My Little Sunshine...

This weekend was supposed to be full-on baby preparation.  Meaning, get the crap out of the nursery and organize or else TRASH (I would donate it... don't hate) everything!!  How in the world did we accumulate so much anyways?  Prior to our big move, we donated many items for the sake of not having to haul our junk across the eastern coastline.  Somehow it seems like we have more stuff!  I miss our basement.  At least we could hide our mess.  This is forcing me to become a minimalist. Something I aspire to be, but my parents could potentially be on Hoarders!  Just kidding, Mom.  Well, maybe.  

I decided that the best way to spend this Saturday was to organize the nursery in my head rather than  physically removing our crap from the nursery only to stuff it in some closet somewhere in which would more than likely be moved 15 more times in efforts to "organize."  Sorry for the massive run-on.  

I'm a visual learner.  Just looking at a mess gives me anxiety.  Where to even begin!?  Do you feel me?  For me organizing my ideas on paper, or in this case by creating a mood board, helps me know what steps to take.  Starting with the end in mind really is motivating!  Here's the direction I plan to take: 

Click on the image above for a better view.

Resources: 

Window Treatments - Santa Maria Desert Flower by Waverly

Vintage Lucite Lamps - Thrift store find

Vintage cocktail table - Philly curb alert

Vintage Faux Bamboo chest (not this exact one) - Atlanta Craigslist find

Lambskin rug - Atlanta Craigslist find

"Bee Happy" print - Spread the Love (Etsy store now closed)

Crib sheet - Rosenberry Rooms Petite Dots in Navy

Crib - Jenny Lind DaVinci Crib

Smile pillow - Pillow Talk

Crib skirt - Doodle Stripe Lime / Pure Organic Bright Pink by P. Kaufmann

Craigslist Crawl: Atlanta

As you may know if you've been keeping up with the blog post, I am in search for chairs (again).  My farmhouse table has had many different styles of chairs accompany him over the years.  While in West Philly, Mr. Farmhouse had to spend some hard time in the basement.  He just would not fit in our eat-in-kitchen.  Now that we are back in Atlanta, we are once again trying to find some friendly and sophisticated company to surround him.  I spotted this set on Craigslist for $100!!

Image: Craigslist

I would more than likely paint the backs white and reupholster the seat cushions.  This isn't exactly what I'm looking for, but they do have a few things in their favor: 

1.) Super Affordable - 6 chairs for $100 (table would go in storage or resale)

2.) Faux bamboo backing - hard to find

3.) Mid-Century Modern look - give some balance to my traditional rug.

What do you think?

Mod-ing Up a Traditional Rug in the Dining Room

I have a GIANT red rug.  I found it on Craigslist a while back thinking, "OMG... I have to have that!"  Sound familiar?  The rug really was quite the steal.  I even spotted it's fraternal twin on One King's Lane for $$$$ more than what I emptied my pockets for. You can take a peak the version I scored here.   This all sounds dandy I'm sure, but there is a problem.  It's SOoooo traditional.  Bleck!   Since having this blog, my taste has had a tendency to change.  I think I was in the process of figuring out my style.  This is something that will forever be adapting, as it should.

 

It's All About the Chair

It's easy to style a room in a traditional format unintentionally.  Especially when you grew up in a very traditional style home.  I haven't quite figured out how to describe my taste, but if I were to name it I would say that I am more inclined to gravitate towards a Frenchy Boheme composition than anything.  What the heck is that anyway?

Image: A Cup of Joe

 

I think my best solution to tone down the trAd is to go for a much more modern chair and skimp on the French Country.  I really like how the Eames style chairs above are intermixed into an otherwise country farmhouse setting. 

 

Image:  Unknown

 

Ok, so this rug is not a traditional Persian, BUT the colors are very similar to the colors in my rug (red, blue, gold, navy), and the farmhouse table is nearly an exact replica to mine.  Thus, I am inspired!  My artsy hubs keeps telling me that there is too much white in our space. He's right.  How awesome are these blue Bertoia chairs above!?  If I could only score these on CLs or Goodwill for pennies... my life (or at least my dining room) would be complete!

Image:  House Beautiful

 

Ok, this may look familiar.  It's been floating around the internet for at least a year now, and I may have even featured it on the blog once.  So there is no rug here, but I'm eyeballing the chairs.  What do you think about the industrial look with a traditional rug underneath?  I almost scored these charis on Craigslist, but the seller bailed on me.  Errrr.... we had a time / location, and she sold them to someone else!  I think there needs to be a Craigslist Etiquitte 101 course.

Still bummed.

 

Image:  Overstock

 

They're still priced very reasonably on Overstock, but I was going to get them for 1/2 the cost.   Bigger and better chairs await me I'm sure (I hope).



