moving news (finally!)

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Over the past few months, I've mentioned a couple times that the husband and I are moving. I promise I wasn't being intentionally vague! The plans are (finally) official, so I can share the news:

We're moving to Raleigh, North Carolina!

I have big ambitions for our next apartment. I'll be sharing the process with you as it comes along.

Any Triangle friends out there? Say hello!

19 things to put in a bell jar

I bought a glass cloche last year, thinking it was a versatile purchase I'd use for years to come. I have used it ZERO times. (It's still in the box.) So this post is mainly so I can figure out what to do with it. This shouldn't be too hard-- you can put almost anything under a bell jar and it instantly looks special.

Coral

Shoes

 Seashells

Birds Nest

Memory Vignette

Teacups

Ornaments

Books

Eggs

 

Terrarium

 (+ a Gypsy Village)

Potted Plant

Flower Arrangement

Toys

Accessories

Figurines

Candle

 Fruit

Live Plants

Light Bulbs

This reminds me of the opening shot for Home Front, a 90s HGTV British decorating show that was my absolute favorite. Anyone else remember that?


P.S. Stop by Satori Design for Living, where I'm sharing some tips on how to style bed pillows!

coffee table dilemma

 

Oly Studio

We are moving in just a few weeks and its time to upgrade our coffee table. We have a plain black one from IKEA that has been a good stand in while I've debated what I really want.

 

Arteriors

If I had my choice, I'd pick a brass and glass coffee table. But to be honest, we mostly use our coffee table to prop up our feet, which isn't exactly comfortable on a hard surface. We also have lots of friends with little kids (and will have our own at some point in the life of this table), so those sharp corners might be bad news.

The logical choice is something upholstered. I adore this ottoman by Safavieh (I'd get two). 

 And this ottoman by Rachel Ashwell is divine. But my sofa is microsuede, and I can't get on board with having that much similar upholstery in one room. Oy.

I'm thinking about getting a brass and glass coffee table anyway. This one certainly solves the kids-and-corners problem (but not the kids and smudgy fingers one).

I'll let you know once I decide. But in the meantime... any wise words?

10 great area rugs under $500

Rugs are expensive--like, can-cost-more-than-a-car expensive. I love a grand antique Turkish rug, but the stuff underfoot is not my favorite place to spend the money when working within a budget.

These are 10 of my favorite quality, inexpensive area rugs. They're pretty big-- all are at least 7'6" x 9'6"--and most are well under $500. These particular rugs pop up in my designs a lot (especially the navy one). A good, cheap rug is hard to find! 

Do you have a favorite?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

instant powder room

A big percentage of bathrooms end up in "seaside" decor territory. It's a natural fit and I'm fan if it's subtle. 

This powder room design has nautical-inspired stripes, brass hardware, and clean white. I've included all the sources for you below. You can get the entire design for under $500-- under $150 if you don't need the sink!

$25 Distressed Gold Mirror | Kirklands

$59 Broad Stripe Rug | Urban Outfitters

$20 "March Fox" Print | Amber Alexander

$14 Nautical Mini Pendant Light(s) | Home Depot

$18 Pearl Embroidered Hand Towel(s) | Pottery Barn

$330 Pedestal Sink | Kohler

two kinds of sale

  Sale One

For the rest of the month of June, take 15% off all eDesign services.  If you've been wanting a personalized design board for that room you've been meaning to get to... now's your chance!

Email me to get started.

Sale Two

In preparation for our move, I'm clearing out some (mostly brand new) things I no longer need. 

Click the "For Sale" logo on the sidebar to check out the goods!

no theme, no scheme

Meredith Heron

I used to be really concerned about rooms having a theme or a color scheme. But I've noticed lately that the rooms I love best almost never have a theme and rarely have a strict color scheme.

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The place I see straight-up themes most is in kids rooms-- Winnie the Pooh, sailing, etc. I'm just not into it. I like this adorable nursery soooo much better. No theme.

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I mean, look at this. The colors "go," of course, but you could probably throw any number of other colors in there and they'd look great. No scheme! I like it, I think it has character.

What do you think -- themes and schemes, yes or no?

favorite kitchen ever, june 2012 edition

 by Janet Rice, whose portfolio is stunning.