Peck Avenue

YOU GUYS.

2010-09-13T09:34:00.000-04:00

IT'S THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER. How did this happen?! When did this happen?! Is this real life?!

In other news - I am slowly but surely making my return to the blogging world. I know you're all very excited.

Monday Music

2010-03-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

The "Another Rainy Day" Edition

So, this is the song that is supposed to play with that bouncy balls commercial I posted a couple weeks ago. It did when I first saw it, but for whatever reason, the song is different now? So much better with this one...

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2010-02-24T20:27:00.003-05:00

Wouldn't mind floating away for awhile...
(irene suchocki via mochatini)

Monday Music

2010-02-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

The "Talented Hipster Overload" Edition

Yours Truly Presents: The Morning Benders "Excuses" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

So many skinny, gifted weirdos in one room makes for something pretty amazing. Love it. The drums at 1:26 and violins at 1:48 just about kill me. Actually, the whole thing does. I bet this was incredibly fun to do....

(on vimeo via hrrrthrrr)

Quarter of a Century

2010-02-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today, this little munchkin turns 25. Holy crap...

(That's me, in case you were wondering)

Monday Music

2010-02-15T13:57:00.002-05:00

The "Bounce" Edition

So apparently, this is a commercial for a TV, but I think it's the most gorgeous commercial I've ever seen.

Monday Music

2010-02-01T09:00:00.004-05:00

The "A Little Bit In Love with a Total Stranger" Edition

I honestly don't know why or how I haven't shared this man on the blog yet, but I apologize for depriving you of this awesomeness. I found Wakey!Wakey! in that random, serendipitous way in which you always discover the best music: read about one band/singer, look up their MySpace/website, end up aimlessly clicking around for more until you find something like this. It's so exciting to see Michael gain a little mainstream attention lately from guest starring as "Grubbs the Bartender" on One Tree Hill (awful show, but he's great), and a small but exciting feature in the new iPad promo video (at 5:10 here).

Absolutely cannot wait for the new CD. Listen to more here, or here.

P.S. - I feel like I should apologize for being such a deadbeat blogger as of late. I'm completely slacking, but in case you didn't notice, I had a good excuse. I started my new job (!!!) last week, and while it was awesome, it made it pretty clear how severely lacking my time management skills are. But still, I shouldn't just abandon my little blog. Hopefully the adjustment period will end soon, all the craziness will die down, and I'll figure out some sort of schedule.

Monday Music

2010-01-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

The "First Day!" Edition

Wish me luck on my first day of my NEW JOB! Eeeeeek!

Book Smart

2010-01-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

It is so refreshing to see architects and designers who aren't afraid to stray from the typical and lend a creative eye to every inch of the space they're creating. In the design of McNally Jackson Books Cafe by Front Studio, the subtle details and innovative use of materials come together to create a space that is at once bold and restrained. There are lots of clever and quirky details, but the space never feels 'themey' or juvenile, which is not always easy to accomplish. The overall aesthetic of the furniture and fixtures as well as the color scheme help to round out the space and make it feel more sophisticated.

I love the subtle texture and soft grey shades the open books create on the curved feature wall. Books were hung from the ceiling to look "as if a pile of books had been thrown into the sky and frozen."

The folding tables along the curved wall were made to resemble closed books when not in use.

(via MocoLoco)

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2010-01-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm ready for summer, how 'bout you?

Girly Girls

2010-01-19T12:38:00.003-05:00

So obsessed with these gorgeous fashion illustrations from artist Leigh Viner. She is definitely one of my all time favorite Etsy finds (I'm still obsessed with this print I bought from her awhile back). I love that they're sort of girly with a hard edge. Be sure to check out her blog for some great eye candy and inspiration.

(The second to last one, entitled "Push" is my absolute favorite - I'm considering designing my entire bedroom around it)

State-ment Necklace*

2010-01-18T12:14:00.003-05:00

Awww, isn't this adorable?! I heart Massachusetts!

(By Truche on Etsy, via Making It Lovely)

* I apologize for the horribly cheesey title, but you know I had to do it.

Monday Music

2010-01-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

The "Motion Sickness" Edition

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2010-01-13T13:37:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, Booger!!!! SB 4-EVZ!

Monday Music

2010-01-11T10:27:00.001-05:00

The "Saxamophoooone" Edition

Go to 2:35 for some unexpected adorableness. Those kids can dance.

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2010-01-06T10:21:00.002-05:00

Clean! Organized! Bright! The perfect space to be creative!
So the opposite of my room right now...

Monday Music

2010-01-04T09:30:00.001-05:00

The "Stuck In My Head" Edition

Because I watched 500 Days of Summer no less than six times over the weekend. And I apologize for the horrifying video, but the Pixies are weird, man.

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2009-12-30T09:30:00.000-05:00

I'm in NYC!!!

The House: Good and Bad

2009-12-29T10:30:00.000-05:00

I know I've been a little stingy with house updates, but nothing too exciting has been going on. We're in that stage of getting all the really bad stuff fixed before we can start on anything that might be relatively fun, and it isn't all that interesting to blog about. Especially when you run into some unpleasant (and expensive) snags. In case you ever wondered what termite damage looks like...

Yeah, not cool. There were spots of damage all around the house, bad enough to cause some structural concerns that had to be taken care of.

