If you haven't been to IKEA, (which I had not until this trip) you are in for a treat, and carpel tunnel after you finish putting the furniture together:) I did not realize IKEA = putting a sofa and everything else together, but we did and it was  oh so worth it, and a bit empowering.  IKEA has proven that Design on a Budget is totally possible.  Infusing vintage pieces (ie, bent wood chairs, persian rug, vintage chair and lamp) makes this out of the box furniture much more personal, and less 'out of the box' (literally!) 

EXPEDIT
Bookcase
$69.99

+

STRIND
Coffee table
$99.99

AINA
Pair of curtains
$49.99

+

LACK
Side table
$7.99

+

FLOKATI Rug,
high pile
$29.99

(plus a few other things that I can't find on the IKEA website, ie zebra throw, sheer curtains, and the exact green curtains.)
All loaded onto one out of control cart...

=

ONE FAB STUDIO...
STAY TUNED.

As part of the Studio in DCity redesign, I wanted to create something personal for my sister to display on her walls.  I only had a small amount of time to create something fantabulous...I didn't really have the inclination nor the talent to paint something.  Hmmmmmm what am I good at?????....GRAPHICS!  AH HA!  I started shuffling thru photos of my sister.  I wanted to show the fun side, the strong side, and the spontaneous side.... my sister all rolled up into one AMAZING package.  Needless to say there was no shortage of subject matter:):)

Bring photos into photoshop, do a little magic, print out on inkjet fabric, find great frames. Et VOILA!

Unique, one of a kind, ARTWORK...

More  to come.

Recently, I received a Design 911 call from my supercalafragilistic sister Erin who lives and works in Washington, DC. She just moved into a studio apartment and had a small budget to furnish it and shnazz it up. Deadline? She wanted to get it done over the weekend. She need H-E-L-P, and I was up for the challenge. Seriously, offer me a trip to DC by myself (!), with design on the agenda? Yes please! So I put my thinking cap on, and got started. Here's what I think about when given a design challenge.

Every room needs a great rug, and this became the inspiration for the design + color palette, oh la la.
1) I run down to HOUSE OF RUGS to find something gorgeous. I knew they would let me take a few, and we would decide. (check)

Thank goodness I keep odds and ends (and the occasional treasure) stashed in my garage.
2) I look in my garage for anything that might work for the new design.  Going for contemporary/modern with a vintage twist.  2 Bent arm chairs-- Erin will die over these. (check)

Artwork!! But of course.
3) I create a piece of artwork to hang on her walls that is very personal and will make her smile. Personal artwork is the greatest gift of love! (check)

Hobby Lobby-- horrible name, great finds.
4) I take a trip to Hobby Lobby for a few decorative items (check)

TOOLS!
5) I fill a box with decorating must haves, hammer, nails, staple gun, paint, glue, measuring tape...etc.  Oh and a space plan....I had her take pictures.

Oh, right, BABYSITTER! Call Grandma and sweat the response. Should be in like Flynn bc she's a sucker when it comes to sister emergencies.
6) Drop off kids, and make my way to DC.

I'm always keeping an eye out for antique stores, et VOILA!
7) I find a HUGE antique store off of I-85 (b.c I can and don't have kids, a luxury)  and pick up 1 vintage cane back chair (it's FABoolous!), and great fabric, to boot.

Ahhhhhh yes, the design is bubbling in my head and I cannot WAIT to get there! I hope she LOVES it as much as I do.

Studio in DCity, here I come.

 Stay tuned...
--

Simple flowers are the best flowers.... 3 roses, 1 sprig of nandina, and a julep cup.

Good Saturday after Thanksgiving!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Day with family and friends...I have just come up for a little bit of air.  I still have family in town and am traveling a bit today, but I just wanted to post a couple of our Thanksgiving Table photos before the tide turns COMPLETELY to the festivities of Christmas.  

I love when things just go together....this was unplanned but totally works....I am in love with my new chairs covers.

New, Old, Collected, AND inherited

I channeled my inner Eddie Ross and my sister and I had so much fun putting my table together.   I had a loose plan...but it really just came together...serendipity.  All of that collecting, DOES pay off:)

My new upholstered chairs AND my great grandmother's handiwork.  She embroidered this WHOLE tablecloth...I was so honored to have inherited it.  It adorns our table EVERY year.