Green Living Room - CUTE!

I think this room is absolutely adorable. Love the fabric on the love seat, love the greens/browns on it, I love the trunk and I think some of the items on the trunk are super cute (although I would do less), and I love the cozy feel it gives off. I'm thinking of doing tan/black/green in the basement with the pool table. Still thinking though... just don't think I want to do red in the basement. I think I want to do the main floor in chocolates/browns/reds and do the basement in chocolates/blacks/greens... would LOVE to do the orange color in the basement but we have black felt on the table - too Halloween - so i'm thinking green! What do you think?

I got the hook-up, holla if you hear me!

Actually, my mom's got the hook up and I apologize but that song is very much in my head right now. Anyway, I have another new piece of furniture for a house I don't own - YAY! It's a PERFECT LCD TV stand. How do I know this? Because my mom has one. How do I know for sure? Because my sister ordered one, too. hehe That's how we roll. Anyway - I'm PUMPED about this piece. I can see it in the basement or in our bedroom - it's FAB! Thanks, Mom! I owe you! For real - $425?! AMAZING!!! hehe

To Be or Not to Be?

I'll find out at noon today when we meet the contractor to see if the wall - the stupid wall that will make or break the pool table - is load bearing or not. If it is, deal is off. If it's not... we'll need a quote, see how long it will take, etc. Then, if all that settles up, the house is ours! (as in we'll make an offer hehe). Wish me luck - I can't wait to get up there and A) meet the contractor but B) see the house again. If he says it's not load bearing i'll take TONS of pictures today.

Pottery Barn Decorating Class Tips

Me and Dev had a blast at the Pottery Barn c lass! (although, between you and me, Devon could have taught the class... but whatevs!). Here are my 'takeaways' from the class - can't wait for the next one in February on bedding!!

Photo Frames

• Use different shapes/sizes/textures. (i.e. Black rectangle with white mat vertical with square frame and small silver frame round).
• Mix in silvers to your darks and browns.
• Add candles near picture frames to add warmth (he used pillar candles – 2 with different heights).

Bed Side Table

• Used a lamp shade with a mirror inside to add glow.
• He used one lamp, one picture frame and one clock – it made a triangle he said with the lamp being the tallest, then the frame then the clock.
• When using two on each side – use complimentary wood night stands of the same height roughly the same size (not the same but from the same family) but use matching lamps.

Ideas

• Coffee table: Big wicker platter with white platters and pillar candles. Put 9 green pears standing up straight on the white platter. OR use brown tetured bowl with fake lemons.
• Mantle: Put fern on one side; put topiary on the other.
• Buffet: 5 elements – 2 pillar candles; 1 round vase with peonies; 2 frames (1 4x6 rectangle and 1 small round).

Random Tips

• Work in odd numbers.
• Vary heights.
• Start with one large focal point and work around it (i.e. a mirror).
• If using a mirror – pay attention to what it reflects (best if it reflects light).
• Add greenery – don’t be afraid to mix in real and fake.
• This season bring in colors and warmth – LOTS of texture.
• Repeat. Pick 3 colors and repeat them.
• Use neutrals that go through the whole house.
• Pick out one item you want to accentuate and focus on it; don’t accentuate more than one at a time so your pieces stand out.
• Textured and embroidered pillows add pop and depth.
• Sofa tables should be even with the back of the sofa, never taller.

The House I Want

Assuming the following: They're willing to come off the price (based on the upstairs master being SO done by preference; the small yard; ; the odd dip in the front sidewalk, the fact that we have to do demo; the odd kitchen sink; etc.) and, the biggie, that we can get a wall taken down a power box moved in the basement. I want it, I want it, I want it.

Living Room: Likes & Dislikes

Likes: the couch - love the tufting. The black/white pillows - love how the one is inverted. The 9 hanging pieces and how they match the pillows. I love the idea of geting canvas and doing a fun project like this (yes, i'm sure there's wasn't homemade!).

Dislikes: The zebra rug - not for me. The heavy blanket. The dark color on the walls.

I wish I could see more of the room, but for now I definitely want pillows like this for the green guest room and LOVE the idea of 9 canvas pieces to hang that match pillows!!

I Know What Kitchen I Want...

I have very little to say. I love it! It's a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary and seems so functional and fabulous. I LOVE it!

Odd Space Idea

We've been seeing this odd area in lots of homes, and I think this is such a smart way to handle it if it comes your way. Make it a small office! Or even, instead of desk/chair, put an oversized chair there and make it a reading nook. I think that little shelf from Ikea is perfect though, and the tree is even fun (without the stuff hanging on it) and I like that shade.

