Lulu

I just got a bunch of fabric samples from Lulu DK and I am totally obsessed.

She is a true artist and I love her sense of whimsy. I found these images of her apartment (via Kelly Green) and I couldn't stop staring at all the details. Especially that little nook with the moorish arch. Love it! Her home feels very layered which can be a hard thing to achieve with out things getting cluttered.

And if you need another dose of Lulu, check out her book:

Isn't the cover just magical?

A little inspiration

I've been working on pulling together the boy's room before the arrival of #2 and I needed

a little push to get me there. All my nesting energy is going to getting my client's houses

in order so hopefully these pretty pictures will get me the rest of the way:

wood block books bowties houses sneaker oranges globes

pretty colors

This gorgeous spread stopped me dead in my tracks.

It just happens to be the exact color palette of my baby's room.

Loving those oranges and blues.

discovered via Urban Grace

hello yellow

Leave it to Sarah Richardson to make me completely rethink my master bedroom revamp.

I am loving this gorgeous use of yellow. And those ikat ottomans? Ahhhh, don't even get me started.

She really outdid herself this time, and I love the modern flair.

Check out her work on the Toronto Designer Show House over at Chic Coles.

Avebury Floral Vine

Hello, let me introduce you to my new favorite fabric. Her name is Avebury and she is just lovely.

Her colors are soft and sophisticated and we're quickly becoming best friends.

I hope you'll love her as much as I do!

In fact, she's even the inspiration for my master bedroom which I'm trying to get pulled together before the baby comes.

I'll share the plans with you on Monday.

Sponsor Post: Huge Sale at Alice Lane

This is a big one guys. Look at all these wonderful things that are on sale at Alice Lane.

They're making way for new inventory and need to clear out the store.I was down at Alice Lane on Saturday and got a

special preview of the sale items and let me tell you, I would be happy to take any of these items home with me.

Happy Shopping!

Serena's Kitchen Makeover

I got the new Serena and Lily catalog yesterday and I was so excited to see the darling kitchen nook styled by Serena herself.

Isn't it lovely and crisp?

Giveaway from Alice Lane

If you're hoping for a little something under the tree to spruce up your home for the holidays, then you might want to head over to the Alice Lane blog and enter their latest giveaway.

I was in the store recently with my camera and snapped a few pictures of their pretty Holiday decor:

color inspiration

I'm working on a room right now with the exact same color palette as this vintage suzani throw from Jayson Home and Garden. Now if only I could squeeze an extra 2,500 out of the budget to nab this beauty then we'd really be set.

I am just loving the pop of the pink, coral and turquoise against the caramel tones. It is such an unexpected color palette but it feels so fresh.

Just a few goodies from my dream house files

tara guerard

palmer weiss

colorful dots

All I can say is, I'm smitten with these darling little dots in a candy colored palette.

From Kate Spade of course.

Alice Lane's amazing makeover

Did you see the amazing transformation of Nie Nie's basement done by Alice Lane?

Talk about a dream basement!

The best part is, there is more to come!

Stay tuned to the Alice Lane blog to keep up to date with the Nie Nie projects.

Beautiful art by Leslie Graff

I knew I had to pass along one of my latest discoveries. I am totally smitten with the gorgeous artwork of Leslie Graff. The best part is that most of her work is available in canvas and giclee prints which means having a beautiful piece hanging on your wall at an affordable price is not out of reach. 

Don't these remind you of Betty Draper? 

Thanks to the Shabby Apple blog for the introduction to this amazing artist. 

Dorm Room Decorating

I still have the pink and yellow Ralph Lauren bedding that I had my first year of college at NYU.

I remember thinking how cute it was and how jealous my room mates would be. Needless to say I was a little deflated when all the hip city kids were spotted with bags full Urban Outfitters decor to dress up their corners. 

I'd like to think if I could go back and do it again, I could and would wow them with my awesome style. Because of this I was thrilled when a reader, Tenia sent out an S.O.S. to a group of bloggers to help shed some light on ideas for dorm room decorating. Jamie has a list on her blog of all those participating in this fun challenge.  

I thought I would approach this two ways, one with an overall design, and an outline of the basics needed to get you through all those late night cram sessions and term papers. 

So here are my finds:

1. A stylish bookcase:

I love this spine bookcase and we all know college=lots of books

This piece will transition well to a post college pad too!

2. Cute bedding and pillows:

I am head over heels for these zebra crewel pillows, and this chevron quilt is one of my favorite items these days. 

3. Storage:

A great solution to maximize storage in small space is using the space under the bed. These degernes baskets from ikea happen to be a favorite. 

4. Something happy:

I thought this print was a great mantra for those homesick days. 

5. A focal point:

I've loved this Mantadia rug from Anthropologie for a long time. It's crewel so it is lightweight enough that you could even use it at the foot of the bed like a throw. I think it is a great inspiration piece to build the room around. 

6. Pretty curtains:

I opted for something sheer so the daylight hours wouldn't get slept away. 

7. A bulletin board:

A place to post important reminder, due dates and invitations is a must. I loved this inspiration board by Kelly Green. A simple cork board can be purchased at an office supply store and then jazzed up (a great tutorial via Bryn).

8. A cozy place to sit:

Who doesn't love this snazzy ikat chair? A great place to catch up on reading or nibble pizza. 

Another great transition piece for post-college life. 

9. A great dresser:

I've loved suchow apothecary chest for a long time and I think it lends a nice sophistication to dorm life. I just ordered one of these for a client. I can't wait for it to get delivered!

10. Lighting:

The lighting in my dorm room was awful and I swear my bad eyesight developed in college. I love the look and price of this cute little lamp. 

11. Mirror:

A place to check your hair and makeup on the way to class is a must. I love the touch of glamour this adds. 

12. A great desk chair:

I spent far too many late nights glued to the computer in an uncomfortable chair.

I'd opt for something soft and stylish like this lovely chair from Sears. 

So now I'm dying to know, what was your best decorating attempt in college? 

party time

My son's second birthday party is this weekend. 

I'm going simple and it should be a fun little event. 

I ordered some beautiful party supplies from Fort and Field.

 I was giddy when the box came in the mail today. Perfection. 

My favorite purchase has to be these alphabet cups. I think they are too pretty to use. 

Maybe I'll just keep them on hand for when I have the urge to spell. 

wedding inspiration

The month of July has been crazy. Aside from my usual projects, my younger sister is getting married on the 28th. It has been so much fun planning her wedding, but I think we are all at the point where we are ready for the big event to happen. 

I thought I would pass along this beautiful image that has been a source of inspiration in our planning. We're using my grandmother's antique chandelier over the buffet table and when I came across this picture it really struck a chord. 

If you are looking for some floral and wedding inspiration, you'll definitely want to check out Ariella Chezar. Her work is beautiful. 

sally steponkus

You know how there are some people that everything they touch turns to gold? I sort of feel that way about interior designer Sally Steponkus. Her designs always feel so serene and effortless. I've been browsing her portfolio lately for inspiration. Gold I tell you. Pure gold. 

summer camp

I cannot imagine a more exciting summer camp than this. Taught by none other than the amazing Tobi Fairley. 

Seriously if you are anywhere in the vicinity of Little Rock, Arkansas you should make sure you are one of the attendees. I wonder how much flights from Salt Lake to Little Rock are? 

You'll be learning from a real pro. Tobi Fairley is one of the best, and if you don't believe me, just take a look at these rooms: