One day, in my modern farm house, I'd like to have full wall of glass windows.
:: small interviews and mentions ::
CITY INSPIRATION FOR YOUR SMALL SPACE
I snapped this picture at brunch last weekend. The window pattern and detail on the building caught my eye - it's visual, pretty yet understated in a neutral tone. (Love the pop of green from the palm tree!) I may try something like this with mirrors by the office since it's still a blank slate there. Inspiration tip - take your camera with you when you are out and about - you never know what will inspire you for your home!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
JUST A THOUGHT...Reupholstering The Ottomans
While I do love the zebra print, I think I am in the mood to switch it up and get the ottomans covered in a pretty ikat design. Something like this ottoman featured on 1st Dibs. Simple reupholstering on items like ottomans and seat cushions is affordable and can really make a difference in a small space. More to come...
SMALL SPACE TREND ALERT
Small space dwellers can rejoice! The Washington Post reports that more and more furniture companies are scaling down furniture to accommodate small space living. Check out the full article here and read about some upcoming style ideas.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK:
Tips For Making Your Space Feel Bigger When It's Feeling Small
After a few weekends of travel, I was able to stay put this weekend, hang around the apartment and enjoy some down time. It's funny when I spend a lot of time at home, I sometimes get a twinge of "argh, this space is feeling small!!?!!?" When this occurs, I look around and think about what I can do to make it simply feel bigger. Here are a few tips that I follow whenever I am feeling this way...1) REFRESH.
I spend a few hours cleaning my place. From vacuuming to cleaning the tub to windexing the windows and mirrors, these simple tasks really make me feel good in my space and I appreciate the look of it.
2) REARRANGE.
I don't go crazy and rearrange the entire aparment - stability is a good thing. (Just ask Boy. He likes to keep the place as is) But if you have been wanting to make a change in your space and you are feeling a bit antsy in your small space - go for it! I had been wanting to get simple Ikea bookcases for our TV unit for a long time. I like the clean lines and the height. I finally went for it and am really happy! The new TV unit I made is still a little work in progress but my space feels bigger and fresh to me.
3) RE-HANG.
I have a some framed art work throughout my place and I like to move them around from time time to time. The Jazz art gallery has found a new home in our bathroom. And our leaning mirror is now hanging above our mirrored buffet. By reusing our own things, our place feels new, bigger and it didn't cost a penny.
4) RESOURCEFUL.
I love buying flowers for my space. Inexpensive and colorful, these little guys make me smile. Also, if you happen to see some pretty branches or leaves on a walk, bring them home with you and create a nice centerpiece for your table or add a natural element to a vase on your bedside table.
5) RESEARCH.
I love flipping through design magazines, catalogues and fashion guides. The colors + designs + artists are super inspiring and can offer great tips on anything and everything home related. Whenever I feel like I want to get bigger, I simply look through these guides to find ideas for my small space and it gives me a renewed energy and interest in my home.
DETERMINE YOUR SMALL SPACE STYLE
After flipping through the first few pages of domino's new book, I was asked to determine my style? Looking around my room, I feel that my style has evolved over the years - going from traditional/feminine/edge to modern/traditional/edge. With styles changing day to day and year to year, it's nice to have a list of words to pull from that can succinctly describe the look and feel of your space.USING YOUR WALLS: Red Wallpaper
Placing this red wallpaper with feathers on it on one wall in a room will make a fantastic accent to the space - extending the length of the room too! Just throw in a red decor accent and you are set!
Enjoy!
FRAMED NUMBERS
Loving the look of these large numbers framed in this room found in the CB2 catalog. The contrast feels big in the small space.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
CUTE: Ring Wall Magazine Rack
This cute magazine rack found at Chiasso is functional + stylish. I may have to get this for my office.
SMALL SPACE ACCENTS: Framed Focal Point
Much like this neat mantle montage I posted about a few weeks ago, this look of using frames to create depth and interest will make a small space feel bigger and allow for personal memories to be showcased.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
DOMINO BAZAAR OPENING NIGHT
This evening I attended the opening gala for the Domino Bazaar that is being held this weekend in Los Angeles. Lots of goodies and consultations are at your service! I especially loved this outdoor space that was set up. The rich colors and style looked stylish + chic and comfy. I may have to find a place for purple in my small space? Plus I picked up my copy of domino: The Book of Decorating and can't wait to dive in and read it!
