Happy Halloween

How about a little 'happy' Halloween color inspiration for the big weekend ahead? This whimsical table setting may not scream Halloween, but this color combo is working for me with the hot pink thrown in with the traditional orange and black (or charcoal). I don't really get into the typical dark & scary Halloween decor, so this set-up would suit me just fine. And I LOVE the balloons, every party should have balloons this gi-normous!

ffffound

Blissful Bedroom

Marianne over at Haven & Home posted photos of this gorgeous (& eco friendly designed) bedroom from Traditional Home yesterday. I loved this room so much that I had to go out and buy the magazine last night just so I could study it in more detail. I love the accessibility of viewing images on the web, but there's nothing like having a real magazine that you can flip through and revisit time and time again. I LOVE magazines, and as my husband knows, I am very particular about them. I have to be the first one to flip through them and give them their first crease. I never purchase the magazine sitting in front on the news stand, I've always got dig back a few to find the "perfect" one. So you can imagine my displeasure last night when the overly pierced girl with a mohawk ringing me up at Target started flipping through my new purchase AND making fun of the "overly done" photos inside...I about had a coronary. I digress.

There are so many beautiful details in this bedroom, it's hard to take it all in at once. You can view the rest of the photos here.

The thing that stood out most to me was the gorgeous bedside table lamp. My mom and I just chose this exact lamp for her living room last week (although they changed the shade for this room).

This lamp by George Kovacs is pure gorgeousness, and now I'm seriously considering it for my bedroom:

As we were out searching for lamps, we realized that many of the ones we liked were by George Kovacs. Here are some other great lamps from his line:

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This last photo does not do the lamp justice at all, it's absolutely stunning in person. It's hard to tell, but the base has a clear acrylic center band with chrome on the top and bottom of it. It's killer.

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Traditional Home seems to be upping their game lately, or maybe I just never noticed it because I was scared off by the "traditional" part of the title. Lately I'm being drawn to more traditional rooms (with a twist of course). I'm afraid I'm going to have to add this title to my subscription list now. Are there any magazines that have surprised you lately? Do you freak out if someone "messes up" your magazine before you get to read it, or is it just me?

Hue

It seems like there are so many great design books coming out this season, but the one that I'm most excited about this one due out November 15th:

Here's a glimpse at what you'll find inside:

It looks like Hue is filled with LOTS of color and over the top design, and while I'm not sure how livable some of these spaces are, the images are certainly inspiring and can be viewed as works of art themselves. This book is sure to be adorning coffee tables and bookshelves everywhere (including mine).

Happy weekend

Today I'm loving the simplicity and calmness of this room...

The muted tones are perfect for the changing season and give a sense of fall without being over the top. With just the change of a few throw pillows and accessories, this room could easily transition from season to season by adding fresh punches of color here and there. I especially love the light fixture, it would look fantastic over a dining room table (ahem, my dining table). Have a great weekend!

Downtown Des Moines

Located in downtown Des Moines, West End Architectural Salvage is 4 floors of architectural & design bliss. They carry everything from antique furniture to vintage lights, hardware & building materials, architectural moldings, and stained glass. They also have a coffee shop on the main floor with plenty of seating where they host parties and other special events. I could have spent days looking through everything!

Also located downtown is the new John and Mary Pappajohn sculpture garden, which features 16 sculptures that were previously located in the Pappajohn's yard!

During my visit, my mom surprised my sister and I with tickets to the musical Wicked, which we absolutely loved. Iowa often gets stereotyped as being nothing but farmland, but as you can see, Des Moines is a very culturally diverse city that has an appreciation for the arts and a great sense of community. Design*Sponge recently posted a very comprehensive city guide to Des Moines which I definitely recommend checking out if you're wondering about the best shopping, eating, and entertainment in the city. Des Moines has all of the amenities of a larger city without the traffic and is a great place to raise a family. And although I'm partial, I think people from the midwest are some of the nicest people around.

A Taste of Fall

I'm back from my two week trip to Des Moines and easing back into reality after spending some much needed time with family, enjoying great food, and of course, shopping. It was quite winter-like throughout my visit, but I did get a taste of fall at the fabulous downtown farmer's market.

Des Moines does a great job with their planters, every street downtown is lined with gorgeous and unique arrangements. I particularly like the vegetable themed ones that are in the farmer's market area.

I had to show some corn, it is Iowa after all!

My mom & I all bundled up and clutching our Java Joe's coffee to keep warm

Awww...

Some very cool condos downtown, they were having an open house so we were able to tour one of the units

It was hard to photograph, but you can see from this photo (of my sister & mom) that it was a very modern space with exposed concrete beams & ductwork, open plan, & lots of natural light.

I'll be back later to share photos from the new sculpture garden in downtown Des Moines and an excellent architectural salvage shop we visited.

On Vacation

Did I mention I was going out of town? I am visiting my family in Iowa for the week, so posting will be slim to none for the remainder of my trip. I'm having a great time so far and even got to see snow over the weekend which is quite a change from the sunny Arizona weather that I left. I will be back to regular blogging on the 21st, so be sure to check back then for some new posts. Hope you have a great week!

Wow

Fantastic pendant lights from.......wait for it......

Capiz Shell Floral Pendant Light

Round Capiz Shell Chandlier

TARGET!!! Yes, really! {Available online only}

Pink done right

There's so much to love about this room:

1. The amazing fireplace

2. Multiple furniture arrangements without looking cluttered

3. The aqua shades on the sconces

4. Black accents mixed with pastel neutrals

5. GREAT natural light

***Spotted at Coco & Kelley, via Canadian House & Home

Lonny

So it's been all over blogland today, but I had to mention my excitement over the new online magazine Lonny which hit virtual shelves today. Created by Michelle Adams (former Domino employee & creator of the Rubie Green fabric line) and photographer Patrick Cline, the premier issue has over 174 pages of decorating tips & ideas! I know this is going to be a great source of inspiration for all of us design lovers and will hopefully fill the Domino-shaped hole in all of our hearts.

Here's a sampling of what you'll find in Lonny...

So go check it out ASAP! Another cool thing is that each page has product links that will take you directly to the vendor's website where you can view/purchase the items you like. How cool is that?

Etsy Love

Did I mention that I have two etsy shops? Like many interior designers, I have many creative interests. I love sewing, crafting, painting, needlepoint, and whatever else strikes my fancy at the moment. When I was younger and people would ask me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I always said that I wanted to make "stuff" and sell it. Well I guess I'm living the dream folks!

At L Studio, I sell handmade diaper bags, purses & baby accessories:

Cameron Bag

Lila Bag

Momma Carry All Bag

Cameron Bag

Diaper Tote Wristlet

Birdie Bib

I also have a love for bold, retro floral designs & cutesy figurines (mostly owls). At my other shop called junktrunk, I sell vintage decor items that I find while shopping antique shops, garage sales & estate sales. I love the thrill of the hunt, but don't always have a place in my home for what I find, so that's why I created this shop:

There is much more to see in my shops, so check 'em out! I also do custom orders for the diaper bags, purses, & accessories. There is a link to both L Studio and junktrunk on my sidebar for your convenience!