Etsy Pillow Roundup

Etsy is a great source to acquire custom pillows in designer fabrics that are typically sold "to the trade."  There are so many different options out there that it's almost impossible to not find something to work in your space.

If you are redoing a space and don't know where to start, pillows and fabrics offer a great jumping off point and foundation for an overall room inspiration.  Lucky for us, Etsy has made it easy with so many great choices at our disposal.  Here are a few of my favorite shops:

*Click on image for link to shop and pillows

Several people have inquired about the greek key pillow on my bed.  While they don't have an exact match, this is really great option in navy.  

I especially love the fabrics in the second row and think they would look amazing in a little girl's room or nursery (can you tell I have a baby on my mind?).

As is apparent by the shop name, this one has a lot of great colors and patterns from which to choose.  I'm especially fond of the lavender lumbar and Trina Turk options in the third row.

Baby Update: The baby wait continues on my front!  I will be 40 weeks next Tuesday, and this is the longest I've ever carried a baby (Auden was 37 weeks, 6 days when she was born). We're all waiting on pins and needles and have had a couple of days of contractions but nothing that has stuck so far.  Hopefully she'll be making her debut soon, and my next post will get to include an introduction to our newest family member :)

Traditional Nursery Lighting Options

As many of you know, my husband Jon and I are expecting our second little girl in the next few weeks.  My due date is actually October 6th, but according to my doctor, I will most likely have her within the next two-three weeks.  I am 35 weeks right now, so hearing that at my appointment yesterday was a bit of a shock! 

If my nesting wasn’t bad enough already, it’s kicked into high gear now!  I shared her last nursery update here, and we’ve accomplished most items on my checklist since then.  There are only a couple of big tasks left-- I’m still waiting on the hardware to arrive for the acrylic frame, and we still need to hang the light fixture.

We attempted (and by we, I mean Jon while I looked on for supervision) to hang the light fixture this past weekend, but we ran into a snag since it’s a vintage find.  Apparently me and my pregnant brain didn’t realize that it was missing the ceiling strap needed to anchor the light to the ceiling.  So now we’ve got to make another run back to the hardware store to fix that problem.  In the meantime, I decided to look into some more lighting options just in case this one doesn’t work once we get it hung up (which would be Jon’s worst nightmare). 

I have no time to waste, and I refuse to let an ugly white ceiling fan ruin the rest of the room so here are a few options I've found. 

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I'm praying that the one I already have will work because I love the natural patina and vintage crystals it has.  Fingers crossed!  In the meantime, here's an updated shot of the nursery since we hung the wall sconces (pardon the iPhone photo quality and crumpled curtains).  

We're getting so close to meeting our new girl! 

Design Trend: Black and Gold

It's no secret we love black and gold--after a few seconds pursuing our website, and you'll see that.  However, we aren't the only ones who have a strong love for this glam pair.  They are both classics and look sophisticated together and standing alone.  Here are a few finds that have caught my eye.

one // this ceramic bowl is perfect amount of added glam for styling a shelf, table or desk.

two // moroccan appetizer plates are sure to get your guests' attention.

three // hex matte brass knobs that are not your 90's brass hardware- yes, please. 

four // these urchin figurines come in two sizes and are great for a pop of glam in any space.

five // black, white, gold and velvet.  How much more luxe can you get?

six // a steal, this Nate Berkus frame looks far more expensive than its $13 price tag. 

seven // i've seen this light used in an entry, a nursery, a laundry room...and it looks great in every single space.  

eight // this rug is one item i've been drooling over for quite some time.  it's an indoor/outdoor so it can handle high traffic and kiddos and the design is so striking.

nine // nothing can add sophistication to a space like some good lighting...especially when that lighting has a gold base and black shade. I can see it in an entry, living room, bedroom and office. Gorgeous.

9 Best Plug-In Sconces

I recently added some brass sconces to my second baby’s nursery design, and I can’t wait to get them up on her wall.  They will go on the same wall as the crib, flanking the artwork to be hung over the bed, and I think they'll add so much to that side of the room. 

Because I didn’t want to add one more thing to our growing nursery to do list (you’re welcome, Jon:) ), I opted for some a plug-in option.  In this case, the cord is clear and won’t be very visible on the white board and batten that we have on the lower half of the room.  After a few wall anchors and screws, they will be up and running!

Image via Sissy+Marley

But if for some reason they don't work out in the nursery, they can easily be moved to another room in the house—the office, the guest room, etc.  That’s another great thing about a plug-in option as opposed to a hardwired, they are much more movable down the road if you want to change things up.

