(image via Decor Pad) 
(image via 47th Street Supply Co.)
I LOVE beautiful packages. My mom is a gift-wrapping master and I've always looked forward to her beautiful presentation under the Christmas tree. Me on the other hand - not so much. I buy beautiful paper and grosgrain ribbon, and try with all my heart to replicate the wonderfulness I grew up adoring. Though, somehow, it's never quite the same. I'm convinced that my dining table has something to do with it. As if it's upset I use the space to take in another activity besides eating. If I had a dedicated place for such crafty things, however, I'm convinced I could do fabulous work. Or at least something close. And speaking of fabulous work, be sure and check out the other Fashion Forward posts today on Paper Pocket!
(craft station via Woman’s Day, board/craft shop by Lara Robby Photography, crafting closet by A Field Journal, image via Apartment Therapy, image via Anamama)
(image via Nitrolicious)
I like color. I swear. But I admit I’m drawn to some hues more than others. And, I don’t just want a blasé, primary color pillow on my sofa. If I’m gonna rock it, I need it to be rad. Like these book covers and this painted raffia top table. Oh, and if I’m gonna cook, I may as well have rad bowls in my kitchen to match my rad books in the living room. Don’t worry white; you’re still my first love. Though everyone has a price.
(book covers by Michael Kosmicki via Spagat, nesting bowls at the Moma Store, tini table lll at Oomph, image via A Creative Mint, jonas damon twice twice clock at Design Public, colored hand blown glasses at Toast)
I think a big misconception is that great style can’t be comfy. There are many people who believe a beautifully designed house will never truly be “lived in” and associate home décor with a sofa covered in plastic. The horror. I, on the other hand, feel the MOST beautiful homes are quite the opposite. They are the ones where you can put your feet up on the coffee table (maybe sans shoes, but still), or sit at the kitchen counter and laugh about your day. I believe homes need energy and life in order to really radiate – no matter how gorgeous the items inside! I wish I could jump inside today’s board, curl up in front of the fireplace (it's portable, by the way), and read all 10,000 books. I don’t know about you, but that house looks pretty stylish to me, and I suspect I’d be pretty comfortable there.
(dew drop coffee spoons and reef knot mug from Anthropologie, image frome Home Sweet Home, rattan pouf from Urban Outfitters, cashmere throw from White Home, portable fireplace from Fredrik Hylten-Cavallius via Decor8, genevalab sound speaker, medium, from Huset, velvet lined slippers from Toast)
My aunt who lives in Stockholm has an incredible black velvet chandelier hanging in her living room. I was 15 the first time I noticed it and have coveted it (blatantly) ever since. She’s an artist, and the fixture is an ideal representation of her daring creativity, great fashion sense and eclectic personality. Though the chandelier may seem out of place in my predominately white abode, I can say with absolute certainty that I would just make it work. You got that Aunt Ulla? I would make it work! I mean, in the event that you’d ever like to let me “borrow” it. I’m just sayin’.
Don't forget to check out all the great Fashion Forward posts at Paper Pocket today!
(black porcelain chandelier at Pieces, photo via Maggy Moon Interiors, vino wine glasses from Crate and Barrel, eternity band by bmjnyc on Etsy, modern herringbone blanket at Ortolan, photography by Bonnie Tsang via Snippet and Ink)
(LOVE the ornament Erin sent me! A little New York style from a New York style guru.)
(my ornament for YSL is a simple dala horse from Jayson Home & Garden. I looooove Swedish design and think this would be the perfect addition for any home. Hope she feels the same!)
Just want to give a quick shout-out to Erin at Slipcover Your Life for including me in her fabulous, month-long Ornament Exchange! Each day during the month of December she's exchanging ornaments with blogs that have supported and inspired her and I'm thrilled to be one of them. If you've yet to check out YSL, put it on your list - it's fantastic, beautifully designed, and FULL of great style and design we all crave!! 
