L.A. Home Idea.

I want to recreate this photo in my new home in Los Angeles. One, because I am drooling over the way the over the bed poofs (I don't know what to call them. Any suggestions?) create an unexpected canopy over part of the bed. Two, my headboard is a similar shape. Three, I think it would be inexpensive to DIY. And last but not least, the over the bed poofs would be soft if they fell on me in the middle of the night in an earthquake. Oh the design challenges I must think about now. 

Today I start my last quarter (11 weeks) at The Art Institute of Dallas, which means the reality of L.A. as home is quickly approaching. And, I might have found a possible place to live. (Why do I ever spend energy not trusting God?) Oh, I am starting to get giddy with excitement! Californiaaaaa here I come!

Dream Come True...

Anthropologie is opening a Decorator Concept in 12 of their stores! With this feature shoppers can browse textiles, rugs, curtains, wallpapers, and more, in person. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice about decorating and furnishings.

I think this might be a possible career for me (if the whole Set Decorating thing doesn't work out, or in the meantime, or in addition to). I mean have you seen my house? It looks like it threw up Anthropologie, and most of this was before I started Interior Design school. Haha, we don't actually study decorating in school though, but I would like to say my design eye in general has improved.

I mean my own home could totally be my portfolio, right? Riiight. 

All images and info about Anthro found via Decor8.

Gingham.

My most recent obsession has been gingham.

In fact, I wore this today.

And, I never really thought of using gingham in home decor until I saw these lovely interiors.

Now I am on the hunt for gingham sheets for my bed. 

All images found via Pinterest search "gingham".

Winter Break Home Improvement. Check!

You may remember that before my school break I blogged about all of the around the house projects I wanted to complete during my time off. Well, today at 8 a.m. I started back to school and just this afternoon finally checked off all the projects I decided to tackle over the past three weeks. Here is the fruit of my labor...

I learned to needlepoint! My mom was so sweet and patient to teach me and even gave me the canvas, needles, yarn, and idea of designing my own print. So, of course I chose chevron print and landed on coral and steel gray alternating stripes with gray velvet backing (I am making a pillow). It is taking me quite awhile to finish, but I enjoy having a hobby and can't wait to see it perched on my bed (hopefully) soon.

I made an ikat painting! It was probably the easiest project I have ever done. The frame I had was pretty large so I decided to use simple white and black paint on kraft paper and think I really like the finished product. 

Probably the second easiest project I have ever attempted was recreating the CB2 rug onto a small canvas. I must say, I love the way it turned out. 

The most time consuming and intensive project was the wall collage I created for my t.v. room. First, I went to St.Vincent and got 6 frames for $12. Then I headed over to City Craft for some fabric to fill some of the frames. Then it was home to nail, measure, rearrange, wait a few days, reevaluate, and finally finish. I am so pleased with the way it turned out and just wish I hadn't waited so long to get my creative juices going on this corner of my house. 

Before:

During:

After:

As an afterthought I really wanted to recreate this deer head to put in one of the empty frames, but could not find papier-mache deer anywhere. But today I did find this hook at Urban Outfitters for only $6! It is perfect because the front door to my house is warped due to foundation issues/cold weather, so I am forced to enter by the door directly into my room from the outside. And, since the key holder is by the front door I now find myself frequently scrambling for my keys and rushing out the door. 

And, I finished all of my projects and went to class today wearing this:

Too bad I will be sitting in my Presentation Techniques class tonight and won't be able to watch Auburn crush the Ducks from start to finish. War Cam Eagle! 

The Royal Tenenbaums.

I love all things that combine interior design/houses and movies/television. Therefore, naturally, I would love these illustrations by Maxim Dalton.

Don't you just want to spend the day on the couch with the Christmas tree lights on and have a Wes Anderson marathon after seeing these? Except, I would not recommend seeing Life Aquatic. It wasn't the best (and I went on kind of an awkward date to see that movie, so I might be a little biased). 

Winter Break Home Improvement.

Because projects and design are what I am constantly working on and thinking about for school my own home design projects get a little neglected. But, since I am about to embark on a 3 week break I have been inspired to do a few projects for Casa Bonita.

Needlepoint pillows like these:

Found at DecorPad

 

Jonathan Adler via Home Accents Today

 

From Retro Renovation

And, maybe if I am lucky my sweet and darling mother will teach me to needlepoint while I am in NC over the break. Hint Hint, Mel.

Paint the top of my dressing table/bed side table to look something like this:

Painted and Designed by KFD Designs

Recreate this somehow in my home. I am thinking on a little canvas on a stand, a gigantic painting framed, or on a floorcloth with polyurethane to go in front of my kitchen sink.

Thank you CB2 for your beauty of a rug.

I am asking for an electric drill from Santa and if he delivers I would love to find a place in my house to make this curtain rod:

Found via diyideas.com

Recreate a version of these wall collages in my tv room:

Featured on Apartment Therapy

Again, Apartment Therapy

From the blog Thrifty Stylish Home

And last, but certainly not least, add a little ikat to my life:

Once again, K.F.D.

Can you tell I am into retro/colorful/graphic prints with a preppy twist these days? Well, I think these projects should keep me busy enough. I can't wait to show y'all the finished project(s). I mean let's hope I finish more than one! In the meantime, I will be turning in two papers, taking a final, turning in a final project presentation, and rendering an elevation, floor plan, and perspective for the next few days. Pray for me, I need it. 

Do you Etsy?

Do you Etsy? Yes, it can be a verb. I love the idea of buying handmade items. First, it is encouraging to the craftsman and gives them a way to make a living. Second, handmade items tend to be so unique and one of a kind. Third, I love the story that usually accompanies something handmade. The Etsy headquarters (pictured above) are decorated and furnished totally with handmade items. Working there seems like it would be a place where each day I would leave inspired to hand make everything for my home. And, since I really want to be an Interior Designer who is also a crafts(wo)man (and works in the Art Department of film and television, duh) I am simply in awe of what people can make with their design eye and own two hands. Happy making!