Monthly Archives: May 2012

Oh Buoy! Color Tipped Cutting Boards

31 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in Dining Room, Eco-friendly, Kitchen, Shops We Love, Tabletop

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Color-Tipped Cutting Boards, , unique cutting boards

This tablescape is the perfect mix of industrial and country chic for beautiful, casual living.  From the varnished raw steel Mid-Century Cafe Seating by Tolix to the reclaimed Pine barn planked Longmont table to the tulip inspired New Amsterdam Dhurrie it is a vignette to consider in your loft apartment to your beach cottage.  My favorite detail in this image (and one with DIY potential if you need instant gratification) are the Color-Tipped Cutting Boards on the wall!

With five sizes and colors to choose from these Color Tipped Cutting Boards from the Sundance Catalog would be great in any kitchen.  Depending on the style of your kitchen these could be an additional nod to a nautical theme, or an artisan touch in an eclectic kitchen, or a colorful pop for the country chic look.  Another great find at the Palace of Catalogs!

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Etsy Pick:  Chevron Kitchen Art
Catherineholm For Less
Form Meets Kitchen Function Using Color

Outdoor Shower Makeover on a Budget

31 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in Bath, beach, D.I.Y., furniture, garden, Inspiration, Outdoor

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

galvanized bucket, gardening, gutter planter, ideas for updating the outdoor shower, outdoor shower, striped shower curtain

A few years ago my brother built us this outdoor shower.  We already had the hot water hook up and it only cost 75 bucks for the parts and installation!  It has been invaluable for rinsing post beach and I find having a rinse is the most refreshing part of my day.  I hadn’t really cared as much about the way it looked as the functionality of the unit, that is until I used it for the first time this season.  We installed it with no shelving or stool.  Only a few towel hooks.

It’s pretty empty and devoid of character.  So I decided to revamp it!

I adjusted the slate tiles and added some tropical plants.  There is an old cast iron gutter that lines the house and is not actually functioning as a gutter these days. I had the idea a few years ago to turn it into a planter box and this was the perfect excuse to give it a shot.  I lined it with a straw mat and filled the bottom with stone and some potting soil.  I added plants and some top soil and the planters were complete.  I  chose plants that were happy in partial shade and also in high moisture.  I also chose plants that will grow and drape over the side.

outdoor shower with gutter planter

Lastly, to solve the shelf issue, I looked online at all the options out there.  Most were super pricey and we like the idea of having something either re-purposed or handmade.  It dawned on me that we had a galvanized bucket sitting around and it would make a great shower caddy/ towel holder!

There you have it, an outdoor shower makeover that cost very little and looks a whole lot better!

If you like this post, rinse and repeat with some others:
 Upcycling the Office with a Nautical Touch
Spring is Coming! Create a Garden Journal
My Favorite Day of the Year

Etsy Pick: Vintage Favorites at City Farmhouse Antique

30 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by in Accessories, Celebrations, Etsy Pick of the Week, Inspiration, Shops We Love, Tabletop

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"Blue Ball" jars, Blue Mason Jar centerpieces, City Farmhouse Antique, , vintage aqua Mason Jar, white Ironstone china, white tablescapes

On a search for vintage goodies on Etsy, I found the City Farmhouse Antique shop.  My first clue that I had found treasures was the list of categories:  Antiques, Primitives, Vintage, Industrial and Home Goods.  Intriguing, yes?!  My second clue, and confirmation that the categories were genuine, was the stack of “Blue Ball” pint size mason jars above.  (Remember how beautiful the pink peony looked in the aqua mason jar?!)

In addition to an offering of vintage “Blue Ball” jars – if you buy any of these and style a vignette, please send pictures! – there is also a range of white Ironstone china.  Another item from an era gone by that I am starting to see more often.  This vintage white dish ware is perfect for entertaining because you can use any napkin, tablecloth or flower arrangement to dress your table and not be directed by the color of the plate.  Also, if your plating presentation is amazing, then the plate’s color or pattern doesn’t compete.

Imagine if you will, the “blue ball” mason jars with the white Ironstone china (or any white table ware) on a table setting . . .

or

or

If you love vintage treasures, then the City Farmhouse Antique shop is a great resource for you.  There are antique mantle clocks, wooden egg crates, galvanized steel items and more.  These Mother of Pearl and Sterling Crab and Oyster Knives below would also look stunning on your next tablescape.  Enjoy!

Image Sources:  City Farmhouse Antique, Southern Weddings, Indulgy, The Martha Blog, City Farmhouse Antique

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Sweet Meas for Upcycled Vintage Finds
Dreamy Whites:  Vintage French Inspiration
Brimfield Antiques Show:  Something for Everyone!