For the most part, I’m a pretty casual gal. Any friends or frequenters of this blog know by now that as a general rule, if it’s not flip-flops and jeans approved, it’s out. Though I admit there are some days when 100% cotton and worn-in Joe’s don’t seem to cut the mustard. "Why?" I’ll find myself wondering. Well, I think I’ve finally realized that it’s my inner girly-self rebelling. “What’s wrong with silk sheets??” and “seriously, put down the microbrew and grab a glass of bubbly for ONCE!” I hear her exclaiming from time to time. While I don’t see myself trading in my ridiculously comfortable bamboo Target sheets (see previous post) any time soon, I figured a little visual satisfaction wouldn’t hurt anyone. That being said, girly-self, this post’s for you.
(calvin klein balsam jacquard bedding at Nordstrom, arteriors riviera hammered iron lamp at Quality Bath, image via This Is Glamorous, cupcake image unknown, champagne image via Snippet and Ink, platinum nina bed from Z Gallerie)
I love you. You are my home away from home. I will do everything in my power to invent a reason to browse your shelves of stylish bedding, bath and kitchen items, even if it means I return home with more paper towels than we will use in a year. However, you don't seem to stock the same caliber of furniture in the store where I happen to spend the most time. This makes me very sad. Especially after I see that online, you offer some pretty fabulous pieces. Like the chair above. The chair that would cost me less than $60. The chair that I paid substantially more for, only a couple years ago. To really hit my point home, I've posted a similar chair from Design Within Reach. A chair that costs $600. Though I certainly did NOT pay this much, I paid enough, and it was definitely more than $60. So Target, if you could begin enticing me in your stores as you've been doing online, I think it could really take our relationship to the next level. And while my husband may not be ready for it, I'll be waiting with open arms. 
I LOVE the idea of open shelving in a kitchen. I repeat, “the idea” of it. The sad truth is I’m pretty sure the world doesn’t want to see my mismatched coffee mugs and embarrassingly adolescent cereal. But then, an image comes along like the one above and I find myself longing to take the doors off the hinges and let it all hang out! (So to speak.) Those moments of abandon usually last, oh, five minutes, before I’m somehow reminded of the level of dedication to organization required to pull off this look. And friends, let’s just say it’s a level I seem unable to attain. Sigh. One can dream.
(sofa by Moroso via Spagat, porcelain vase from Klein Reid, eclipse nesting tables and brazo floor lamp at Design Within Reach, pom pom throw by Calypso Celle, image via Decor8)
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but gold is in. And not just for the holidays. Even the smallest touch is perfect for adding a little sparkle to your day...or your digs. I’ve long-been crazy about Up In The Air Somewhere, but it seems I develop a new crush almost daily as this lovely trend continues to grow. Oh, and Nate Berkus for HSN…who knew?? Don't forget to check out the other Fashion Forward fabulousness at Obstinate Pursuit!
(gold paper bowls (far left), gold lip dishes (far right) and spoon and well (lower right) from Up In The Air Somewhere, image via Emersonmade, wish for strength pillow from Nate Berkus for HSN, dotted plate and mug from Bailey Doesn’t Bark)
Well friends, I’m still on a home-office kick and I’m sure you can see why. I’ve seen the desk above several times throughout the past month, and each time I do, I fall deeper in love! I have a specific friend who MUST make it hers, but I can honestly say I think it would look amazing in almost any space. Oh, and I’m equally as obsessed with that bulletin board. Sigh.
(home office design by amanda nisbet via Simplified Bee, silver clothespin from See Jane Work,
vogue magazine rack by michelle ivankovic for umbra at Unica Home, lucia wild ginger and fresh fig soy candle via Paper Source, canvas storage bins at West Elm, home and studio roller pen via Paper Source)
My best friend has the most fabulous house in San Diego and she’s looking for a way to reinvent her bedroom. Working with her dark, rich woods, and pale, bluish-gray walls, I tried to bring in elements of coastal living in an understated way. There’s just something about these colors and textures that feels very serene to me. And, I love the unexpected single copper chair. I see it next to the bed, playing host to a pile of great books or a beautiful carafe.