Dining Room: Likes & Dislikes

Likes: I love the buffet, and the paint color and white border. And while I like the black/white photos, I think there should only be two rows and they should be a little bit lower. Something about the third row seems squiashed and it's overlapped by the stuff on the buffet. Not a fan. I do love the size of the room, the floors, and love how it's open/sparse in the room.

Dislikes: The chairs. I LOVE the idea of upholstered chairs, but this print is wrong to me. And I like the idea of 2 chairs being the same on the end, with 6 different ones in the middle (like Parsons chairs). I think the table is blah - the centerpiece/chandelier - blah/blah. I also dislike the random piece of furniture in the bottom left... ew.

What do you think?

Living Room: Likes & Dislikes

LOVE this room! Yes, it's a bit sterile, but overall - I think it's well edited and it feels warm!

Likes: The simple couch/3 pillows; the leather couch; the two matching lamps/end table; using two square coffee tables rather than one rectangle; the bookend bookcases/large window/drapes. It seems like a sitting room/lounge/chill area rather than a den or living room.

Dislikes: The rug, the lack of color pop (needs something), the lack of a print - the pillows should have a print (the printed rug - blah), the shades (would be cooler if they were drum shades!), and it almost needs more seating - one more chair?

Living Room: Likes & Dislikes

Likes: I like the simple piece behind the couch, I like the little boxes on it, I love the shades and the jute rug, the recessed lighting is fabulous, the build ings are nice - but is that wall paper behind them?

Dislikes: I'm not crazy about the little black end table, there's no color pop, the knick nacks are kind of plain/boring, and while I like that chair, it's too out-of-Africa when combined with the rug and shades. There just doesn't seem to be anything holding this room together - is that what bugs me?

What do you think?!

Living Room: Likes & Dislikes

Likes: This room speaks to me! I love the warm colors, the dark wood, the heavy drapes no the pretty windows, the matching lamps/end tables at each side of the couch, the way it feels 'lived in' but still tidy. I think what I like most is the overall feel this room puts off.

Dislikes: I'm not crazy about the slipcovered furniture - i'd prefer microsuede; I dislike the pillows on the couch - they blend too much and i'd like to see a color or pattern or a colored pattern! I don't like the lamp on the fireplace- doesn't seem functional? I think, like the green office post below, this room needs, as my mom says "some editing."

Bedroom Likes & Dislikes

Likes: The bedding, the bench, the leather recliners, the warm feeling of the room, the window treatments, the two simple matted prints over the bed and the bed frame - a bed frame looks so clean!

Dislikes: Too many pillows (I especially dislike the one in the front), the glass part of the side lamp, the white border along the ceiling... that's it!

This is a good room to me - just needs a little editing and a few new things. And I kind of feel like it needs a color pop. What do you think?

Desk Area: Likes & Dislikes

I am so envious of this space! Note: I'm not envious of the rug, all of that brass hardware/frames, the nick knacks, etc., but I do love the chair, having this space with all of the cabinets to hide messes away - but still having a space to display things, etc. I definitely need a space like this for me (it will be more sawhorse desk with shelves over it - but still). I'm still planning to have my scrapbook stuff in a closet - it's just too much to store you know? Sigh.

Living Room: Likes & Dislikes

Likes: That lamp is bada$$ (not in silver, but still); love the simple, solid sofa with the cool printed pillows; like the vase with sticks (not blue but still); like the thing on the coffee table (but it looks lonely); like the drapes (heavy, but not too haeavy, look nice).

Dislikes: the tables (both coffee/end table look cheap); again - dislike the silver part of lamp - looks like a hershey's kiss; and, while I like some things in the room, it seems kind of empty/sterile...

What do you think?

Saturday Rental Hunting in a Nut Shell

1. Townhouse. I love it. It’s only a few years old so it’s all upgraded (high ceilings, granite countertops, tiled backsplash, etc.). It’s 3 stories, has 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath- it’s great. The pool table would go in the garage – and there’s actually a bedroom/full bath down there, too. Problems: The location. Right at Buford/North Druid – sketchiness surrounds it. Parking. VERY little guest parking and if we use the garage for a pool table we’ll need a guest space for one of us every day. Price. They need to come down about $250 (mostly because of location) to make it worth our while. Final Verdict: Maybe.


2. Townhouse. Exactly the same as the one above (same complex, etc.) but the location was worse/less private, it wasn’t in as good condition and it had fewer amenities. Final Verdict: No.


3. House. Amazing location (right behind Tin Lizzy’s), beautiful/older wooded street, charming homes with lots of character, great curb appeal, plenty of parking as it’s paved around the side to the back, fenced in yard – cute, cute, cute. We get in and it’s SMALL. It’s all hardwoods and has 3 bedrooms/2 baths but it’s just odd. The rooms are tiny – the bathrooms are really tiny. The kitchen was awful – at least 2 different floors and 3 different countertops – dated everything. It felt small, the pool table wouldn’t fit (no garage either) and as much as we loved the location and the outside it wasn’t us. Final Verdict: No.