What I like about You...

Designed by: The Tiny Abode



Ok, so this is old news for all of you who follow on facebook.  Unfortunately for the blog, Facebook has been getting a lot more of my attention lately.  I wish that weren't the case.  You can follow The Tiny Abode's Facebook page here.  Keeping up a blog is hard work!  Can I get an, "I heard dat!?"  You know what I'm talking about. 

Yes it is true my fellow Philadelphian lovers, The Tiny Abode has moved south *GASP*!!  Oh the horror!! Not that I dislike Atlanta, but I miss you!!!

Designed by: The Tiny Abode

Let me tell you... reverse culture shock is legit!  What in the world are we doing here you ask?  Well... we're trying to figure that one our ourselves.  Moving was a very difficult decision for us to make.  Below is a pic from our moving day.  We had great neighbors!

Photo: The Tiny Abode

We were both (referencing the hubs) in very good positions before deciding to make the big leap.  Jason was teaching fine art to High Schoolers and was a teaching fellow at Studio Incamminati. I had just received a promotion at my previous job in a department that I was really looking forward to working in.  Nonetheless, here we are in the South embracing what HOT-Lanta has to offer. 

Photo:  The Tiny Abode

I'm hoping to be better with updating the blog.  Looking foward to sharing our apartment (it needs a lot of love).  Half of our furniture was left behind in Philly, so I am scavening Craigslist for the following: dining room chairs, console / media center, and a dresser. 



Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Where've you been?

Lately my Facebook page and Instagram is getting a lot more attention than what started all this madness, my blog.  Blog, you are not a middle child, like myself.  Well, maybe you are, but I will give you the content that your audience craves.  

It's Flea Market Season, Y'all!

Brooklyn Flea came to Philly, and they BROUGHT it!  

Ooooo... I love a pretty bird cage.  I'd throw a terrarium up in that!  The chair was $10.  TEN DOLLARS!!!  A seat cushion is the easiest thing in the world to reupholster and a quick and cheap face-lift.  I would use it as a desk chair.  Should of bought it.  Darn.

Here is some more flea market eye candy... 

 

If I had money falling out of my armpits (did I just say that... I'm going with it), this is what I would buy... 

 

My faves...

 

 

I know your eyes must be glued to that pink and black dress... think again... that's a jumpsuit!  LOVE it, but I am not that brave.  Well, not $130 brave.  Maybe if it was $30 I wouldn't feel so bad purchasing it, knowing that what it would take to convince myself to throw it on before work.  Yes, I'm the crazy girl that would actually wear this to work!  My non-profit agency would not know how to handle all this awesomeness.  Ok, I think you get that I love it.  I won't shut-up about it!

 

Don't skimp on the textiles... 

 

Most vendors at flea markets have prices reduced to wholesale value.  These woven textiles would easily sale for $100 at Pottery Barn.  I can't remember the exact price, but I do remember thinking, "What a steal!"  I couldn't justify buying it for myself, but I think it would be a great house warming gift!

 

Best Advice...

 

Shop with friends!  There's nothing like having a gal pal to keep you laughing as you rummage through vintage goods and imagine how your Great Aunt Sal used to make do with a rotary phone!!  What is that, anyways!?!

Friends can be inspiring also, especially when they kinda do this or are on there way of being artisans / designers for a living!  Having insight other than your own is a wonderful thing!  I love to listen to other peoples ideas on how they would dress-up an item. 

 And don't be intimidated by bringing a babe along.  They're fun and super cute!!

The Brooklyn Flea Market is going to be in Philly every Sunday in Northern Liberties at the Piazza at Schmidt's.  10AM - 5PM.  Rain or shine.

 If you just can't get enough of The Tiny Abode outings and need your daily fix, be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram.  Our favorite design styles are also collected on Pinterest.  I'll admit it, my Pinterest boards ROCK!

Attachment Theory... Houston, we have a problem.

It's a bittersweet day in this tiny abode.  My Brody dinette sold today on Craigslist.  

 

Brody, you were a stud.  You just weren't doing it for me. It's not you, it's me.

Time to go shopping!!

Old Man Weather... Go Away!

Uhhh.... hello Spring?  Are you there?  I have been eager to become one with the earth.  I know I  sound like a hippy, but that's what a concrete jungle will do to you after five years!  Here in Philly it's a bit too soon to start filling my window boxes with jubilant perennials, so I have been tending to my succulents and other indoor plants instead.

