Inspired~Design

Score!

2008-10-18T00:11:00.000-07:00

Well I hadn't gone to Goodwill for about a week. That is a long time for me! So today I couldn't take it any longer...I had to go. Man what a good day it was! I have scored many cool vintage items from vintage vinyl, Dansk enamelware, pyrex, to midcentury lamps, chairs, etc so I figured I would find the usual. But I happened to see a small case in the middle of Goodwill floor. I immediately went over to check it out. I clicked the case open and there was a beautiful baby blue Royal Portable Typewriter inside! Not only did it come in a prestine case, but it is in great condition with the original brochure and key - not to mention it works beautifully all for the bargin price of $9.99!!!

See my new find -

My Dearest Goodwill,

I love you.

Yours Truly,

Ryan

Cats for Obama!

2008-10-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

So I did it! I have made a kitty area for my dear cats. Because the election is right around the corner and we are a household of Democrats, I opted for that theme as of now...Cats for Obama!

It is the most ridiculous thing ever, but I love it!

Kitty Corner

2008-08-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

While looking for inspiration through other blogs, I came across a great idea...a kitty corner! I know I sound cheesy and like a crazy cat lady, but I love the idea of a decorated kitty eating area!
p.s. I am a crazy cat lady;)

Imgage from http://www.theselby.com/ of bill gentle and fanny bostrom's apt.
http://sfgirlbybay.blogspot.com/ of Kelly Niland's apt

There's a riot going on!

2008-08-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

Don't miss Riot on the Sunset Strip Film Festival at the Red Vic Movie House :: Thurs 8/28 through Sun 8/31!!

Style Finder ::

2008-08-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

Take the Style Finder Quiz at the MyDeco website and see what your style is. It is great because you are given a set of images that best describe the way you live your life, how you relax, colors and decor that appeals to you most. Once it is complete they recommend furniture and accessories that you might like. I took the quiz and they labeled my style as "Kitsch Chic." I kind of like that!

{ Kitsch Chic }

"You're a real magpie, always on the look-out for retro-style things that will add happiness and personality to your home. You love to mix old and new to create an interior design cocktail that's easy, fun and whimsical."

Take the quiz here...have fun!

My New Couch!

2008-08-12T10:44:00.001-07:00

I received my couch and I am totally happy with it. I finally have an adult, modern looking couch. I have been diligently spraying the arms and sides with "Scratch Not," a chemical free spray that cats hate! The ingredients are water, lemon and eucalyptus oil , so I am ok with using it. So far so good. Well, Mimi (Persian) scratched it three times - all occurred the second, third day I got it - of course!

Anyways, it really looks great, however now I hate my rug! It looks like blah beige. I have tried to add color with the vintage yellow cart and my Goodwill crochet pillow, but I know it is not enough. I am going to purchase a cover for the cream pillow you see under the yellow crochet one. It is from the old couch and I have not had a chance to look for a neat COLORFUL cover.

Here are some other views of my den, so if you have any ideas on a rug....please let me know:) I really don't want to replace my curtains, as I just got them - they are a blue with chocolate brown and white embroidered stripes. I also don't want to paint the walls since I am in a rental and don't want to repaint.

(Ignore the empty frame - I am ordering art to go in it;)

So now onto another search- the perfect rug for my perfect couch:)

DWR Warehouse Sale - SF

2008-08-07T13:05:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to stop by the Design Within Reach Warehouse sale which is happening today through Sunday at Fort Mason.

The Other Shop

2008-07-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

My favorite vintage shop in SF is The Other Shop located in the NOPA neighborhood (on Divisadero and Page). I go at least once every two weeks or so. You can find vintage furniture, artwork, vinyl, globes, Arabia enamel, Pyrex, a number of teak trays, vintage coffee mugs, barware, (just to name a few:)

So make sure you check it out if you have not already. It is a fun store and the prices are reasonable.

Here are just a few - out of many - purchases from The Other Shop:

Happy time doing.....laundry?

2008-07-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

I decided to get some laundry done on my break from work, so I wouldn't have to spend hours this weekend. Anyway, I brought my "warm -right out of the dryer" clothes and threw them on the bed to begin hanging and folding everything. I went to the closet to grab some hangers and I came back to this...I love my guys!

Have a great weekend :)

Corkboard alternative

2008-07-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

I am going to update the corkboard I have in my office and found a great idea. Right now I have the standard size rectangle corkboard with wine corks glued in a pattern (kind of dated) and quite frankly...ugly. I really like the idea of covering the cork surface with fabric, but especially love the idea of using embroidery rings.

I plan on going to ikea this weekend an will look at the textiles to see if they have anything that I could use...how exciting a new project! :)

Cheers~

Office art

2008-07-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

Last night I was in my office -it's a closet-and noticed an area just below the shelves that would be a perfect place to hang some photos or art. So I took some white paper clips and a thumb tack and used them as the device to hang up some inspiring art. I got this idea a while back from an apartment therapy post, but never implemented it until last night. I kind of like the minimal look. The prints were actually found on flickr and I printed them out on thick paper. This will be great because when I get tired of looking at them it will be super easy to change :)

Inspired spaces

2008-07-23T13:06:00.001-07:00

These are a few inspiring ideas from others that I am going to try to create in my own space.

I love the idea of the indoor garden for those of us not lucky enough to have an outdoor space. Having so many plants in one tray creates a more charming effect than say just one or two plants. It is also a great use of an old desk or table and small area of a room.

