SPENCER STUDIO

My friend Lauren of the sphinx & the milky way recently launched Spencer Studio, a site showcasing the art and design she has been commissioned to do for weddings. She specializes in watercolor, but you might remember her incredible sculptures here. Lauren is an insanely talented artist and I just adore her work. She even hand painted the hawk feather that lives above Sweet Thing. Her website shows some of her previous work as well as invitation and save the date ideas. She used some of her friend's names as "the couples" and James and I are lucky enough to be included {we're the 3rd one down}! So no, we are not actually engaged. If you are a bride looking for a personal and unique invite then look no further...
 {photos by kate danson}

VINTAGE MATCHBOOKS

I can't get enough of vintage matchbooks. It is really the only thing I officially collect. I am always looking to them for design inspiration. The use of colors, fonts and graphics makes my heart swoon. This collection of European mid-century matchbooks are some of the most beautiful I've seen...
 

A few from my collection...

{vintage matchbooks via misha west's pinterest and flickr, other photos by me}

COLLECTED MAGAZINE. GET THE LOOK

Have you checked out the premiere issue of Collected Magazine? I just love the clean layouts, laid-back interiors and of course the LA love. It has already become a favorite! 

While flipping through, I found myself totally drawn to director Claire Cottrell's calm and effortless LA home. With some link help from Collected and my few added pieces, I made it into a "get the look"...

1. Willow Sofa $1,699
2. Mike Mills Print $10.99 {current bid}
5. Sweater Rug $229 for 8x10
8. Essex Dresser $999
11. Floral Art Succulents $75-$100
14. Colander $17.95
15. Parsons Mini Desk $199


{photos by cara robbins for collected magazine}


*you can also check claire out as this month's "lucky girl."

CHIC OFFICE FURNITURE. UNDER $300

I do apologize, 'cause I've got office on the brain. James and I are three weeks away from moving in and I feel completely unready. There is so much I want to accomplish before he moves in, like clean out the garage, sell things on craigslist, re-paint certain rooms, buy furniture for my office/dressing room, buy matching hangers {hey, if my clothes are going to be out on display, they better look good}. Most people get to move somewhere new together, but since James is moving in with me, I wanted it to still feel new to us. 
The past month has been insanely busy, which means house stuff has not been on the top of my priority list. Ah well, at least I am busy doing things that make me insanely happy {ie. blogging, workin' on branding projects, photoshoots and glitter guide}. Since I've been so hard at work, and I am getting ready to have my very own office, I've been on the hunt for chic office furniture that doesn't cost a zillion dollars. Well guess what? I think I found some, and it's all under $300... 
 
One. Vika Amon Desk $99.99 + Ripple Office Chair $299
Two. Industrial Steel Chair $129 + Pratt Desk $224.99
Three. Besta Burs Desk $249 + Macau Armchair $279
Four. Eames Chair $229 + Sawhorse Desk $249.99
Five. Go-Cart Desk $149 + Louis Chair $299
Six. Aluminum Office Chair $225 + Campaign Desk $229.99

NESTING. OFFICE/DRESSING ROOM

Well now, somehow it is May already which means the boy is moving in in less than a month! My adorable roomie is still living with me so I can't actually start making changes to my new office/dressing room until next month. But, I have a few ideas- here is my inspiration}. I will be using some pieces I already own mixed with some new pieces and some practical pieces {it does have to be functional after all}. So far there is a lot of white, which will be nice to highlight some more colorful accessories and textiles. Especially since a lot of my clothing will have to be out on rolling racks. I also plan on making an inspiration board to hang magazine clippings, graphics and whatever else is making me smile, so that is sure to add color...
 
