couch surfing in technicolor

photo::domino

A white, crisply, slip covered sofa, is an easy + affordable way to add a timeless, chic piece to a living room. Joni swears by it (well, that and sea grass - which I happen to agree with her on both points ) Around this base, flanking chairs of every pattern and color can come and go. Color schemes can morph according to whim. And let's not forget the easy 'fix' of pillows.

But lately, I've been pulling images of sofas in every color. Why not go with a solid color, and work from there? It's not as limiting as one might think......

apartment therapy:: photo

ye rin mok photograph

photo::desire to inspire blog

what color would be your choice. If you can't tell, I lean toward the royal blue and hot pink.

photo::karen barlow for design sponge

thoughts, anyone?

art + tunes

oops..... played a little hooky yesterday. A three day, labor-free weekend ends up requiring a bit o' Tuesday overtime.

Here are a few tunes that I've been trying out, along with some awesome, collage art by incredibly talented, Cristiana Couceiro

1. Things Work Out | The Kick Drums
2. Ice Cream Shout | Tattooed Tears
3. We Are Trees| Dear Chan Marshall
4. Braids | Lemonade
   

fun slides

photo of pom poms:: pinterest

A little radio silence.....still recovering from a weekend of no labor. Pom-Poms were made, and Dizzy Dragon's were ridden. Hope you had a fun 3 dayer, too.

* p e a c e o u t *

A great tabletop, easing it in to fall.

A touch of woodsiness. A grasp at the last bits of summer color, while leaning into some autumnal hues. Too bad we can't get Peonies this time of year. And I'm gad that whomever styled this didn't polish the silver.

Have a great weekend. And any of you having a baby on Monday, right on. Labor day babies have a great sense of humor, by birth right.

Oval Office in The House

Michael Smith, you are a genius and nobody can tell me differently. I have no idea what your constraints were around designing the new Oval Office.

but what the hell?

Please tell me it just doesn't photograph well. Please tell me that Obama handed you a photograph of his favorite Marriott by the Airport and said,

"Here. Like this. "

"And don't forget the plastic plants on the mantel"

Because that would make sense to me. Where do you set up the complimentary waffle bar for morning dignitary meetings?

Linda @surroundings has great re-design contest for those of you who, unlike myself, would like to be constructive in your criticisms and take a shot at what YOU would do, if given this daunting task. And she also has a nice line up of past Oval Offices to compare. In the mean time, my computer is acting like an insolent two year old. I have to go deal.

love you Michael.

Everyone's a critic. See what people are saying over at the NYTimes *here*

nesting newbies :: issue four

If you have a moment, please go check out the new issue of Nesting Newbies. I'm so impressed with these gals' innovative efforts. With all of the new online magazines hitting the virtual stands, I love the direction they're taking this.

Video content? brilliant. I've always wanted the magic ability to jump into a photo shoot. And,bonus, some of my favorite blogger buddies are featured in the Nor. Cal. Winery, dining experience. Lynn, Jeanine, Ann + Rebecca.

oh, and if the above photo gives you hint, this is a great resource for tabletop design ideas.

Farrow + Ball gives us new reasons to paper that wall

"Acanthus"- my favorite

I don't think its anyone's secret that we bloggers get tons of emails from all kinds of manufacturers letting us know of their newest product lines. It comes to a point where you have to be judicious about what you choose to post , so as not to become a revolving, gratis PR factory. My general rule is that if I wouldn't use it or don't love it, I pass on it. Farrow + Ball , whom I'm lucky enough to be on their "newly released emailing list", has a new line of wall papers, that I'm absolutely so, in-to.'The Baroque Papers' collection.

"Versailles" - done two ways. Here and below

The papers, carry on F+B reputation of extremely high color quality, using pigments that are so rich and built with so many color components, that depending on the light, the rich saturation alters just a bit. The clear handwork in the printing, again, shows the integrity of the quality that makes them one of the leading paint manufacturers.

Investing in a product of this level of production (no jokes about going ba-roke please), becomes well worth it when it becomes part of your home (coming from someone living with Imperial Trellis - I know this first hand- quality is worth every penny ) You're buying art that has been touched by skilled artisans, hand blocking each yard. And they're environmentally friendly too. bonus.

What I love is that while a few other bloggers have also posted about this, we've each found the design that fits our, aesthetic personality the best. Check out which of these new designs my friend, "Mrs. Blandings", has chosen. She of graceful elegance, is a contrast to my, 'need for speed' in the way of color. There's something for all of us, here.

F + B you're on a roll ( ya, I said that )