Wish List: Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler for JCP (yes, JCPenney) is one of my favorite home decor lines. This collection is punchy, in-budget and ultra chic. Jonathan Adler is known for his splashy color schemes and playful graphics. Happy Chic can be exclusively found at JCP. Shop online or in-store to add a little flavor to your domestic dwelling place.

Here's a few of my favorite pieces at the moment:
// Upholstered Headboard //
// Throw Blanket //
// Decorative Pillow //
// Elephant Bookends //
// Indoor/Outdoor Rug //
// Navy Armchair //

I love the blue, white and gold color scheme.  Don't you?

DIY: Wall Art

Feeling inspired by these looks?  Me too!  Check out these fun wall decor ideas that will add pizzazz to your walls without paying a fortune.  

1.  I am dying to try this modern mosaic paint on canvas; but, I think I'd modify by using a narrower strip of tape (or, use a variety of different tape widths to create less white space).  Buy a blank canvas at a craft or art supply store.  Buy acrylic paints, a paint brush and painters tape (or scotch tape).  Glitter and Modge Podge is optional but always encouraged.  So simple, you could even have kids join in on the fun (if applicable!).

2.  How easy is this?  Seriously.  Search "silhouettes" in Google and your possibilities for creativity are endless.  Depending on the theme or look you're going for, there is a "silhouette" for everything!  Print images on regular white computer paper.  Pick out some simple frames at a craft, home or department store and hang as a collection!

3.  Again, could this DIY craft get any simpler?  All you need to do is purchase some pre-carved ceiling rosettes (find at your local home improvement store) from $8 to $20 dollars each.  Next, paint the ceiling medallions in graduated shades of a single paint color of your choice.  The medallions are light-weight and easy to hang.  This hanging display covers a lot of surface area and packs a lot of bang for your buck!

Now... if only I could add a few hundred square feet to my apartment to follow through on these fun decorating ideas!

Ciao! 

A Fresh Home Accessory

Pike Place Market Sketch and Peonies

What is a more beautiful home accessory than a fresh bouquet of flowers?  

One of my favorite flower variety is the peony and they just so happen to be in season right now in the Pacific NW!  Last weekend I walked down to the Pike Place Market in Seattle and picked up a very gorgeous mixed variety bouquet for under $10 dollars.  The assortment of fresh flowers at the Pike Place Market will never cease to amaze me, no matter the season!

Last night on an evening walk with my dog I passed by a Trader Joe’s and they had fresh bouquets of peonies for only $7 dollars.  Depending on where you live, the peonies may have already hit peak season but here in the Pacific NW they appear to be widely available.  You have my permission, indulge!

[Emerald] Green with Envy

The announcement last month of Pantone’s 2013 color of the year made me very happy.  What’s the color, you ask?  Emerald green. 

Emerald green is rich, powerful and incredibly elegant.  Whether you are incorporating the color into your home or adding a fun pop of color to your existing wardrobe; emerald green does not fall short of absolutely stunning!

Let me share with you a few gems that I've scoped out via Pinterest that I am green with envy of.  Ha. Ha.

1. A great statement jacket

2. Adding charm to a dinner party
3. A splash of color on your arm
4. A beautiful pair of earrings
5. Some studded-out kicks
6. A little bit of romance

Shades of Gray

Shower Curtain

Bathroom Concept

No, I am not talking about my mood or the popular book series.  But, rather my obsession with the color gray in regards to home décor. 

Recently, I've been adoring (most) shades of gray in a major way; especially when showcased in the home!  Gray is obviously a neutral color but don’t mistake gray as being boring or drab.  I believe the color to be super chic when paired with crisp classic white or other subtle neutrals such as beige or other neutral pastel colors. 

Gray can also stand as the perfect back splash for accent colors such as: canary yellow, ocean blue or an electrifying magenta.  While the color gray may ordinarily be perceived as uninteresting; quite the opposite is true if executed properly.  Meaning, you can leverage the color to be as dramatic or simplistic as you are comfortable going with.

