Happy Chinese New Year!

People around the world today will be celebrating the Chinese New Year welcoming the Year of the Dragon.  I do not know much about the culture and history of the Chinese New Year, but I do have a healthy appreciation for ancient Chinese design.    

I spotted this Foo Dog while shopping at Packards Antiques in Huntsville, Alabama over the Christmas holidays (note the tree).  I thought it was absolutely fabulous!  I wish I would have checked the price!  If I could get it past airport security without it shattering to pieces, it would be guarding my apartment now.

Here's a game you can play when your slumming through your Monday morning blues.  Can you spot the Foo!?!

Kristy Lee Interiors...

Photo: Kristy Lee Interiors

Naomi at Design Manifest...

Photo: Design Manifest

Cullman and Kravis... you just can't miss it! 

Photo: Pretty Pink Tulips via Juba Life  

Miles Redd...

Photo via Sketch 42 Blog

Ruth Summers on the cover of her book... 

Photo via Sweet Chameleon

Design Crush: BDG Style

One of the greatest joys of blogging is discovering fellow bloggers who are just as much in love with design as I am, if not more (is that possible?).  Most of these design lovers are fortunate enough to have their own design business or are in the process of beginning their journey into the design world.  Ummm, can we say, "Jealous!?!"  In my dreams.... maybe one day that dream will be a reality!  Until then, I would like to share with you one of my newly discovered design crushes, Alison Royer of BDG Style, and check it --- girl will be featured on the Nate Berkus Show this Wednesday!!  Here's a sneak peek that Alison posted on her blog.

Photo Courtesy: BDG Style

I love this design!  Lots of neutrals with the perfect amount of POP!  Don't let anyone tell you to not mix creams and whites!!  And if they argue with you, just show them this picture!  Don't you just love it!?

I discovered Alison's blog while perusing around Pinterest (you know you're obsessed), and this is what I discovered...

Source: bdgstyle.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

All you "seasoned" readers may recall my obsession with orange when I posted my rug dilemma (which is now remedied) a few January's ago.  My apartment is always in a "work-in-progress" stage, so don't judge!  But don't you just love the color combos above!?!  Schumacher Chiang Mai fabric has been HOT for a while now, and if I do say so myself, a bit overkill (Blasphemy!).  We still love it though!  Especially with the mix of patterns that Alison put together!  Please come decorate my apartment!  

Solid orange pillow, check!  Neutral couch, check!  Schumacher Chiang Mai pillows, hello Etsy!

The pair above are available at PillowMood's Esty shop.  Now, I hope that's enough for your design fix. I know I really needed one.  See more here at BDG Style's blog!  Also, be sure to tune into the Nate Berkus Show on Wednesday, December 21st at 3pm PST on NBC to see Alison in action!

Special thanks to Alison at BDG Style for letting me share about her mad design skills!

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Be Thankful! Plus Gilt Giveaway Announcement!!

I have so much to be thankful for this year!  In the past two weeks, I have made more connections with fellow bloggers and designers than I have over the past two years!  I am very grateful for every reader that finds The Tiny Abode worthy of reading!  Blogging has definitely been a growing process for me, and by no means came easy.   It took a really long time to get a grasp on my aesthetic... and it's still changing, but I feel like I am closer than I have ever been before.  Below, is a picture of a Thanksgiving table that was put together from Naomi at Design Manifest.  Naomi was one of the very first bloggers I started following from Philadelphia, and might I add... she's got mad skillz! 

  

Source: designmanifest.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

So thank you ALL for the follows and support!!!  And now it's time to announce the lucky winner of the $25 Gilt gift card giveaway!!  Is it weird that I'm nervous!?  We're using Random.org to choose the winner.  Congratulations lucky number... 7, Stacy!!!

Recap: Vintage Now

Why hello, lovely people!  I hope you have enjoyed your weekend and are ready for a kick butt Monday!  This is for all you homebodies who did not venture out Friday night to partake in Vintage Now's Open House.  Yes, I know it was in Norristown, and yes, I know it was raining.  However, you must check out the scene!!  

Trust meeee... you're missing out if you don't! 

It really felt like an "underground" party with only the people "in the know" attending.  Honestly, I felt a little out of place rubbing elbows with what I imagine to be established designers.  

Thankfully I had this gal by my side.  My artsy friend, Robin Frey.  Check out her eBay site... she's got mad talent!  And she has a love for vintage items... How awesome is this bird cage!?

My favorite vignettes: 

I loooove this settee and the gold chest.

And isn't this quilted table cloth amazing!?

This is definitely my go to design choice at the moment.  I don't really know why, but I love it!  It makes me happy!!

If I could get past the door with know one noticing, this rug would be mine!! 

Of course they had the latest of the greatest design books.

They were even sure to add a festive touch.

And look, Mom!  I hope you still have these lamps!

So what do you think?  Buying out of big box stores is so easy, but I feel that it lacks character.  Could you make vintage look good?  Or is your heart still set on Ikea? 

Decorating with Faux Bamboo

So we are still crushing on some good old fashion faux bamboo!  This look never ceases to please!
 Mary McDonald might as well be known for her keen attraction to faux bamboo.  Oh wait, she is!  Can you  blame the girl? I'm sure alot of you have seen these images before, but for those of you who haven not, feel free to indulge!!  I really can't get enough of her.  My sweet husband even surprised me by purchasing her latest book.  The mail man can't get here soon enough!

All photos: Mary McDonald

So, are you as sold as I am?  I drool at the site of faux bamboo!  Take this 1950s outdoor dinette for example.   I would die to have this set on my back deck.  Doesn't it make you want to chug a pitcher of lemonade!?   It's soo hot!  Hmmm.... now, if I could only get my hands on $6400!!  That's how much it cost to take this baby home, and that's not including tax or shipping!

Photo: 1STDIBS

However, don't fret!  Seriously, stop fretting, and just go to the thrift store already!!  Remember my $10 chair from Impact?

And my coffee / nesting tables from the Philadelphia Flea Market!!  Which come to find out, resale for a pretty penny!  Score!  But I don't think I'll be letting go of them anytime soon.

All of that, just to show you this!  My latest scavenge at yet another thrift store, The Second Mile.  These faux bamboo nesting tables need a good scrub, and I will most likely refinish them.  However, for $15 for all three, I'm happy!  This exact set just sold for $75 on ebay.  Good buy, but $15 is a great buy! 

The obsession must end soon!  I have little room to spare in my one bedroom apartment!!

Little Crown Interiors ROCK Nursery Design

When it comes to nursery design, Naomi and Gerri from Little Crown Interiors are your go to gals!  These girls seriously rock!  They even design for one of my favorite children's boutique Rosenberry Rooms.  I have been obsessing (what's new?) over this whimsical nursery designed for former boxer Laila Ali and NFL star Curtis Conway's baby daughter Sydney.

 Photo Courtesy: Little Crown Interiors

Everything about this room is gorgeous!

Oh Joy!

I am oh so excited about Joy Cho from Oh Joy! making her way to Philly! 

Photo: Oh Joy!

Joy, being a Philly girl herself, has decided to host a blogging workshop with AIGA at Moore College of  Art and Design in August.   I was at work (AKA: Corporate America, where no one gives a hoot about design) when I found out about the workshop.  I didn't realize how overly ecstatic I was until I got all giddy on the phone with my husband, who naturally approved my click of the mouse as I purchased my ticket.

Want to be a part?  Sign up here!

Currently there is a wait list, but if enough of you sign up they may consider opening more slots!

Good Luck!