Gray Day

Gray + silver living room: Luxe neutrals in Billy Joel’s home, featured in Domino, originally uploaded by xJavierx.

It’s a rainy Sunday in Northern California, and I’m dreaming of the day I can afford to live in a place this gorgeous, preferably in an ocean town. I’m thinking Pebble Beach. You’ll recognize me, I’ll be the one with the frizzy locks pulled back, since I’ll have no reason for a flat iron with that ocean air. Hmmmm I may have to rethink this plan of mine…….

Trina Turk Home

If you haven’t had a chance to head over to Apartment Therapy, today would be a great day to do so. I fell in love with the decor of this living room, before I even had a chance to look at the headline entailing that Trina Turk, who happens to be one of my favorite designers, will be designing home decor. She is a genius when it comes to color, I cannot wait to see her entire line! On top of that, it appears as though it will be affordable, which is an even greater plus in these poor economic times.

Trina Turk Home

Trina Turk Home

Help, I need somebody

I haven’t gotten very far because I haven’t decided what I am going to do with the walls. Should I leave them white? I originally thought about a light blue or grey with crown moulding, but now that I have decided on my lamp…I am unsure which direction to head? I bought this garbage can about 4 years ago at an Antique fair in Sacramento a few years ago, because I absolutely LOVED it. Yes, I fell in love with a garbage can I don’t really think the lamp and garbage can “go.” I am officially confused. As you can see, Lucy is very upset about my indecisiveness and does not feel like getting off the bed until I make a decision. No…I have not decided on bedding either. Btw…I have ALWAYS loved Pottery Barn’s black frames with white matting…does that “go” with my lamp, can, and bed? Boohoo. I need Thom Filicia to “Dress My Nest!”

I hadn't mentioned that the floor in my bedroom is stained concrete. There's my prized garbage can!

My trusty "new" lamp, minus the shade.

As you can tell, Lucy is very upset that nothing has been accomplished. Notice my photo on the wall, and the ricola's on my side table.

Visibly upset! lol

I love… lamp. I love lamp.

Yes, I said I wasn’t looking to create a bedroom which looked like an antique store or museum, but I fell in love with this lamp, and best of all…it was only $40 at a local antique store. This is the lamp shade that came with it, but I don’t particularly care for it. What do you think? Do you have any ideas for a better lamp shade or where I can find one? Now that I have chosen this lamp, what color do you think I should go with my walls, bedspread, etc? I also don’t want to be stuck with a bedroom that is entirely PINK! I want 40′s glam…right, Callie!

Day 2

This first photo is from a website that I must have found about a year ago. I hate not knowing whose image it is…if you happen to know, please do tell, as I’d like to give credit, where credit is due.

This is my absolute favorite photo of all time!!!

Photos of Olivia Palermo’s NYC apartment have been floating around lately, and it’s no lie…I ONLY watch The City, to drool over her cousin J/K! No I really love her apartment. I love the elephant in the photo, my brother actually has one that he inherited from my grandparents that’s quite similar, but he refuses to let me have it. I’ll just have to keep checking dear old etsy!

Photos courtesy of NY Post

Help Me Redecorate My Room! Please :)

I’ve decided to redecorate my bedroom, but this time I’m actually following through. I spent the last few days searching different styles and deciding what I do and do not like….and scaring the heck out of myself with feng shui and Chinese New Year superstitions…sorry family! Come to find out, I don’t like much! I’m not really into modern, I love traditional (but not the entire room), shabby chic is NOT my thing, I like a bit of glamour,  I really want a Barcelona chair, crown-moulding, I’m torn between painting my room grey, white, or blue, pink accents or purple accents, what type of table lamp to buy, how to hide the cords to my printer, computer, television, my precious paper shredder, and last but not least for my wallpaper to finally come down!!!!

I have a few posts this week from different things I’ve found, and I’m hoping you, my blog buddies will help me out, since you never let me down!

