Lazy Days of Summer

It’s a scorcher in Richmond, Virginia today!  I just returned from some errands in the soupy humidity and want to bask in the air conditioning for the rest of the day.  The thought reminded me of this great “lounger” I saw in this month’s edition of Cookie Magazine.  It is an chic’ed up version of the good ole bean bag chair.  This comfy gem comes in many colors and patterns and would look great in a family room, play room or kids room. 

I also like this “island”, which would be great for kids and adults alike to watch movies, read or even nap:

This cool little pouf chair would also be great in a family room and could be tucked under the edge of a cocktail table when it wasn’t in use.  I can imagine sitting on it while using my laptop in the evening or reading the newspaper at the coffee table on Sunday morning. 

Speaking of poufs, I found this playful chair on Etsy and think it would look great sitting at child’s vanity or used as a comfortable ottoman for an overstuffed armchair in a library or sitting room:

This gorgeous personal “lilly pad” would be great for playing cards or enjoying some cocktails and tapas at the cocktail table in the living room:

And I love the idea of sinking into or putting my feet up on this luxe fuzzy pouf after a long day, and watching some of my favorite television, hello new season of Project Runway!

The nice thing about these glammed up seating options is that they do not require much commitment – they are reasonably priced and can be hidden at a moment’s notice – under the cocktail table or a console or behind a couch.

So take a load off and enjoy the cool in-of-doors.  Plus, how fun is it to say “POUF” anyway?  Pouf, pouf, pouf.

Mobiles: They Aren’t Just for Kids!

Ever since laying eyes on that awe-inspiring Calder mobile in the cavernous foyer of the National Gallery, I have adored mobiles. 

Mobiles can add so much interest to a space in your home.  I have a Calder-inspired mobile hanging above my staircase and enjoy the movement and depth it adds to the hallway above and the view down the stairs from the second floor.  There are so many amazingly beautiful mobiles (in all price ranges) to choose from! 

Continuing on the Calder-inspired train of thought, Konrad’s Mobiles has a terrific selection of colors and styles.  Due to my recent crush on the color yellow, I really like this one:

Another great source of mobiles is Etsy.  Check out all of the neat mobiles in the Handmade section of the website:

This would look great in the corner of a creative home-office:

I am loving these mobiles for the right nook in a living room, sitting room, office, bedroom or oversized closet:

 

I have had a Goose Rocks Designs mobile since I was in college.  They are beautiful anywhere, but especially some where with plenty of natural light, such as hung in front of a window, in a sunroom or on a covered porch.  Believe me when I tell you — the pictures do not do justice to these beauties!

The flower mobile above would look lovely hung in a kitchen or bathroom window.

I imagine this relaxing, modern and unique mobile hung delicately in a dormer above a comfortable window seat.  Perfect for reading and daydreaming! 

Because I cannot resist, I must give a nod to the genre that inspired all of this frivolity – children’s hanging art.  This sweet butterfly mobile would look terrific in a girl’s bedroom of any age:

And I found this whimsical mobile on Etsy — you can customize the fabric to match the room and bedding — what a great idea:

I could go on and on about magical mobiles!  Perhaps I will post again with even more hanging art that spark!ed my attention.  Mobiles add so much joy to any room – not just a nursery!  Give it a try!

Sneaky Trick Revealed!

I am about to reveal a money-saving trick that I discovered a few years ago as I was purchasing items for my daughter’s nursery.  This specific bit of information is about to save me $144, which is equivalent to 36 free mochas at Starbucks, 6 complimentary pedicures or a week of groceries at no charge!

So, I am slowly progressing on window treatments for the two windows in my family room.  I have finally settled on my look (only took me three years!), and started looking for affordable window hardware.  I like the simple double-rod look below from Pottery Barn. For each window, I would need the medium size, which cost $139 each, or $278 total, for the window hardware.

I started looking around for similar, but less expensive window hardware.  For fun, I checked out PB Teen (Pottery Barn’s line aimed at teenagers).  Guess what I found?  Almost identical window hardware for $144 less! Two of the same sized double-rod below ($55) with the almost identical finials ($12) below adds up to $134.  Both are made from steel, look similar in heft and quality and are backed by the reputation and customer service guarantee of Pottery Barn.

BTW, I have found similar savings comparing Pottery Barn vs. PB Teen/Pottery Barn Kids for end tables, rugs and bookshelves too.  Perhaps Pottery Barn figures that we will not pay as much for kids’ rooms, so they sell pretty much the same items marketed under another name, for less.  PB, I am on to you!

Now, what to do with my extra $144?  I have my eye on this awesome mirror….

Fun Summery Find

I think this duvet cover from West Elm is really fun and summery!  It would affordably update any neutral bedroom (would look great in a guest room!) - it’s on sale right now $49.99 – $59.99 @ westelm.com.  I would pair it with crisp white sheets and a simple white pick-stitch quilt and shams.  Happy summer!

Lemony Fresh Update

Yellow!  I am beginning to see this happy color pop up in the most adorable places.   A few weeks ago, I noticed Ann Curry’s sunny shoes paired with her conservative navy blue suit.   

Then, I saw Miz Project Runway herself sporting similarly bright hued shoes with jeans and a casual top.

The unexpected POP of cheery color can have an equally as exciting effect when applied to spaces, without much expense or commitment.  I love the juxtaposition of neutrals (especially whites, grays and creams) with the surprising spark! of yellow. 

(photo courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com)

The commitment and expense of the POP factor is up to you.  Easy and inexpensive ways to add yellow punch to a room include 4-5 lemons in a beautiful glass or crystal bowl, a daffodil in a bud vase, 4×6 pretty yellow wrapping paper or wallpaper sample framed in a standard matted picture frame and placed on a console or hung on the wall. 

The addition of “look at me” yellow throw pillows , lamp shades, waste baskets (like left, Vip or a knock-off),  or a little delicate table accent, like the sugar serving piece below (www.anthropologie.com), are also affordable ways to update a room. 

Adding drama with a little more expense or commitment would be really delightful by painting one wall of a neutral room in bright yellow, substituting a dull console in a hallway for a high gloss yellow parsons table or exchanging a boring kitchen appliance, like a mixer (below www.williamssonoma.com) or toaster, for one with a splash of yellow.

The possibilities for a quick, cheery, refreshing update are easy and endless!

spark!-ette

I found this great floor lamp at Target today. I pulled it off the shelf and got a good look at it. I love the high gloss finish and it’s really sturdy and good looking. Not to mention affordable – only $69.99!  Gasp!  It would look great in a traditional or modern study with a pretty ivory, pale green or silver silk drum shade. Love Tar-jay!