Taking the World by Storm

For the one or two people that didn't know, Lonny, the online design magazine, was launched yesterday (more info here). This fills the slots left behind after several home decor magazines were shut down within the past two years. With all of the talk of print journalism being eclipsed by blogs (muah ha ha ha) this is a super exciting development.

I have a stack of both Blueprint and Domino that have moved with me many times and I even kind of created a scene last time I went home and found out that my mom got rid of a few issues that I had left behind... what can I say, I like my magazines.

Under the editorial direction of Michelle Adams (see her blog here) and photographer Patrick (www.lonnyphoto.com) features by Eddie Ross (from that show on Bravo and this website) and Grace from Design Sponge I am really looking forward to seeing what they have to offer.

There are many great things about Lonny but the fact that I can sneakily look at it while at work and it conveniently provides instant links to the products featured for impulse shopping is probably a huge plus-- especially considering I have at least 2 months worth of Glamour, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart, Esquire, and Rolling Stone unread and gathering dust on my bookshelf...

Back to School

I am absolutely stunned that it is almost October. Where has September gone? Although I am not in school anymore I always think about back to school preparations and shopping for school supplies-- especially finding that perfect outfit for the first day of school. I want to hit up the office supply store for new pencils, folders, and all of the other gear that I couldn't live without.

I have been seeing blackboards and blackboard decals with colorful chalk everywhere lately. It brings back the days pre-whiteboards and projectors in a super fun way...

I really want this blackboard decal for my fridge- it would be a great way to remind my roommates about bills being due, a fun party that weekend, or that we are out of trash bags.

 

via  Etsy

They are used soo cleverly in this bakery located in California, as seen on simplesong. It's a great way to show the changing menu items (the cupcakes look delish too!)

via here

Photographer Sharon Montrose and her husband have an old fashioned schoolroom blackboard in their home. Apparantly her husband surprised her with the below image. I would be so psyched... the bikes are totally adorable and he even created an Etsy site, selling prints of his bicycles (see ChalkChalk).

via  here

See- super versatile, not to mention fun, throwbacks to elementary school. I think that's what I like most about the blackboard- so many options, from lists, menus, to works of art.

Project

I am a huge fan of finding pieces of furniture at thrift stores like Goodwill and transforming them into something much much better than they were before. This is something I probably inherited from my father who took me to flea markets and antique shows when I was younger in search of some fantastic find.

In college I found this great side table that had a really neat column but horrendous base and top. Here is what I turned it into:

More recently, I found a coffee table at Goodwill for only $15. It has a great shape and just needed a good sanding and coat of paint. I went with navy, as it is one of my favorite colors these days, and went well with my mustard/gold couch and chair as well as the olive green rug. I was pretty happy with how it turned out. I also went ahead and painted a seagrass lamp left behind by a prior roommate while I was at it. Here is my living room now -- 

For my next project, I want to find something similar to what is seen in the first example in this post from Design Sponge, my go to resource for home decoration tips.

Here is the before--

Here is the after--

Now I just need to find a similar vase...

(photos courtesy of my camera and Design Sponge)

Decorating my Imaginary Castle

One day, when I win a million dollars in some serendipitous way, I plan to have a pretty amazing castle/apartment loft/brownstone/Victorian manor/cabin in the woods/bungalow in the suburbs. It will be decorated eclecticly, with a mix of old and new items that I will have collected over the years during all my anticipated travels.

Currently, I am actually pretty happy with the way that my house is decorated, considering my meager budget and all. Periodically I plan on posting images of my current house and redecoration attempts as well as dream furnature, budget be damned.

Here are some things I spotted this weekend, both from Decoriam in Old Town (more info here).

First, this chair and pillow. The chair is great- has great bones. It would be a great side chair in an entry way, with a fun upholstery  job. I love the ikat look with this pillow- just haven't seen a great example within my price range. Someday...

Then, this ottoman. Orange isn't exactly one of my favorite colors but at the same time, the mix of bright plastic-y and vinyl orange and the mirrored legs (I am sure this has an official name I just can't find it right now) are so fun!