Displaying Children's Books with Picture Ledges

I have wanted to create a book wall for quite some time. We found out we were moving over a year ago, so I thought I might save our walls from additional holes and save Mr. Hubs from patching said additional holes. Plus, it's kind of a need-to-live-close-to-an-Ikea project, because that's where I would buy the ledges. I'm a huge advocate of being able to see book covers. It's the (retired) second grade teacher in me, but let's be honest, it also looks super cute. I can't wait to do this in our next place. 

P.S. I also want the stripes, but we'll save that little bit of good news after Mr. Hubs finishes his boards and gets in a few rounds of golf. Timing is everything.

image from Elizabeth Sullivan Design via House & Home

image from Jones Design Company

image from Sydney Morning Herald

What $1300 Will Buy You

Remember that one day when I took my Mr. Hubs' car to the dealership, and it needed over $1200 worth of work done to it? And then, the very next day, I got a ticket for $100 and a picture of me running a red light in the mail? And, remember when I could have sworn that when Mr. Hubs opened that piece of mail, he kind of grinned, because he was happy that it was me and not him this time? Remember when I made that grin go away as soon as I reminded him that this was the only ticket I'd gotten since we've been married, and that he's had...a few more? That was my Friday and Saturday. Don't even get me started on everything and anything else that I could have spent that money on. Car problems and tickets are definitely at the top of my list of things I hate to spend money on.  So, what will $1300 buy you? For you, any one of these three things. For me? A red light ticket and car repairs. Ugh. You win some, you lose some, right?!

image from Restoration Hardware

image from Anthropologie

image from Crate & Barrel

[kreyv of the day]

image from Eric Piasecki

Tablescapes...Some day

These. These are what I would like my table to look like when I have dinner guests. I love to entertain, and someday, maybe I'll splurge on fresh flowers, and great chandies (or marshmallows), and well, a table that seats more than four. Oh, and maybe I'll actually invite people other than the missionaries (who will eat anything) over to my house for dinner parties. Yes, someday you'll be invited to a dinner party. Just let me know what meal you'll be bringing, so I can decorate accordingly...unless you want cold cereal. Or the marshmallows hanging from the ceiling.  I can do pretty, but I can't always do yummy. Trust me. You don't want my food.

image from Wednesday Custom Designs

image from Dreamy Whites

image from Kohler Jones

Canopy Beds: I'll Take Two

I know I usually post a few pictures, but these beds, these little pieces of heaven right here on earth, need their own post. Have you ever seen anything so dreamy? Sigh. I think I'm in love.

image from Elements of Style

Beds & Windows: Can't We All Just Get Along?

Bedroom windows can be tricky, but don't let them discourage you OR have too much control of your bed placement. A bed in front of a window can definitely work. Just remember: Window treatments should not compete with your headboard or furniture--they need to get along! Here are some tips:

Beds Blocking Windows: If your bed is directly in front of your window, opt for a non-obtrusive headboard. You don't want your headboard to be too tall and block a majority of the light coming in. Remember, they need to get along. If possible, install panels, so that they flank the bed. Try to avoid blocking your panels with your bed.

Windows Above the Bed: I recently worked with a client who had three square windows above her bed. Rather than using full-length panels (that would have been covered by the bed), we opted for pelmet boxes and roman shades similar to what's shown in the House Beautiful picture. This gives a completed look without cluttering the wall behind the bed. 

Windows Flanking the Bed: This one's not as difficult, since you can install two panels on each window. The tricky part comes when there is little space between the bed and the window, and/or the bed and the wall. If this is the case, try using a light or shear panel, so that you are not blocking light. This will also help avoid window treatments that feel too heavy and compete with the headboard and/or nightstands. Another option is using a partial rod and one panel on each window. This gives the illusion of one big window and avoids a feeling of being crowded (especially if you have a headboard, panels, and nightstands to work with). 

image from House Beautiful

image from Atlanta Homes Mag

image from The Lettered Cottage

Baby Girl Nursery | Sydney

I hope you all had a fabulous Mother's Day. Mine was wonderful. Being a mommy is just the best gig ever and having a day of breakfast in bed, gifts, a dinner AND chocolate chip cookies made by my man is pretty awesome, too! I can't complain--I'm one lucky girl!

I created this design board for a client expecting a baby girl.  We kept the room, linens, and furniture neutral and added in some major pops and pattern with the rug, pillows, and the chair...oh that chair! To. Die. For. It was important to the client to have a space that allowed for some growing up. This room could easily go from nursery to little girl just by switching out the crib for a bed. 

I personally love to design with a neutral base and add my pops through less-permanent pieces, because even though I may pretend that I will keep the room the same for a while, well, it's just not true. I will change things out, and this way, I can do so more easily. In other words, it's less obvious to the Hubs if I'm just changing out accessories rather than furniture and paint! If you would like more information about my design services, go here.