4. House. Awesome location (right by our place now – behind Phipps), great curb appeal, awesome hardwoods, huge rooms, lots of house, had been upgraded in some spots, etc. Problems: Almost too big. Pool table wouldn’t fit. Awkwardly huge underground garage and your w/d sit in the middle of it randomly. No where to put the pool table (unless you put it down there in the scary garage but he mentioned flood damage… twice. Way too pricy. Two bathrooms were DATED – like yellow/blue tile. Some weird deal where it could be sold out from under us only by investors or something? Final Verdict: No.


5. House. Great location (right by Chastain park), great curb appeal, awesome hardwoods, good-size rooms – the main was doable – definitely… then the basement where we thought the pool table could go was all chopped up so it wouldn’t fit, the carpet was heinous, there was all of this random space we couldn’t use (rooms) that had the owner’s crap in them, etc. And they were asking too much for what it was. Oh – and the yard is HUGE- I mean 3 acres huge. Final Verdict: No.


6. Townhouse. Good location (Brookhaven – behind the Kroger past Phipps). Older area but well kept. Townhome was a little 80’s (could mostly tell in the fireplace and bathroom vanities). They had done lots of upgrades though and the rooms were a good size, the floors looked good, etc. The pool table wouldn’t fit in the basement OR the 1-car garage. And if we didn’t occupy the huge space it should have fit in (was like 1’ short on each side) we’d have a lot of house we didn’t need. Final Verdict: No.

So out of all of them only one is a maybe. And we would need to get them down $250 and it would STILL be $1,600 and no amount of money is going to make that place safer. It IS gated, but I mean Cross Keys High School is in walking distance one way and Buford the other way. The people in there were all alive though, right? And it was a bunch of cute, young couples. But out of all of them it's definitely the farthest away from where we work. Here’s some pictures of it since it’s the only one we’d even consider moving:

So at the end of the day we talked about buying vs. renting - pros/cons, and discovered that for us it all came down to 4 things:

1. Location: ITP (rent) vs OTP (buy)

2. Flexibility: have it (rent) vs don't (buy)

3. Renovations: can't do it (rent) vs can (buy)

4. Money: out the door (rent) vs investment (buy)

So if you rent you can live in the perimeter, have the flexibility to move, etc. - but you can't make it what you want to and you're not really saving $ if you're paying $1,600 to $1,800 a month. But if you buy you need to pack it up to the burbs, you're more 'locked in' and you can do whatever the hell you want because it's yours. It's like I told Austin - if you're not ready to head to the burbs, if location is your numero uno - then let's rent and call it a day. But if it's about the $, if you want to get a house a good investment then let's buy (if something happens we'll rent it out or sell it) and we can do renovations and make it ours. But you know Austin - he wants it all! Now that we've really gone out there and really looked and seen what's up and what things are going for.... it seems buying is our best option. Plain and simple. Bite the bullet. Rip off the band-aid and do it. So... it's pretty much looking like that's what we're going to do - but Austin just can't get on board with total burbs right now - so we're looking at places in our price range in or near the perimeter that need work. Some just need wallpaper down/paint up, new bathroom vanities; some need more. So we'll keep you posted on that! Wow.... I'm not exactly surprised it's going like this. This is how it was when we got our cars, our current apartment, our honeymoon, everything! And this is our biggest purchase so I know it makes sense but DANG - I'm just glad (I think) we've come to a final decision. At the end of the day - we've exhausted all rentals and only came up with one we'd live in (above) so.... i dunno. I'm exhausted by it all already! haha

Multi-colored Dresser?

Clearly - i'm not a fan of the dresser above. Very boxy - that color is SO green. However, i'm intrigued at this idea of painting the drawers a different color. What do you think?

Guest Room Refresh

Depending on the size of the room, this would be SUPER easy to do for the "green" guest room. If you remember - I wanted this room to have 6 vertical, black & white wedding photos framed (crate & barrel) - with 3 on top 3 on bottom JUST like this. So they basically used a dresser as a nightstand, and then hung this over. If you remember - I have that 3-drawer chest (currently in our master bathroom). I've been talking about resurfacing it (sanding it and either restaining or painting) and updating the hardware. I could do that as a nightstand and then hang the pics over it!! OR do that to the white piece in my closet... (another 3-drawer chest) - could just sand it and paint it black and put new hardware on it... Thoughts?!

P.S. I'm scared to mount a light like this though... Stacy had some good ideas for how to do it and have it look good though. Hmmm. If not I could do a floor lamp though, right?

Love this Piece

I really like it! And it's only $219! In the Ikea room set up it had two of these side by side beneath a long window. I think one would suffice (regardless of the space) but I do like the idea of it under a window. Great place for books, knick knacks, etc. What do you think?

