Inspiration Thursday: Kitchen Design

My Mom is currently remodeling her kitchen. I have been helping her a little along the way, but recently we discovered that we really do not share the same taste when it comes to design. Which is fine, because I would rather her choose things she likes so she will Love her kitchen, which when it comes down to it, that is really the most important thing.

All of this kitchen talk has got me thinking about what my dream kitchen would look like if I owned my own house and had a little cash to spare.

Here are some of the kitchen designs I am currently loving...

In conclusion my dream kitchen would include, concrete countertops, subway tile, hardwood floors, simple cabinetry, rustic lighting, simple wood designer bar stools, and banquete seating.

What would your dream kitchen include?

DIY : Chevron Art

Adding art work to your home can sometimes get a little spendy. Plus, looking for artwork to go in an existing space can be tricky if your attempting to match your current color pallet.

Which is why creating personal art pieces is a perfect alternative. And believe it or not, you do NOT have to be an artist to create beautiful art. 

Chevron stripped wall art is an eye catching and stylish way to add visual texture and color to any space. Jess Constable over at "Makeunder My Life" used a few old canvases to create Gold Chevron Paintings for her dining room, and the finished product is fantastic! 

If your interested in attempting this stylish DIY project head on over to Makeunder My Life to get the full tutorial and the link to the chevron stripe pattern she used for the project!

Ps. Here is a helpful tip, large craft stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby will often put their canvas boards on sale for about 40% off regular prices...so be on the lookout for sales to make this project even less expensive!

Inspiration Thursday: The "Tie" Chair

In lou of Cinco de Mayo, I thought it would be fun to take Inspiration from Mexican design. I Love the simplistic design of The "Tie" chair by Mexican designer Moisés Hernández. The narrow leather straps were aesthetically designed to mimic a tie, or suspenders. 


It truly amazes me how beautiful and timeless designs can be when they are kept simple. This piece has definitely inspired me to de-clutter my home and consider more simplistic decor and furniture for my home. 


Photo Credit: Espacio Blanco.

Thrifted and Vintage: A Few Tidbits

My husband and I often find ourselves scouting the local thrift and vintage stores for our "fun" Saturday activities.  As I have mentioned before, I love to find home decor and accessory items second hand, especially when they are in good condition and priced well. It makes me feel like I won the lottery or something!

The price really is key though...Have you ever been to a thrift store or garage sale that is annoyingly over priced? It's like when you go to the Goodwill and just because an old t-shirt happens to have a Gap tag, it's 5 bucks more then all of the other old T-shirts. Plus, you could probably find it on sale at the Gap for the same price...only it won't be used. Or, someone doing a garage sale is selling there jogging stroller for $150, when they purchased it at $200! I always feel like saying, "don't you realize people are here because they are looking for a deal, and can't afford to buy new?"

Anyways, over last couple of weeks we have discovered multiple thrifted treasures to add to our home, and at great prices! Here are a few of my favorites...

Vintage Ansco Pioneer Film Camera - $4

1960's Desk Lamp - $5

Vintage Glass Jars - $1.50

1950's Retro Floor Lamp - $40

DIY Window Shade

The shade in my kitchen window has been driving me nuts ever since we moved in, about 5 months ago now. I have been meaning to replace it but didn't want to spend the extra money. Then I remembered an awesome window treatment my friend Amber made for her bathroom a while back, so I decided to give it a try.

I'll be honest, I am NOT a sewer, which seems kind of ironic. I mean, you would think an interior design major would be a able to sew herself a nice throw pillow or something. But nope, not me. I just have never taken the time to practice at it. When I'm at home in WA, I sometimes get ambitious and try to have my mom help me sew something. But, my mom usually ends up taking over and just finishing whatever project I start because I get so frustrated with it.

With that in mind, Let it be known that I sewed this shade all by myself! It wasn't too hard. Just a few straight lines was all I had to do. So, If I can do it... YOU can do it!

I really like how it turned out, and I REALLY like that the total cost for the project was under $10!

My husband even made these fancy pulls in place of the plastic ones that come with the blinds, aren't they fabulous?

Click below to get the full Tutorial!

Ps. This window shade tutorial is based off of the tutorial over at Little Green Notebook, but I added a few of my own steps, along with helpful tips from my friend Amber.