Image via Lonny

I’ve long been a fan of sconces and think they always look so charming in a nursery or bedroom.  They offer a variant level of lighting in the room, aside from ceiling and table lamps, and they adorn the wall like pretty little earrings finishing off a beautiful outfit.

The kind I wanted to purchase from Pottery Barn is unfortunately now sold out (I was lucky enough to find a pair on eBay).  But if you have the desire to add some "earrings" to one of your rooms, here is a round-up of some more great options.  They are all in various styles and finishes to help you find just the look you’d want.

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I kept things pretty reasonable in the price category, with ranges from $45-170.  Not too bad for adding such a statement to a room!  

5 Versatile Pieces for Every Home

Furniture for a home can often times be a big expense.  There are definitely deals out there (thank you, Craigslist and estate sales), but sometimes you just need to invest in a good, solid piece that can live in your home for years.  It's even better when that piece can function well in many rooms in your home...especially if you're like me and like to change things up every now and then without making any new purchases.  

Here are a few items that can be used for years to come (and rooms to rearrange) in your home.  I know because I have them in my own home and have used them and moved them around for years!

1. WINGED CHAIR
These can be used in a small seating area, living room, dining room (as head chairs) or even as a desk chair.  This particular one is available at Ballard Designs in a wide variety of upholstery to fit any style.

2.  SETTEE
My husband and I purchased one of these when we first got married and picked out a new sofa.  It was an easy decision because it was on major sale but looking back, it would have been a great buy even if it wasn't.  We've used it at the foot of our bed in our first tiny master bedroom and now it sits on the wall next to the bed.  It's a great spot for reading, laying out an outfit and holding all of the decorative bed pillows at night.  Eventually, I might move it to the dining room for extra table seating or possibly even the entry.  I love versatility!  Make sure to choose one on the small side (like this one) for maximum use in different areas.

3. SMALL WOODEN STOOL
Mine in particular is a short (17") dark wood saddle stool that's been great in a small bath, pantry (as a stepping stool), side table in a seating area and a small end table for a low-lying sofa.  You don't have to go the saddle route, though.  Any small stool with a classic design will work.  I'm particularly loving this teak one sold at All Modern. It would be a showstopper in any room.

4. SHORT CHEST OF DRAWERS
Perfect for an entry table, storage in a living room, side table or hallway these guys are a great piece to have.  This one sold at Soft Surroundings has a great transitional style to fit many spaces.

5. TOPIARY
Okay, so obviously this last one isn't a piece of furniture BUT it's still a great buy that can be used throughout your home.  Topiaries instantly bring life to a space whether that space be a bathroom, kitchen, entry, mantel or bedroom.  They bring in texture, height and greenery--a must in every home.  Pick up one at your local nursery or buy one here at White Flower Farm.

So there you have it--five versatile pieces that can work in every home!  Do you have a favorite?

Until next time...

Vendor Spotlight: West Elm

It's no secret that we have a slight love affair with West Elm.  They are one of our go-to companies when looking for great elements to add to a room (especially for our E-Designs).  If you type "West Elm" in the search field in the right column you'll see several other posts about them as well.

So why do we love them?  We love their accessibility, quality product and fair price points.  They are also known for having a great relationship in their local communities, something most retailers can't say for themselves.  And not only that, but they also have amazing sales, a true perk for anyone keeping on a budget.  In fact, if you follow us on Facebook, you probably saw the deal we posted a couple of days ago about their Perfect Throw (currently on sale for $19).

One of my most favorite things is something they just recently added to their site-- the ability for customers to post photos of their products in REAL rooms.  Online shopping isn't always the most reliable when it comes to colors and proportions so this is a great tool for internet shoppers.  Well done, West Elm.

Now to show you a few of my current favorites:

View fullsize

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A few are new, a few are classics and some are even on sale at the moment!  

1.  A perfect way to bring in some color for fall and to keep you warm on cooler nights.  

2.  Do yourself a favor and click on this one to see the real life photos people posted of this.

3.  This is also offered in a black finish and MAKES any room it's in with a price tag of only $249!

4.  These industrial stools are so well done.  

5.  Do you want this one your desk as much as I do?  It's also offered in copper!  

6.  This rug is a classic and looks good in any space.  Honestly, I can't think of one room it won't work.

7.  I need this one too.  Love the sculptural elements.

8.  For $10 this towel is mine.  It's sitting in my shopping cart and will make a great addition to one of my guest baths.  Y'all know I have a thing for stripes.

9.  This bar cart is a great buy (currently on sale!) for all of you who love to entertain.  So glamorous!

Happy shopping and happy weekend (all three of us are headed to weddings...in three different states!)