January 2012

New From West Elm: One of Everything, Please!

January 31, 2012

Hello my dears! A fresh West Elm catalog landed in my mailbox yesterday, and I stood drooling over every page. I’ve been a huge fan of West Elm from the beginning, but I’ve really enjoyed seeing the brand evolve and become even better. They are the best at staying on top of trends and giving them a fresh spin, featuring Etsy artists in their catalog, styling their photo shoots in really interesting ways, etc. I always get new ideas for my own home while browsing their wares and, of course, tons of stuff to add to my wish list, as well!

Oh my. I am completely over the moon for all everything in Stephen Antonson’s special collection for West Elm. Stephen is an amazing artist, he works in plaster and creates some of the most breathtaking pieces I’ve seen. Totally classic yet modern and fresh, these pieces would fit in anywhere – I am dying to get some of his candlesticks and vases.

This kitchen above stole my heart because (as I’m sure some of you know by now, sometimes I sound like a broken record about this…) I L O V E open shelving and white subway tile in the kitchen. And those glass jar pendant lights are so fun, don’t you think?

West Elm has also become a really reliable source for so many classic pieces that used to be available only in the astronomical price range. Note the nailhead trimmed headboard and classic adjustable wall sconce above.

And have you also noticed the wall colors they have been using? Quite lovely. They are each specially tinted Benjamin Moore paints, available right here.

If I were in the market for a new sofa, I would count this Chesterfield style tufted sofa as a serious contender. So chic in gray!

And I would be remiss not to mention these gorgeous new vases and this gold flatware. Oh, and this adorable house butter dish, yes I want that too. Gah. To be honest, I kind of hate to admit that I want so many things from one store! In reality, I like to mix it up a lot, pulling things from a range of shops both big and small, handmade, vintage, etc…but I do keep coming back to West Elm, because they are getting it so right! What about you? Did you have any favorites above? Any other favorite shops lately? Please share, we’d all love to hear! : ) xo Laura

(all images: West Elm)

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Bixby’s Monthly Photo :: Nineteen Months Old

January 30, 2012

in Babyland

What’s new? Saying, “Wow, baby!” “Alright!” and “Oh, no!” with lots of expression. Holding hands. Getting the giggles.
Loves: Animals, especially chickens and sheep. Going for walks. Berries. Snuggling. Climbing on anything and everything.
Does NOT like: Leaving the park/library/friend’s house/anywhere fun.

(I will be taking a photo of Bixby in the white armchair with his lambie each month until his second birthday)

So far… One Month Old :: Two Months Old :: Three Months Old :: Four Months Old :: Five Months Old :: Six Months Old :: Seven Months Old :: Eight Months Old :: Nine Months Old :: Ten Months Old :: Eleven Months Old :: Twelve Months Old :: Thirteen Months Old :: Fourteen Months Old :: Fifteen Months Old :: Sixteen Months Old :: Seventeen Months Old :: Eighteen Months Old

(images: Laura Gaskill)

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Spring Decorating Ideas: White & Chalky Pastels

January 30, 2012

in Design & Decor

Happy Monday, my dears, and welcome to a fresh new week! I have been feeling extremely inspired and creative lately; new ideas have been coming a mile a minute, and I find myself reaching for my notebook more and more to jot down snippets of inspiration. It seems like I am not the only one – so many friends I’ve spoken with lately have shared that their year has been off to an amazing start. Are you feeling energized this January, too?

Embroidered portraits DIY from Country Living

I have been making plans in every area of my life, from a major haircut and color change to keeping chickens in the backyard to fresh ideas for my blog and business…and of course for decorating, as well! I have been gathering and winnowing my home inspiration pinboard, and I am beginning to notice trends and themes in what I love.

Yarn flowers DIY from Country Living

White knitted home decor roundup in Country Living

Lots of white comes as no surprise, that is what my home is full of right now, so it’s what I’ve got to work with. I would like to add in layers of texture – knitted and woven accents, natural fibers and handmade pottery with lace imprints, crocheted blankets, raw-edged linen, textured throws and baskets, and simple DIY projects that add a personal touch.

