Recycled Mason Jar Chandi

Today I just found the BootsNGus Etsy shop. I am loving their recycled mason jar chandeliers! I especially love the one in Spring pastel jar colors. Something about these chandeliers takes me back to being a kid and catching a firefly in a jar during the summer. It just gives me that warm fuzzy homey feeling. These would be great in an outdoor patio area, above a kitchen table or island. Check out the BootsNGus site they even have turned Tupperware into lighting. ~xo~ Annie







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Italian Inspiration

Awhile ago I grew very tired of the Tuscan decorating people were doing in their homes. I got aggravated when clients would say I like the Tuscan look. I think because it is so often done poorly with a bad faux finish and Italian themed chochkees from a local Homegoods store. I now am changing my tune thanks to a featured Italian home in Elle Decor. I think I could now see myself in an authentic Italian home. I love the eclectic mix of carved antiques, textured fabrics, colorful rugs, rusty lanterns and the worn out leather sofa. This home just speaks to me like a double scoop of gelato. I hope this home inspires people to make their Tuscan style homes a bit more authentic. Italian design is so much more than hanging a painting of a bottle of wine on the wall that has been sponge painted (yikes did I just say sponge paint). Have a great weekend everyone. ~xo~ Annie



{photos above via elle decor}
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Remembering Liz

When I was a teenager I had Andy Warhol's Liz Taylor hanging in my bedroom. It now hangs in my bathroom next to my other favorite style icon Grace Kelly. When I heard the news that Liz had passed I looked at the Warhol in a new perspective. Liz was the definition of a movie star. When someone says diamonds I think of Liz saying "diamonds are forever". She had beauty, grace, charm and amazing talent. I will forever picture Cleopatra to be Liz even if it's during a seriouse Egyptian history lesson. I may have to move Liz away from Grace Kelly in the bathroom, I don't think she would like to share the spotlight. As you can see in the room below your eyes go right to Liz hanging on the wall. She definetly could hold her own spotlight. ~xo~ Annie



{photos above via apartment therapy}

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Best Etsy Search Words

Do you ever search etsy.com and become frustrated when you can't find what you are looking for. Thanks to the wonderful people of lonnymag.com they have given us the best search terms to help you find etsy items with style. Some of my favorite search terms are Danish Modern, Chinoiserie, Barware and Guatemalan Rugs. See my etsy shopping finds below. Now you know how to shop etsy like a pro! Check out this months lonny mag page 30 for more great tips. ~xo~ Annie


{from the top left to right danish modern graphic, guatemalan rug, , chinoiserie cottage chair, acid etched barware}

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MyDiab New York Design!

Last week I had a lot of fun working on a New York City living room design. The client wanted to keep their existing furniture and give it an update by reupholstering. Their style was eclectic with a touch of whimsical. They were not afraid to go bold with fabric patterns and color. I created 3 different color palettes so they didn't feel limited on fabric choices.







I created 3 different color palettes mostly in the jewel tone family. The fabric patterns are Asian inspired to go with some of their Asian antiques in the room. This also adds to the eclectic feel.



I kept the window treatment simple so it would not compete with the yellow walls and panels of grasscloth. The client has a great fireplace with bookcases. I created a drawing to help them stage and organize the shelves. I also included some inspiration photos of bookcases to try and copy.




The client received large samples of fabric in addition to small swatches on the design boards. I also included photos of the fabrics in their shopping list. This will give them an idea of the full scale fabric pattern.

I think these bursts of color and pattern will give their lovely home a nice update. I hope they enjoy the design as much as I enjoyed creating it. ~xo~ Annie

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I Want One!

This sofa makes me oh so happy. It was designed by Josef Frank in the mid-1930's. I had no idea they got this elaborate with upholstery in the 1930's, but I love it. I have never had much of a green thumb, so I was thinking this could be my garden. I would like to design an entire room around this sofa. It's the definition of happy chic furniture. Have a great weekend everyone! ~xo~ Annie

{sofa available at svenskt tenn}

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Cost Plus World Markets New Style

Yesterday I stopped into Cost Plus World Market to look at rugs. I was so surprised to see some of the new furniture styles they offer. I have always thought of World Market as only having Asian style furniture with dark wood finishes. They have added some great industrial style pieces as well as a touch of modern classic. Visit their website or a local store and you will be pleasantly surprised with the new choices. You just have to love World Market. Where else can you get coffee, chips, salsa, wine and a coffee table all in one place. ~xo~ Annie


{all items above from Cost Plus World Market}

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Who Said Dining Chairs Should Match?

Have you ever fallen in love with a Charles Eames or Hans Wegner chair, but then were disappointed when you could not afford a set of six for your dining table? In this months issue of Dwell a pair of crafty designers show you how to budget with style. My favorite philosophy in the article is mixing and matching dining chairs. You can collect designer dining chairs at your own pace and no two need to be alike. The best part is you can enjoy all different designs and not limit yourself to just one. I love this idea and am going to try it in my own home. The hardest thing about being a designer is picking your favorite chair. Lesson learned try not to be so matchy matchy. ~xo~ Annie




{all photos via Dwell}

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Yellow Black and White

I found a great mid-century modern shop on Etsy called The Vintage Supply Co. The thing I love about mid-century furniture and accessories is that a dash of it will fit in almost any style. You don't have to have a completely modern house to add a few mid-century pieces. Incorporate pieces in small doses with a lamp, accent chair or piece of art. The Vintage Supply Co. had a lot of fun yellow, black and white pieces which inspired me to create the bold color palette below. It is kind of bee hive chic for spring. Be as bold as you are comfortable with. ~xo~ Annie



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Fabricadabra!