Color Inspiration: Pink and Aqua

29 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by in bedding, Bedroom, fabrics, Kids

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Benjamin Moore, Color Inspiration, Pink Peonies, vintage aqua Mason Jar, Willywaw

It’s no secret that I’ve long been obsessed with pink peonies, and for the past several months I’ve also been enamored with the color aqua, and the two of them together is just sheer perfection. I paired this year’s first big bloom from my garden with the vintage aqua mason jar I picked up at Brimfield a few weeks ago to make my Memorial Day weekend a little brighter. But it doesn’t stop there. Oh, no, no, no. After several months of redesigning my daughter’s room (in my head) and going back and forth on how to create this color combination in her room I have finally made a few calls. The issue is not so much that I didn’t know how to incorporate the color combination, but more that I didn’t want to paint her room pink and half of the rooms in my house are already some shade of blue so I wasn’t sure I wanted to go there either. BUT, the paint has been purchased. The bedding has been purchased. And several accents have been purchased. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come of my 3-year-old’s room!

Benjamin Moore Jamaican Aqua

Ralph Lauren Pink Oxford Bedding

Jellyfish Print Fabric by Willywaw

So that is just a taste of what’s to come. I’m so looking forward to making this color combination a permanent fixture in my home. There is much more to come in this room as I also incorporate some of what already exists in the space which has a bit of a vintage eclectic feel. It’s guaranteed to be a fun and colorful space!

Stay tuned…

If you’re looking for more color inspiration, you may like:
Happy Birthday Golden Gate Bridge!
Welcome to the Year of Tangerine Dream
Purple Reigns in These Rooms

Oilcloth: A Little Retro is Perfect for Outdoor Entertaining

28 Monday May 2012

Posted by in Celebrations, Outdoor, Tabletop

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

oilcloth pillows, , , retro tablescapes

‘Tis the season for outdoor entertaining so I must dicuss one of my obsessions:  oilcloth!  Reminiscent of an era gone by – my grandmother had an oilcloth table cloth that was used for everyday meals as well as many rounds of gin rummy as I got older – oilcloth is still very practical today because it is a durable and wipeable surface, and it can add a splash of fun kitsch to any decor.  Currently, my oilcloth splashes are in my tote bags, cosmetic cases and my daughter’s lunch bag, but after finding a couple great shops that sell cut yardage in addition to finished oilcloth goods I am considering adding an oilcloth table cloth into my party closet.

Historically oilcloth was made with a heavy canvas or cotton fabric rendered waterproof with numerous coats of linseed oil; today plastic (PVC) or vinyl is woven into cotton and is far less time-consuming.  Most oilcloth is imported from Mexico and this tangerine inspired table cloth above would be perfectly on trend this summer!  Whether it’s oilcloth or laminated cotton, this old-school accessory is prime for modern day:  outdoor entertaining, a breakfast nook, children’s art tables and more.  Have a little fun and go retro in a fresh way!

There are so many uses for oilcloth today due to crafty oilcloth fans and the modernization of oilcloth production allowing for a wider variety in finished yardage.  If you are intrigued, then check out Modern June’s Sewing with Oilcloth book, Martha Stewart’s Oilcloth Crafts, Wipe Easy Tablelcloths for modern cut yardage, or just search the web and you’ll find a plethora of uses for oilcloth.

Image Sources:
Coquelicot from Provence, Mexican Sugar Skull, Oilcloth Moth, Modern June, Pink Chalk Studio, Modern June, Martha Stewart

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Fiestaware:  Color for the Table
Catherineholm For Less
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Modern June’s Chalkcloth for Entertaining

Happy Birthday Golden Gate Bridge!

27 Sunday May 2012

Posted by in Inspiration, Outdoor

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

color formula for International Orange, Fireweed color by Sherwin Williams, Golden Gate Bridge, Happy Birthday Golden Gate Bridge

In the year of Tangerine Tango, it must be said:  Happy Birthday Golden Gate Bridge!  Not only is the Golden Gate Bridge 75 years strong, its shade of orange vermilion is an international icon.  Since we are celebrating all shades of tangerine this year, let this bridge further inspire you to use orange somewhere in your decor.

Note:  ”International Orange” can grace your home if you bring one of these formulas to your paint store:  PMS 173 (CYMK = 0%, 80%, 94%, 1%), PMS 174 (CYMK 8%, 85%, 100%, 34%) or Pantone 180 (CYMK 19.4%, 77.9%, 79.6% 3.6%).  The closest off-the-shelf paint color that Sherwin Williams has available is “Fireweed” (color code SW 6328).

 What I love most about “International Orange” is that depending on the time of day or vantage point or weather story, the color of the bridge looks different.  This must be the largest chameleon in the San Francisco Bay area.  Enjoy!

If you are near San Francisco the celebration starts today, May 27, 2012 and there is something for everyone.

