A Beautiful Eye

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I discovered Bell'occhio (Italian for "beautiful eye") this week, a charming store in San Francisco which carries some of the most beautiful gifts and goods. Of course, I discovered the online version, which I'm sure is not nearly as magical as the actual shop. Sigh. It doesn't matter because I was wooed by numerous items in their Maison and Papeterie sections.

Finally I found the uber chic black chalkboard oilcloth that I first saw in Domino {RIP}. I can't wait to order this and put in on my dining room table.


What homespun cake wouldn't look wonderful on this "woodsie" faux bois cake stand?


Such a perfect little heart. True love my dear, true love.


I think eggs are one of nature's most perfect foods.
This porcelain carton gives these fragile orbs a proper home.

Looks for the Nook

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I'm working on my kitchen breakfast nook (okay, my dad is), and am now ready to get quotes on custom bench cushions and hopefully a re-do on two Louis XVI chairs to go with it. I am channeling a little bit of Miami with green, orange and pink guiding my way. My other kitchen post features a lot of bright white. This palette will give it a fresh pop that will carry through, and connect with other accents in my house.While I dream of owning an Eero Saarinen table, my budget only allows for an IKEA Docksta table. Sigh. For now, this is a fabulous alternative.

I can't wait to get the cushions and table ordered and move the project along. I'm envisioning a sunny Sunday morning with a hot cup of strong coffee, my favorite design mags, and Greek yogurt with farm fresh strawberries, honey and walnuts. Mmmmmm...

Jarheads

Design*Sponge rocks. I just discovered two totally cool concepts that I can actually implement without major $$$ outlay, tools or time.

#1. I'm going to use the myriad jars I've been hoarding to set up a little glass photo ensemble. Many thanks to Design*Sponge for this cool post.


#2. A perfect fit with my need for entryway overhauling and foyer fluff up. This little felt cutie is just right for the last minute miscellanea that always seems to be sitting on the floor in front of the door. Love the wallpaper...

Inspired Entryway





My entryway needs a major overhaul. These pictures (via Domino r.i.p., and Martha Stewart Living) are a little jump start to my process. The thing is, I have an entryway and a FOYER. No complaints, it just means that I have room for beauty AND function AND two rowdy 5-year olds.

I'm way into the wire baskets, and would love to be ambitious enough to take on wall paper. Otherwise, I admire the eclectic and homey nature of these vignettes, the bold use of color, and the personal art/artifacts in the heart of an organized hub.

Kitchen Inspiration

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I'm in a SLOW process of updating our awesome 80s tract home kitchen. Starting with the creation of a breakfast nook. There is an awkward open space just calling for a cozy corner, and my dad and husband are graciously taking this project on. It's just the tip of the iceberg, though as I can't stand the dated and flaking tile countertops and wood cabinets. The kitchen is the darkest room in the house and has the lowest ceilings. It needs a light injection. I discovered a host of kitchen shots that feature bright white floors, which would solve the dark issue. Uugh. My floors are wood, but a bit over done. A little on the orange side I would say...Do I counteract that with white cabinets or go bold and paint everything dark? Oh, and I HAVE to have that red Brady lovin' phone.

{All images courtesy: Domino and Country Living}

el baño

Hurrah! Short of some new accessories (that I hope to scrounge up from my own thrift collection) and some art, this little loo is complete. I did end up getting a Marimekko curtain, fresh off the truck from Crate & Barrel. It has a funky wood block inspired print in a really golden yellow hue. What a Happy Finnish Design! The towel hooks are from Cost Plus, a nice folk art woodsy piece made in India. The towels are cushy Egyptian cotton in a natural unbleached color, a steal of a set from Marshalls. I just cannot spend big bucks on things I know I can find cheap. High-Low. A lovely combo...

 

Looky Loo

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This is our main bath, the loo, on 80's track home fever. On New Year's Day I finally had it with the cheap towel rack, old woodwork, and dirty off white paint job. I went to the garage and discovered some amazing unopened Behr exterior semi-gloss in Bitter Chocolate. Excellent choice! Why do I have this? Hmmm. The other color I had waiting in the wings was a beautiful bubble yum pink, originally intended for my office. Ummm. No. Best wait on this one. So I trucked on over to Home Depot and found Creek Bend. Nice....the bathroom is looking so ritzy now! To complete the look I must incorporate an element of whimsy and grapic fun. I found this fabulous Marimekko shower curtain at Crate & Barrel, towels at Target (in "sunshine"), and I'm still debating on the towel hooks--while I appreciate the homage to the Amish, the birds might be nice if I spray painted them dark brown...