But most of it is taken care of now, and we have officially moved on the kitchen. The plan is to paint the cabinets a crisp white, get some new appliances (nothing fancy), probably do a neutral ceramic tile on the floor and paint the walls (no idea what color...). But before that, I have thirtysomething cabinet doors to take down, putty, sand, prime, putty again, sand again, then paint.

Let's not forget about the faces, too...

It's looking pretty rough, but I'm almost there, and I know once the cabinets are painted, it will make a huge difference. The painting itself goes pretty quickly, but I'm not really a huge fan of sanding.

In good news, we got a new front door!! I love the clean and simple side lights, and the guys did an awesome job putting it in without damaging any of the original wood trim.

And all new windows!! No more drafts - yay!

We haven't been working as much as we should because of the craziness of the holidays and everything, but hopefully we'll make a big push this weekend. I'd love to have the cabinets painted and then make a trip over to Home Depot to pick out some tiles and hardware next week. I promise there will be more pictures to come soon!

Thanks, Santa!

2009-12-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

Remember when I blogged about this? Santa was listening! It's tiny and I'm not sure it looks a lot like the real Guggenheim, but I still think it's pretty cool. I spent a rockin' Saturday night eating Christmas candy and putting it together. Good times.

Another great Christmas gift I got was a surprise trip to NYC to see the museums with my Dad! We did this same trip together the summer after I graduated college and it's been one of my favorite memories. I loved the MoMA last time and I can't wait to go back. Apparently we're going to see some sort of Tim Burton retrospective and film project? My dad doesn't know who he is, so it should be interesting...Then we're gonna hit up the Whitney for the Georgia O'Keefe exhibit! Pure coincidence that one of my favorites will be there. We're also going to attempt to find this French restaurant we ate at last time - by far one of the best meals of my life. But of course we've both forgotten the name, so good luck to us.

I've set up some blogs for the rest of the week, and hopefully I'll be back on Friday to share some pictures from my trip. Have a good week!!

Monday Music

2009-12-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

The "Dance Like You Feel" Edition

I have to say, this is much better than the original...

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2009-12-23T12:54:00.003-05:00

I'm right where I want to be :)

Merry Christmas!!

Happy Chic

2009-12-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

Imagine my surprise as I walk into work on Saturday morning, latte in hand, and spot a Christmas gift with my name on it placed tauntingly on the counter. My fabulous boss lady Jessica had left me a hefty present, roughly the size and shape of what could only be an awesome coffee table book, and I just couldn't help myself. After about 10 minutes of mock restraint, I tore that sucker open. I know, I know. But how could anyone possibly sit in a room with a wrapped gift mere feet away and not open it?! That's crazy talk.

I'm not at all sorry I did, though, because it turns out that I opened one of the best design books ever! I've always liked what I've seen of Jonathan Adler's work, and his pottery is undoubtedly gorgeous, but I never realized how awesome he really is. I read the entire thing cover to cover that night and it dawned on me that we share the same design philosophy, an aesthetic he has dubbed "Happy Chic". Everything is fun and fabulous and colorful and happy and unapologetic in its boldness. And I love all of it. Granted, some of it is a little over the top, very 70's and sometimes even tacky - but that's the point. Jonathan Adler interiors are like the leopard print house -they don't care what you think.

In addition to having brilliant pictures, it's also well written in a cheeky, friendly way. I thought I'd share some of the best quotes from the book along with some of my favorite Adler interiors.

"In a stunning epiphany, we realized the utter pointlessness of good taste without fun."

"When you furnish your home, you should buy what you love rather than ponder what the Smiths down the street might think."

"Let your foyer say "Hello!" and "Come back soon!"

"Tchotchkes are life enhancing."

"I believe good design creates good moods."
(P.S. - There isn't a single thing in this whole room that I don't like. Perfection.)

And my personal favorite, as it basically describes me in a single sentence:

"I believe in dorky enthusiasm."

Jonathan and I are meant to be.

Alma

2009-12-21T11:57:00.002-05:00

Warning: If you have a fear of creepy dolls, do not watch this.
Otherwise, watch it for the amazing animation and cute yet messed up storyline.

Alma from Rodrigo Blaas on Vimeo.

Head Up, Young Person

2009-12-21T10:00:00.001-05:00

“Offered the opportunity to join in a print run of 250 business cards through university, I decided to screenprint my own and instead use the chance to spread a little happiness. Somebody who suffers from depression once told me that their therapist advised them to count chimneys if they were feeling down, as this increases the light intake through their eyes. I popped this hint on a card for distribution in low level places around Bristol.”

Monday Music

2009-12-21T09:00:00.002-05:00

The "I'm Sick of Traditional Christmas Music" Edition

P.S. - Does anyone know of some better way for me to put a single mp3 up here? Seems stupid to put a whole "playlist" up for one song, but I can't find a decent video for the song....In case you didn't know, I barely know how to use a computer/the internet....

You Ugly

2009-12-12T20:50:00.005-05:00

But you're also kind of badass. Rock on with your tacky self, house.

(via hello-holly)

Welcome to the Dollhouse

2009-12-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

I love tiny chairs.

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2009-12-09T10:57:00.006-05:00

I feel like expanding on the typical IWTGTTW post today because it is a snowy, rainy, slushy mess outside and I am not a fan. Plus, this house is pretty awesome.

The entire design seems to revolve around the location, especially the oversized deck. I love how the subtle incline is like one giant, built-in lounge chair, perfect for sunbathing.

