Oh rug, where art thou?

Still on the thought of rugs and continuing to not want to dive into my inner feng shui, I decided to do some research on what's out there. Typically, a rug can serve three main purposes:

1. wiping your feet
2. protect wood flooring
3. add some texture to a room

In my opinion, the most important purpose of a rug however, is to add some pattern. If you're going to fork over the big bucks, pick something that can breathe a little life into a room. The trick is to pick a rug that doesn't overpower a room but adds a little special... something. Here are some great options from the land o' Target (AKA the store within my price range). For the record, I think it's important to purchase a new rug because you should always want to walk in your own footsteps.

Side note: I went to Ikea today and was sincerely unimpressed. Usually a fan of their patterns and textiles, I feel as though I've seen everything before. If and when they do get some new textiles that are versatile enough, I will go back again. But rest assured, I will definitely check out the website before making that kind of venture again. In my opinion, Target is by far the winner in terms of price and diversity.

top to bottom: DwellStudio, Thomas O'Brien, DwellStudio, Dwell, Home, Home, Home

Feng shui dilemma #1: battle of the coffee table.

I labeled the post this way because I have a sneaking suspicion this will not be the only one. I am having the worst time deciding on a rug after concluding that my current one isn't giving off the right energy. I tried a beige shag one because I've always been a fan of shag but it wasn't working with my large dark brown chest I use as a coffee table. Then I questioned whether I should move the chest into another room and get a new glass or open-bottomed coffee table (AKA find one on craigslist). THEN I confirmed that the dark brown chest is giving off the most positive energy in the living room, since it used to be my toy chest, and now I am suddenly in one decorating pickle. ugh.

Originally, I wanted to skip over the part of feng shui your life that talked about how to get in touch with your inner feng shui because it suggested hugging a tree - literally - to receive its excess energy. Wanting to get to the bottom of the decorating part of feng shui (since my living room is now a giant mess), I figured I could deal with the tree hugging and inner self part later and skip ahead a bit. Going back post-pickle, I noticed a part of the chapter that talked about keeping a feng shui journal. It suggested finding the answers to specific questions (both on decorating and your life) to see what's working and what isn't. Guess that's what I get for trying to skip ahead. 

Anyway, I thought I would share with you the overview questions it asks about your home. I think they force answers to questions about your decorating patterns that you may be trying to avoid or work around. I've answered these questions, FaceBook style, specifically about my living room and suggest you do the same. 

In the meantime, I'll keep you posted on the tree hugging and battle of the toy chest.

What do you love about your home, room by room? 

My couches are outrageously comfortable and the chest I use as my coffee table makes me smile.

What do you dislike about your home, room by room? 

I feel like the design is starting to look a little bland and dull. I feel as though it could use some brightening up.

How do you feel when you walk through your front door? 

Like I have a mess on my hands. 7 times out of 10 I have last night's dinner/snack on the table, mail from 3 weeks ago and random bags of stuff I haven't put away yet based on my latest trips or errands.

Does your home have an abundance of natural light or is it dark and gloomy? 

There is a lot of natural light during the day but it gets dark pretty quick.

Is your home in good repair?

As good as it can be for a rented apartment. If owned, I would strip and refinish the floors and give it a new paint job. I would probably also get central air because the window unit is a bit of an eye sore and takes away some of the sunlight.

Do you have clutter that depletes you the moment you see it?

Yes. I let the mail stack up and use the space as a dumping ground in between plans. Also, I think my entertainment unit is a huge eye sore full of random DVDs, Nintendo games and a TV that's too big based on how often I watch it.

Do you feel comfortable inviting friends and colleagues into your home or do you generally meet elsewhere?

Yes, I would definitely need to clean though. Even if I didn't have time, they would understand and wouldn't care.

How much of the contents of your home have been chosen by you? How much is inherited? Are there hand-me-downs? Are you displaying objects from a past relationship?

I have chosen everything in there except for the toy chest. I feel as though some of the pieces are hand-me-downs because I've had them since college. Specifically my entertainment unit and TV. The other pieces (rug, rattan side tables, curtains, etc.) I've had since I've graduated. None of the objects are directly from a past relationship although most have been seen by all.

Do you like being at home or would you rather stay away?

Depends on the size of the mess I'm running away from.

Do you feel motivated and full of potential when you are at home?

Only if I buckle down and force myself.

Do your home and office symbolize who you really are and where you hope to go?

Some aspects, yes, but most no. I feel as though they symbolize my past and I need to incorporate the present and future.

Feng shui me a new living room.