If your in the market for affordable and wordly textiles check out Fabricadabra. Whether it's a throw blanket, pillow or unique fabric by the yard they have some lovely colors and patterns. Fans of the ikat or suzani trend this is a wonderful source for you. Today I'm working on a Living Room design and I think it will call for a touch of Fabricadabra magic. ~xo~ Annie



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Handkerchief Your Wall

I am flipping over this weeks Before & After post on Design*Sponge. What really caught my eye was the creative use of vintage handkerchiefs clipped on string with laundry pins. This is such a lovely and feminine way to spell out your business name on a wall. I think this could be especially adorable in a little girls room spelling out "Sweet Dreams". To create the look visit Etsy.com for the handkerchiefs, buy string, laundry pins and voila! I would even pick up some cute hooks at Anthropologie to tie the string on for that added detail. ~xo~ Annie


{photo above of the poppies and posies studio}

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Spring Vases to Treat Youself

Treat yourself to a lovely vase and flowers for Spring. Anthropologie has done it again a gotten top artists to create unique designs from blown glass to pottery. You are sure to find a vase that fits your personal style. Change out those fall and winter accessories and add some Spring flair with these works of art. Then buy yourself a fresh bouquet to top thing off. ~xo~ Annie


{all vases above via anthropologie.com}

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Slide Around Your Home

The inner child in me came out when I saw the Houses with Slides article on flavorwire.com. It takes me back to when I would design spaces in my head as a kid. I use to want the loft that Tom Hanks had in Big. I would dream of having a train to ride around my home like Rick Schroder on the 80's TV show Silver Spoons. Well now I want to add to my fun house list a slide. Why take the stairs when you can get there faster via slide. I have decided someday I will have a dining table that converts into a ping pong table and now a slide to take me from up to down. Your never too old to slide around the house. Check out these great homes designed around slides. ~xo~ Annie


{all photos above via flavorwire.com}

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Typography Trend

Do you love the typography trend as much as I do? It's modern art that says something. This style can be mixed with photography or even traditional paintings for a twist. It also can be hung alone on a wall and speak for itself. Get some typography in your home today to enjoy art that actually speaks to you. ~xo~ Annie


{above photo from Lonnymag.com}


{all posters above from madebygirl.com}

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Geek Chic iPad Cases

I admit it I am one of those people addicted to the Apple products. I love my iphone and I really love my ipad. Mostly I just love the cool cases you can get for these items. I was very excited to hear about the new ipad and it's latest features...I mean video chat how cool is that?! In anticipation of the latest ipad arriving in stores I have been looking at cases. Even though the new ipad comes with it's own sleek cover, it's still fun to have one that shows your personal style. Here is a round up of some fun ipad cases. View this list with your geek chic glasses on. ~xo~ Annie


{from the top left to right journal ipad cover, lemonstory ipad sleeve, felt ipad sleeve, ipad book}


{from the top left to right true bamboo ipad case, old fashioned book case, temple ipad case, ipad techee sleeve}

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Great Vintage Poster Resources

I am always in search of interesting posters and art for clients and myself. I especially love finding websites for affordable vintage posters. I was happy to see a recent Apartment Therapy's post on Best Sources for Vintage Posters. If your in search for something special to hang on your walls you need to check out this list. Just be prepared to spend a lot of time flipping through options, finding a great vintage poster takes time. ~xo~ Annie


Best Sources for Vintage Posters via Apartment Therapy

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MyDiab Master Bedroom Design

I just mailed an eclectic Master Bedroom design to a MyDiab client in Cardiff By The Sea, CA. I selected soft grey walls with accent walls in a light grass cloth to bring in texture. The bedding is crip hotel white with a red contrast stitch, red cashmere throw blanket and bold colored accent pillows for that pop. Also giving the space bursts of color will be the artwork and the red and white chevron rug. I think this room will be a nice retreat and relaxing space at the end of a long day. ~xo~ Annie





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Aussie Vogue Color Inspiration

I just caught a glimpse of this months Vogue Australia and was more than delighted at what I saw. It's a fiesta of bold colors, textured fabrics and the best part big hats. Now I need to plan a trip to Mexico, so I can fashion a wonderfully large hat with a boldly colored sun dress. Doesn't this just bring you into spring in the best way possible? I can' t wait to design some spaces inspired around this color fiesta. Margarita please! ~xo~ Annie






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Silhouette and Butterfly Trend

I love new and different artwork trends. I am really drawn to the silhouette and butterfly trend I keep seeing. These looks have a strong presence when an entire wall or small space is designated for a grouping (see photos below). I could even see mixing a little silhouette with butterfly being a wall stunner. This could really be an affordable art option if you printed the silhouette's on your home computer and framed them yourself. If you don't want to splurge on real butterflies you can always pick up the faux version at your local craft store and put them in a frame. I think I am going to do this in a bathroom, I will let you know how it turns out! ~xo~ Annie



{photos above from last months lonnymag.com}

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