How To: Hang Art

Elements of Style (if you don't read her blog, you should!) posted this great guide on how to hang art and I wanted to share it with all of you. I have been putting off hanging anything in my new place out of fear that I would not correctly space things or end up with glaring holes in the wall. This guide, courtesy of the Lost Art Salon in SF, is a saving grace and great tool to keep on hand. No more excuses, get that gallery wall going! 

Click here for the complete guide and tutorials. 

My source of inspiration when it comes to hanging art is hands down the home of Kate & Andy Spade. It definitely has a relaxed and casual feel even though it is what some may describe as "cluttered!" Not me though, I find it to be totally visually appealing. Their collection is not to shabby either...

 All images shot by The Selby.

Bedroom Inspiration

Our bedroom is being painted today and I am beyond excited to get home and see that transformation. I have been pulling images for weeks of bedrooms that I love and (after realizing I love too much!) narrowed down my vision: neutral paint on the walls, clean white bedding, a bold patterned rug and fun accent pieces. 

The winning paint color was Patriotic White by Benjamin Moore - it is not exaclty white and not exactly light blue either, but adds a sense of warmth and light to a room.  

Patriotic White as seen in a couple bedrooms...

A few of my inspiration images for the bedroom in general...

I know I have posted on this bedroom (as seen in Lonny) before, but I just love the collection of pillows on the bed- those monogrammed his/her initial pillows kill me! I also love that it is not overly matchy.

 I definitely gravitate towards white bedding with pops of color coming from window treatments, rugs or a fun accent chair.

(via Lonny)

One of my all time favorite rooms by Sig Bergamin - love the wallpaper, awesome art, insane Rug Co. rug, and suzani throw - love, love, love it all! A little more going on then I would probably want in my bedroom, but it is a goldmine of inspiration. 

(via Elle Decor)

Stay tuned for images of the newly painted bedroom!

Just Because: Giraffe Candleholders

I am a huge fan of Anthropologie's offerings for the home. I frequently switch out my apartment's less than attractive knobs with Anthropologie's beautiful selection of crystal, porcelain and glass ones and am a sucker for all of their dinnerware and table linens. I can now add candle holders to that list of obsessions - antiqued giraffe candleholders that is! Too adorable for words...

Anthropologie has a knack for making new things feel "found" and antique - I can just imagine finding these gems while strolling thru a local flea market. 

Most importantly, I think this family of giraffes will look right at home on my table!

Banging Around

I flipped when I saw this beautiful buffalo bone cuff in the latest issue of Veranda. Oh, and did I mention it is only $49 - a true steal!

Unfortunately, the pictures on the Bougainvillea Boutique website are not so lovely - but here are a few other cuffs that would be a great addition to anyone's accessory stash.

Antique white and brown water buffalo cuff.

A sucker for a pop of turquoise - a great statement for summer. 

Black water buffalo horn with black onyx - super chic no matter what you pair it with!

A little leopard is always fun. 

I love the gray labradorite stone against the black bone.

Happy shopping!

Moving on Up!

I am finally moved in and beginning to feel settled. I have found myself greatly ignoring the advice I constantly give to other people though: "take your time, it's good to live in a place for awhile." Yes, well I cannot seem to control myself. My head is constantly spinning with design ideas and I have to be pried away from the computer so that I don't purchase yet another piece for the place! So, I have decided to take a break (a short one!) from the decorating to share my progress on the living room. I do hope you like it, it already feels very much like home to me...

The first night after the move...

Our new coffee table is delivered!

A little more organizing and propping...

The tree outside our living room windows makes me feel like I have a bit of a respite from the city... My prize flea market find (aka Bessie the elephant) looks right at home too!

 So there still is a ton of work to do - paint on the walls, new side tables, new lamps, window treatments and down the road I plan to reupholster the two benches - (yikes, here I go again!).  I will say that I truly love this room. It is in one word: cozy. 

I will leave it there for now - more apartment updates to come next week!