After a wonderful long weekend back in Cleveland (congrats Erin and Tony!), I'm back in my messy and, not to mention, extremely steamy apartment. Since the return, I've managed to cool off the place but have not even attempted to clean. Instead, I opened up a book, feng shui your life by Jayme Barrett, in hopes to not only tidy up the place but potentially start July off with a new attitude. So far, I am liking this approach to feng shui way more than others because it focuses more on how to apply a variety of techniques to your personal style rather than sticking solely to the traditional Chinese cures (which is definitely not my style - no offense). I'm not very far into it but figured I could tie in my living room makeover with some feng shui tactics to create a wonderful masterpiece (A.D.D. much?). 

One of the main things the author is reviewing now is how each and every piece in your home should give off positive energy. The energy is supposedly based on the time and place you purchased the piece, where you were in your life (good path vs. rough patch) and the general feeling you receive from the piece. If you have an antique, the piece often times takes on its previous owner's energy and can bring that into your home as well. Admittedly not a very spiritual or generally deep person, I am a little confused about how to figure this out. But, what I like about this book is that it accounts for a personal feng shui in which your opinions are allowed to shine through. It encourages you to only keep those objects that bring joy, love and happiness.

So, I am going through my living room and removing (meaning, moving into my "craft nook" until I get to chapter 3 that explains how to purify objects). Here are some things that didn't make the cut:

Final Part: Compare and Contrast

The last two steps go back to, ironically, the serenity prayer. Very weird how that worked out but also very nice for this series of posts.

Accept the things I cannot change. 

Although you've picked out your dream room(s), there are certain aspects of your current situation that will prevent you from copying the room exactly from the picture. What are you faced with?

• Can't paint the walls. 
• Have (maybe) about $30 to spend for updates. 
• Must be dog friendly.

Not a big list but a challenging one. It's a good thing I have a lot of stuff to play around with.

The courage to change the things I can.

Take the three things you listed as your current style and compare those with the three things you like about your dream room(s). In broad strokes, what are the changes that need to be made to get you closer to your perfect style? 

• "Natural elements" do not necessarily mean "neutral color palette".
• Artwork needs to make an impact.
• Texture and patterns are my friends.

Think about these new revelations, take into account your limitations and figure out how you can make your room more... you. Remember not to take the pictures so literally. Meaning, don't try to make your couch yellow when it's tan and you can't purchase a new one. Instead, figure out how to add more vibrant colors to your color palette.

Still can't figure out where to start? Focus on your color palette. Compare and contrast your current to your dream home and figure out what are the colors that speak to you. If you can paint your walls, don't forget that you can always paint it back if you don't like it. 

I'll keep you posted on my outcome.

Photos from left to right: rachel ridd, studio thirty four on etsy, finest imaginary on flickr

Part Two: The Role Models

The second part when dealing with a room identity crisis is to pick out what you consider to be your "dream [room]". Check out books from the library, flip through magazines or play around on google to find the one (or two) that feels the most inspiring and, more importantly, the most "you".

Focus on one aspect of your home at a time so you don't become overwhelmed. Pay close attention as to what attracts you to this room the most and identify the top three reasons you just can't get enough of it. Is it the color? Is it the way the accessories are displayed? Is there one piece in the room that makes you melt? 

Since all of the photos from the last post (sorry it was a week ago) are from my living room, I'll start with that. 

What I like most about these rooms are their natural elements, attention-grabbing artwork and the vibrant mix of textures and patterns. What do you need in your room?

top to bottom: Domino Magazine, Elle Decor Magazine

Part One: Serenity Now

Well, it's been one of those weeks so if you're just reading for the design inspiration, be sure to skip to the last paragraph. Trust me.

I now officially have way too much time on my hands to think. About everything. And anything. And it's is driving me crazy. To the point where I feel like running around like Frank Costanza screaming "Serenity Now, Serenity Now!" I am trying to put that energy toward something a little more constructive like this blog, a crossword, a walk, a book, etc. but somehow keep coming up short. I am actually in the process of reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (great read by the way) and am at the part where she begins her stint at an Ashram in India. I have to say, I could not be reading this at a better time because she just flipped out about not being able to meditate like everyone else because she can't stop thinking. Then she gets in a fight with herself about thinking when she shouldn't be thinking... and the frustration is at an all-time high. 

I thought to myself, "You go, girl. I am totally in that same boat (minus the meditation)." For some reason, it is so easy to feel helpless, get distracted, become lazy or lack motivation to do something (just look at my craft nook). And, without fail, all of those factors end up leading you toward frustration - oh, sweet mother of frustration - the hardest feeling to turn around into something positive. This, in case you haven't noticed, is currently where I'm at.

