Holy Ikea Hack!

Holy Cow!  Take a look at this!  

If Ikea wasn't good for something, it's good for this. What a hack!

Photos via Kiki' List

I found this wonderful project while noseying around Kiki's List. These prefabricated trellis patterns are known as overlays and can be found here. [Side note: Kiki's blog is great!]

Just check out this pink and orange Rast!

Photo: O'verlays

Brilliant!  

This would be a great weekend project!  Check out Danika and Cheryle's blog, the geniuses behind this design, or visit O'verlays for more product information. Aren't they fun!?

Have a Happy Weekend!

I'll leave you with some final eye candy...

 Photo: O'verlays

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Bedroom Design Inspiration: Blue and Green Mix

So I am thinking about using this pillow as an inspiration piece for the design of our bedroom.  The designer is a graduate student from Little Rock, Arkansas.  Check out her Etsy page labdesigns.  She has a lot of great pillows!!

The idea is to mimic the design of the coral bedroom I posted about a few days ago, and redesign a room using my own color scheme.  This is a project that I'm sure will take me several months (if not longer) to complete.  Not that it can't be done in a shorter time frame.   Anyone with money to blow can complete this within a week, tops!  But I'll take my precious time and be sure to update you along the way. 

Here's a quick peek at what are bedroom currently looks like, as you may remember from this post.

It's okay, but it still doesn't have that wow factor.

So, why the green pillow? I would like to use it as the front and center piece just as the coral and gray pillow is being used in the inspiration photo.  Since my headboard is more of a neutral I'd like to go bold with the pillows.  Behind the green pillows I'd like to add two navy toss pillows such as these:

I like the idea of having something simple and not so busy.  This lattice pillow from WillaSkyeHome seems to do the trick.  WillaSkyeHome is also an Etsy shop.  We {heart} Etsy!  These sell for $64 a pair.  I think that's a good buy for two16 x 16 pillows.

Design Tip: Sometimes I find that it is easier to work backwards.  For example, I am starting with the top layer, and I am working my way back.

Ok, so next we have the Euro shams.  This is where I'm coming to a brick in the wall.  I know I want to use a horizontal stripe, but I'm having a difficult time making a decision on color.  Here's what I have in mind: 1.) green and creme stripe, 2.) aqua and creme stripe or 3.) white and creme stripe.  Any input is very much appreciated!

Finally, the bedding!  I think I've pretty much come to a conclusion about what I want here.  In all of my bedroom inspiration photos on Pinterest, you may notice a pattern... white crisp bedding.  Obviously, I'm drawn to this.  I think it is because it allows the pillows to stand on their own.  Having a busy pattern would just compete with the pillows, and I don't want that.  Here's what I have in mind...

Lowell by Matouk in leaf green.  It's by no means cheap!  I'll be keeping my eye open for a similar product at Home Goods or Target.  In the meantime, what do you think!?  I'd love to hear your ideas!

Pinterest... Inspiration Paradise!

 Ok, so this site has been up and running for quite sometime now.  I don't know what took me so long to get on board with it!  Have you heard of Pinterest?  It's a design lovers paradise!  It's basically a virtual filing cabinet for all things inspirational.  I'm telling you, you could design your entire wedding using this site!  I on the other hand prefer to use it primarily as a resource for design filing.  I joined less than a week ago, and I already have 20 boards.  It's the second most addicting thing next to facebook!

This is a snapshot of my Pinterest page.  The best thing about Pinterest is that anyone can use it!  However, it is by invitation only.  If you'd like to be invited just leave me a comment or send me a message.

Happy Pinning!!!!

Coral Combo: Mixing and Matching

My curtains are green and my headboard is white tufted shantung, but this coral is a whole lotta pretty!  Mixing patterns is not my strong point.  While shopping for my bedroom, I'm always trying to find something that will "match".  I'd like to learn from those who are able mix and match.  

Photo: DecorPad

And by the way... I love this desk! 

Photo: Sunset

Tell me I'm not the only one who finds mixing patterns to be a challenge.  It's a whole lotta lovely when done right though!

Bake me a Cake!

In honor of June and June Brides, I thought I'd share with you some of my FAVORITE cake decorators!  Prepare to be amazed!  The first cake is yours truly! 

Well, I didn't design it, but this is a picture of the cake at my wedding which was inspired by the fabulous Polly Schoonmaker!

Here are a few of my other favorite Cake Designers!
 
Cake Ink
Design duo, Janelle and Samone, from Melbourne, Australia create one-of-a-kind custom cakes well worth swimming across the pond.  I love how girly this one is with the pearls cascading down the tiers.  It reminds me of playing dress-up with my great grandmother's jewelry when I was a child.

The Cakestress
  Toronto based Lori Hutchinson knows all about glitz and glamour!  The first I just had to share!  It is a Grace Kelly inspired cake.  The Kelly estate just so happens to be in East Falls, my little Philly neighborhood.
 

  Frosted Fantasy Cakes
A nationally award winning Las Vegas based cake decorating company never ceasing to amaze their audience.  You can bet on that!