What I find really interesting is the contrast in architecture between the front and back of the house. So private on one side, so open on the other - it looks like two entirely different homes.

And not a bad view at all. Seriously, I would hang out with those kids if it meant I got to lounge on this deck all day.

(via Digs Digs)

Monday Music

2009-12-07T11:50:00.001-05:00

The "I Have A Headache" Edition

"Sinusoidal"

2009-12-03T10:42:00.003-05:00

I am ridiculously obsessed...

"At 5.2m high and 1.7m wide, the door is comprised of 40 sections of 254mm-thick Burma teak. Each section is carved so that the door integrates 160 pulleys, 80 ball bearings, a wire-rope and a counter weight hidden within the single pivot."

(via The Architectural Review)

That's Awesome!

2009-12-01T12:55:00.004-05:00

Combining my love of Legos and Architecture!

Monday Music

2009-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

The "Sparkle Motion" Edition

Rachel Reider Interior Design

2009-11-25T10:30:00.000-05:00

I've got a major design grush (a girl crush, in case you were wondering) on Rachel Reider. Ever since I saw her work featured in Design New England, I've been pouring over her portfolio images trying to wrap my head around the details of what she calls her "soft modern" style. I love that - I've never really known how to describe my personal aesthetic, but that sounds about right. Rachel strikes that great balance of modern yet accessible with a little quirkiness thrown in the mix. Plus, the fearless use of purple is always something to be respected.

Hey, Baby

2009-11-24T12:17:00.004-05:00

I have got babies on the brain lately. This weekend I got the great news that I'm going to be an aunt!!! My sister broke the news to the fam after months of trying, and we couldn't be happier. It seems like everyone is pregs! My sister, my lovely manager Jessica, even fellow bloggers Sherry and John over at Young House Love. Not only that, but my cousin and her husband are staying with us over the holiday and brought along their brand new baby girl, Amara. (They're Dutch transplants making a stop in Boston from Iowa before they move to Indonesia/Switzerland! A globetrotter at three months old!) My brain is already working on ideas for the new babies nursery, and of course I've taken to rifling through my inspiration files for some creative, not-so-cookie-cutter ideas...

Such a cool art installation - great way to add texture and color, not to mention start the learning early!

The dream dress up room complete with a Barbie Chandelier!

A Domino Mag classic - LOVE the wallpaper animals!

Another awesome way to use old wallpaper or craft papers to create large scale art

Black in a nursery? Somehow it works...And the best ceiling ever.

A happy and gender neutral color palette

For the super mod baby

OMG...

2009-11-17T10:30:00.001-05:00

HERRINGBONE TWEED CHUCKS?!
I think my head just exploded...

Monday Music

2009-11-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

The "Do The Molly Ringwald" Edition

Those are some great boots, actually...

Monday Music

2009-11-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

The "Let's Go To Paris" Edition

WANT

2009-11-06T11:14:00.003-05:00

These guys combine my love of chunky rings and crayons! Such a fun idea from local designer Timothy Liles.

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2009-10-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

I need to be wherever something like this is happening. Amazing.
(via P is for Party)

Grandma Pumpkin

2009-10-27T11:00:00.000-04:00

Using a doilie and some black paint. This looks like it might be a little time consuming, but so pretty that it might be worth it. But first, I might have to actually go out and get my pumpkin...
(via Better Homes and Gardens)

No, YOU are awesome, Yellowgoat

2009-10-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

Yellowgoat is definitely one of my best Etsy discoveries to date.

I love that she calls this a "social necklace" because of all of the comments and conversations this piece is sure to strike up.

This bangle modeled after a mens shirt collar is a fun take on the menswear trend.

This guy is just flat out stunning. Such a unique piece with a creative inspiration.

For the forgetful one in your life....I think I might need this myself. So genius.

Check out the blog, too, for some eye candy and the occasional giveaway.

"I'll eat you up, I love you so."

2009-10-26T11:00:00.003-04:00

This past weekend was on of the best I've had in a long time, and for no big special reason. Just a bunch of little things that made me happy. Starting with an amazing fall day in Newburyport with the little brother...

I'm not sure how many other early 20-something brother/sister duos usually take scenic drives around New England towns for fun, but we're dorks like that. Our road trip loving dad was very proud.

We decided that this was definitely one of the most adorable little towns in Massachusetts. We ate lunch at The Purple Onion and watched the little kids play at the park across the street. Almost too cute.

Oh, and then we bumped into the "Avenging" (!!) Andy Pratt. If any of you are in the market for a combination musician/spiritual healer, he is your man.

*sigh* I looooove New England in the fall. Matty and I decided there is no place else we'd rather live. Ever.

And then there were BURRITOS! at Anna's. We opted not to get the ginormous SUPERBURRITOS!, as we recalled the not-so-great feeling we had after making that mistake the last time. They are the best, but ordering here reminds me a lot of The Soup Nazi. I get a little nervous.

(Sidenote: I did not take the above picture, I found it on Google, but I had to post it for obvious hilariously ironic reasons)

An amazing/sad/beautiful/fun/crazy movie followed. Really, go see it.

In true design dork fashion, I couldn't help but pay attention to the colors and mood of the whole film. Everything felt neutral and dirty, but in this curiously appealing way. I want to design an entire room around this picture.