This Looks Sharp to Me!

I could very well be off though... but I love this simple idea of three shelves over the desk - in this pattern. Mind you, I think these shelves are way too cluttered, and the lights hanging down, too? Um, no. But I do love the look (not white for me - but ya know). What do you think? By the way - Pottery Barn has updated their rooms for spring. Not my colors, but I can still get inspiration for placement! I could even black/white them so the colors won't distract me!

The Same... or Different?

I used to be stuck on this whole avoiding ‘matchy matchy’ at all costs. For instance, I insisted that few pieces of furniture match, specifically I had this thing against matching nightstands in the bedroom. I don’t know why, but I did. Now it seems it’s everywhere! And I LIKE IT! It just looks so clean and symmetrical when you have matching nightstands by the bed with matching lamps atop them. Fab. What are your thoughts?



IF I did it, I think I’d get another night stand from Mary, and get those Pier 1 lamps to sit on top! What do you think? Is it bad that I’m kinda not feeling the nightstand and would rather put it in a guest room and get two new night stands?

Simple Setups that Look Sharp

So I love this! I love the simple knobs, the cute desk lamp, the small mirror and little pictures to the side. What a fun, simple (probably cheap) set up that looks SHARP! What do you think?!

Do We Like this Pillow?

I was thinking of putting one of these euro pillows on the green bedding in the green/black gueset room. Thoughts?

It's at Ikea for only $6.99! Could be because you think it's ugly though... I don't always trust my taste!

Clever Kitchens

I’ve been perusing Ikea and was thrilled to see they had a great flash presentation that showed model rooms. I loved so many – but I couldn’t copy/paste… I couldn’t even use snag it. I was so sad. Then I took a page from my MIL and got out the digital camera and took pictures of my favorite rooms!! (she pauses HGTV and takes pictures of her TV screen). YAY – I just love Ikea so I’m glad I can save the ideas I love from them.

So since I’m likely renting not buying, aside from just looking at kitchens as a whole I want to look at things in kitchens that I think are smart, neat or different – things I could add to a rental and take with me when I go! Here are a few photos of kitchens that inspired me (all Ikea).

Love: The European bar pulls; the glass cabinets; the hood; the pennent lamps, etc.
What I think translates in any kitchen: The lever bar mounted on the backsplash - great for hanging "the little stuff" - the spatulas, spoons, ladles, pot holders, etc. You could even hang small picture frames maybe! I like how they did the small plants below. I would only do one bar - not two.

I love these baker's racks. Not necessarily these specifically, but the idea of having a rack like this to put pots, small appliances, etc. on. I just know that we barely have space in our kitchen now so if we end up with anything smaller this could be a fun option. I could even use the rack I have in the kitchen as a baker's rack (isn't it one?) I forget since it's been elsewhere for so long!

I love the shelves. Not the whiteness, but how you can display the things you use the most - and I like how it has hooks at the bottom to hang mugs, pot holders, etc. I think it looks smart and chic and if you have the space for it (and don't have the counterspace for your stuff) I love the idea of displaying your cutest stuff.



This is a must-have - i'd love to have this little guy hanging over our sink for sponges, the drain thing, etc. I think it's very, very smart and keeps the sink area less cluttered!



So, pricing? CHEAP - go here for kitchen accessories>wall solutions! I played around and put together the one above the sink:

rail $1.99
caddy $1.99
hooks $3.99 (5)

So under $10 and i'd have an extra hook or two! I hope this is something I could do! I want to go to Ikea now! haha Austin would die - especially since we're hopefully moving in a month!!

Orange-Inspired Guest Room: On its Way!

K – I’m bouncing back! I’m going to try to see 5 townhouses on Saturday when Austin is back… and maybe 1 or 2 of the other houses. No reason they should suffer, right? One could be the one for us. Anyway, per my amazing sister’s genius advice I’ve decided to write a do-over of the guest room post. Here goes! For the ‘orange-inspired’ guest room here is the updated board (click on it to make it larger!):

I now have: Ivory bedding with Ivory Euro shams and rust standard shams; the ivory/brown leaf pillow to sit in front of all of those pillows and the headboard! My mom has the double bed, too!I always had: the bird cage & a burlap chair cover. I also plan to use this hexagon bamboo night stand that is currently my bedroom night stand. I’m still deciding where the bird cage will sit – maybe it will hang? Genius Dev will come up with something!! :)

I still need:

Sheets: Full Set of Mocha-colored sheets; will look at TJ/Marshall’s

Bedskirt: Burlap or organic looking – taupe/jute; will look at TJ/Marshall’s

Paint: For the rust-colored splash wall

Accents: rust-colored accents for the desk and birdcage.