(area pins grey bedding at Design Public, kartell cindy lamp and amanda kavanagh blue wave print at Velocity Art and Design, glacier votives with gold leaf from Cursive Design, thin metal profile frames from Pottery Barn, redsmith dining chair at Anthropologie)
I tell you, this post started in one direction and then abruptly went in another after last week's crazy work week! It was one of those chained-to-my-desk
-can't-get-enough-coffee-have-never-felt-less-inspired-weeks.
Ever had one? Brutal. Anyway, as much as I love white, I've decided my creative side needs a little color and my West Elm desk needs some new companions. I think any of these will do. Don't forget to find a little inspiration of your own with more Fashion Forward posts over at Obstinate Pursuit!
(image unknown - please let me know if YOU know, tulip chair via Making It Lovely, kelly green pencils from iomoi, solid gold pen set from Fred Flare, parsons desk from West Elm image via Creature Comforts)
There's something about yellow that just makes me happy. I'm sure this statement shocks my friends though, as I don't think I own ONE yellow home decor item or article of clothing. What can I say? I'm a pale blond and the color is more than a little unflattering. (Unless you think looking like you're rockin' the flu is hot.) My olive-skinned alter ego, however, thinks she could live happily ever after in the look above.
(haze mimosa pillow from Aphro Chic, lemon letterpress notecards by 12fifteen, raised number wall clock from Crate and Barrel, Image by i.Anton, recyled bottle tumblers via RE:Modern, habibi duvet cover by Rubie Green)
Maybe it’s a sign of the times, or maybe I’m just more observant these days, but lately I’ve really come to appreciate all things handmade. From patchwork pillows to hand-blown glass, I find handcrafted home décor refreshingly simple. Lucky for me, I don’t seem to be alone. Don't forget to check out the other great Fashion Forward posts on Obstinate Pursuit!
Okay, so I know it's fall and while I love the idea of gearing up my decor for the holidays, it was 92 here yesterday! In my neck of the woods, people are still bbq-ing by the pool instead of making fires in the fireplace. So with blue skies and sandal-weather, this beach-inspired board seemed awfully appropriate. Besides, how great is that dresser??
(pottery barn tile organic sheets via CocoCozy, image from Mary Ruffle, capri blue etched jar candle from Anthropologie, image via Creature Comforts, nelson lamp by Jonathan Adler, the go-to cart from Trampoline via Etsy, vintage map calendar from Anthropologie)
(kitchen by Mim Design via Desire to Inspire)
I don't know about you, but I adore a good stripe. On my shirt or in my home, it's always appropriate in my world. And, during my vacation I was delighted to see this particular trend everywhere! The question is, overhead or underfoot? Don't forget to check out all the other great Fashion Forward posts on Obstinate Pursuit!
(pillow and image from Aphro Chic, dara caponigro bedroom via The Estate of Things, noir crystal decanters via Pieces, modern tripod table lamp at Lamps Plus, stockholm rand rug at Ikea, x-bench at Ballard Designs)
For the next week I'll be trading in blue skies and 80-degrees for fall colors and my wool coat. Hmmm, think I can rock my flip flops with that?
I don't know about you, but I've never been a huge fan of pink...until recently. Ever since Julia Roberts declared blush and bashful her "signature colors" in Steel Magnolias, the color has reminded me of Pepto. No thanks! Lately, however, I've noticed that I'm warming to it slightly - even using pale pink peonies in my wedding. While I don't think I'll be swapping my favorite black tee for a rose-colored blouse any time soon, I still found the photo of the closet above rather beautiful. I wonder if the owner's house looks anything like this?
(image by Tsilli via the NEO-traditionalist, wire magazine rack at Brook Farm General Store, image via Maggy Moon Interiors, recycled glass vase at Brook Farm General Store, remy pillow at Crate and Barrel, bordeaux large polished nickel tray at Haus Interior, postcards image via The Estate of Things)
I've been invited on a great new adventure created by the lovely Katherine at Paper Pocket and Clair of Obstinate Pursuit! Such a great idea, Fashion Forward is essentially a weekly roundup of trends in both fashion and interiors. Participants post their favorites every Monday and it's a clever way of keeping up with beautiful things all over the Web and world. Each month Fashion Forward will have a new host (Katherine is this months) so be sure to head over to Paper Pocket to check it out!