And then there was the lovely lady (sorry I didn't get your name!) at Helena's who said she liked my blog. If you're reading this - you absolutely made my day! My weekend actually, so THANKS! :)

Good times.

*Just realized this is my 100th post! WOOHOO!*

Monday Music

2009-10-26T09:00:00.001-04:00

The "Beautiful Movie" Edition

This was in the trailer for Where the Wild Things Are. Such an amazing movie. Not ashamed to say I shed a few tears at the end. You must go see it immediately.

Expect the Unexpected

2009-10-22T10:00:00.001-04:00

So cool to spot my favorite Cellula Chandelier fitting in perfectly in this country space. I love it when rustic and modern can blend seamlessly to add a little visual interest.
(Country Living via Shelter)

Larger Than Life

2009-10-21T10:28:00.002-04:00

An installation like this looks fit for a modern museum, but to find out that it's part of an office interior makes it even cooler. The illustration is of Leo Burnett, founder of the eponymous advertising agency for which Ministry of Design created these incredible spaces. I love their concept of separating the project into the distinct environments - Space to Impress, Space to Interact, and Space to Create. Office interiors can sometimes get a little stale and obvious, so it's refreshing to see something this modern and creative.

This "anamorphic art feature" is strategically painted on different planes to trick the eye from afar. So crazy, but so cool. I don't know what the significance of 7+ is, but whoever thought to apply it in this manner is an absolute genius.

(via Dezeen)

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2009-10-21T09:00:00.002-04:00

I love Boston in the fall...

Don't You Just Love A Bargain?*

2009-10-19T10:01:00.001-04:00

Anthropologie is hands down my favorite store ever, but there is no way I could afford to shop there for real. I will admit, I am that girl who walks in and makes a beeline for the sale section every time. It takes some digging, but I've ended up with some pretty great pieces at major discounts. Case in point - there was this one dress I had been obsessing over all summer, and in the back of my mind I was hoping maybe I'd get lucky and find one. Well, I had to stop myself from squealing with excitement when I found it in my size...

It was the very last one and I nearly took out some poor woman when I practically jumped over her to grab it, but it was totally worth it. Originally $128, I took it home for $40!!!! I obviously can't wear it til next summer, but I know I'll wear the crap out of it when the time comes. This just goes to show that shopping off season is a great way to save some major money on the pieces that are normally out of reach. Even though I didn't get a single thing I went to the mall for, I have to say I got a huge kick out of this purchase. Consider me a bargain shopper!

*Yep, I totally stole that title from the Christmas Tree Shop jingle...I bet it's stuck in your head now, right?

Monday Music

2009-10-19T09:00:00.003-04:00

The "Holy Crap" Edition

This guy went to my high school and dates my friends stepsister - not gonna lie, kinda makes me feel cool to be quasi-connected to someone this talented. Cannot wait to see/meet him at Club Passim on Nov. 20

Always Go With Straight Lasers

2009-10-16T11:00:00.001-04:00

Related to my last post, I'm pretty sure having a drawing by Marc Johns in my house would mean a guaranteed smile every single day.

The cover of his book is so awesome. This might have to be added to the Christmas list.

Gotta love Etsy

2009-10-16T09:30:00.001-04:00

Last night I finally pulled the trigger and bought a few of the amazing art pieces that had been languishing in my Etsy shopping cart for the past few weeks. In addition to being a great place for adorable handmade gifts and cool vintage pieces, it's a great place to buy original artwork on the cheap. One thing I'm really excited about for the new house (among many things) is that I'll finally have the opportunity to buy original pieces to fill the space, picking and choosing only those that I really love and am drawn to. Here's the loot I scored from a couple of my favorite Etsy peeps:

This photo from opart just makes me smile. I love the ocean, I love the colors, I love the carefree easy feeling this image has. It's a little girly, but I plan on integrating it into a gallery wall with all sorts of other styles.

JKLDesign is by far one of my favorite Etsy shops. I really don't know what it is about this photo that I love so much, but as soon as I saw it I was completely enamored. Something about the color, the lines, the contradiction of "Little City".... I lovelovelove it.

Make It Work

2009-10-14T12:00:00.001-04:00

You gotta love Sneak Peeks from Design*Sponge. I look forward to these posts every week because they are always full of inspiration. This week, the home of Casey Green was definitely my favorite. As soon as I saw this first image, I breathed a sigh of relief. I've been going back and forth wondering if I could combine my grandmother's old traditional wing back chair with some more modern pieces without having it look completely incompatible. But in this room, a traditional chair works beautifully next to the sleek Parsons desk without any one item sticking out. I love to see a room like this, with that certain je ne sais quoi that just makes it work.

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2009-10-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

It's coooooold*....can I go back to bed, please?

*I realize that this is relative term when you live in the Northeast....if it were January, I would consider this balmy...

Picture in Picture

2009-10-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

Trippy, man.

(via The Architecture Blog)

Show and Tell

2009-10-12T14:00:00.000-04:00

You know how much I love rendering...This one is old - I definitely want to start practicing more.

Thinking about...

2009-10-12T12:00:00.001-04:00

...turning the Hi-Fi into a buffet/bar...

...sort of like this...

This project probably won't be happening for awhile, but I can't stop thinking about it....I LOVE the blue inside! The record player is actually broken, so once I figure out a way to take all that stuff out (much easier said than done, I'm sure) I'll add fabric, paint, and some new hardware...cannot wait to do this! I should mention that I have never done anything like this ever before, so there's a chance it could be a disaster. But I just love the idea that I can take something that has been in my family and in the house for so long and completely give it a new life and purpose. I'll have something that's totally original, inexpensive, and that has personal meaning. Can't get much better than that.