Lamps: An awesome lamp (still watching that one but it's still $130 at West Elm). Dev had a great idea –get one table size lamp for the end table (maybe this one?) and a floor lamp to sit next to the desk. I like it. Also, Also, I kind of want these lamps – one for the desk and one for the nightstand maybe? They're cheap. But they’re kind of small…. Hmmm.

Nightstand/Chair Dilemma: Dilemma solved! I want a Leather Parsons Chair for the sawhorse desk and a straight back dining chair (covered with the burlap chair cover ).

Petite Sawhorse Desk: The Ballard's sawhorse desk (Austin is watching the outlet; last time mom/dev checked they didn't have natural like I want above).

Mirror: Maybe a large one that hangs – depends on space. Will probably get at Ikea – saw some cute ones!

Thanks to Dev, I no longer need: two brown cubes for the foot of the bed, a second nightstand, this chair in the corner, etc. Thanks for saving me $$$$, Dev, and of course the fab help and ideas!!!

Worst. Day. Ever.

Are you KIDDING me?! So bad... we saw 5 houses... I can't go too far into it, too depressing, but i will tell you that today was totally a waste of a day, I had no idea real people lived in such hellholes, several individuals should be sued for false advertising, and I cried. Twice. Now i'm bed, sad, and just pissed. Where do these people get off selling these crap ass places for $1,700- 2000 a month?!

House #1: Very 70's. Lots of wall paper. Bad paint job - lots of purple. LOTS of wood paneling. Fridge from the 70's. Etc. Managed to avoid all of the bad in the online pics.

House #2: Austin's car couldn't go in the driveway. Seriously. The driveway was so steep we couldn't get down it. The lady was like well I guess it won't work then and started to get in her car. I was like no, let me at least see it. It was bada$$ as far as location and it had charm - but it was SO WEIRD! The bottom floor felt like 3 bedrooms and a kitchen and the top floor felt like four bedrooms. It was small, drafty, old and odd.

House #3: Farthest out house... and not even kind of worth what they were asking. Tiny bedrooms - only the master could fit a full-size bed - and the room that fit a pool table had it's own 'heating/cooling' system, was carpeted, etc. BAD.

House #4: VERY promising. Had the most curb appeal (by far), was in a pretty good area, was definitely the most modern, etc. But the pool table would only fit in the HUGE den with vaulted ceilings, the upstairs and actual stairs had heinous carpet and the kitchen appliances were very, very dated. And they were asking $2,000 a month... that's way too much for what they didn't do... SIGH.

House #5: Worst ever. I didn't even want to get out but Austin made me. You couldn't fit a full-size bed in any of the rooms, the windows were so old you couldn't see out of them, the full basement was a glorified garage, it was just SO SO BAD.

Please note: We're not stupid people. These people just post pictures well, and won't send you any more until you go see it and by then all it's done is waste everyone's time.

So I left the 5th house crying. I'm just SO PISSED. Mostly because I called this months ago - I knew I would be unable to rent a house because they're not fixed up like apt/condos/townhomes and I'm unable to fix them up myself. But whatever. I'm like Austin, here are our options:

1. Ditch the effing pool table and rent a condo or townhome. THESE are going for reasonable prices but none fit the pool table.
2. Buy. I can't rent these POS's and live in them unable to do what needs to be done (i.e. paint, take down wood paneling, paint fireplaces, take down wallpaper, etc.).

P.S. By ditch I mean have it at his parent's house until we can buy a home it will fit in.

That's it - I know I have 5 more rentals to look at but i'm at the end of my rope and i'm livid. You may be thinking, gah - she just found them yesterday - don't get discouraged. But we've been looking for MONTHS and these 10 were simply the best out of hundreds from numerous websites/searches/etc. And the 10 best don't even kind of cut it. What a joke. What a waste of time. I'm so bitter and upset now.

MAJOR News!

1. We are officially interested in looking at 10 different rental homes in the area (well 9 homes; 1 townhome; I know, I know, we don't want a townhome - but it's too sweet to not at least see).

2. We are going to see 4 tomorrow - yes, count them - FOUR- I reached out to them today and am already on my way! We have one at 10 a.m., then 3 at 1:30, 2:15 and 3 back to back. EEEEK!

3. Austin leaves for Mexico Sunday - boo. He'll be back Thursday night though - just in time to hopefully see the other SIX on Saturday (if I have my way).

4. I think i've halfway convinced Austin to let me get a different couch - one that's more us, one that's solid, etc. It's really all hanging on what place we get because of course we want to still keep this couch - it's super nice and doesn't 'not' go - it's just not my thing... So if we get a place big enough for 2 dens or a den and a basement or a den and a large office - I get my way! Yessss. So we'll see.