My FF post for this week is all about the C Table. I've been noticing these stylish yet functional pieces at all my favorite haunts including Room and Board and CB2, and think they're fabulous. Easy to maneuver and chic enough to display, these tables tuck right next to your sofa and make a great place for your drink or your laptop. I don't know about you, but I appreciate any man, woman or inanimate object willing to perform double-duties. Therefore, this board is dedicated to you, C Table. Keep up the good work!
(platinum reform temple vases by Jonathan Adler, mirror-framed mirror from West Elm, festival rug via Anthropologie, big dipper arc lamp at CB2, reese sofa in fabric troy and color granite at Room and Board, luxe silk pillows by Thomas Paul, framed side table (c table) by West Elm)
(image via Colour Me Happy)
I'm loving the mix-n-match photography in the room above. Even though I'm usually a fan of pretty monochromatic color schemes in bedrooms, all the colors, shapes, textures and patterns in this one are really working for me.
(umbrella stand in green faux crocodile embossed leather by David Linley, image by ngoc minh ngo via Desire to Inspire, reversible linen pillows by Thomas Paul, letterpress calendar by Seesaw, de la tour side table at Urban Outfitters, muse monumental candle by Jonathan Adler, format cube at CB2, image of the sartorialist by scott schuman at Doobybrain)
I fell in love with this "delicious" sign the moment I saw it and knew it warranted a board. Sadly it wouldn't be right in my own space, but how great is it in a gray and white kitchen with teal backsplash??
(umbra enselada salad servers at Unica Home, distinct patterned glasses by Emmanuel Babled at the MoMA store, vintage kitchen sign at Signs for Homes, ceramic water filter at A+R, 50s yellow kitchen canisters via Fabulous Mess, stainless steel teakettle at Cooking.com, le petit dej' breakfast tray by White Designs at A+R)
Today's board got me thinking about all the glamorous people in my life, and I kept coming back to this particular photo. This is my favorite photograph of my grandparents; two people who truly embodied elegance. My Swedish grandmother was a presence, standing nearly six-feet tall with crystal blue eyes. She was a gourmet cook and possessed a talent for making her own clothes so ahead of their time, her style rivaled even Chanel. My grandfather, as I've mentioned before, became a well known mid-century modern architect designing such celebrated structures as the home of Frank Sinatra. That is how I knew them in their later years, but this is how I like to think of them.
They met by chance in Sweden, and knew each other just five days before being separated for four years by an ocean and a war. Letters were exchanged, money was saved, papers were filed, and still, my grandmother was dangerously close to missing her only chance to travel to the U.S. She made it, however, and I'm living proof. This photo was taken shortly after they reunited.
I've been contemplating writing a book about their lives because the details are so unbelievable, it almost seems an injustice to not tell their story. My question is, what do you think?
I'm a flip flop girl. Truly, I wear them every day to work, to shop, to dine. Okay not always to dine, but mostly. Comfort is my first mistress, but there's a small part of me that secretly dreams of adding a touch of glamour every now and again. If my bedroom looked this one though, I'm willing to bet my shoe options would be far greater!
(post card by ceci ny via Snippet and Ink, image via House of Turquoise, marisol mirror from restoration hardware via Apartment Therapy, provence society perfume bottles at Anthropologie, necklace by Old Soul New Heart, baxter sofa at Pieces, hayworth nightstand from Pier 1 Imports)
Rain fell on the desert today and it finally feels like fall. I love gloomy skies every now and then, but I must say that my mostly white house looks a little pale in the shade. I think if I were to face cloud cover more often than not, I would definitely add more color to my life! And twinkle lights. Definitely twinkle lights.