Monday Music

2009-10-12T09:00:00.002-04:00

The "October" Edition

Color Inspiration: Shades of Grey

2009-10-08T12:39:00.009-04:00

I am so intruiged by these moody, soft interiors. I've been seeing shades of grey everywhere lately, and while I think a lot of them are so gorgeous, I'm still a bit weary of the color. When done well, grey can evoke many different feelings in a space. But choose the wrong shade and you might end up with something a little drab. I think the key is be very specific when choosing your shade and then commit to the look. The shade of grey you choose really dictates the overall feeling of the room. If you want that moody feeling, then really embrace it with dark charcoal, dramatic mood lighting, and minimal contrast. If you want a soft, feminine feeling, choose an ash tone, then add lots of white and soft texture. I think my personal favorite is to choose a warm grey and inject shots of deeply saturated color throughout the space for contrast. This keeps your eye from completely sinking into the grey and softens super bold colors. This is definitely a challenge to consider...

Ta-Da!

2009-10-05T11:11:00.004-04:00

It has a way to go before it's finished, but I couldn't wait any longer to share this before and after! (And let me just preface this by saying I am not a great photographer, but you'll get the gist)

Squee!!! I have to say, I kind of love it! The color is Benjamin Moore's Blue Nova (I felt like sucha dweeb asking for that at the paint store...) - it's sort of a medium toned inky purply-blue. It's a little bit of a different take on what I orginally thought I wanted, but I didn't want a typical or average blue bathroom, especially considering I'm contemplating different shades of blue for nearly every other room in the house (I'm stuck in a rut - help!) I still need to get a mirror, a cabinet, a better shower curtain, accessories and what not (and oh yeah, maybe a top for the toilet?), but I'd say it is a vast improvement from what it was! I'll be sure to share more pictures as it comes together - and become a better photographer!

Music Monday

2009-10-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

The "Fleetwood Mac Are My Guilty Pleasure" Edition

I Love Lonny!

2009-10-01T12:45:00.002-04:00

I'm just going to jump on the blogger bandwagon here and confess my new love for Lonny Magazine! I know the ladies of the design blog world have been anticipating this for a long time coming, and todays debut issue does not disappoint. So many amazing spaces, great tips, and a layout reminiscent of our beloved (but defunct) Domino magazine. I am especially loving the click through links that allow you to instantly scout out the items you see on the (virtual) pages. I'm already collecting images for the inspiration files...

The Search for the Sofa

2009-09-29T12:30:00.000-04:00

Is anyone else wondering where September went? This month always seems to fly by, and the next thing you know, you're bracing yourself for another miserable winter (I am not a fan of snow). Now I suddenly find myself one month closer to my tentative move in date, and it just hit me that I have no furniture. You might think that since I'm a designer (sort of?), and I can, in theory, choose whatever I want for the house, I'd be stoked. But not so much. Of course I'm excited to pick everything out and finally have a couch/chair/table/etc of my very own, but it's stressful, too. I like too many things to choose just one, and I change my mind about what I like every couple of months so I'm incredibly nervous about making an investment on a single piece, only to hate it a few weeks later. And there's also the small (no pun intended) matter of my budget. Or lack thereof. So I've started searching for more affordable versions of some of my favorite pieces....

Like the Petrie Sofa. Le sigh. Isn't she pretty?

But at $1,499, she's more than a little out of my price range. (I know some people would consider this a reasonable price, but not me.) So imagine my delight to find this knock off for half the price over at AllModern.com

It's a little bit bulkier, and with only two dark color options, it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for. But at $735, it was still definitely a contender.

Bouncing around the blogosphere, I had also come to fall in love with the Bantam Sofa from DWR, but again was only dreaming, as it costs $1,780.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for tapered legs and button tufting. Then, one day as I was clicking around Apartment Therapy, I came across an old article that led me to the Corona Sofa.

At $699, I think this might be it. It has the same sleek, tailored proportions, tapered legs, and tufting as its more expensive counterparts, but for half the cost. Now, $699 is still a lot of money for me to drop on a single item, but considering the fact that I was thisclose to spending $599 on a plain Karlstad from Ikea, I think its a pretty good deal. I tried looking for something cheaper, but it just isn't happening, and buying a couch secondhand skeeves me out. If I can get that much more tailoring, detail, and quality for an extra hundred bucks than what I was planning on spending, I'm willing to do it, especially since it's one of the few pieces in the house that will actually be new.

Or maybe I'm just trying to talk myself into an uneccessary splurge? Meh. Either way, I'm gonna try to go see it sometime this weekend to do the official comfort test, and then we'll see.

Super Nova

2009-09-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Oh, you know, just a little sneak peek of things to come...

Just Because: Treehouses!

2009-09-28T11:03:00.004-04:00

Monday Music

2009-09-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

The "Best Movie Ever" Edition

Call me cheap, but...

2009-09-19T20:23:00.003-04:00

...who else thinks they could pull this off for less than $399?

Or this for $299?

