Restoration

Decisions, decisions!

New Project: Bedroom Redesign

It's been a long time coming, but I'm saying farewell to my Ralph Lauren French Pink walls this weekend. Au revoir! Part of this decision is because my home is going on the market soon... and realistically, who wants a house with a pink room if they don't have a little girl? (Uh, except for the fact that apparently I did...) The major factor, though, is that the color has become absolutely suffocating to me. I'm a super visual person, so I'm particularly sensitive to the aesthetic and "feel" of a space... and the pink is absolutely irritating at this point. Not what I'm looking for in my little relaxing haven, right?

This hasn't always been the case... when I finished an entire day's worth of painting with my high school sweetheart back in 2006, I was in absolute heaven. (Er, does heaven have the same feel as the current Miss Dior Cherie ads? heh, probably not.) But what was once inspired by the feminine old-Hollywood budoir feel of Victoria's Secret dressing rooms... now just feels stale and outdated. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about glamour and sparkle- I just feel like my taste has matured and has become a bit more understated.

While I won't be living in this home much longer, I hope to create a room that is reflective of the current me. It's also a bit of a trial run, as it's going to allow me to experiment with this new color palette before I get my own place. Because this move isn't very far off, everything I choose now will inevitably end up in my own home. I've already incorporated new pieces as my style has evolved over the past few years, but I'm excited to add a few new things to complete my vision. Having carefully chosen many household items already, I just want everything to blend into a cozy, glamorous space.

What I'm loving in this design process...

Colors: 

Beige, Grey, Cream, Turquoise

Accent Colors: 

Black, Pale Pink, Lavender (?)

Fabrics: 

Linen, Velvet, Twill

Fabric Prints:

Neutral Baroque Duvet
Chevron Rug
Tufted Pillows

Finishes: 

Reflective (beveled mirrors, mercury glass, hammered silver, sparkly accents, glass)

Weathered Wood
Distressed Painted Wood

I've chosen Martha Stewart's Heavy Goose for the new color, which is a light greige. (Side note, I had to go with Behr paint, as the Stewart line is being discontinued at Home Depot.) Pictures to come!

Some home decor inspiration I've been loving recently:

 

 

(Image Sources: Pinterest)

"What is the goal? A house that is like the life that goes with it, a house that gives us beauty as we understand it-- and beauty of a nobler kind that we may grow to understand." -Elsie de Wolfe

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My Vision of Home

While I'm starting my career and getting closer to the reality of having my own space, I've actually been stocking up on many household goods to get me started during the past year or so. I've always had a pretty concise vision of my decor style, but I've been doing much more research recently to nail the look I'm after. More than anything, I want to create a space that is beautiful, airy, and yet cozy. I want people to walk in my home and think that it has "sparkle," and yet aren't afraid to sink in my couch and put their feet up. I think elegance can only exist for me if it's also comfortable and livable, and hopefully I'll be able translate this in the coming months into my own home. Sooo exciting.

 Decor Inspiration:

 

 "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury."

-Coco Chanel

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Things I Love: Home Edition

I'm a couple years off from registering for my own wedding, but I'm already dreaming up a home filled with thoughtfully chosen home goods. I'm not into having anything for the sake of just having it- I think it's important to find unique pieces that draw you in. Your home should be reflective of you and those who live there, telling a story of sorts about you. With all things, you should really love anything that is a part of your life... dishes, pillows, and appliances included. =)

Simply Shabby Chic (& Cheap!)

Proof that home goods don't have to be expensive to look great and still be quality made? Target's Simply Shabby Chic line by Rachel Ashwell.

I own several of the furniture pieces (in addition to bedding, a couple lamps, and bathroom accessories), and they blend effortlessly with my more expensive stuff. They sort of finish my decor, and I can't argue with that (especially at a great deal). I actually make sure that I check out the Shabby Chic area during every Target visit I make, all in hopes that I'll find something new or on clearance. With Rachel Ashwell's original Shabby Chic line now gone due to bankruptcy, I'm so glad that this line is still available... it's quite possibly the best brand pairing that Target has ever introduced.

A few of my favorite things:
I'm so happy with the smocked duvet cover I bought for $80 back in the spring. It's soft, lightweight, and gives my room an ethereal, girly touch. (Not that the pink walls and cream trim aren't feminine enough! HA!)

The nightstand was the first piece I'd ever purchased from the Simply Shabby line. I can't remember how much I paid for it a few years ago, although it's $170 now. Such a great price for a solid, pretty table with cute "glass" knob pulls.

I bought a large table I use for a vanity (similar to the computer table shown above, except with a pullout drawer and glass hardware) in early 2008, and this is a piece that I literally use at least twice a day. I needed more counter space for all of my makeup and styling tools, so I replaced my real vanity with this table and haven't looked back since. Like the nightstand, it's sturdy, looks great, and has held up perfectly.