Redecorating Inspiration

When Rob and I moved into our house 3 years ago I painted our living room a beautiful, deep red. It looks great at Christmas and really makes our white farm shudders pop. I've definitely enjoyed my time with the red walls. However, we only have one window (that doesn't get much light) in the living room, so any light that does come in gets sucked by the walls. This has left me craving a room redo. I'm thinking of having white walls, a gray couch, and bright accents (via lamp shades and pillows) to bring color into the room. Rob says we can go for it, I just need to map out some of the costs, and I'm thinking about *maybe* asking for Home Depot gift certificates for Christmas! Before we start purchasing paint, here are some of my room inspirations...

(I realize that this is a bedroom, and not a living room, I just love how they've pulled in such bright colors.)



Any suggestions and/ or recommendations for redoing a living room?
(See full inspiration board and sources here)

Marimekko

While we were shopping around Malmo during our trip, I couldn't help but notice the great design and window displays throughout the city. Each store offered something different and inspired me in unique ways. Since we were carrying everything in our packs, I had to be extremely selective in the purchases I made and even where I made them. Because of that, I decided to grab store catalogs and look books on display. They have provided lasting inspiration and were barely noticeable in my bags.

One of the first stores we stumbled into was Marimekko. Marimekko can actually be found in different vendors in the U.S., but I've loved the Swedish catalog I picked up. Here are my favorite pieces from their online shop.



Do you shop at Marimekko? Do you have a favorite Scandinavian retailer?

(I'll be back with photos and a wrap up of Vienna tomorrow. Stay tuned!)

Outdoor Lights

I love winter and I love the rain. Saying that, the one thing I miss most about summer is outdoor evening activities. Since the sun is out so much longer (which is a major bonus in itself), we can ride our bikes around the neighborhood after work, have dinner outside, and invite people over for bonfires and s'mores. 

To me, great outdoor space enhances each of these activities. One aspect of outdoor space that I will totally geek out over is lighting. Outdoor lighting creates a sense of comfort and warmth for me, especially in the summertime. It reminds me of warm weather, good food, and laughter. In all fairness to winter, Christmas lights in December stir these same kind of feelings. 

Since it seems as though winter won't really be making an appearance in California this year, I've already started thinking about my summer activities. I definitely want to spend more time in our backyard this year, so I want to make sure the lighting will be just right. I found these great options as I was poking around Pinterest and would love to take a couple of them on as DIY projects. I have a few months to prepare, but knowing me, I should start sooner rather than later!

Do you use outdoor lighting? Store bought or homemade? Do you have any recommendations for DIY lighting projects?

(Photos: one, two, three, & four; all found via Pinterest)

Living in Small Spaces

I am so intrigued to read about people who live in unusually small spaces. I admire their creativity in how they utilize their space. I find myself inspired to live as simply as possible, but I'm unsure I could actually do it. Dwell recently featured a couple who are living and working in a small (600 square feet!) Seattle home. Here is how they've made it work...

Do you think you could live in 600 square feet or less? I think I'm too messy to make it work!
(All photos from Dwell)

An Eclectic Room

How would you feel about a stallion leering over you as you sleep? Normally, I would answer "No thank you!" to that question, but I think this painting fits perfectly in the overall decor of the room. It seems busy, but the colors and character seem to work together. Also, I'm loving the grey wall; grey seems to go with everything.

Does this room have too much going on for you? Which elements would you like to incorporate into your own bedroom?
(Photo: Amber Interior Design)

Baby, It's Cold Outside

As a teen, I was a major advocate for using the heater. My bestfriend's dad never kept their house above 65 degrees and told me to grab a blanket or sweater whenever I complained. I thought he was being completely irrational, not to mention a bit scroogey with his PG&E bill. I didn't fully understand his thought process until I moved into my own single-family home.

Apartments are great for heating because they are usually small and can warm up quickly. Heating an entire house, on the other hand, is a different beast entirely. It takes at least twice as long and costs much more than that. Even though there are times when I feel like I am freezing, I can't bring myself to turn on the heater.

My stubbornness reached a low point two years ago. It was our first winter in the house and I was worried about how high our bill would be. I convinced our roommates to "play a game" to see how long we could last without turning on the heater. We decided 55 degrees would be the breaking point. Yes, 55 degrees. I don't know what I was thinking convincing others to live like that; the air was so cold in the morning that it was actually painful to change! The final straw came when our roommate, Jenna, woke up extra early and swore she saw her breathe. She went to check the thermostat to confirm it was 55 degrees, and it read 49! Can you believe it?! 49 degrees inside our house; that is absurd.

I have since learned my lesson and we now have the heater set on a timer to come on in the morning. I continue find myself battling irrational thoughts of how "it's really not that cold" or "one more blanket won't hurt", and every time I do, I'm reminded of my bestfriend's dad. This thought makes me laugh because I have turned into him completely.

How low are you willing to keep your thermostat? 
(Photos: one and two)

Have a Productive Weekend!

Boy, I have plans for this weekend. There are certain items that have been lingering on my to-do list and I'm ready to check them off! Some of the items on my list are fun, but they are still things I have been meaning to take care of. This weekend will include:

• Catching up on my BYW reading. Blogging Your Way is the online blogging course that Holly over at decor8 offers; it is AMAZING!
• Attending a beautiful wedding, in a beautiful place, for a beautiful friend.
• Catching up with a long-time friend and old roommate, Tracy (she'll be here for the beautiful wedding mentioned above).
• Work on/complete some Grad school homework.
• Work on a new blog series!

What are your plans this weekend? Will it be busy or relaxed? Whatever they are, I hope you enjoy them!

(Photo: SeeSaw via Pinterest)

Finding a New Bed

Robbie and I love the comfort of our bed and how it works so well with the entire design of our room. What we don't love are the loud squeaks it makes anytime we move. We are at the point now where buying a new frame will be a good investment. Here are some of the fun frames I have found so far:

What kind of bed frame do you have? Would you, or do you, miss the available storage of a floor frame? I'd love the hear your recommendations!
(Photos: one, two, three)

A Comfy Chair

Robbie and I have a corner in our room that is the perfect size for a reading chair.  Currently, we have a large leather recliner that we inherited from our parents.  It has definitely served it's purpose, but I have been slowly dropping hints to let Robbie know I am interested in giving that space a face lift.

I want something that is large, comfortable, cloth, and complimentary to the room.  Below are a few that make me want to curl up with a warm blanket, hot chocolate, and a good book.

(This one is a bit big, but so fun!)

Do you have a reading chair?  Do you have any recommendations on what to look for or where to go?

(Photos courtesy of urbanoutfitters.com, ballarddesigns.com, and westelm.com)