5. I've officially decided what I want in a rental after having talked it out with Stacy while walking 3 of 5 miles today: I want a rental starter home (kind of). Basically, I want a cute, charming ranch with 3-4 bedrooms; 2-3 bathrooms in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Dunwoody or Sandy Springs (ITP) that has been taken care of (i.e. has neutral paint; no heinous stuff I can't change) and has had some upgrades done (i.e. kitchen bathrooms look a little more 2000s and a little less 1960s). This is actually pretty hard to find (in our price range). People are VERY proud of the location - even if the house is a total rundown POS that wouldn't go for $620 a month in ANY other part of Georgia. However, some get it. Some watch the news. Some are motivated to get these redone ranches rented out and i'm THERE - can't wait in fact. Wish me luck!

This Room is Shaping Up! But I need Advice (of course)!

I now have: BED: Ivory bedding with Ivory Euro shams and rust standard shams; the ivory/brown leaf pillow to sit in front of all of those pillows and the headboard! My mom has the double bed so really all that is left for me to buy for the bed is full size sheets (still deciding on a color - wanted rust but they sold out) and a dust ruffle (something burlap/organic looking).

I always had: the bird cage & the chair on the bottom right. I also plan to use this hexagon bamboo night stand that is currently my bedroom night stand (but it a little small for the master to me). Do you think it needs two night stands? I'm thinking no... hmmm where is that bird cage going to sit? The floor seems lame? The desk isn't big enough... hmmmm.

I still need: two brown cubes for the foot of the bed ($100 Target); an awesome lamp (still watching that one but it's still $130 at West Elm); the Ballard's sawhorse desk (Austin is watching the outlet; last time mom/dev checked they didn't have natural like I want above). Also, I want these lamps (two?) to sit on the desk - they're cheap. As far as accessories, I have plenty around the house that "go" with this room, and the new birch sleeves, and I know Mom/Sister could come up with some smart ideas with vase fillers/vases/stuff - they're brilliant! So that leaves the guest room with a full bed, an end table, two cubes for extra seating and a desk/chair. I think that's plenty, don't you? Thinking about being a guest, I think i'll definitely need to put a mirror somewhere. What do you think? And the sawhorse desk will have a TV on it because I plan to scrapbook on it and use the closet in that room (the bottom part) as my scrapbook closet and i'm going to have Austin get one of those wood pieces with wheels to sit my stuff on. Am I nuts? I mean, I know I am but does this make me nuts? Because it seems simply visionary to me but seeing it in writing it's slightly embarrassing, no?! haha K - off track.

Is there enough rust, i.e., orange color? Upon first glance, no.However, my master plan is for the bed that the wall is on (and the fab new headboard) I'll do a rust-colored splash wall (solid, no texture) behind it! I'll just take the sham to Lowe's like the commercial and have them whip me up a batch of paint! If I think it's necessary - i'll do 2 walls, but i'd rather just have the one wall and try to find some rust-colored accents for the desktop and maybe a rust-colored throw for the squares at the foot of the bed. Thoughts?

And if the guest room is big enough... What do you think about this chair in the corner? The chair in the neutral color.... I'm in love with it. And think it goes well with this room. By the way - in case you haven't noticed - i'm obsessed with this room and plan to spend lots of time in it! Also, if we are able to do two guest rooms (still have fingers crossed we'll be able to) this will be the bigger of the two - the green/black will be a smaller room... Thoughts??

K - I need help and I need it pronto. :) Loves!

I Officially Want this Headboard

Austin likes it, too, thinks it's a great deal, etc. And really - i'm using the $100 gift card his parents gave me and $50 in West Elm design dollars which brings my fee to $76 (it's $217 because they charge $75 in shipping - such crap). What Austin doesn't like is buying furniture before we move, and where are we going to put it until we move, etc. So... i'm going to call tomorrow to see if they have one in Atlanta. If they do - i'm going to get it. I can't help myself. That will be SO CHEAP. If they don't... i'll give it a few days and decide. I just HATE to pass it up. HATE TO. :( What do you think?! DANG I wish we could just move already!!!! But we HAVE to find a house - ARGH!!!!

Headboard Help!

Thanks to mom I also got these two amazing Pottery Barn finds! These for the den:





Please ignore the fake foilage - EW! They're very cool in person - promise!


And this big pillow for the rust/ivory/woodsy guest room:



Won't it look fab on the ivory bed with the rust-colored shams?! I can't wait to move - yay!!! And speaking of...

I found this headboard on sale at West Elm: http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODf677&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1SLEFRN&retainNav=true&cmsrc=IMC1724. I think $130 is a fab price! But then you add $50 shipping... and tax... and it's about $200. What do you think?! I worry it's not high enough....

Thanks, Mom!