1. Zig Zag Rug $69
Remember this beauty I blogged about last week? Well it already arrived and I am madly in love.
This pendant is whimsical and fun and lets face it, the price is right.
3. Parsons Desk $299
I already own this desk and I love it. I will be moving it from it's current home in the kitchen.
4. Kassett Box $5.99 for 2
I love the idea of getting a bunch of these to hide papers and accessories. They also fit perfectly in #6.
I have a few of these chairs with arms around my dinning table, so the armless version would fit right in. I might throw a sheepskin on top to make it extra comfy for long hours in front of the computer.
I might have to get two of these to store books, shoes and whatever trinkets I want to display.
This is not my ideal, but I already have something very similar in my garage. We want to be able to have guests come and stay, so this little pull out couch will be just the thing.
This lamp comes in so many fun colors. The room is looking a little too white on white so a pop of color like this is very needed.
I collect vintage matchbooks because I am constantly inspired by the colors and graphics. I just purchased a few without the matches inside to hang on my wall.
This chair reminds me of my high school days, but a tad more grown up in cognac leather.

CREATING A VIGNETTE

Have you looked through TradHome Magazine yet? It took me a couple days to get through the whole 347 pages of beautiful spaces. One thing is for sure, it will change the way you think about traditional deign. I couldn't help but notice how the designers styled the vignettes in each home. I love creating my own vignettes whether it's on my mantel, coffee table or console table. They tell people a little bit about who you are, and isn't that what your home should do, reflect you? I thought I would write out a few tips on how to display your favorite belongings in your own home...




How to create a vignette


1. Vary the height, size and texture of items.

2. Don't be afraid to mix eras. I love the way modern pieces look mixed with antiques.

3. Display taller items in back with smaller items in the front.

4. Add a little bit of nature. Always add a plant or flowers, it gives your vignette life.

5. Display pieces that mean something to you. Things that you have collected in your travels, sentimental items or even jewelry.

6. Utilize your book collection. Make sure to mix small and large books in with your objects, or create height by placing objects on top.




{photos via TradHome}

NESTING. LIVING ROOM

So as I told ya last week, my guy and I are movin' in this June. Yeah, we've got a few months to go, but all kinds of ideas are spinning through our heads. We both can't afford to go crazy changing everything all at once. It will have to be a slow process, with lots of craigslist searches. But it sure is fun to think about! I thought I would show you some recent photos of my living room and some of the changes we want to make...

I love my beautiful crystal chandelier, but we're wanting something a little more modern and playful. This bubble chandelier is just what we're looking for. 
2. Aiden Coffee Table $279.99
Ta-da, our new coffee table! We bought it a few weeks ago and with a 25% off coupon. What a steal! It looks way more expensive then it is. I love it more and more everyday. 
3. Glass Cloches $78-225
I would love these grouped together on a new credenza. They are such a lovely way to display something meaningful.
These floor cushions would fit perfectly next to our new coffee table. They are great when you need extra seating, but don't have room for a chair. And they add a nice pop of color.
5. Feather Tray $42
You might remember this from here. I think it's pretty clear I just love feathers.
6. Air Plants $6
These plants are beautiful and low maintenance. Love.
7. Credenza Contact for price
We are on the hunt for something like this to replace the table in our entryway, but man these guys can get expensive. I will just have to wait and keep patiently searching cragslist.
8. White Paint
Pinterest is awesome because it's how I discovered I was drawn to white spaces. Almost 80% of my home pins are of white rooms, so I decided it's time to paint the living room.
9. Kilim Rug $199
We both agree that if we paint the living room white, it would be nice to add some texture and color with a fun rug. The problem is we need a large rug to fill the space which can be expensive. This one is a little too small for us, but I sure like the pattern.
10. Bookcase $299
The red TV stand I have now is on loan to me from my friend, while we search for just the right one. This bookcase is not exactly right, but we would love to have something modern and simple that can hold the TV and some of our favorite books. 

COHABITATION

I've got some exciting news...this June the boyfriend is officially moving in! I couldn't be happier to share my beautiful home with him, but it's going to take a little getting used to for these reasons...

1. He is not quite as tidy as I am 
2. Sometimes our taste REALLY differs 
3. I have to make the house I have lived for five years a bit more guy friendly

In some ways I am thrilled to rethink my style and rearrange. You get stuck sometimes, in a certain "look" and change just doesn't occur to you or seems daunting. I am excited to have an excuse to get rid of some things. I am pretty sure I have drawers filled stuff that hasn't moved in five years. On the other hand, it is the end of an era. I have never lived with a guy before.

