House Tour: Beautiful, Lived-In, and Inspiring

This Toronto, Canada home belongs to The Marion House Book's Emma Reddington. The Marion House Book is a blog I recently discovered, though I have no idea why I didn't fine it sooner as it is really lovely, as is the author's home. See below:

 The bedroom is probably my fav.  It's simple, pretty, and bright

 Love the branch on the wall!

What do you think?

via Design*Sponge

Read more →

Great giveaway for all you art lovers out there!

I have a really great and unique giveaway for you guys.  I haven’t held a giveaway since before I left for Spain, so I figured I’d make the return of the giveaways a really good one. 

The giveaway is a chance to win a framed print of your choosing from the carefully curated print collection at Thumbtack Press.  Thumbtack Press is an “online art enclave that exists to create a community of like-minded art enthusiasts,” and features some really talented artists.  The focus is illustration, which is very near and dear to my heart, as I graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Illustration in 2006.  I even recognized names of fellow RISD grads and professors on the Thumbtack Press artist roster!

The new owner personally curates the collection and looks forward to expanding to even more genres in the future. In fact, be sure you visit again in June when they will be launching a new and improved Thumbtack Press site.

To enter all you need to do is leave a comment on this post listing your favorite work/artist from the Thumbtack site (I really love the “Randomizer” feature which shows you an array of various artwork), and then make sure you “Like” Thumbtack Press on Facebook.  This is very important because they will be contacting the winner directly this way.  Click here to go to the Thumbtack Press Facebook page and “Like” them.

Below are a few works I really admired

“Born” by Gina Triplett

Ken Wong’s “Stay and I Will Love Thee”

I like anything octopus related..

Linzie Hunter’s  “Spam One-Liner’s: Happy Life”

“Amsterdam” by Matt Mills

“Tree of Joy” by Paul Barnes

Luis Melo’s “Empty Beach” 

You have until May 31, 6 PM EST to enter.  Don’t forget to both comment on this post (scroll to the bottom of this post and right above "Labels" you will see a number followed by the word "comments." Click on the word "Comments." Or, you will see a link, "Post a Comment," which you click on to comment), and “Like" Thumbtack Press on Facebook.  Good luck!

Read more →

Some eye candy that is guaranteed to brighten up your Monday...

Friday I flew back to the states from Spain and it is good to be back. I forgot how green everything can be in Maryland this time of year, and it's absolutely beautiful (and allergy inducing).

Regardless I still spent most of this weekend outside, just soaking in all the spring growth and chirping birds. I think these pics embody the season and the desire to be outside -

could easily spend all day reading in this little nook

I would be happy in this little cottage...hopefully there is a sandy beach right behind it...

so pretty!  I love paths and lanes lined with trees

all images from Pinterest

Read more →

Pure kitchen bliss...

I'm just gushing over these kitchens...

white subway tiles...classic but never boring...
via Lonny Mag

Wow...never seen a counter curve around the windows like that
via House Beautiful

This kitchen has classic good looks but the rug really makes it great for me...
via High Gloss Magazine

Great island with all that storage...

2 images above via Eric Roth Photography

amazing fireplace..

2 images above via Elle Decor

Another clean and classic beauty
via Adore Home Mag

So, tomorrow morning I am flying back to the states after living/working in Spain for the last 4 months, so I won't be posting -- have a great weekend!

Read more →

Tired of the same old? Home accessories with modern and clever design!

So, I try not to bombard you guys with too much sale info, but some of them I think would be just cruel not to share. If you are into modern unique design, or know someone who is - share this with them...

This very cool stuff is on sale, but you have to sign up before you can shop (don't worry it's free to sign up) I have an invite link for you... www.ideeli.com/invite/decorology

Zipper teacups!

This "can" is a fully functional, reusable, dangerous-chemical -free water bottle!

animal shot glasses..



"peaceful" bomb vase


lightweight, but beautiful pin-up picture frames

I really want one of these mirrors...great to put by the door to get a final look at yourself, and it can hold your keys, phone, etc.

These "vases" slip over a wine bottle to make it more beautiful


Love this vase


ninja star magnets

cool stuff right?

Read more →

A peak inside the home of Shabby Chic's Rachel Ashwell

In the Aug/Sep 2010 issue of Lonny Mag they gave us a sneak peak of Ashwell's London flat. The flat came furnished and she kept all the furniture, just converting it to her needs as opposed to buying new furniture.




I think that coffee table is an old door!


I want that rug...


Rachel's decorating rules. (click on the image for a bigger view)

From her new store in London

So...I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I did not know until I read the article that Shabby Chic filed for bankruptcy in 2009. Since then, Rachel has come back with products that address the new style of cleaner lines and less "fluff," as opposed to the chintz and flowy slipcovers she's famous for. What do you think? Do you think Rachel can adapt to the changing times with her new line? Were you sad to see Shabby Chic go or were you over it??

via Lonny Mag

Read more →