I really love these yellow chairs! I like the idea of mixing the hard,cold look of the chair with the warmth of the wood table. I saw these Leaf chairs by Lievore Altherr Molina for Arper off Bloesem's Blog via Elle Decor blog. I know they cost a fortune but I am hoping for a miracle that I can find something similar at the Alameda flea market for a reasonable price. I actually spotted a pair of Bertoia chairs at one of my favorite local stores The Apartment, but they had just been sold. I guess timing is everything!

One of my favorite blogs is by Nicole Balch called Making it Lovely. Her home was also featured in apartment therapy's house tour. I love the combination of yellows, browns, oranges, the bold pattern on the rug and the picture above the couch. It is actually a quilt by Dream of Stars. I ordered this couch from Room and Board- his name is Jasper. It won't arrive in their warehouse until the 29th which means I probably won't get in until the first week in August. I am very anxious to get it (hopefully it will fit through the door in my den...I am kind of nervous about that)

I plan on posting some of the results of my inspired ideas, but not until I get my Jasper:).... So stay tuned! Cheers~

Let there be light...

2008-07-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

I finally broke down and bought a lamp for my bedside table. I have been updating my bedroom decor and was desperately in need of a more modern or I should say updated lamp. So gone are the days of beaded lamp shades - makes me nauseous - and hello to a sleek new look. I purchased the lamp at urban outfitters. I know that they are not know for quality pieces, but after looking at the lamp in person it seems pretty good for the price - less than $40 (for the base). So on to the next project / update...
:: purchase at urbanoutfitters >>>

Homemade Sugar Scrub

2008-07-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

Today the weather was cloudy and cold. So instead of heading outdoors I chose to stay in and relax. (Well after I painted my bathroom cabinet) I decided to make some homemade bath scrub. You can find the exact recipe here. However, I revised it a bit because 1) my container was smaller and 2)I didn't wan't to use olive oil as it smelled too strong for me.

My sugar scrub recipe ::

1/8 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of lavender oil - (I used Trader Joe's Lavender Body Oil)
A few drops of Vitamin E oil

I tested it out on my hands and man they are super soft!

Renegade Craft Fair - SF

2008-07-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

So I spent quite a long time and too much money at the Craft Fair Saturday with my best friend. The Renegade Craft Fair was at Fort Mason Pavilion on Sat 7/12 and Sun 7/13. There were over 150 vendors that were selling their handmade goods:: stationery, jewelry, prints, tees, dresses, pillows, etc. I actually went back on Sunday, but only for a short while to pick up a few more prints. Check out some of my purchases! Now I have to get frames for all of these prints!

Brighten up your Bath

2008-07-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

Apartment living only allows certain types of changes that can be made - like painting (for some). So while I like to have a white bathroom, I don't really want the entire thing to be B-O-R-I-N-G. I found some cool accessories that would really give some much needed color in my white bath ... Check them out~

Rug from urbanoutfitters / shower curtain from potterybarn / VOTE & TURTLE soaps from uncommon goods / Mirror by crate and barrel

Affordable Art!

2008-05-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

Looking around my apartment at some of the empty walls makes me wish I had more art to display. What is a girl to do? Being one that cannot afford pricey art pieces, I look to local artists or artists online for affordable prints. Another creative and affordable tip is to make art with you have. So you have some vintage scarves, playing cards, comic books, gameboards or plates? Hang 'em up! Here are a few of my favorites that are either homemade or by artists that are priced right and will give those blank walls some personality.

Purchase the above prints at http://goodshapedesign.com/
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Vintage Board games displayed ::

http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/wallpaper-graphics/look-vintage-board-game-display-042271
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Annie Galvin's version of the "49-Mile Scenic Drive"
http://3fishstudios.com/live/shop/gallery/1198

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Breakable Art!

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/04/sneak-peek-lisa-congdons-kitchen.html

Bold, Bright & Beautiful

2008-05-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

I have noticed the growing trend of bold and bright patterns on my recent visits to different design blogs, online shops and stores around the city. I have even incorporated some into my own living space! I love the way I have seen others layer different colors and patterns....Have a look at some of my faves!

Credit to the following: http://goodshapedesign.com/ - jonathanadler.com - designspongeonline.com ~ sneak peeks - westelm.com - costplus.com - www.ebay.com - Therapy SF - humane society for my beautiful sweetsy!

They don't make 'em like they used to...

2008-05-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

Ahhh 50's oppulence ::
Take a look at these vintage ads and signs from the late 50's...

Bunnies and chicks and eggs..oh my!

2008-03-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

I live in the springtime...

2008-03-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

Spring is right around the corner! Bring the outside in with these fun springtime housewares and accessories ~

All items can be found on etsy.com ~ happy shopping!

...And it was alright.

2008-03-14T15:16:00.001-07:00

Music is part of my day from morning until night. I am pretty picky though...I don't really like anything new these days (with the exception of a few bands.) I have incorporated my love for music and my boyfriend's vinyl collection into our decor.

You have seen these frames everywhere. Mine are from Urban Outfitters. These are great as you can rotate your favorite covers and voila! - You have changed the feeling of the space. We probably change ours every few months or so...

Fun...Fun...Fun!

Other Music inspired decor throughout my apartment...

...I can hear music...sweet, sweet music...

Fun eBay Finds!

2008-03-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

So I am ebay crazy these days, as many others are I am sure! You can find pretty much everything you want and things you didn't even know existed. Listed below are some of my ebay finds ~some I have won - and some I want!!

~ My addiction continues....

2008-03-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

I have recently been compelled to display and write about what is inspiring to me - many of which is here in San Francisco. From the architecture, cafes, signs, people around town to art, music, nature and other sf design bloggers. Enjoy!