We have plans to paint a few rooms, change out some furnishings and combine our artwork. I do look forward to making it "ours." The best part {other than living with my love} is that I get to turn the extra bedroom into my office/dressing room. Yeah, pinch me. Having a designated place to work and get ready in the morning will mean so much to me. All kinds of ideas are spinning though my head. Here is what the room looks like now...



My design inspiration...


melanie acevedo/decor8/rue

I'll make sure to update you with photos as things start to change around here. I am warning you I might go a little office pinning crazy the next few weeks.

LONNY MAGAZINE. GET THE LOOK {PART II}

Here is part II of my "get the look" for Collen Locke's stunning Cape Cod style home from Lonny Magazine. Wallpaper on the ceiling, oh yes, I am in love...

16. Devon Mirror $179
20. Calvin Chair $999
21. Cowhide Rug $199
22. Bond Desk $2,750 
23. Large Clam Shell $59.95
25. Louis XV Sofa $1,599
28. Cowhide Rug $199
30. Easy Chair $2,800
32. Malabar Wallpaper by Cole and Son {contact for price}
33. Danish Modern Lounge Chair $1,645




{photos by patrick cline}

LONNY MAGAZINE. GET THE LOOK {PART I}

The newest issue of Lonny is out and you know what that means..."get the look" time! There were so many gorgeous homes to choose from, but this time I decided to breakdown Collen Locke's Cap Cod style home and barn. I  was so inspired by the creativity she put into each and every room, I decided to make it in to two posts. Check back later this week for part II...

1. Oasis Sofa $1,869
3. Black Shag Rug $443.99
4. Acrylic Table $799
5. Golden Mirror $299
6. Slope Chair $349
7. Tulip Chair $195
11. Saucer Lamp $228.65

DIAMOND/ZIGZAG

I am bordering on obsessed with practically any graphic pattern. Whether it's triangles, chevron or hexagons, I can't get enough. The easiest way to incorporate a little graphic pop into your home is with a rug. Here are a few that made my heart skip a beat...

DOMINO. GET THE LOOK

I am so glad I held on to every issue of Domino Magazine, because I often find my self revisiting issues for design and decor ideas. At the time it came out, there was nothing like it. Domino seemed to "get" my style better then any magazine out there. I'll always miss opening my mailbox to find the newest Domino, but at least I have fabulous online magazines like Rue and Lonny who both give me insane amounts of inspiration. 
For this "get the look" I thought i would bring it back to an old favorite from the Domino archives. This porch is exactly where I want to be this spring, laughing with friends or curled up with a good book... 

6. Window Daybed $381
8. Alseda Stool $29.99
9. Rotera Lantern $3.99
12. Ikea PS Sandskar $34.99
13. Hulto Easy Chair $69.99
15. Succelents by Living Arrangements Contact for Price

SPLISH SPLASH

I am loving the simplicity of both Jenna Lyons' and Albert Hadley's black and white bathrooms. They are a little bit vintage and a little bit modern, just the way I like it...


1. Jenna Lyons' Bathroom via Domino
3. Benjamin Moore Paint in Midnight Dream and Soot
4. Hinson and Co. Wallpaper in Fireworks $57 a roll
5. Hand Towel $9
9. Iron Caddy $47.20

HIGH GLOSS. GET THE LOOK

The premier issue of High Gloss magazine is out and I am thrilled to have another inspiring online magazine to look through. It covers fashion and home design- my two favorite things. The photos of Interior designer, Tia Zolden's Hancock Park home really caught my eye. I love the way she mixes prints and eras, so I thought I would turn it in to a "get the look." PS. I totally swooned over her daughter's mod bedroom...
{photographed by grey crawford for high gloss pgs. 108-124}

