Design & Decor

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)

{ 2 comments }

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)

{ 2 comments }

Hello friends! Have you seen the new White Issue of Gatherings Magazine yet? Heather Spriggs, the founder and editor is such a dear person and her love of vintage and all things pretty shines through on each page. One of my favorite stories in the issue was Heather’s own feature on picking the right shade of white – which is much trickier than it sounds, as I’m sure many of you know!

In the article, Heather discusses the differences between warm and cool whites, and has many excellent recommendations for specific paint colors. You’ll have to see the issue for all of the details, including the sources for the gorgeous paint colors shown above – this is meant to be a teaser, so please go read the full issue on your own, you won’t regret it!

One more article I loved in this issue came from Tina Fussell, another of my favorite people! It was so nice getting to peek into Tina’s home in Copenhagen. She really knows how to use white as a base to build your decorating around, and I always always love seeing what she is up to. : ) If I’ve tempted you enough, you can pick up your own print copy or digital edition to read online right here.

(images: Gatherings Magazine)

{ 1 comment }