Image Sources:  Herald Sun, , California 4 Travel, About

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Happy Birthday Fenway Park
Tangerine Chairs for Outdoor Pops of Color
Color Your Bookshelf

Memorial Day Sales You Don’t Want to Miss

25 Friday May 2012

Posted by in Shops We Love

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, Memorial Day Weekend sales

While I’m sure many of you have been dreaming of hitting the beach or the pool this weekend, before you go anywhere hop online or hit the local mall because Memorial Day weekend is one of the best weekends to shop for home decor at discounted prices. For real! Here’s the low down on the sales worth checking out:

Simon Pearce Seconds Sale- up to 70% off at all retail locations
Serena & Lily- 20% off site wide
Pottery Barn- up to 60% off
Restoration Hardware- up to 30% off all things outdoor
Williams-Sonoma- 20% off cookware
Ballard Designs- 15% off site wide
West Elm- extra 15% off markdowns
CB2- up to 50% off
Target- up to 35% off patio furniture

And really the list goes on and on. If you’ve had your eye on anything anywhere, this weekend is the time to check and see if you can save big on it. And besides the pretty home decor items, it’s a great time to buy mattresses and appliances from department stores and home improvement stores. And should your mind wander from home improvements, check out my list of all the great things to save on this weekend over at Parentables.

It’s a great time to stock up for a super-stylish summer shindig!

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Chic Finds for All Ages from Land of Nod
Our Picks for Pottery Barn’s Best of Summer 2012
World Market Offers Fantastic Summer Collections at Affordable Prices

Tangerine Chairs for Outdoor Pops of Color

24 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in Furniture, furniture, Outdoor

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

bistro chairs, chair, outdoor seating, tangerine, tangerine chairs, vintage Eames chairs

designed by Lotta AgatonOnce Amy has all of her Eames chairs painted in tangerine I envision the impact will be as striking as the dining room above.  Not only is Amy refurbishing iconic chairs, she is one of many embracing this glorious pop of color.  If it is too much of a color commitment inside of your home, then consider adding your shade of tangerine or orange in the great outdoors with extra seating.

Any one of these chairs would be a cheerful addition to your summer entertainment space.  Enjoy!

Image Sources:  Orange Owl Modern, Anthropologie, TK Collections, Grand In Road, YLiving,

If you like this post, then you might like these: 
 Colorful Plantations Chairs Perfect for Lounging
Escape in Porch Living
Tangerine Dream Follow Up

Shower Curtains Can Transform the Bathroom

23 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by in Accessories, Bath

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Bathroom Decorating Ideas, fabric shower curtains, refreshing the bathroom, shower curtains, tangerine shower curtain

In my bathroom, the white waffle spa shower curtain reigns!  From my NYC apartment to my duplex in Newport, this shower curtain has served me well.  The fabric is heavy enough to feel luxe while the color is neutral so that it doesn’t compete with tile that was chosen in an era that I can’t discuss (why are bathrooms in a rental rarely designed in a neutral palette?), and the quality is durable such that it can be washed and bleached as many times as necessary to keep it white.

Confessions of white-scaped interiors aside, not everyone can contain their need for a little color or pattern in a bathroom; thus outdated tile motifs and once trendy colored- walls in bathrooms exist.  To remodel a bathroom can be costly so consider a mini-facelift:  keep all your hard goods like your walls, floors, and cabinetry neutral, and refresh your soft goods like towels and shower curtains with flair.  Here are a few to consider:

a white shower curtain with pattern, or . . .

a whimsical pattern to inspire color accents, or . . .

classic stripes (always in style), or . . .

an ombre ruffled look for a feminine touch, or . . .

let industry icon Jonathan Adler’s Hermés inspired bathroom motivate you.  Be it the color of the year, your favorite fabric, or a great piece of artwork, let those be the inspiration for the accents that transform your bathroom into an oasis.  A bathroom with a neutral shell can be reinvented time and time again as the mood strikes you, and is much less costly then a structural remodel.

Image Sources:
Organize It, Martha Stewart, Garnet Hill, Chic Tip, Anthropologie, A Library of Design

If you like bathroom design ideas, then you might like these:
Freshening Up in the Bathroom
Potty Talk:  Inspiration for the Loo
Thomas Paul Octopus Shower Curtain

The Perfect Frosting Color

22 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by in Celebrations, D.I.Y., Inspiration, Kids, Shops We Love

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

cupcakes, food coloring, frosting, Oh the lovely things

I never seem to get the frosting color just right when I attempt to color it myself, (not to mention the fact my baking skills are severely lacking).  I found this great D.I.Y. over at Oh the Lovely Things.  All you need is a standard box of food coloring that contains yellow, red, green and blue.  Take one cup of frosting and add the number of drops indicated under the color you want to use and voila!  A pretty little frosting that can be applied to cupcakes or any other sweet confection you are baking.  For more details head over to Oh the lovely things.  Note: the colors in this photo look a little soft to me so adjust the number of drops accordingly.

If you like this post, then you might like these:
First Birthday Party Ideas
Kids Birthday Party
Cupcakes for Everyone
A Birthday P-ART-Y
A Sweet Idea