1. Paris Flea Market Chandelier $1,596
2. Newport Demilune Table $229
3. Triple Gourd Lamp $225
4. Quartz Horse Bookends $25
5. Round Mirror $199
6. Glass Grapes $34
7. Cameron Chair $999
8. Lounge Sofa $1,599
9. Corbett Table $1,049
10. Moroccan Side Table $395
11. Angelique Mirror $349
12. Mod Model Pillow $165
13. Striped Fabric $13 yd
14. Disco Ball $16.99
15. Orange Shag Rug $147.49
16. Swivel Chair $149
17. Parsons Desk $299
18. Palmetto Wicker Sectional $2,846-$4,394
19. Hicks Pendant $420
20. Suzani Pillow $129
21. Bengal Tiger Pillow Cover $34
22. Grainsack Pillow Cover $52
23. Hoffman Bed $1,299

RUE MAGAZINE. GET THE LOOK

The latest issue of Rue magazine has once again wowed me with their lust worthy interiors and beautiful photos. On this edition of "get the look," I am featuring some of my favorite rooms from artist and blogger Nicole Cohen's stylish Manhattan apartment. The neutral colors and pops of metallic make the space look polished and chic...
{photos by emily anderson for rue magazine pg. 100-117}
2. Calvin Chair $999
3. Leaf Pendant $525
6. Templeton Sofa $3,600
10. French Chair $899
13. Mepra Flatware $115
15. Mclaren Crib $1595
16. Ghost Chair $137
17. Maclaern Nursery $1595
18. Cabana Stripe Mat 8x10 $129.99


{For more source info check out Nicole's blog Sketch42 and etsy store}

LONNY MAGAZINE. GET THE LOOK

The new issue of Lonny Magazine is out and you know what that means...Lonny Inspiration time! This time around, I thought I would add a "get the look" section, so you too can emulate your favorite style. 

It's no secret that I have a lot of love for J. Crew, so it was no surprise that I was most drawn to their menswear designer Frank Muytjens New York abode. It is perfectly masculine and captures the vintage-modern aesthetic J. Crew does so well...



  
Get The Look...

1.Large Hicks Pendant $420
2.Henry Sofa $899
3.Carrol Bench $199
10.Blow Up Poster $9.99
13.Vintage Office Chair {on Ebay} current bid $20.50
17.iMac $1,199

THE POSTER LIST

Loving these posters by The Poster List, I saw on SFgirlbybay yesterday. The graphics and colors are so delightful. Might make a nice gifty. Oh, and they also make iphone cases...



Also loving the price...$10.99 for a 12x18 poster

 
*Get 30% off your poster order until December 24.. Enter HOLIDAY at checkout. Make sure to order by December 15 to guarantee delivery before Christmas

RUE MAGAZINE. GET THE LOOK

The sophomore issue of Rue Magazine is out and it's got me totally inspired. So many beautiful interiors, awesome photos and graphics. Looking through lingerie designer Jessie Zinke's New York apartment, I was drawn to some of her pieces {hmm looks familiar}. She's a girl after my own heart. Do you want the look? Check out where you can get it below...

{more photos of Jessie's apartment on Rue pg. 188}

GET THE LOOK...

WANTED. AUTUMN HOME

I've had a love affair with the home goods at Anthropologie since I can remember. Time hasn't changed a thing...These items would instantly give my home an autumnal feel to go along with this rainy, LA weather...

1. Halo chandelier $295, 2. Properly Patterned Throw $148, 3. Crystal Votive $58, 4. Sun Tipped Silverware $98 for a set of five, 5. Paradox Planter $48, 6. Marrakech Curtains $128

RUE MAGAZINE. GET THE LOOK

Have you checked out the premiere issue of Rue Magazine yet? It has already become one of my favorite new online mags. The magazine is chock full of home inspirations and beautiful photographs, but I kept going back to blogger Victoria Smith's San Francisco bungalow. I have not loved a home quite this much in a while. She has done exactly what I try to do in my own home, combine vintage and modern with a little bohemian flair...

{For more photos of Victoria Smith's home look at Rue Mag pg. 84}

Get The Look...