Never one to "get in touch with my true inner being", "solve problems through meditation" or "follow the light to find the meaning of life", I've decided to take a more surface level approach and give myself a new mantra to live by. And no, I haven't a clue what I was living by before this but I'm pretty sure it was closer to Frank Constanza's way of dealing with things. Inspired by the serenity prayer and a little bit of how not to act like Frank, I've decided on the simple five word one "it is what it is". 

To kick off this newfound way of thinking, I've decided to ask myself a question about my personal style:

If you were to choose three things you feel encapsulates the current style of your home what would they be? Mine: earth tones/patterns, vintage/retro and... cluttered.

photos from my home

What are yours? I would say that this point would be the realization of what you have to work with and the starting point for determining your personal style.

Lepidoptera fever.

And the wreath is complete. I can't take credit for the butterfly and flower idea (that's all Jen) however, I did purchase some larger flowers and leaves for added depth to the original thought. The key to any wreath is to make sure there are plenty of layers and letting some of the materials organically take shape. For example, I would have added some starfish, weathered pieces of wood and something unexpected (like white origami birds) to the seashell wreath featured in the last post. This would have given it a little more character, added some depth and really tied together the composition.

Anyway, while hot gluing the butterflies to the wreath, I got to thinking about non-tacky ways to incorporate these little colorful winged creatures into your home decor. The best way to do this is by way of the 6th grade bug collection science project. Illustrations should be realistic, preserved butterflies to add texture, typical straight-lined composition, scientific names below a bonus. Here are some examples of what I'm talking about:

top to bottom: Real Butterfly Gifts, Bug Under Glass, Nora Jane, Utilitarian Franchise all on etsy

If 6th grade science projects aren't your style, focus on accessories that mimic the shape of the butterfly without the added detail. Note how there are no glitter, google eyes or exaggerated wings in any of these examples.

top to bottom: Susanne Phillippson, StyleyWalls on etsy, BH&G DIY

DIY OPP: Check out your local thrift store to find old children's books with science project types of illustrations in them. Rip out, trim and frame the page with a simple wooden frame and thick white matte. 

Or, find a butterfly shape you like online, trace it on some patterned scrapbooking paper and glue on another piece of patterned paper or scrap wallpaper. Finish off with a white matte and ornate frame that's spray painted in a complementary color. Finish frame with enamel finish to add that lacquered look.

If you have to wreath it, fine.

So I hung out with my friend Jen last night and caught up on her craft activities. Looking for something to do, I took on a few of them. One one of "them" happens to be a front door summer wreath. Oh, and did I mention Jen was 25 and not 85? 

Then I got to thinking about wreaths and the front door. Still a little iffy on whether this is entirely acceptable, if you happen to be a 85 year old trapped in a 25 year old's body like my friend Jen, here are some ideas worth considering. No matter what though, stay away from "summer's here" puns, sunshines with glasses, large bows or caterpillars with smiley faces. I'll be sure to post Jen's wreath once I finish helping her with it.

P.S. Acceptable wreaths are very hard to come by.

top to bottom: southern charmz, j-a-girl, gus and other things, suburban pen pal

Blog Spotlight: object bis

I have been working on a solution for the mess-I-call-my-craft-area for quite some time now. Please note, Exhibit A:

On top of the mess shown above, I have collected a giant basket of fabric swatches, a plastic 3-drawer bin of more craft stuff, a new printer, a chair I found while dumpster diving and a ton of shoe boxes from old shoes I've donated. I want to organize by type of craft and material.  So... I have been trying to find an old dresser to convert into an organizer but am having absolutely no luck with it.

While looking for other options (since clearly I need a Plan B), I came across this amazing blog, object bis, that offers fantastic ways to reuse old furniture and home accessories along with other information pertaining to sustainability. Please note, Exhibits B-E:

Thank you Google Translate and thank you object bis!

reusing freight pallets (may 2010)

using branches (october 2009)

reusing wine boxes (august 2009)

using old drawers (june 2008)

Photos, posters and artwork, oh my!

When choosing artwork for your home, it is important to choose pieces that generate some kind of emotion. Hedy Lamarr once said, "A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires." Also like a friendship, artwork is a personal choice. What someone could consider comforting may be the complete opposite to someone else. 

The easiest way to figure out what type of artwork you gravitate toward most, visit your local art museum and notice what exhibits you stare at longest. Also, make sure you match the artwork to the type of mood you are going for in a room. For example, if you are going for "relaxed and calming" in a sitting room, close your eyes and try to picture what relaxed and calming looks like to you. Is it a bird sitting on a telephone line? Is it a deserted beach with a breeze? Or is it just blocks of blues and grays? Whatever it is, use this as the starting point when choosing your artwork. 