I got my first purchase for the new living room from my mom! First, it must be said, she tried to get us the fabulous Payson lamp from Pottery Barn that we thought we wanted so badly. However, we went to see it and realized it wasn't birch... it was metallic! eek! So she gave us a generous gift card instead which more than covered these fabulous pillows! Originally $64 EACH before tax (so $140 for two with tax BEFORE shipping) - they were on sale for $20 each - $34 with the insert so, including tax and FREE shipping, they will be mine (in 7-10 business days) for a grand total of $73.53 - $67 saved!! Thanks, Mom - we love them - and know that we still have more to spend for our new home thanks to you and Mike. We love you guys!!

P.S. I got the red ones and plan to put them on a neutral couch like the one above!

Oooh Another Favorite Color Scheme

Um.... I'm LOVING the darkish brown couch, the choclate accents and the pop of pumpkin orange! I think it's so classic and clean, but fun and casual. I would do without the yellow daisies (random) but I love the lamp to the left, the small side table on the right, the coffee table, etc. I'm also not crazy about the super rustic accents - but what are you going to do? I may steal this!! For maybe the guest room bath rooms!

Got Behind Again... and Den idea!

Sigh - hard to focus on what I want when our apartment complex is being so rude!! Argh!!! I'm so ready to move....

Anyway..



I love the idea board above from This Young House! Yes, I would go with taupe rather than white and yes, my green would be more woodsy than lime - but I heart the simple sofas, tiles, the 4 cubes (with storage) put together for a "coffee table" but that can be broken up for seating, I love the lamp - more the lamp shade than anything, and that PB desk chair is nice! I also think those boxes are neat (could see them on the ladder shelves we bought) - but they only come in green and red. Clearly those won't work - but it gives me something else to look for, right?! Yay! I'm going to try to post some more - I have ideas - just haven't done it!

Loving the Color Scheme

So i'm thinking about rentals now. And so many rentals we've come across have a lot of white accents like those above. We're not really big on white accents, but I think it looks super charming and even chic when combined with this toasty brownish color. I think the contrast is really pretty and could see this color scheme coming in MUCHO handy in, say, an office, den or living room. What do you think? I'd even be okay if it was lighter...

Got Behind... and a Bathroom

So, I got behind on this blog. I think it's because i'm so worried about saving $ and have been dealing with so much at my apartment that it's hard to think about fun things, like decorating imaginary houses. Sigh. I'm trying to stay positive but in this economy it's scary to think about buying a house when people are getting laid off... so much.


But I think I should stay positive and stick to this so when it is our time and we're ready - we'll be ready! haha So... this bathroom:


I think it's amazing! I love the glass doors - so sleek - and the european style handle on it. I love the bench and even the gray. Ilove hte exposed storage - very cool. I love how luxuriously contemporary it feels. I love how the floors match the walls. I just think it's very well done. If it were mine - i'd add some color - somewhere. I would probably go with browns rather than grays. Other than that - fab!

Breakfast Nook Vision

I just LOVE this breakfast nook. Granted, I feel the print isn't really us (a bit too modern) but I get so much inspiration from this room!

What I Like: 4 printed chairs, two with arms, two without, a glass table, metal accents.
What I Dislike: The rug (not in a kitchen), the print on these chairs, the table is a bit too industrial.

That's it though! I really think that in the kitchens we love it would be fantastic to have 4 printed chairs with a large/subtle print, two with arms/two without and a glass table (maybe round) with metal. I think it's fabulous!

Austin Seal of Approval

We went to get my iPhone the other night and AT&T was taking FOREVER so we walked next door to Pier 1 and I showed Austin the bedside lamps I've been eying. He loved them, too! (well love is a bit strong but he said "they're nice" and when probed for more feedback he said "they're cool.") YAY! Now they just need to go on sale because $120 for the pair, while not awful, isn't what I want to spend...

Laundry Room: Likes & Dislikes

K - this laundry room is NICE! I HIGHLY doubt i'd have one this large, and with the awesome sink but hey - here's dreaming, and here's what I like and dislike.

Likes: The three identical baskets, the counterspace for folding, the cabinets for extra storage (cleaning supplies, etc.), the sink (especially that awesome faucet), the hooks (love them), and the chandelier- I think it's fun!

Dislikes: The colors (my w/d is red so I plan to do the laundry room a light taupe color - and maybe even do stripes with an alternating color i.e. chocolate on bottom/taupe on top could look cool); the floor - i would do larger tile and I don't want a rug.

So I think I want a taupe/chocolate fun painted laundry room with large tile on the floor. I probably can't do a countertop over my w/d because I have drawers that go below it. But I'd love to incorporate a surface somehow, that could offer storage space below it. I also definitely want to have hooks. And one thing I think is missing is a dring rack. I'd love to have a permanent fold-out drying rack like the ones at Ballard Designs/Pottery Barn.

Some Favorites are On Sale!!

