9 By Design

So I know it's already 2 episodes in, but I have to mention my love for 9 By Design. My husband and I sat down to watch it, and we both love it! We love Cortney and Robert and their 7 ADORABLE kids! Having a kid (and another on the way) we really admire laid back parents who just love life and find the joy in kids. Not to mention their amazing design aesthetic and desire to find original and unique items to outfit their homes.

And is it just me, or did any of you not realize that they wrote Downtown Chic? I've been flipping through it's pages when I'm out and dying to buy it but just haven't gotten around to it....it's definitely next on my list now!

Welcome Pin Cushion Princess

My good friend Jen owns her own company, Pin Cushion Princess. She is a talented seamstress and crafter, and her work has been featured on many blogs and even in Weddings magazine. I am thrilled to announce that she is my first sponsor!

To introduce you all to her work, I have included a few pictures of her creatures and had her answer a few questions for me. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop too!!

What got you into sewing? Did you take any formal classes?

I just always wanted new and cute things for my home, and on a tight budget I figured I could make those things I wanted. I did not take any classes. My husband bought me a sewing machine and I taught myself. I did learn lots of fun good tricks from friends though.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by fabric. I know that sounds dorky, but I could spend hours in a fabric store thinking of things to make. I also get inspired by antiques. I love going to estate sales, antique shops and garage sales.

Any tips for those without the talent to sew in staying creative?

Make whatever inspires you. If it makes you happy, then it is worth it.

What is your favorite thing about what you do?

Seeing people smile and get excited about the things I make.

Last but not least, what is your favorite home your house?

I love my upstairs loft. It is where my family likes to hang out and where I sew.

I can tell you that Jen has great taste and is super talented at what she does. She is constantly doing new fun things to her home, so it's always fun to go over and see what project she's working on. Be sure to check out her website and etsy shop.

Eames

I can't wait for this beauty to arrive

I have long been a lover of all things Eames, but not necessarily the price tag that comes with it. I love the whimsical yet simple and modern style. Caitlin over at caitlincreer.com found an Eames rocker chair knockoff for an affordable $100! I have wanted this chair, or something like it, for over a year now so I jumped at the opportunity! I am all for supporting the original designer, but with business school debt looming in our near future, I think I'm justified in getting the knockoff.

It is a smaller size (as is most modern and European inspired furniture) so I'm still deciding where to put it once it comes...next to the couch for extra seating, a reading nook, or in the nursery? So for now, here are some inspiring photos:

images via google image, stylecarrott, and fourwallsandaroof

Where would you put it in your home?

Hawaiian Influence

In honor of a recent family to Hawaii, I was inspired to share with you my idea of a perfect Hawaiian Home.

First of all, it would be a one story open-air home (right on the beach of course). High ceilings, a neutral color palette with salmon/coral accents, lots of teak and bamboo, and white linen drapery. Furniture and decor accents would be a mixture of modern, simple lines and asian influences. My old job at Hillsdale Home specializes in selling chinese, indian, and indonesian antiques such as buddah heads, carved wood panels, and other asian casegoods and artifacts.

Trying to find inspiring images of what I am talking about is really difficult! So here's what I've been able to round up. Enjoy!

The key to the house: a wall that opens up either entirely or via large doors/shutters

not quite my vision (imagine dark floors, dark furniture, and a low-to-the-ground bed)...but you get the picture of the yummy white linen drapes and airy bedding!

photo via desiretoinspire

Your own Swiss Family Robinson!

Ways to display your kids' artwork

As a mother of a toddler, and another on its way, I hate throwing away my child's artwork so I end up saving it in a folder. I also try to think of creative ways to display it (besides the old adage of taping it to the refrigerator). Here are two things I've come up with:

framing the art

(2 frames for $1 at ikea!)

Scored these giant paperclips from Homegoods and just added picture hooks on the back

Here's a few more for inspiration.

Great for more than one kid, or large wall space to spare.

I personally think the book is a great idea someday, once he's older and I can pick a few favorites from each year of childhood.

The scanned artwork rearranged onto one page allows for lots of pictures taking up little space.

East Coast Charm meets CA coll

In the latest issue of Traditional Home, there is a feature on a beautiful Redondo Beach, CA home. To me, especially from the outside, it is a perfect blend of the East Coast charm (which I miss terribly here in Southern CA) with the California beach climate. Classic elegance meets easy living with linen fabric, simple decorating, and a neutral color palette.

Mix-matching paints and woods keeps it casual: love the white kitchen cabinets with pale blue island and black table. And of course the Circa Lighting industrial pendant lamp is a fave!

Nice open spaces and square dining table allows for a casual feel and easy conversation.

Round Up: Laundry Rooms

While blog hopping on vacation in Hawaii (inspiration from that to come....) I came across this laundry room photo on 6th Street Design School. I love everything about it- the sand color, the laundry definition (and font to match websters dictionary) and the industrial light hanging from the ceiling. The room itself is a serene getaway from the eclectic mix of styles and prints throughout the rest of the house.

Here are a few other great laundry rooms to inspire you:

from furnishisms.com

from House to Home

from birdhouseinteriors