If you've got the cash, visit a gallery and invest in something you love. If you're more of a bargain shopper, check out Art.com or Etsy. Other interesting places for artwork are Powerhouse Factories, GigPosters.com and ThePosterList.com. Here are some on my wish list.

theposterlist.com

retro images by melissa alexandria on etsy

gigposters.com

Let's play telephone.

Staying on the subject of antiques, I fell in love with some of the antique phones that were on display. If you are one of those people that still has a land line, you might as well go all out with an uber retro style. It's a little more stylish to display and a lot more fun to dial. Here are some phones I saw at The Grand Antique Mall that almost made me want to get a home phone. 

I also ran across an incredible telephone booth that, if I were redecorating an office, would totally incorporate into the design. It could serve as a place where clients could go to take a phone call, hold informational books a la the phone booth libraries or even an doorway into a conference room. 

Location Spotlight: The Grand Antique Mall

Feeling down in the dumps one day, my boyfriend thought that the perfect way to cheer me up was to head out the the Grand Antique Mall. Honestly, I was a little skeptical at first but went along with it because he's never steered me in the wrong direction before. As soon as we walked into the building, I was immediately overwhelmed with excitement. As seen in the pictures below, the overall decor of the building is not much to look at (unless you like clutter and pegboard) but the treasures that are displayed are absolutely gorgeous.

The mall is set up with 4-5 primary aisles that are thousands of feet long and hold numerous booths that contain anything from side tables to Nancy Drew books. Each booth is designated a specific collector and they can display the antiques however they would like. As mentioned earlier, it seems as though everyone's decided on throwing as many things as possible in the space and hoping for someone to dig out what they'd like. The prices are not yard sale-esque, but if you go in there looking to make an investment, you will not be disappointed.

Along with furniture and home decor, the place is filled with jewelry, purses, hats and clothes that will keep you searching for days. Sharing a love of vintage... well... everything, I took my friend Steph there a couple of weeks later to enjoy the eye candy. Here are some of my favorites. I apologize but I did not get a close up of the price or the vendor for purchase. 

A few things that would look great in an entryway. As mentioned in an earlier post, it is the first impression so you need to make a statement.

Some amazing sofas and chairs that don't even need to be reupholstered! Incorporate into your current living room arrangement to get that eclectic style that gets talked about.

DIY OPP: Sand, prime and spray paint any of these side tables a bright color (coral, aqua, lime green, etc.) to add some excitement to an otherwise neutrally designed room. Use that color as a guide when picking out throw pillows, artwork and other miscellaneous accessories to tie the room together.

A gorgeous TV console with timeless details neutral enough to go with any style. A very lengthy piece, position along a bare wall, hang or stand your TV in the center and pair with some artwork to help make your media center a beautiful composition.

Some miscellaneous pieces that can breathe life and add character to any room. I would use the library card file as a jewelry and hairpiece organizer, make the suitcase into a shelf and use the barstools for a kitchen island.

Give me some of that 90210 style.

I am currently working through the entire 90210 series and have become obsessed with it. As soon as I get a disc from Netflix, I immediately pop it in and watch from start to finish. I loved the show when I was little, but now, I love love love it. 

Anyway, I am at the point in the show where there has been some turnover in the gang. Brenda is going to school in Paris, Valerie moved into Brenda's room, something about a Task Force, etc. Despite all of the recent cast changes, transitioning from high school to college and other miscellaneous drug stints, eating disorders and crazy parents, there is one thing in the show that's been consistent... The Peach Pit. Then I got to thinking that the 50's diner motif has some pretty high points perfect for adding a little historic flare to a room, as long as it's not overdone. Check out local flea markets, craigslist and even etsy for some signature pieces. Here are some of my faves.

top to bottom: beepart on etsy, cyanide stitches on etsy, craigslist, infinity instruments, ikea

Always know how to make an entrance.

Or a reappearance! With a new computer in tow and a laundry list of topics, I am finally back in action. And what better way to kick things off again than the topic of entryways.

Typically overlooked, the entryway is probably the most important part to a home. It's the first impression, summarizes the home's style and the space that, once you step into it, confirms you are in fact home. 

FAKE IT: That said, even if you don't have a foyer, still make sure to section off an area for people to gather. Section off according to room size and available space. If you are extremely low on available space (like me), one suggestion would be to angle the couch so that it provides a sense of direction. 

The space should be inviting and contain some key items: coat rack (or closet), shoe mat and key holder. If you have the space, it's always nice to hang a mirror so you can give yourself the once-over before leaving and your guests can do the same before coming in. It's also nice to display some sort of signature piece whether it be furniture or artwork, that signifies your personal style. Here are some great foyers and entryways for inspiration.

top to bottom: hollis interiors, donkee house, martha stewart, 
we love domino, simple eye design, young house love