Studio Smart

If I had a studio apartment, I would be all over this idea. I love how by just papering one wall you create the illusion of a separate space. The recessed lighting also helps with that. I think trying this with any similar space would yield a positive result, you could have your desk area encompassed or even a child's play table. Perfecto.

Nook it Up

I would love to have a space like this off of my kitchen. So cozy, perfect for kids and adults alike. It gives you the illusion of being out in a restaurant. I love those navy patterned pillows - such a nice punch to that aqua pillow top and the hydrangeas that pull it all together. The windows are lovely, fresh sunlight while you sip your tea first thing in the morning - sign me up.

Big Family? No problem

Isn't this table and dining area great? Not so much for the 5 and under crowd, with the white upholstery and all - but it would be a pleasure to host a dinner here with lots of friends or relatives. I'm thinking grilled chicken and vegetables, not red sauce. The dark wood floors are awesome, striking in contrast to the moulding and the simple artwork in the frames mimicking the table line is perfect..really pulls this big room together. I also love the recessed lighting, I wish I had it in every room in my house. Ahhh, to dream. And the fireplace, its not even on but imagine the coziness that brings to the table!

Feeling Crafty

Anthropologie never disappoints in their window displays. This fake tree made out of paper plates is no exception. I would have to guess it takes a fair amount of time to do this but what fun it would be to focus all your energy on this for a change? Be totally immersed in such a simple act that results in a beautiful centerpiece or decoration to cherish for years to come.

Here it is in their storefront, just magical in my opinion. Very much in the decorating mood today. I am going to poke around this afternoon in some of my favorite haunts (Pier 1, Pottery Barn, Home Goods) to pick up some cheer. Come Monday, this house will be ready for the season of joy.

Serenity Now

How cozy does THIS look? The first thing I noticed was that the headboard extends beyond the mattress to the end of the wall. Me likey. Makes you feel like you are immersed in snugness. The linear white on white prints on the wall mimic the headboard and bring home the overall definition. Third frame (middle frame?) - black pop of color is great, takes away any boredom from the repetition. Im a sucker for the color gray so of course this is right up my alley. And those velvet pillows, delicious!

Leopard Love

Let's start off by saying I do not need another ottoman. However, when my West Elm catalog came today I opened it up to this very item - love at first sight. I think it was destiny. It's not necessarily a leopard pattern, but its so close in the family, that for me - it was leopard love.

I think its fair to say that I keep waiting for animal prints to go out of style, but you know what, I am starting to think they never will. It started in the late 60s hippie movement and continues on today. Back a million years ago, kings and queens wore leopard print, it was considered exotic and a symbol of wealth. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Advice for the day people: Invest in animal prints.

IKEA to the rescue

As I am percolating ideas for my son's soon to be "big-boy" bedroom I was lucky enough to come across this adorable IKEA design. The first thing that caught my eye was the cloud light fixture on the ceiling as the one he has now should really be in grandma's house. Next was the built in dresser with the mini toad stools. How cute and functional is that? I can totally see my kids playing there and loving that zone. The glowing night lights are also on my radar, seems that the ones I have gotten are either too bright or too dull. These look just right. Now if I can only get my nerve up to make the trip to the zoo named IKEA I will be all set - since unfortunately for me none of it is available online. Boo!