I mean, really, Pottery Barn? Really? What kind of idiot with too much money is actually falling for this? I think both of these are kind of fug, but I'm tempted to try to make them just to prove a point. I can' decide if the reason why I find the new PB catalog so awful is because they dropped the ball this season, or because my tastes have improved beyond mass produced imitation vintage stuff...?

Genius

2009-09-18T13:20:00.003-04:00

Saw this and just absolutely HAD to reblog from CarrieCan. Zaha Hadid is a creative genius.

Damian Ortega

2009-09-16T12:30:00.006-04:00

~~Can't wait for this opening at the ICA tonight. Floating stuff is awesome.~~

Just kidding. Thanks to multiple fires (?!!?) inside the T, I didn't quite make it to the museum. Instead I was stranded in Central Square for 40 minutes, where I walked directly into a crackhead with a crusty eye patch. Eventful night.

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2009-09-16T10:01:00.000-04:00

New requirement in my job search: an office with a built in swing.

I Wish...

2009-09-15T13:00:00.000-04:00

By now, everyone knows about the Domino design bible (and if you don't you should), and in addition to having amazing interior shots and fail proof design tips, it also boasts some of the most beautiful watercolor renderings I've ever seen. I've mentioned my love of interior renderings before, and even shared one of my attempts here. I love the lightness and luminosity that watercolors lend to rendering, but it takes some serious talent and control to produce art like this. These images are definitely going to serve as inspiration when I start my watercolor class next month. For now, let's just stare at the pretty...

Monday Music

2009-09-14T11:59:00.001-04:00

The "Another Amazing Concert" Edition

I wish I could embed the official video, because it's so much better - watch it here.

Color Inspiration: Aqua and Hot Pink

2009-09-10T12:00:00.004-04:00

This combo is so much fun. I'm normally a little weary of pairing such bright colors together - it can come off a little shocking or juvenile. But here, heavy doses of neutrals, like beige, white, and black, keep it balanced and sophisticated.

Loves It

2009-09-08T11:27:00.001-04:00

Genius! This goes on my list of projects....

The House: Little by Little

2009-09-07T09:00:00.001-04:00

It's been awhile since I've updated you (possibly 5 readers?) on the progress happening up at the house. It felt a little slow going for awhile, despite having working every weekend, just because of the sheer amount of stuff we had to sift through in each room. But this weekend, we busted it out - literally - and I feel like I can finally see some real progress. (And by we, I mean my brother and my dad - turns out I'm not great in the heavy lifting/demolition/general renovation area. I hope to redeem myself when it comes time to paint every single room.) We decided to tackle the bathroom as our first 'major' project in the house, and as is true for all renovations it seems to have snowballed into a much bigger project than we had first anticipated. I thought we would get a new sink and paint the walls. But then the the toilet was cracked, and the tub surround was a little grungy......then the plumbing was funny, and then we found a gaping hole in the floor.....so plans changed a little bit, and suddenly my brother was hacking away at the walls with a hammer. And we got this:

So now the plan is to re-tile the entire shower area and chunk of missing floor, redo the plumbing in the shower, new vanity, new toilet, new light fixtures, new mirror, sand down the walls/wainscoting, and paint. Whew. I'm not sure how fast it will get done or how smoothly it will go, but it's really exciting to think that something big is actually happening up there. The before and after is already kind of crazy to see:

Around the rest of the house, my dad managed to get off all of the old wallpaper, we pulled up the old carpets, and we've just been cleaning things out and making all sorts of piles. We've been putting out a Freecycle table every weekend to clear everything out, and this weekend we were particularly successful. It was insane to see the traffic jam that our table of junk caused, and neighbors are loving it. One woman told me the hilarious yet slightly creepy story about her best friend picking through our trash every Wednesday night looking for goodies. Nearly everything we put out was taken, and now the house is finally starting to feel more open. It's not nearly close to what I'm hoping the end results will be, but it's a vast improvement, if you ask me - a few before and after shots:

That's it for now, hopefully more to come soon!

Color Inspiration: Cobalt and Chartreuse

2009-09-03T12:00:00.002-04:00

I've been mildly obsessed with this color combination for awhile now, ever since I saw this first image in my trusty Domino Design Guide. I love how this combination uses such strong colors without being too heavy or overwhelming. I think the key to that is balancing them with lots of crisp white for contrast. I also love the addition of warm wood tones and neutrals with these cool colors to keep things feeling cozy and grounded.

Since the bathroom at the house is going to have lots of white happening in it, and I already own some limey green towels, I'm considering a deep sapphire in the bathroom. It's one of the few rooms in the house that gets decent light and I think all the white is enough to balance out a darker color. And now that the walls are gone, I need to get crackin' on a decision pretty quick......Oh, yes, you heard right - more on that tomorrow...

Loves It...

2009-09-02T15:00:00.000-04:00

Plum/Turquoise/Grey/White/Pumpkin - swoon <3

(from House to Home UK via MadeByGirl)

Awww...

2009-09-02T12:00:00.000-04:00

As if you needed another reason to love Ben & Jerry's...The greatest B&J flavor ever created, Chubby Hubby, is now Hubby Hubby in honor of the legalization of gay marriage in Vermont. Is this not the best/most adorable thing ever!? Congrats Vermont!