My Rooms to Go Ottoman is down $100 to $200 - NICE. And my Pottery Barn Red Pillows are down from $50 to $40. So already, all together, I've "saved" $120!! I'm going to go update my living rom post... so excited. I'm trying to talk Austin into letting me get the living room now and putting our current stuff in storage. I'm just over it and i'm worried that by the time we move this stuff won't be available and I LOVE it.

Bathroom: Likes & Dislikes

Well for starters, the architecture in this room is just rediculous. I mean come on - who has a bathroom in their house like this? Or a room in their house like this for that matter?! The shape and beams and everything? Um, no, so anyway - i'll just focus on the stuff in it knowing that no house I buy will look this rustic!

Likes: the simple, natural wood in sharp rectanglar shapes; the orange color with white linens; the grayish pottery on the floor; the shelves with large brown baskets; the light fixtures; and the towel rack - very cool and simple. Overall, I just love the flow - how the colors go together - the feel of the room.

Dislikes: the rug. I don't want a rug that big on the bathroom, or one in zebra print; the hardware on the piece- too plain; the bench in front of the shower - random; the tiny butterfly thing hung there- looks stupid - I wouldn't hang anything there; the flowers on the countertop - don't go with the room to me.

Assessment: I love the white/orange rustic combination with natural wood; I love large brown baskets (to weave chocolate in) and I love the contemporary light fixtures. I would like to have smaller rugs - in a subtle print - and no knick nacks - keep it simple.

Simple Kitchen: Likes & Dislikes

Likes: the stainless steel appliances, how clean/simple it feels, the small tiled backsplash, the glazed over cabinets (don't know proper term), the faucet, the large black/white print and the white dishes.

Dislikes: the lack of color - it needs some kind of color pop; the single chair that looks very uncomfortable; the hardware on the cabinetry (i'm obsessed with European bar pulls), the three teapots on the counter (don't seem to go with anything/the feel of th room/etc.; the countertops are too plain and so is the light fixture.

Assessment: I like stainless steel appliances, a clean/simple kitchen, tiled backsplash, a cool faucet, white dishes, glazed over cabinets, a color pop, numerous/comfortable chairs (a breakfast nook) and countertops that aren't so solid - some kind of subtle pattern would be nice and would add depth to the room.

What do you think?

Organized Spots

I love this little organized spot! I'm all about those pottery barn cubbies - but they're just SO pricy and never go on sale. I think this is super cute and, i'm sure, much cheaper. They just mounted hooks for coats, scarves, bags, etc. - then they put a bench with hidden storage below it for other stuff. I would LOVE to have an area like this coming in off the garage where we could immediate put our stuff before cluttering up the kitchen counters, the dining table, etc. I don't necessarily like the look of this (the blue, the country looking bench in white, the numbers on it, etc.) but the picture inspires me to do something similar - something us - that's functional and makes sense. Love it!

Cubes, Lamps and a Better Pier One Site - YAY!

So my mom bought the brown leather cube from Target! So great to see it in person - I really liked the size and everything. I even put two side by side to ensure that I liked it and I did - yay! They didn't have the brown accent chairs to try so that was kind of sad, but I did get to go by Pier One and I found two lamps that I just loved! I want to get matching ones and put them on each side of our bed - $60 each - not bad! Want them SO BAD. Pier One's website has improved - thank gawd - and they had a photo of it - yay!! I think it looked better in person... but I still love it! What do you think?

My Dream Living Room.... Only a Few Thousand Dollars Away...

Click to make it larger...

I'm obsessed with the living room that I worked on all day today!! I just think it feels so warm and fun, but also traditional and rustic with a contemporary twist. It makes me happy! And it's not that expensive. I already have:

• The coffee table
• The armoire
• The side table
• Decorative accents not included above like chocolate brown leather throw pillows, pottery barn trays, etc.

Stuff I need to buy:

• sofa - $400 increased to $500
• ottoman - $200
• leather chair - $500
• two accent chairs - $400
• table lamp - $160 on sale for $100
• floor lamp - TBD (would like to spend less than $60)
• throw pillows - $100 on sale for $80
• birch end table - $200
• wall mirror - $400
• red throw - TBD (would like to spend less than $30

Total: $2,430 (before added taxes & potential delivery charges; also before it potentially goes on sale and before added online rebates or coupons)

So while I don't want to spend $2,430 replacing my current living room stuff - it's pretty good that you can spend just that for a couch, three chairs, two lamps, an ottoman, an end table, two throw pillows, a huge mirror and a throw... I can't wait!!

P.S. My current living room stuff will be spread throughout the house (i.e. couch and leather "video game chair" in Austin's office; chaise in our bedroom; leather bench in the foyer). And, depending on whether or not we get a basement - the couch could go down there if it didn't fit in the office.