Wallpaper before I got a hold of it——

As you can see- I started taking down my childhood wallpaper. I didn’t pick this, it was never my style. As a child I wanted posters with Joey from NKOTB, or Dylan McKay, but I was never permitted seeing as my mother didn’t want holes in her precious wallpaper. If I am going to be Lemont and live at home like he did on Sanford & Son, I want to be in a space I actually like! For those of you who have not seen my bed from the 1800′s that I bought at an antique fair a few months ago…here is my headboard:

Btw…I still haven’t bought new bed linens. I’m still looking for the perfect AFFORDABLE duvet cover or quilt, comforter…what have you. Suggestions, gladly taken

I decided not to refinish my vintage parlor, but instead have started using this vintage dresser my mom and I found at an antique fair in Sacramento, a few years ago. I’m not sure if I’m going to keep my “stuff” on the vintage mirror that I’ve been using as a tray.

Oh and here’s my Christmas present from my mama! It’s actually made of an old window and has a mirror (which obviously I need to clean!)

Feng Shui

With the weather on the rainy side here in California…there’s nothing I’d rather do than relax at home. Well, that is until I had a look at my bedroom. My intention was to clean earlier in the week, so I could post pictures of my bed, and dresser because I still haven’t done anything to my bedroom and need your interior design expertise. I decided I’d have a look at feng shui videos on you tube, to gain a better idea on bringing positive energy into my space, and possibly into my life.

My question is this…do you believe in it? I just watched a video where the woman states if your home is facing the north, you shouldn’t have a red door because that is a yan color, and yin is north. Well, I happen to love our bright pink/fuschia colored door…could that be bringing negative energy our way? Please give me your opinion, I’d love to hear it.

Here’s a video on the top ten tips of feng shui, in case you’re like me and energy, karma, yin, yan have taken over your life! lol

Home Decor For 2009

2008 may have just concluded less than a week ago, but Interior designers are predicting big changes in 2009 in terms of home decor. See if you agree……

MISMATCHED CHAIRS

Due to the poor economy, people are tending to entertain at home. Since consumers aren’t in the market to just up and buy a new dining room set or chairs, we won’t see  as much  “matchy-matchy.”

The Color GRAY

For us blog readers, we’ve noticed that rooms have been heading in more neutral tones for some time. This year, different shades of gray are going to be everywhere. Experts are warning that this color is going to take a huge dive, just as the recent “chocolate brown/robins egg blue” combo did. Do you think it’s going to burn off or is gray here to stay?

RETRO APPLIANCES

My mom will be happy about this one, seeing as she recently purchased her vintage stove. While it may not be in working condition, many people are heading the same route and purchasing retro appliances from the 1940s- the 1980s (which doesn’t seem so retro to me.)

THE NEW GARAGE DOOR

This year fancy garage doors with wrought iron, hinges, and latches are making a statement.

CORAL

Not as in Nate Berkus favorite accessory, but as in the actual color. In years past “you’d see the color paired with teal, but in 2009 it’ll be matched with plums and grays.”

STUDIED ECLECTIC

Carmen Natscchke of “The Decorating Diva” is seeing multicultural decor taking center stage. What used to be taboo, is ringing steady in the New Year. She states your best bet when combining decor from different cultures is “a balanced look.”

All photos courtesy of MSN. If you’d like more information on these trends, and to see what is OUT for 2009, please follow this link to “New Year, New Home.”

Home For Christmas

We started decorating the weekend prior to Thanksgiving, but only finished decorating both trees last night. This is the first time since my parents split up that my mom has gone all out for Christmas, for that was the day our entire lives changed. Things may be different, for instance our antique tractor we used to have on the lawn strung with rotating lights on the tires, and santa waving to the passerbys had to be sold, but new traditions have been started, such as the vintage Christmas tree in the front window.