Sweet and Saucy Shop
Recognized in one of my favorite e-zines, Rue Magazine, as well as The Knot, Utterly Engaged, The Wedding Channel, this A-list team consisting of Melody Brandon, Sara Francabandera, Eileen Francabandera, along with others, design a wide variety of custom cakes for brides, for celebs, and I'm sure for one another.

Sweet Sensations
For all my Southern hipsters and Georgia Peaches, Sharon Alexander has a great design for you!  This emerald green chevron cake is popping up all over the place on pinterest!

And lastly, I'll leave you with something you can really sink your teeth into...

Yummy Cupcakes and Cakes
Yet another Australian based cake decorator,  Patrica's yummy cakes are ones you should really feast your eyes to.  I'm sure they're as delicious as they are beautiful!
Simply Delicate.

 To see more beautiful cakes visit The Tiny Abode's Pinterst page.

06.14.11... un, deux, trois!

Broken down vehicle, public transportation, and FOUR IEP meetings all in one day.   Needless to say, I had to get creative.

Pastries and wine to the rescue!  

 Today is my three year anniversary being married to this guy! 

 

The one with the curly hair.  I mean, the tall one.  I love how Jason is more ecstatic to hold the baby than the baby is to being held!  That's my husband for ya.  This is the night at the Markiem where this sweet little boy Jackson took a liking to my hubster.  Can you blame him?   I think I would rank this "Top Ten Happy Jason Moments".  Thus all the baby happiness, Jason and I were inspired to memorize every episode of The Cosby Show and have lots and lots of babies!  We'd be the perfect parents!  Crash Course!

So in tribute to the baby fever night and our three year anniversary, may I direct your attention too....

Note: NO Baby making in progress!  Yield your comments mothers, sisters, and all you other "You must have a baby, now!" insisting friends.

XoXO!

The Great Debate: Left Brain, Right Brain

Perusing around Twisha Maniar's blog One Life. Many Moments, I stumbled upon this!  Pure genius!  It's actually a Mercedes Benz ad campaign, but totally relevant to the interior design realm. Thanks Twisha!

Photo: Ads of the World

Where Have I Been!?

Whew!  Where did May go!?  Summer so far has proven itself to be ruthless!  No time, no blogging, no nonsence.  :(  That said, I've been having a blast!  Here is a little picture show of what's been happening in the life of moi!

Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival

Philadelphia locals swarm to Rittenhouse Square for the fashion and food, but mostly the food.  If you haven't participated in this city event you are truly missing out.  Trying five star restaurant food for pennies may very well be my new hobby.

Oak Island, NC... My Birfday!

For those of you who have never heard of Oak Island, NC, get wit it!  In actuality, none of us had ever heard of this family friendly shore destination either.  This just so happens to be the halfway point to the shore for Philadelphia, PA and Birmingham,AL.  Thus equaling a multi-family vacation (and new tradition) all for little 'ol me.  Here are some snapshots.

My dad and sister...

My mom and sister...

My husband...

And my favorite!

Jason's parents also made the long 10 hour journey, but unfortunately I don't have those shots on my camera.  :(  But we all had a blast!

Rittenhouse Fine Art Show

Have I mentioned my husband's an artist?  Oh yes, I have about umpteen times.  Being married to an artist can be a tremendous amount of work believe it or not!  The very next weekend after returning from vaca was the Rittenhouse Fine Art Show.  I think we are just now recovering from all of the madness.  Professional artist travel from across the country to participate in this event.  The show formally known as the "Clotheline Show" actually got it's start by students displaying their artwork on clothesline throughout the park, hoping to make a dime. 

 Photo: Philadelphia News

Keeping with the 80 year old tradition, students continue to participate in the center of the park.  And I may be biased, but I do believe that Studio Incamminati students had the finest work!

Jason Espey and Sakiko Shinkai

Peter Kelsey

Josh Breslin

Irish Pub

We did allow for some time to throw back a few brewskies in between the art show extravaganza.  I'll be the first to admit that I am no beer connoisseur, but if you like the "where everybody knows your name" feel, then 20th & Walnut is where it's at!  Yes, I may have only ventured to this place at noon, but the atmosphere had that classic feel.  Cheers, anyone?

 

Studio Incamminati Exhibition at the Markiem Arts Center

This weekend I managed to make it to the Markiem despite New Jersey's confusing highways.  Can I get an Amen?  Towns like Haddonfield are well worth the u-turns.  Friday night was the opening night of a 7 day exhibition at the Markiem Arts Center.  We were fortunate enough to hear the talented young pianst of the Steinway Society's Young Pianst Competition!  Unbelievable! 

Jason did a painting demonstration that night which is up for bid, and he also has his painting Missed Opportunity? on display.  Special thanks to Katya for the pictures!!

06.14.08

 If that wasn't enough for you, Jason and I are coming up on our three year anniversary.  What is it this year? Paper? Cotton?  No, it's leather.  Jason and I will be sporting leather jackets and pants and celebrating at a motorcycle bar.  Not really.  Does anyone actually follow the tradional gift giving anymore?  We'll actually be dining out in the city.  We're having a hard time narrowing down our choices, so if you know of an excellent restaurant to celebrate our loooove... please let me know!

Photo: All Posters