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2009-09-02T09:30:00.001-04:00

THE LEGO HOUSE!!!
(told you I love them)

Right On, Target

2009-08-31T13:30:00.000-04:00

I am probably the last person to realize that Target is now carrying wallpaper, but whatever - I'm pretty stoked. I was sort of in a rut picking paint colors for every room of the house, but now I'm thinking a little pattern could be nice.....I'm still not sure if I love wallpaper enough to commit to it in an entire room, but I love the idea of having a little pop of pattern and interest inside a closet or in a small room. Either way, bet your ass some of this will be happening in one way or another up at the house. Some thoughts....

A nice surprise in the back of the kitchen cabinets?

A girly graphic pop in the master closet?

Retro-kitsch to line bureau drawers?

Bold damask in the dining room?

And my absolute favorite to line the back of the china cabinet...This one will definitely be happening - I can see it already :)

Monday Music

2009-08-31T10:04:00.000-04:00

The "Summer Nights" Edition

(I have listened to nothing but this song for the past week - completely obsessed)

Um...

2009-08-27T20:45:00.004-04:00

Pardon my language, but holy shit.

Kate Spade flagship store in NYC

My Life, Ladies and Gentlemen....

2009-08-26T13:02:00.005-04:00

(I love Legos...)

UPDATE: I went to the bank yesterday to finally open a savings account (at the age of 24)....I literally had to ask the woman to repeat herself after I made her explain credit cards to me because as she was speaking, I started thinking about weird it felt to be talking about money like a real grown up, and I didn't hear a word she said. Twenty-four.

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2009-08-26T12:36:00.003-04:00

Despite the fact that it might hit 90 degrees today, I wish I were in the city doing some major wardrobe shopping. I love the Bean.

Music Monday

2009-08-24T09:38:00.000-04:00

The " I Love Cover Songs" Edition

Swoon

2009-08-19T14:00:00.000-04:00

ohmagawd, shoes

'I Want To Go To There' Wednesday

2009-08-19T11:46:00.003-04:00

Another 90+ degree day here in Boston - a nice shady pool (and a few strong beverages) would be key right about now.

Monday Music

2009-08-17T12:33:00.002-04:00

The "I'm in love with Brandon Flowers" Edition*

*AKA - The "Desperately Looking for a Job" Edtion ("You know you gotta help me out...")

Swoon

2009-08-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

So in love with these adorable dresses from Mod Cloth...

Browsin' the 'Book

2009-08-14T09:30:00.000-04:00

You gotta hand it to the architects at Studio o+a for really understanding their clients needs. This new office space for the famous Facebook is spot on. The overall aesthetic really fits with the young company, and the 'industrial chic' idea is taken up a notch by adding some classic pieces of mid century furniture. I think the concept of leaving areas blank to allow employees to personalize the space is so perfect for a creative environment such as this. In an industry that is constantly moving forward, the space can evolve as the website does.

This is what every office should look like. Or at least every office I ever work in for the rest of my life. If only I were some sort of tech saavy nerd...

'I Want To Go To There' Wednesday

2009-08-12T11:47:00.002-04:00

A bright, open studio on this cloudy day...

Simply Amazing

2009-08-11T14:00:00.001-04:00

I just have to post this because I am totally blown away. I've really never seen anything like this...

It is a little weird to me that this was a part of Ukraine's Got Talent competition (who knew that existed?), but when you take it for what it is, it truly is amazing and moving. The 'story' she tells is about the German invasion of the Soviet Union during WW2, resulting in millions of Ukrainian casualties. It's crazy (in a good way) to me that she could convey all of this through sand. I have never seen an artist use this medium in this way before. Her precision and speed are just incredible. Trust me, it's worth watching all the way through.

(And on a lighter note - who else caught the instrumental Metallica at the end? Nice.)

Loves It

2009-08-11T12:07:00.003-04:00

A shiny pink kitchen!
I've never actually been a huge fan of pink, but for some reason I am head over heels for this room. It's unexpected, bold, fun, happy.....what could be better than that?

Tree Hugger

2009-08-11T10:00:00.003-04:00

Forgive me for being such a terrible blogger! I have had a mental block for the past week, so I'm just going to ease back into this with a post that doesn't really need much explanation......because this place is just that awesome. I'm sure any of you hardcore arch/design fans have probably already seen this, but I couldn't help but post it here, if only so that I could marvel at its amazingness one more time. The first time I saw these pictures, I just thought it was some architecture students conceptual thesis or something, but it actually is real......

The Yellow Tree House Restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand is not only a piece of architectural genuis, it actually has kind of an interesting story behind it. The entire project was actually a very elaborate marketing plan developed by Yellow Pages, to prove that you could complete an task imaginable by using their resources to find everything you need. They recruited a fun local blogger to take on the challenge, and it actually came to fruition. Apparently, it is completely booked throughout the time it will actually remain a functioning restaurant, before being converted into public space, available for function rentals. (Ok, so I guess that sort of was an explaination, but whatevs)

I just love the concept and shape of this project - the organic nature of the architecture allows the restaurant to somehow fit in with its surroundings. Not to mention it's like an adult version of the bad ass treehouse everyone wanted as a kid.

The House Tour: Second Floor

2009-08-03T10:31:00.005-04:00

So, continuing on the house tour, I thought I'd share pictures of the second floor. These aren't as clear as the first floor pictures, because I took them really quickly while walking through the house, and the spaces are a little smaller, so its hard to get a good perspective on the rooms. Again, these were taken before we did anything at all, so this gives you an idea of just how much there is to clean up. But, as with the rest of the house, all the rooms have potential...