Have a great weekend!
I LOVE...Free Design Words Of Advice
Although their furniture pieces are very pricey, you can get free words of wisdom from your favorite classic furniture designers by clicking here. Read about the inspiration behind classic and iconic furniture + design pieces and turn it around to your own small space.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
SMALL SPACE MISC: Art For The Future
While this is not a small space post, it is about art + inspiration + hope in the future during these interesting and tough times. Moveon.org held an inspirational competition for its readership to create art celebrating Barak Obama’s presidential candidacy. The finalists work was then put on display at the Manifest Hope Gallery in Denver. Regardless of your political views, artwork extends to everyone. (via Design Notes)
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
SMALL SPACE ACCENTS: Waverly Desk & Bench
While I do love our built-in office space, I can't help but wonder how this matching desk and bench would look in my eat-in-kitchen turned office!?! Love the matching design - these extra details add a lot of impact in smaller spaces.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
SMALL SPACE ACCENTS: Pendant Bell Lights
These very cool Porcelain Bell Hanging lamps definitely will make a statement in a small space. The industrial design + white coloring allows this lighting design to feel impactful yet sophisticated.
THE EXTRA SMALL HOUSE
Standing just 500 sq ft, the Extra Small house is a great example of maximizing space while using raw materials to create form + function. Architect Nonya Grenader style is clever and resourceful. Check out more of Nonya's stunning work here. (via Desire To Inspire)
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
CUTE: Jason Miller Seconds Dinner Plates
This series of plates by designer Jason Miller really caught my eye. Not only do the color + pattern combos look fabulous but he designed these to be off centered and unique! These would look perfect in an all white small space kitchen.
SMALL SPACE ACCENTS: Multiple Side Tables
I spotted this clever layering idea at HD Buttercup over the weekend. The different sizes give vertical depth plus creates more space for your side table needs.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
SMALL SPACE ACCENTS: It's All In The Details
I believe that even the smallest of details can add dimension and texture to a small space. Take this chair - loving the bubble detail on the frame. The polished finished of the black paint mixed with the contrast against the white cushion allows this chair's detail to shine.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
SMALL SPACE ACCENTS: Pop-Up Photo Album
In these days if digital picture sharing, it's easy to showcase photo albums virtually with family and friends. That being said, there is something to be said about photo albums in your small space. This pop-up photo album is a great way to get back into the album mix!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
A FAVE SITE: House Beautiful's Instant Room
One of my favorite magazine features is House Beautiful's Instant Room. This month's features designer Celerie Kimble. I love the fabrics she choose to convey the look of the room that is inspired by Chic Women. Simply pick a fabric or two from the group to create the pull Celerie's look together. Always inspiring for any small space dweller!
DWR: Tools For Living
I attended the DWR: Tools For Living event last night at their Santa Monica store. The store will act as an accessories counterpart to their popular furniture store. While the products are pretty pricey, the words of wisdom that DWR stand behind are free - which is design is made to be accessible and everyday objects should be viewed as tools for living a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
WICKER X-BENCH
Loving this wicker take on the very popular X-bench via Barclay Butera. These pieces work well as a side table or place to sit. Also, they are short enough to layer under an existing console or coffee table like this.
Enjoy!
USING YOUR WALLS: Floor-To-Ceiling Art Gallery
This is a neat idea for one wall of a bathroom or kitchen - placing magazine or photo spreads from floor to ceiling. Complete the look by using neutral furniture against the wall.
(top pic Rachel Whiting and bottom pic Clair Wayman)
(top pic Rachel Whiting and bottom pic Clair Wayman)
Enjoy!
BLACK & WHITE VIA ZARA HOME
Although I love pops of color in a small space, using contrasting colors, like a black and white, can also make a bold impact. Zara Home features a range of decor that suits this look just fine. Check out more here.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
SMALL SPACE ACCENTS: Sweet Wall Hooks
These wall hooks from Urban Outfitters send you off and welcome you home every day with a big hug!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
MY NEIGHBORHOOD, MY INSPIRATION
I have posted before about gathering inspiration from your surroundings. Take a walk around your neighborhood and enjoy the scenery, homes and colors. Especially with the change of seasons, you can enjoy this opportunity. (Although it will be 96 today in LA!?!). I have always simply enjoyed being around my neighborhood. Whether it was Soho or Beverly Hills, my design style has been influenced by these neat areas.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