Images above: sneakers here, Paris container here, heart elbow patch DIY here; all others Country Living Magazine

As far as color goes, I am loving these chalky shades of gray and pale lilac paired with plenty of white and a bit of smoky blue and raw wood. Yes, I threw in a tray table with bright green legs above, and I’m not sure that I would use that in real life, though I like it here. I love the idea of taking a cheap flea market find and painting the legs only – try using a wall color from your home with a bit of white added to create a new shade that works with everything else.

Ikea’s Livet Hemma blog

The image above has certainly been making its rounds on blogs these past few weeks, but I see no reason why not to share it here too – I love it! It’s Scandinavian-meets-Japanese style, and I am totally smitten. I wish that room were in my house right now, and I would invite you all over for tea. : )

DIY mirror update from Country Living

I admit I am getting a bit giddy dreaming of spring and well, yes, summer too. I can’t wait for the days I can slip on flat sandals everyday and carry a straw bag, take picnics down to the park and hunt for vintage treasures and tackle painting projects on the weekends. What about you? What is calling to you right now – colors, textures, materials, mood, activities?

I will be back later this afternoon with Bixby’s monthly photo, so until then, have the loveliest day! xo Laura

(images: find sources within post above)

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Bon Weekend!

January 28, 2012

in The Sweet Life

Let’s pretend we are taking off to Paris for the weekend, okay?

{via hooray}

We can get inspired by watching this film on the plane.

{Little Brown Pen}

When we arrive, perhaps we can convince Nichole to point us to a superb café for breakfast. After, we could check in to a hotel…

{Paul Ferney}

…but wouldn’t it be even better if we were apartment swapping with Jordan and Paul?

We would definitely laze around in striped tops, lounge shorts, and other perfectly simple things from Chance.

{Little Brown Pen}

And at night we can walk through the city, and count our lucky stars.

Bon weekend à tous! I will see you on Monday, xo Laura

(images: linked to sources above)

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Fresh Ideas from Skona Hem

January 26, 2012

in Design & Decor

Let’s get inspired with a fresh batch of interiors from Swedish design mag Skona Hem – one of my favorite go-to sources for inspiring homes + styling. Too bad I can never locate a hard copy in my local bookstores! For now, this online peek will have to do…

What a peaceful bedroom (from this home), and so cozy! I want to sink my feet into those slippers and then fling myself onto that bed and never get up! I think this is a great look, with light floors, white walls, a textured rug and layered bedding in solids, stripes, and a botanical print. Smoky grays, chocolate, café au lait, and milk moustache white make for a rich and calming setting.

This living room looks like such a fun place to hang out, don’t you agree? I love the poufs pulled up to the coffee table, sheepskin over the back of the sofa, and silver lanterns clustered on a corner table. The red tones in the rug warm everything up and the artfully askew vintage accessories give the room a more casual, lived-in, bohemian feel.

Oh, be still my heart! Open shelving, white subway tile, industrial lighting, black cabinets? Check, check, check and check! A few aged wood crates, glass jars with grains and pantry staples showing through, and a bit of greenery are the perfect accents. (From this home)

We may not all be able to have giant bathtubs in rooms flooded with natural light (!) but what about adding a few hammam style towels in deep smoky gray, a wood tree stump stool, and a small potted plant? I love it. Noted in the living room: extra frames and art propped against the wall behind the armchair, succulents and a sculptural branch add visual interest, and a sheep pillow adds a note of humor. (From here again)

This reminded me instantly of Tina, and her family’s new home in Copenhagen which has an attic space and white floors. A bit of a challenge, design-wise, but I know she is up for it! Go Tina! I think there is nothing more comforting than a private little space like this, tucked into the eaves, just books and blankets and tea, sigh.

And finally, this is so inspiring to me – not because I would want to replicate it exactly, but because it is so playful. I mean, why not hang antlers, postcards and beads on your wall and use stacks of old crates to house your books? Sometimes we take things so seriously! On days like this, when it seems that magazines from afar are so, so much better than what’s available here, it makes me think I’d like to do a magazine swap. Have any of you tried this? Interested? : )

Have a lovely day, my dears! When I see you again it will be Friday! xo Laura

(all images: Skona Hem)