window shopping that makes it fun and dreamy. I can feel the balmy Summer breeze against my cheek right now... ahh, pass the iced tea please.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Just Visiting...

I was recently invited to be a guest blogger on my fun, fashionable and crafty friend's blog.

House of April is a great read and always inspirational! Please take a look around and please share some love and leave a comment.

J'aime la manière que vous écrivez!
Courtesy of Bable Fish ;-)

Weekend Progress Report

Well party time finally came- and went. We had a really good time and I thought it was a great success!

The decorations and food came together well. Everyone appeared to have a good time and the rooms held all 30 or so people comfortably.


Most importantly, the Pumpkin-Monkey had a great time seeing all his friends and family on his special day.
Love you bunches today and always!




Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Where to Put it All?

Though I I haven't asked for much on the Pumpkin-Monkey's behalf, I am sure that he is going to get loaded down with goodies for his birthday. Granted, he doesn't need much and he's only just recently discovered his existing toys, but it is inevitable, they will come. People love buying toys, it is a fact.

So this has me thinking of storage solutions for all this baby booty (hee hee, had to).

While browsing the aisles of my local mega-retailer in search of goodie bag stuffers for the party, I came across something I thought would work well for his growing collection. The idea is not new or novel, but I think it will work well for his space.


Closetmaid

He has a woodland theme in his room and I think these colors would work really well, as well as contain his kiddo clutter for a while.


Monday, April 4, 2011

Weekend Progress Report

Another busy week and weekend. My boyfriend and I really kicked-butt and took names when it came to yard work. We cleaned all the yard furniture, cleaned windows, I mulched, fixed a misassembled umbrella and did some plantings. T-minus (less than) one week till the party and we really only have the interior and prep left. Go us ;-)

Before
After