The bathroom is our first big interior project to be completed before I move in. There's great tile underneath the carpet (yes, there is carpet in the bathroom, and it's as gross as you would imagine) but there's just the small problem of a gaping hole underneath the sink. Yeah. New sink, new toilet, fix the tub, new fixtures.....I can't decide if the silver foil wallpaper is awful, or kind of cool in a kitschy, retro way.

The king size bed in this picture makes the room seem a lot smaller than it actually is, but in reality its practically the entire length of the house. As you can see, my grandmother likes pink.

I'll be lucky to have two guest bedrooms, as most of our family lives out of town (or out of the country) and stay at the house when they visit. These rooms will probably be the last to be decorated, but I'm excited to have some space to play around with and maybe try out some different paint colors and projects to make them a little more fun. The "boys room" (left) is the smallest and a little dark as it's at the back of the house and has no overhead lights, so it might be a challenge, but the "girls room" has tons of light and access to the adorable balcony over the sunroom.

I've been a little slack on working on the house this past week, so hopefully I'll be making up for it this weekend.

Monday Music

2009-08-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

The "I Can't Wait To See Them Tonight" Edition

Loves It

2009-07-30T15:00:00.000-04:00

Butterflies laser cut from vintage maps

from Image Surgery

"I Want To Go To There" Wednesday

2009-07-29T15:00:00.000-04:00

(I haven't been to the beach at all yet this summer!)

Ikea 2010

2009-07-29T12:00:00.001-04:00

I looooove Ikea - I mean, who doesn't love cool, modern designs on the cheap? So of course, I was so excited to see this article on Apartment Therapy announcing that the 2010 Ikea catalog was available online. The Ikea catalog is always full of innovative and unique stylings, and I love to see the way they put their products together. One thing I really love to see is new uses for different products, like kitchen cabinets in the living room, or bathroom fixtures in an office. Ikea has so much stuff that sometimes it's hard to visualize different uses for it all just by looking online or shopping the store. This article from AT pulled out some of the best new ideas and looks from the catalog...

I love a piece like this - with a slim profile and simple lines, it could be a desk, sideboard, console table, vanity...just about anything - and it would definitely be a bold statement in any room.

I'm just in love with this whole color combination - crisp green just pops off of the white and feels so energizing and fun. The postcards around the door are a quirky way to display small prints and travel souvenirs in an office or den.

Super shiny kitchen cabinets become gorgeous modern storage in a living room - total genuis.

Hanging DVD storage acts as a colorful focal point on this wall - a great space saving alternative to a large piece of art. And I really love the super low tables for display.

Ah! Organization like this makes me giddy! A place for absolutely everything in an entry or dressing room.

As an alternative to the formal dining room, this space feels much more casual and family friendly thanks to mismatched chairs and low hanging pendants. And a black and white rug is a classic that fits with any style.

I just love the dramatic feel of this room. The new Edland series is so gorgeous and unlike your average Ikea - I mean, drop pulls? Gah.

The House Tour: First Floor

2009-07-29T09:00:00.001-04:00

As I embark on this crazy job of renovating my grandmother's house, I'm really excited to document it all here on my little blog. First, I thought I'd share some of the before pictures to give you all* a frame of reference as to what exactly I'm working with here. And I must warn you, these are pretty bad. The house has a lot of really beautiful details and plenty of space - but it's a little hard to tell under all the tacky furniture, bad wallpaper, and innumerable tchotchkes. But I can see a lot of potential and am becoming more and more aware of how lucky I am to have an opportunity like this. These pictures were taken about a month ago, so some work has since been done, but these give you an idea of where we first started...

Entry Hall

Living Room Sunroom

Dining Room

Kitchen

So, needless to say, it's gonna be a lot of work (and I think I have said that already), but I can already see how great it will look. So many more pictures to come!

*I do realize I'm probably talking to myself here...

Movin' On Up

2009-07-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

I think I have big news. Back in this post, I mentioned that I was helping to clean out my grandmother's house. Well, part of the reason for that is because I'm going to be moving into the house. Yup, I am moving! Long story (involving the insurance company, estates, wills and the whatnot) short, my father offered me the house rent free, in exchange for helping to fix it up and sort of becoming a "caretaker", and paying utilities and some other costs. So, barring any unforeseen disasters, I'll be moving up there some time around late October. This all happened pretty fast and I still haven't really wrapped my head around the idea that I'm moving out, or that I'll have an entire house to myself, or that I'll be living alone for the first time ever.....or any of it really. But, I think I'm excited about it! The situation is a little bittersweet for everyone in my dad's family, but they all seem to be excited for me, and happy that we're finally going to move forward with fixing up the house. It's gonna be a LOT of work....a LOT. But I never realized what an amazing house it really is. I think it was built around the 20's or 30's, and it has great character and some amazing details. I can't wait to start posting all of the before and after pictures, and more stuff that I find as we clean up.

For now, here's some pictures of the exterior of the house. Landscaping is pretty much number one on our to do list, because it has just gotten completely out of control. Once that's done, it's on to painting...can't wait to pick the colors!

The massive fir tree that completely took over one side of the house....

SUCH a difference once it was gone!

An absolute jungle in the back....about 30 years worth of overgrown plants and ivy. The ivy completely covers all of the windows in the back of the house, and according to neighbors, hundreds of birds live inside...

Somewhere back there is a driveway, garage, and adorable balcony...