Get The Look: Chic Kitchen Nook!

A big thank you to everyone who commented yesterday. Wow, do you guys know how to make a girl feel good! I really appreciate all the support!
A few days ago Glitter Guide posted Merideth’s Millers home tour. I pretty much drooled through the entire thing (you must check it out!), but the kitchen nook was a favorite of mine. 
I love the white and navy, hint of gold, and mixture of traditional and modern elements.
I couldn’t help but put together a mood board with all the items necessary to pull this look off.
Kuba Mirror: $199.00
Chandelier: $299.00
Green Pillow: $80.00
Navy Pillows: $17.00
Navy Fabric: $8.78/yard
Table: $199.00
Cow Hide Rug: $175.09
Best part, you can even snag this chic look for an affordable price. Now isn’t that just fun?
xo,

The Blogger Dilemma.


Sometimes being a design blogger is a little tough on the good old self-esteem.
I try my best to provide design content that is accessible, affordable, and relatable to everyone.

My own home is packed full of DIY projects, re-purposed furniture, and thrifty finds.
Our family lives on a very tight budget so creating a space on a dime is a must. We rent, live in small spaces, and have to be very creative when decorating. I do my own blog photography, graphics, and use simple inexpensive templates.

There are so many design bloggers out there with stunning home tours, and it can be hard not to compare. I often think of what my own home would look like if I had the funds to make it happen. Oh how fun that would be! Now don’t get me wrong, I do love the challenge of designing on a tight budget, but there is no denying that a top-notch home tour can be helpful in the blog world!
I know there are some pretty simple guidelines to keeping a blog successful and readers intrigued, but I often find myself waffling back and forth on committing to those. I am the worst with keeping a series running regularly, and I tend to be more of a “fly by the seat of my pants” blogger. My current blog goals are to create more consistency, post more regularly about home projects, and check in more often with updates from design projects.
So, I would love your input. What keeps you around these parts? Thrifty finds? DIY projects? Design inspiration? I know it can’t possibly be my awful writing skills 🙂 Please share!

xo,




Front Entry Decisions: Let’s Take a Vote!


Last month I visited Orange County to search for an apartment.
We toured more than 20 places and made a short list of apartments that would work!

Most of the apartments that made our final cut had a cute little entry wall. Even though we will be living in under 1000 sq. ft, I like having a landing spot for our keys/mail as well.

As always, we will be furnishing/decorating on a budget. I quickly came up with a few options and would love your input! Obviously they are not completely styled (a few more accessories are a must), but you get the idea.

1. White console/white wall

2. White console/stenciled wall
3. Gray Console/white wall
4. Gray console/stenciled wall
I am a little torn. 
I like the idea of a statement wall, but I also love a bright crisp space. 
A little about the items I selected:
+ The console comes in several colors and is only $170.00. I think I would swap out the hardware for something a little more unique (and in brass of course). The size and scale is perfect for my small apartment.
+ The white frame is from Ikea and the abstract print is from Parima Studio. I’ve had my eye on this print forever and I think my entry is the perfect place for it.
+ I use the Ripley Gold Lamp in e-designs all the time. It’s a little pricey, but I love it.
+ I love these Two Toned Baskets from Target. Not only do they add a little texture, they also would provide much needed storage.
+ This Large Fretwork Wall Stencil by Sarah Dorsey Designs is an all time favorite of mine! It’s big, bold, and so unique.
So, if it was your home, which option would you go with? 1,2,3 or 4?
xo,

Rug Love (on sale too!)


Serena and Lily is one of my favorite places to find great rugs.
Yes, they are a little more expensive than trusty Rugs USA, but the patterns and colors are spot on.

Today is the last day to get 20% off their rugs and window treatments and I so badly want to pull the trigger on a few of my favorite rugs!

With the discount, the prices are not too bad either.
Jersey Stripe Rug (8×10) $895.00 $716.00
Zig Cotton Dhurrie (8×10): $895.00 $716.00
Cobalt Strata Rug (8×10): $995.00 $796.00
Feather Rug (8×10): $795.00 $636.00
Playa Stripe Dhurrie (8×10): $895.00 $716.00
Azul Hand Painted Rug (8×10): $995.00 $796.00
Pencil Stripe Rug (8×10): $895.00 $716.00
Charing Cross Rug (8×10): $995.00 $796.00

I love the versatility of these rugs. They work great in so many spaces. You may remember this nursery design where I used the Zig Cotton Rug?
I am also a huge fan of the French Tassel Window Panels (also on sale!). The tassel trim comes in lots of great colors and I can’t get enough of them!
Happy Monday!
xo,