(put a party dress on by beth retro via Scoutie Girl, eames molded plastic rocker via Design Within Reach, polly wreford photography via SF Girl by Bay, little birch jewelry stand from Urban Outfitters, jcrew makeup bags image via Creature Comforts)
In real life, I think stainless steel fixtures and appliances would be terribly difficult to keep clean. In my pretend world (and kitchen) silver seems awfully tasty. What do you think?
(industrial lighting via Portland Monthly, cherries photograph via Closet Cooking, emeco barstool from Design Within Reach, image via Skona Hem, bread bowl by erik bagger at MOMA, modern kitchen towels by dwell studio for Target)
(image from the Domino archive)
(picture perfect -a friend's home)
Some of my favorite childhood memories took place on trips with my parents to visit my Swedish family in Stockholm. I loved (and still do) the people, color, styles and architecture. While the city of Stockholm was of course one of the highlights of our vacation, the place I looked forward to visiting most was my aunt's country house. Right on the water, we'd have breakfast on the dock and pick blackberries in the afternoon. These days, several of my cousins also have small cottages on the property making it even more festive, but the simplicity of the place has never changed. It's been a few years since I've been able to make the trip, so I thought an inspiration board might suffice! For today that is.
(the gathering – an original polaroid via Trampoline, natural tree stump side table from West Elm, kaleidoscopic throw - zinnia from Anthropologie, image via Apartment Therapy, alvar aalto vase via Red.House, vintage scandinavian books and factory light sculptures from Jayson Home & Garden, myrica eva bowl from Huset, knot door stop at Haus Interior)
I love to mix and match prints while keeping colors complementary and I think this room is such a great example of how successful it can be. Not to mention, how great is the covered acrylic bench at the foot of the bed??
(house beautiful image via House of Turquoise, petite script plates from Jayson Home & Garden, mason jars from Perch Design, philippe starck louis ghost armchair from Design Within Reach, lomography diana+ aviator camera at Urban Outfitters, letterpress print from Hijirik Studio, desmond screens by jonathan adler, erich ginder ghost antler coat racks at Design Public)
I don't know about you, but occasionally I'm a sucker for a slipcover. (Especially on the days I spill coffee on my sofa.) I think it adds such an element of comfort to even the most austere space. If I decided to ever go that route, I'd keep it from looking too Plain Jane by introducing some great patterned pillows and a fun lamp like this one from Anthropologie.
(fuiteria floor lamp at Anthropologie, Restoration Hardware federal alarm clock nickel, image via Alvhem Mäkleri & Interiör, white leather wingback chairs from Charm Hill Interiors, birds nest dessert/salad plates from Three Potato Four, seema krish pillow collection at Lekker Home, Glassy Baby votive candle holder, eleanor frameless mirrors from Pottery Barn)
(via Oh Happy Day!) 
I can't explain it, but my love of mid-century modern furniture runs VERY deep. My parents' house is filled with the most amazing "Palm Springs" pieces that always seem right at home in their space. It's a look that's harder to pull of in my condo, so I've taken to mixing styles in order to be true to the original structure and my mid-century love. If my husband could stomach pink, you'd better believe we'd be rockin' those sheets by Rubie Green, and thanks to the living room image from Oh So Beautiful Paper, I'm thinking of redecorating my living room. Joy!
(lucite desk from Pieces, custom white scalloped chandelier from Pieces, east village sheet set by Rubie Green, journals via Hable Construction, druggist soap dish from Jonathan Adler, image via Oh So Beautiful Paper)
Living so close to California and Mexico, I've been lucky enough to spend many summers on the beach. In fact, most of the time I associate vacation with sand between my toes, salt water in my hair and the overwhelming smell of sunblock. What I wouldn't give to own a little bungalow on the ocean with a great deck, where I could sip margaritas with friends and family and watch the sun slip behind the water. Pure bliss!
(west elm printed percale sheet set via High Fashion Home, west elm antler shelf image via Tina Tarnoff, 1950’s restored royal typewriter from Three Potato Four, liquid courage surf photo by Myan Photography, heath ceramics studio mug at Velocity Art and Design, west elm moroccan drum table image via Cococozy, india hicks home via Swish and Swanky)
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