bathroom makeover

The most major undertaking we've had with our new house was renovating the upstairs bathroom. The previous owner had put in a handicap shower so it didn't really have a functional bath and shower for our situation. 

Here is what it looked like before:

Here is what it looked like during the renovation:

Here is what it looks like now:

It's come a long way and I'm thrilled with the transformation. 

Our vanity was just installed and now we're just 

waiting on countertops and the finishing touches.

I can't wait to have a finished space to share with you. 

The Faded Awning Collection

One of my favorite things about visiting home boutiques is often meeting the shop owners. 

They always seem to have interesting stories and love to talk about furniture as much as I do. 

On my trip to California, I was lucky enough to stumble upon a brand new store where I met the darling Cathy Allen. As it turns out, I popped in on the first day the shop opened it's doors so of course Cathy was chatty and excited. What a treat! Cathy was truly a kindred spirit and I could have talked to her all day about her flea market treats up and down the California coast. 

The Faded Awning Collection is located at 7464 Girard Avenue in La Jolla, right across the street from The Girard Avenue Collection and Etceteras so if you plan a visit, you get three wonderful stores all in a row! Cathy's store is a treasure trove of one of a kind antiques and accessories and anything you could ever want to create the perfect coastal retreat. I spent at least an hour just wandering and looking until my husband came back and sweetly told me it was time to leave.

Take a look for yourself:

on the table

I know it is totally unreasonable to have a dining table that looks like this, but boy do I love all that styling! Wouldn't it be grand to spend a whole afternoon just flipping through those wonderful books? For more of this lovely studio apartment of Bill Brockschmidt (I'm enamored with his whole portfolio) visit New York Social Diary. 

dramatic details

I was working on this bedroom all the way back in January. 

We went with a dramatic steely grey color, Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain. 

The three things that make the room are the grey version of this bench from Target, 

this upgraded chair, and those fabulous knobs we got on clearance at Anthropologie. 

chic chevron

I'm loving these funky chevron pillows from PB teen. 

Just the right amount of pow to perk up any room. 

I just wish they came in more color options. 

creative kids

I know all you mothers out there are always looking for ways to creatively display your children's art.  

I wanted to share with you a great solution courtesy of my client Allison. 

If you are looking for ideas of how to store your jewelry, Allison is definitely your girl! 

Her 2 boys share a darling room and come home from school with piles of artwork and papers every day. 

Allison wanted to find a fun way to highlight these items on the cheap and simple. 

Of course, Ikea came to the rescue with these simple Deka clips.  

For only $4.99 that is better than any bulletin board! 

I'm thinking of using this in my office to store inspiration photos. 

Love the idea! Happy Weekend! 

quatrefoil mirror

With everything that has been going on with our new house, I've been spending a lot time at Home Depot and Lowes. One of many things that has recently caught my eye is this wonderful Quatrefoil mirror. High style at a Lowe's price, what is better than that? 

image via Coco + Kelley

thou shalt not covet

One of my clients just ordered up one of these lovely chairs.  

All I can say is I think I will be visiting often. 

I've said it once and I'll say it again, there is nothing like a chair that knocks your socks off. 

Spots to Shop-H.D. Buttercup

I've been wanting to visit H.D. Buttercup for as long as I can remember.

 Let me tell you it did not disappoint! It also happens to be a favorite haunt of our pal Thom. 

I walked out of that store so inspired I could have decorated the sidewalk in front of it. 

There is nothing like visiting an impeccably styled furniture store and wishing you could buy everything 

right off the floor and take it home with you. Here are just a few of the lovely sights I laid eyes on:

This chair was love at first sight! 

Look at this wonderful settee upholstered in one of my favorite fabrics