Photo: The Tiny Abode

These neat Chinoiserie teacups were left behind by one of my previous neighbors.  I'm worried that they may have been part of  his mother's collection.  Yikes!  I couldn't bare to see them get  chunked by the clean-out crew.  Therefore, they have found a happy place in my home as plant containers, and I am quite proud of how they turned out!  If anyone can tell me any information about them you will be my new BFF for the day!  I have searched the internet and have found nothing!

Photo: The Tiny Abode

Like any normal city-slicker in Philadelphia, I head outside the city to Terrain for some much needed inspiration.  I am loving the look of these anemones... so much that I have already purchase a bundle of bulbs from Lowe's.  I'm wondering if I should start them indoors, or wait until April to plant them like the instructions direct. Where do you go when you need inspiration? 

Photo: The Tiny Abode

I foresee a beautiful window box in my future. 

SPRING MEANS BIRTHDAYS!

Despite the frigid weather, spring is a reminder of new life and celebrations.  All of my sisters (I am one of three) have spring birthdays.  My younger sister just recently gave birth to yet another spring baby.  Well technically it's autumn in New Zealand.

Designed by: The Tiny Abode

 We are so excited to have a new baby in our family!  Thank you Brittany and Scott for  giving our parents a grandchild... we owe you big time!  Like any crazed aunt, I am pinning, tweeting, and yes blogging about any amazing deal or cute baby item that I lay eyes on.  One of my favorite places to shop online for great deals is Zulily.  These are all items that I have personally purchased for family and friends.  I am not getting paid to say this.  If you are interested in other online stores, check out the listings on the left of this page.

Designed by:  The Tiny Abode

If you are one of the lucky ones who received one of these gifts, you can vouch for me. Are there any online shops which you love to shop?  I'd love to hear your secrets too. In the meantime, I'm going to continue to birthday shop.  I have lots of nieces and a nephew too.  I'll leave you with this display from the Macy's Flower Show from a recent trip that the hubs and I took to NYC.

Photo: The Tiny Abode

West Philly Living Room Transformation

Happy Monday! Wait a second, isn't that an oxymoron? It's a rare thing for me to be blogging during the week, but I couldn't wait to share with you the results from this weekend's living room transformation!!

Photo: The Tiny Abode

Notice anything different?  Here's what the space looked like before.

 Photo: The Tiny Abode

Feeling inspired, I went to IKEA on Saturday and purchased 2 yards of Sofia fabric in black and white.  Stripes really can make a room feel more uniformed, tying the entire room together making for a more finished design (we still need a lamp shade!!). This was such an easy DIY!  Anyone can do it, and it only cost me pennies.  Here's how it's done: 

 Photo: The Tiny Abode

So what do you think?  Are you feeling the stripes??  Have you ever attempted a Roman Shade DIY?  Window treatments can really spruce a room up!  I'm very happy with the results.  Oh and one more side note!  We brought the faux bamboo tables out of the dungeon (aka, the basement).  I feel they look rather sculpture-like in the living room.  You can see more of our West Philly Home here. 

Stealing Orchids is Legit!

One great thing about the dead of winter, is the sales you can find on indoor plants.  Yesterday, while visiting Lowe's (again feeding my fixation), I brought home three orchids for only a dollar each.  THREE!! I couldn't pass it up!  That's a whooping $3.00 or you could just think of it as a very cheap center piece.  It doesn't get any better than that, unless you find some for a quarter each (doubtful).

 

 Don't skimp on indoor plants.  They can really bring any ol' drab room to life!  One of my favorite design bloggers, Emily Henderson (yeah you remember her... she's only the most awesome Design Star winner, EVER), gives tips on styling here.  I plan on taking Emily's advise and re-potting these into something a little bit more interesting, but for now they are definitely helping out my otherwise naked kitchen table.

Here are some interesting ways to decorate with orchids.... 

Eclectic Living Room design by Los Angeles Media And Blogs Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

 Photo: Daily Dream Decor

I'm considering adding my collection of orchids to the mantle.  Pretty predictable, I know, but it is a no brainer. 

Photo: J.K. Place via Villanueva design

 Now that my terrariums have made their way to the window seal, the fireplace needs some jazzing up. I'll let you know how it turns out, but first I need to find an interesting pot!

Must-have-coffee-table... Stat

It is time to introduce my living room (as seen here) to a new friend, and to give the hubs something other than the floor to place his finished yogurt container.  For the love!  Seriously, the garbage can is ten steps away.  He's wonderful, I can't complain.  Heck, it's my fault that I've gone this long without a proper piece of living room furniture.  Yes, my friends, I'm talking about a coffee table.  But I don't want just any coffee table.  No, no, no. That would be too easy.  I want a beautiful wood carved Moroccan coffee table with intricate details that cost a bazillion dollars.    

 Such as...