The fresh tree

The vintage ornament tree

My mom's new vintage stove

Check out Hooked On Houses & The Inspired Room for more homes decorated for the holidays!

Berkus Does HSN!

It’s no secret that I love Nate Berkus. I blame him for my new love of design, and my fascination with buying a piece of coral for my shelf! Did you know that my man, Nate is selling furniture and home decor on the Home Shopping Network? That’s right, you can buy Nate on HSN! Here are a few photos from his fabulous new line!

This particular chair can be customized in a variety of colors/fabrics

Slipper Chair

Metallic Sequin Pillow

Metallic Mix Decorative Pillow

Patmus Sequined Ikat Decorative Pillow

Velvet Studio Sofa

All Photos Are Courtesy Of Nate Berkus & HSN

Alba’s Green Home

In Style is featuring Jessica Alba’s exquisite home for their Stars Go Green segment.

Interior designer Kara Whittman was in charge of finding old pieces for the Alba/Warren home. Very rarely was anything new used to decorate the home.

Alba and Whittman going over vintage decor- In Style

Alba and Warren's bedroom- In Style

Alba and Warren opted to be environmentally friendly in their bedroom as well, going with hardwood and rugs rather than carpet.

Going with the eco theme, Alba chose a salt water pool which has fewer toxins

All photos courtesy of In Style

New York Giant Space!

Super Bowl winning quarterback, Eli Manning of the New York Giants showed off his Hoboken, N.J. condo he shares with wife, Abby- with Electronic House. This place reminds me of something seen on Inspector Gadget, with motorized lighting, hideaway walls, and music at his control.  Manning states that the average person can control everything with a switch. You have to see it to believe it.

This controls the lights, motorized shades, and music

Manning has views of Hoboken and Manhattan from his gorgeous apartment.

With the touch of a switch, Manning is able to temper the glare with his motorized shades.

The beautiful view from the bedroom

A controller in the bathroom makes it easy for Manning to select his music before hitting the shower

And lastly, Manning in his spacious office, and trophy case

All photos are courtesy of Electronic House, where you can find more information and photos!

Space Of Your Own

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been in love with Nicky Hilton’s lovely abode since Karen first posted it on Alkemie in February. It’s gorgeous, but most importantly, uniquely her own. If you are a fan of Oprah, and watch it religiously as I do, you know of Nate Berkus. His motto is to find things that bring you joy and make them a part of your space. Other than the great design blogs I frequent, I must say that I blame my new found love with “my space” on this guy. In the past I followed the trends, and when the trends were over with, was left with a bunch of clutter that I’d have to sell for $1, after spending boocoo bucks. Now does that seem practical???? I think not!

If I sound like a frustrated consumer, it’s because I am. I’m more resourceful than I’ve ever been, and I have a newfound love with craigslist for helping me rid myself of useless stuff taking over “my space.”

While browsing In Style yesterday, they posted links from past stories of celebrities homes and where they purchased the goods we so often drool over. Wait I mean I so often drool over.

For instance this lovely Chanel tray that I absolutely love, was purchased by Nicky Hilton at an antiques store in the Hamptons, which she converted it into a side table.

Photo courtesy of In Style

Have you seen Molly Sims place? She purchased these gorgeous chairs and this exquisite Chandelier from a Paris flea market. We are fortunate in my area, as one of the great french antique boutiques has a Paris Flea Market at least twice a year.

Photo courtesy of In Style

And lastly Alicia Silverstone’s table from an antique shop, and her chandelier from a flea market.

Photo courtesy of In Style

Audioslave said it best “to be yourself is all that you can do.” If you’re not just happy in life, but content with your decisions and true to yourself, it shows. With this economic crisis we’re in, now is a perfect time to rid yourself of things that have been holding you back, and keeping you from the life you want to live. Life is stressful, your home shouldn’t be. Look for things that bring you joy, not that keep you guessing. I may not have the rearranging part down, but I finally know what I like, and that’s progress!