Shhhhh, Can You Hear It??

This house is speaking to me. "Buy me, possess me, come back to your Viking roots." It's tempting me with its gorgeous floors, fabulous decor and amazing bathtub in a room that opens up to reveal, well another amazing tub...with a semi-decent view. Oh, but how will I choose when the time comes to freshen up?? Sigh. I've asked for it for Christmas (the house not the tub) so stay tuned. Hear that, Husband? I'm talkin' to you. I also may or may not be poking you in the chest.

(home via Skona Hem)

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The DNA of Good Decor

Okay friends, here it is. The house I grew up in, the space that started it all. I know my parents are going to kill me - for sharing these and for not allowing them to properly stage - but seriously, how could I NOT post pics of their pad?? Please forgive the lighting as clearly these were taken on the, ahem, sly. Oh and the dining area in the kitchen; we'd had a party for my husband's b-day the night before. I can assure you, however, that under normal circumstances you would never find a shoe sitting anywhere but the closet. Anyhoo, my mom is an incredible designer, working once upon a time for John Wheatman, Steve Chase and Arthur Elrod himself (yes, Arthur Elrod of the Lautner house where she spent many moments). Back in the day she helped decorate Farrah's house and Cher's digs, and honed her skills from Palm Springs to San Francisco. I covet everything she's done with this house (and she's done A LOT, trust me) and everything she owns and am honored when she asks for my opinion. Check out her vintage dining table and new chairs from Kartell, for example. Uh, yes please! I keep trying to convince my parents to do a switch...we'll move into their house, they can move into the condo, and all will be right with the world. Hey, you never know! My mom keeps saying we should go into business together...I might just have to take her up on that.

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Dun, dun, duuun...

The big reveal! Not as exciting as say, the unveiling of Project Runway’s winner, or even the Real Housewives of Jersey reunion (seriously, did you see it? Hot. Mess.), but a big reveal nonetheless. Ugly couch is out and clean-lined classic sofa is in. Pretty much every piece of furniture in the living room is repurposed. We covered the sofa in the underside of a blue linen fabric because the texture rocks, and the club chairs once belonged to my parents. * In fact, there’s white wicker somewhere under the ottoman. Gag. The chair under the window is my fave, as it used to live in my grandfather’s office of his architecture firm. I can remember curling up on it as a kid to watch him sketch. Of course, back then it was bright orange, but the memory remains the same. I don’t think anyone realized how beautiful it was, so I’ve always felt like I scored when I inherited it – in more ways than one, obviously. I also love the white lacquer cube that our TV sits on. It graced my mom's San Fran studio in her John Wheatman days and I think it's as great now as it was 35 years ago. The coffee table is vintage Paul McCobb, the acrylic and glass bar cart is courtesy of Craigslist, the porcelain acorns and giant strawberry are “on the road” finds, and the Wegner chairs were purchased for a steal at a local sale. Let’s see, what else…Oh, I also included pics of the spare bedroom, mostly so you could see the new light fixture. (Also a Craigslist find). Though not quite at home in the condo just yet, the room is still a work in progress and I have hope. The photo over the bed is new too, thanks to a shot I took in Mexico and had Kodak Gallery blow up and make metallic. And lastly, I’m showing you my row of old-school family photos, just because. I’m a firm believer that a home should be filled with everything you love, and well, I love each and every one of those pictures.

Deep breath. Okay, that’s a lot of talky for one day and I hope you’re not bored out of your head. If I lost you, come back tomorrow for some Frugal Friday fun, AND a great giveaway. Brew ya.

*Please don't judge me for my sad Ikea throw pillows. I have new ones in the works but the room needed some color in the interim. Duh.

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Family Matters

First, Monsieur Bar. A recent Craigslist find, he’s got a retro style but his Lucite frame and glass shelves are top-notch modern. Always on the move, he likes his drinks stiff and his women, well, not. Second on deck is Mr. Pendant Lamp. He keeps things bright but his dimmer can turn down the mood with the flip of a switch. Just ask Mrs. Newly Framed Photos. He’s been keeping her illuminated with his charms for a couple weeks now. And what wonders lighting can do. Since the two sides of the Mrs. are equally as beautiful, I chose to mount them in one frame instead of splitting her in two. (She really appreciated it.) And last but not least, the identical twins I plucked from obscurity at West Elm this weekend for $59. Originally designed as bath seats, I noticed that when their terrycloth pillows were removed they really had a chance to shine. Though some questioned their abilities, they’ve helped get our family organized practically over night as bedside tables. And don’t even get me started on their good looks. Secretly, I think they inherited them from their mother.

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