 Photo via Saffron and Silk

Or like this one which was placed in a living space designed by one of my favorite designers, Windsor Smith.  

Photo: Windsor Smith

Then there is always the option to explore stores like West Elm, Anthropologie  or even Material Culture (if you are lucky enough to live in Philadelphia). The table below is from West Elm and is nearly perfect in my opinion.  It could really work in my current space.

 Photo: West Elm

Although these stores are really great, this girl is on a budget.  So, I'm hoping the Land o' World Wide Web will meet me where my pockets end.  That or a flea market.   First stop, Craigslist.  The closest piece I could find that had that Moroccan style was this one.  However, I need a coffee table, not an end table. 

 This table is a small in scale, but has some nice details.  It could definitely be painted.

Then there's this one that could also use some fixing-up. Right size and shape.  Some detail, but not exactly what I'm looking for.

I know they are not totally the same, but it's the closest I could find on Craigslist.  I think with a little TLC, they could possibly work.  Could I do a DIY?  Would I even dare?  Eek!  I love the spirit of DIY-ers, but as I've mentioned before, I'm a self-proclaimed BIY-er (BUY IT YOURSELF)!  I don't know where people find the time and energy.  Oh how I wish I was a teacher again and had my summers off!   Dream on, sister! I think if I were to purchase any of the above, it would have to be the first one.  Even though it's not a coffee table, it has the look I'm going for.  Maybe I'll have better luck at Clover Market tomorrow!!  I want the real deal!  I hear they are going to have a lot of antique dealers at this upcoming market. 

Wish me luck!

Kill / Steal: Persian Khorasan Rug

I was checking out One Kings Lane Beneath the Feet rug sale, and my jaw nearly dropped when I spotted a Persian Khorasan rug on sale for $1169.  I would kill to have a beautiful Persian rug.  However, my pockets currently do not run that deep.  

 Persian Khorasan Rug   

Kill:  One Kings Lane (sold out)

Instead, I scavenge Craigslist as though I am in search for a long lost family member until I find the identical twin that I always hoped for. Now, I'm not always successful, but there are times when I come across amazing steals!!!  Take for instance this nearly identical Persian that I scored on Craigslist for only $100!!

 

Steal:  Craigslist Find (Doylestown)

I'm hoping that I can find a way to modernize something so traditional like this rug by incorporating more contemporary furnishings.  I have not been able to find an inspiration photo that I really like, so I'll be working on a mood board to help direct my attention.  Any ideas on how to make this piece work in a contemporary living space?  Have you used a Persian rug in your home?  I would love to hear / see what you came up with. 

Fave Find @ Golden Nugget Antique Market

Flea Market season is sadly over.  Have you been experiencing the same type of  withdrawals as I have been experiencing?  Luckily, there are a few places near town that know flea market season is something that should never cease to end.  Golden Nugget Antique Market in Lambertville, New Jersey is open year round!!

My Fave Find: a goody box full of designer scarves 

Photo: The Tiny Abode


The first person that comes to mind when I think of framing scarves is my blogger friend, and a Philly local, Naomi Stein from Design Manifest. Naomi's loft design actually appeared in the June/July Lonny magazine. 

Photo: Courtney Apple via Design Manifest

Jessica at The Aestate did a feature on framed scarves which can be seen here. 
I am particularly fond of the Hermes scarves.

Photo via The Aestate

And just how adorable is this framed Vera Neumann scarf in this nursery which was featured in Apartment Therapy?

Photo via Apartment Therapy

I ended up buying two scarves which I hope to frame.  My sister bought three which she plans on sporting at the shore later this week.  What would you do with vintage scarves?

For your entertainment... 

What's a flea market adventure without a lil' dress-up involved?  Here's a pic of my sister and I reverting back to our childhood days.

Are there any flea markets that you love going to in the off season?  I'd love to know your secrets!  What do you look for when you go to flea markets?

Save the Date... Clover Market

Ahhh... the best time of the year!  I love everything about spring!  The weather, the pretty flowers and the awesome flea markets!!  Admittedly, the post is primarily a reminder for myself, but I thought you would be interested in marking your calendar too.  You can read about our adventure last year at Clover Market here.

We had a great time last year at Clover Market.  I did some shopping with Holly from West Pair Avenue.  Two of our favorite local artisans were there too, Laura from Modern Bird Jewelry and Jahje from Baby Jives.  We actually blogged about Jahje's awesome bird mobiles here. 

Here are a few pics from last year's Clover Market... 

Clover Market is one of the best markets around the Philadelphia area for sure!  The best news is that they are held on Sundays and don't compete with the Saturday Phila Flea Markets.  You can visit Clover's Market's site to take a peek at their schedule.