To me, the color gray creates an atmosphere of both peace and tranquility (both attributes I value within a dwelling space).  The deeper the shade, the more dramatic (obviously) your space will feel.  Is your abode in need of some trendy, yet timeless flair? 

Try a shade of gray.

A Splash of Color, Please!

I know I am not alone when I say that color can be a major source of inspiration for almost any occasion.  Whether you find yourself in a position of selecting a shade of nail polish at the nail salon or caught in a pickle of choosing a lavender blouse over its neon green counterpart at your favorite boutique—these color driven choices exhibit our everyday. And, for that very reason, is why I am absolutely so in love with fashion, design and architecture.  Color has the power to motivate and enthuse beyond our wildest expectations.  And that, precisely, is why I am in love with color, color selections, color combinations, color schemes, color palettes (okay, I think I'm done now). 

The following website, Design Seeds, is a concept I fell in love with before I even knew it existed (if that is even possible?).  I first discovered this revolutionary site while browsing my Pinterest account (go figure!).  Friends had posted these neat color combinations inspired by photographs and I was instantly amused, clicked on the website and couldn’t get enough of it!  For people who feel hopelessly inspired by color, this site hits the creativity jackpot spot-on. 

I need not say much more about my experience using Design Seeds; but, I welcome you to browse around and see what creative journey this site has in store for you.

Do you have a new project you are working on around the house?  Are you planning a wedding or pitching a concept at work?  These color combo palettes may just be the solution to elevate your idea to the next level.  Or, do you simply feeling bare-bones dull and uninspired and need a dose of color inspiration?  Open Design seeds and you’ll feel instantly amused.  My philosophy being: Design Seeds was created to help you appreciate the color around you so you, too, can live brilliantly!

Minty Fresh

Trend alert.

Mint, duh!  Big shock, huh?   

If you even have the slightest bit of a pulse you know the intensity of the mint trend.  Truthfully, it is hard to ignore the color’s popularity and it’s even harder not to fall absolutely in love with.  Who could resist the temptation of such a nostalgic hue?  I immediately think of mint chocolate chip ice cream and it is a color that makes me feel happy, refreshed and youthful!

Whether the color be as household decoration, painted on fingernails or hanging in the closet; my hope is that this trendy color will take some time and stay a while.  If you haven’t yet acknowledged or been made aware of this growing trend, all you need to do is search “mint” in Pinterest and you will be exponentially inspired.  From mint housewares to mint colored macaroons . . . it’s all there! I’m astonished by all of the creative ways the color is being used and I look forward to finding a fun opportunity to incorporate the color mint into my life!

What spring colors inspire you?

Home Furnishings

Rugs? Yes.  Lighting? Yes.  Throw pillows?  Yes, please.  

Safavieh has it all.  And, today on ideeli, was a featured boutique vendor.  Before today, I had no brand recollection of Safavieh, but now, I’ll consider myself an absolute fanatic.  Chic, stylish and unexpected prints, patterns and color.  What more could you ask for in home décor?   

Consider this: you plan your wardrobe to a certain extent and you want it to reflect your personal style, correct?  Safavieh décor is an absolute reflection of personal style and intrigue but in the form of home furnishings.   

If ever I win the lottery or become god-awfully rich overnight, you can make certain a plethora of Safavieh home furnishings will adorn my living quarters.  Until that time arrives, I can day dream and pin to my hearts content on Pinterest.

Take a gander at some of ideeli’s discounted Safavieh merchandise.  If you are inspired enough to purchase from ideeli, think fast!  Ideeli boutiques are available for a limited time and products are available until supplies last.  It’s a dog eat dog world out there, folks.  Or you can be old fashioned and just check out Safavieh's website and drool along with me.

What are your favorite home décor websites, retailers, or brand names?