Living Room Love

As you may have read yesterday, I signed an apartment lease!

And bought a sofa.

(No, this is not the same post.)

First, I want to say "thanks" to everyone that offered words of wisdom! I will definitely be using your advice!

Now to the fun:
I have been brainstorming where I see the design of this apartment going for sometime and so I finally created a little inspiration board!

Living Room Love

I have chosen to use teal, grey, black, white, and chrome as my color scheme. I already have a few of these pieces, including the sofa, so it seems to be a good fit thus far. We'll see how long this lasts but as of now, I kinda love it! 

Where have you made your best living room purchases?

Today's Pickins:
1. What Would J.Crew Do?
2. The BEST Pillow Sources
3. Easter Egg Fillers that ARE NOT Candy

Design Inspiration: Ikea Adventure

Yesterday, we helped my sister move back to school. She is getting ready to start her junior year at the University of South Florida in Tampa and moved into her first apartment! Having lived in the dorm my first year and the sorority house the rest of college, I never really got to live out the fun side of living in my own place.

After lunch, we ran over to Ikea in Ybor to pick up some last minute things, like a rug and side table. Because I will have my own place very soon, I’ve got inspiration boards all over the place! I snapped a few photos of some things I loved in the store.

1.       I loved the all white kitchen in the mock apartment! Especially the focal use of the Audrey canvas.

2.       The patterned serving tray with martini glasses and the gorgeous candle sticks create an all day festive feeling.

3.       I bought this cupcake stand to use as a makeup and jewelry display in my bathroom! I love it and it is a great tool in reminding me to put my stuff back when I get ready in the mornings.

4.       The aqua cart was a sweet touch in the very natural bedroom. It would make for a fun DIY with a cart from a thrift store or flea market, as well.

5.       Totally lusting after this chrome lamp! And let me tell you, I normally could care less about lamps.

6.       This blue and white toile pattern has caught my eye while at Ikea before. I currently have a black and cream toile as one of the patterns in my current “Vintage France” inspired bedroom and might have to bring toile into my new place, too!

7.       A grey, round, side table would be so functional! The best part? It could be painted if it didn’t match. Even better? It was really well priced!

8.       I am not sure which I love more: the purple chairs or the bold, patterned table runner! The table runner was a cavas-eque material. I’ve been sewing for about 14 years so finding some fabric and whipping one of these out would be no problem!

What are some of the pieces that inspired room design in your place?

Today’s Pickins:

1.       Lilly Pulitzer now has Jubilee cocktail mixes?! Very Niceeee! 

2.       My birthday always seems to be a holiday party and I think this hot chocolate bar idea might be a sweet treat for this winter! 

3.       Using old wood pallets to create outdoor furniture looks pretty easy thanks to this DIY! 

4.       Kinda fell in love with these wine bottle tea light holders today at Yankee Candle. 

Design Inspiration: Wicker

Confession: I love wicker. From bags to shoes to chairs and bins, it’s one of my favorite neutrals. I love the way wicker creates a natural texture in a room without being too bold (unless you want it to be!). Even more so, the way the sand shade contrasts with white makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

As I am looking into moving into a new place, wicker seems to be a common inspiration in many of my favorite room designs. Here are some of my favorites!

What are some of your favorite materials for decorating?

Today’s Pickins:

1.       Loving the leopard on the Ella Tote from Tory Burch.

2.       Women- why weight training is an important part of losing weight.

3.       I’ve been having a crappy week so just looking at this cake has made me a little happier.

4.       This note jar is an easy way to keep the good things in life in perspective.

Changing Colors

As a Florida girl, I have a hard time remembering that fall is near. It really isn’t until we have our first brisk game day in The Swamp that it really hits me that fall is here.

I’ve always hated the sudden transition from summer hues to fall hues and wish it was a bit more gradual. One of the best ways to mitigate this sudden switch is to transition slowly—and a great way to start that it with your nails!

A secret nail polish addict, I seem to change my color at least once a week and own more nail polish than I have room for. I’ve found that some of the colors I already have had great hints of some fall inspirations which are perfect for the transition!

What are some of your favorite ways to transition from summer to fall?

Today’s Pickins:

1.       Shamrock Shake copycat recipe!? Might have to break my “no sugar” rule for this! 

2.       Making a T-Shirt quilt  is a perfect winter project will all of my old Sigma Kappa tees.  

3.       Brightly colored doors are one of my favorite parts of a home, especially the bright blue! 

4.       Lilly Pulitzer’s Oar dressing room in their new Maryland store would be an awesome recreation in a nautical bathroom!