Inspiration Thursday: Out Of The Box

I have a thing for ultra modern "out of the box" architecture and design. I find it quite fascinating but can't decide if its a look I could pull off in my own home. This house called "Never Never Land," was designed by Madrid-based architect Andrés Jacque. This home is not only unique for its architecture and design, it has many sustainable features as well. For example, no trees were cut down to build this home. As you can see, the trees were actually incorporated into the house.   

This home may be a little too "out there" for some of you. But, you can still take inspiration from it's individual design features. 


For example... 
1. Don't be afraid to use your favorite colors (like the turquoise and green used here), and paint your whole house with them!
2. Forget the window coverings and flood your space with natural light. Its amazing how a glimpse of nature can change your mood and brighten your day.
3. Keep it simple. Although this home has many contemporary furniture pieces and a bold color pallet, it's not overcrowded with "stuff" making it a more calming environment. 
4. Bring natural elements into your home (like the trees incorporated into the kitchen area). You may not be able to use the same concept as this home, but you can take inspiration from it by using re-claimed wood for interior columns, light fixtures, or bed frames, There are so many possibilities! 


Fore more photos visit House of Turquoise and The New York Times.

Recycled Wood Pallet Shelving

Did you know you can make shelves out of wood pallets?

Well, I didn't... until a few months ago that is. My husband was researching creative inexpensive shelving ideas when he came across the idea, and we have been wanting to test the project out for ourselves for quite sometime.

We were stoked to find a functional furniture piece that cost next to nothing to make and we love the worn distressed look that naturally comes with old used pallets! Plus, from an "earth friendly" standpoint its great to be able to create usable shelves out of something from a trash pile...literally. (Don't worry we cleaned them up a bit, and asked permission to take them)!

In most of the online examples I've seen, the shelf is most often used as storage for children's books. But, we decided to mix things up a bit and make a 2nd shelf for my husband to store his records in (for the music/storage room). He even did the wall art above the shelf himself. I'll admit, he's pretty creative!

If you like what you see, click below for the tutorial!

oh so charming...

Isn't this little outdoor table setting just charming? 

I love how the various colors, fabrics, and textures work together to create a perfect spring party setting. My favorite part is the mason jar glasses filled with pink lemonade and the colorful straws add a subtle whimsical touch, perfect for a spring garden party.

When planning decor for birthday parties, baby showers, or lunch-in's, it's important to remember to have fun with your designs! 

Try mixing different patterned fabrics and adding fun quirky touches, like colorful straws, fabric wrapped party favors, or handmade triangle banners (all shown below). The key to good design is simply to have the final product be eye catching and pleasing to look at, don't worry too much about everything being 'matchy-matchy!'

Nicole over at a little sussy took these amazing photos for an ACME Party Box photo shoot. I hope they will give you a few ideas for any upcoming parties or special events you may be having.  

Head on over to, A Little Sussy and ACME Party Box to view more photos!

Inspiration Thursday: Easter Table Decor

Egg cups have become my new favorite Easter obsession. They have such a simple yet charming design and as I have discovered, can have many more uses then just holding hard boiled eggs. My mom sent me these egg cups last week, I can't wait to use them for my easter table setting!

Here are some creative ideas on how to use eggcups that will hopefully inspire you!

Ps. I found the history of egg cups pretty facinating! Did you know...

The earliest record of eggcup was found in 3 A.D. in the ruins of the city of Pompeii. 
The eggcup was not used again until the Elizabethan period of the 1600’s. During this time, the ruling classes of England would often eat their eggs in silver eggcups. Since it was fashionable for commoners to mimic the styles of the aristocracy, many English families began eating hard boiled eggs in wooden eggcups. (via) 


Photo Credit: 1,2,&6 Martha Stewart, 3&5. Better Homes & Gardens, 4. Southern Living

Tutorial: Felt Flower Pillow

Have any old boring throw pillows laying around?

If you answered "yes" then you may want to take a look at this tutorial.

Handmade felt flowers are a perfect way to add a little character to your old throw pillows. Not only are they fun and charming to look at, they cost next to nothing (felt is only about 25cents per sheet)!

This tutorial will show you how to make a felt flower pin to dress up your old shabby pillows. The pin is super convenient because it can be easily removed and replaced.
Click below for a step-by-step tutorial!