Kitchen Update

I know I have been away for a while, but I have an exciting post today. 

Who wants to see my house and how I have decorated it thus far? 

Throughout the rest of this month and through June, I will post different rooms of the house, how I decorated each, where you can find the products pictured, and where the inspiration stemmed from. 

Today, let's start with the kitchen. 

I have a few baja blankets, but this one is my favorite. I placed it in the kitchen because the rest of my decor is cafe/bistro inspired and this adds an unexpected pop of color and a whole different laid-back vibe, and it fits perfectly in the spot between the cabinets and fridge.

You can find baja blankets here, here, and here.

Okay, moving on...remember that bistro vibe I mentioned? These fat chef salt & pepper shakers from Kirkland's are a prime example of the kitchen style I was aiming for.

Chef Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

Supercharge Your Immune System

5-Ingredient Cookbook-Similar

101 blender drinks- Came with my Vitamix, Vitamix-here

Most Requested Recipes

Subway Art-Target

If you follow this blog, you will recognize those red flowers and the geometric design rug above from my previous home. If you've never seen either and want links to similar items, check it out below:

Rug [Similar]

Flowers [Similar]

Continuing with the fat chef vibe, I chose this picture from Wal-Mart (believe it or not)! [Similar]

To give you an idea what cabinets I am working with and how everything is actually set up.

Right off the kitchen is a small cement area and a backyard that wraps around to the front of the house. And as you can see, a glass door separates the kitchen and yard. Chairs-[similar]

Unfortunately I do not have many pictures of the living room because it is still in the process of coming together just the way I want, but here is a little sneak peak of the rug and fireplace! 

More details on where to snag one just like this to come in the "Living Room"post.

How do you think the kitchen is coming together? I like it so far, but there is still so much more that needs to be done, which is going to be really hard this Summer while working full-time. If you have any suggestions on fat chef or bistro themed decor at a reasonable price, feel free to comment below!

Other rooms in my house coming soon!

Industrial Chic Apartment

Wire baskets, cage lights, stainless steel, and exposed hardware are all aspects you might find in an industrial chic apartment. What does industrial chic mean? Generally, industrial interior design style incorporates art & engineering, but also includes vintage items used in industry reinvented in a new and modern way. And I use the term "chic" a lot on this blog and have never truly defined it. When I say something is chic it is usually classy or glamorous looking (just for future reference).

Now we know the meaning, lets check out what it looks like:

First, lets discuss wire baskets. I never found wire baskets appealing until I started watching flea market flip, you that tv show on HGTV? Well, on the show they find all kinds of ways to repurpose normal everyday flea market items, which is fascinating to watch, and sometimes feature wire baskets. Wire baskets can obviously be used for storage, but what are some other uses for a wire basket? Well, for one you could make an industrial planter out of one, or maybe turn one on its side to act as an industrial wine holder. See what I mean below:

Industrial Wine Cellar by North Vancouver Design-Build Firms Beyond Beige Interior Design Inc.

When I mentioned cage lights, I know most of you were like what the heck is this woman about to show me, but don't judge before you see. Typical cage lights look like:

Industrial Spaces by Other Metro Furniture & Accessories Decor Steals

this, but some light fixtures mimic vintage stage lights from old hollywood movies, like the image below

Industrial Dining Room by Point Pleasant Beach Architects & Designers Richard Bubnowski Design LLC

My favorite aspect of industrial interior design is exposed hardware. What? Why would you want your hardware to show? Check out the image below and let me know in the comments if exposed hardware is a 'must' or a 'miss' for you. The first place I really took notice to exposed hardware or the look of it was in the IKEA Atlanta store. If you've ever been in an Ikea (this was my first time) you know how they have all the products set up on the showroom floors, well the STOLMEN open concept closet pieces stole my attention immediately. The poles for the unit look like painted electrical piping and the shoe holders have an industrial step look to them, both of which are examples of industrial design elements.

Okay, now for INDUSTRIAL CHIC

To make an industrial apartment feel less dark and masculine, try adding a few chic or glamorous pieces. For example: The perfect way to add glamour to an industrial styled apartment is a chandelier. 

Check out what I mean below...

Contemporary Kitchen by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Jeffers Design Group

Eclectic Kitchen by Kansas City Interior Designers & Decorators Debbie Dusenberry, aka CuriousSofa.com

Industrial Living Room by Chicago Architects & Designers jamesthomas, LLC

What is your favorite aspect of industrial interior design? 
Tell me in the comments!

Yard Sale Find

At first glance this looks like a sign you hang in a kitchen or bar, but it is so much more. See the circles at the bottom of the wine glasses? Well beside the circles are two hook-like things that hold real wine glasses and the large circle in the middle is for a wine bottle. How awesome?!

The best part is it was only $5 at a yard sale! Can you say steal? I absolutely cannot wait to hang it on the kitchen wall of the house that we are moving into in a couple weeks (just signed the lease today)!

You can find some intriguing things at yard sales if you really look, but plan on going to yard sales early because like my grandmother always said, "All the good stuff is gone by 9." 

What is the best thing you ever found at a Yard Sale? Tell me in the comments!

Gallery Wall Print

I blogged about gallery walls when I first started this blog and unfortunately have not been able to construct a gallery wall for my tiny apartment. I have, however, acquired a few fabulous prints for when I move into a place with the perfect spot for a gallery wall. I purchased both prints from Etsy (two different sellers) and am super pleased with each one. I mentioned the first print here on Bows and Moccasins (my fashion & beauty blog), but have since purchased another.

This post is dedicated to the spontaneous purchase of the Little Things Print from Charm And Gumption. I say spontaneous because I hadn't planned to buy another print for the nonexistent gallery wall, but I was captivated by the saying featuring all the simple joys of life and it mentions polka dots & Vogue, therefore I could not turn away. You can order many colors of the print, but I chose gold because I plan to decorate with gold accents in the next place.
Forewarning: You can't tell the letters are gold in the pictures because the horrible lighting from the lamp. Also note that the print is still in the plastic sleeve and not yet framed so it won't get crushed in the move.

   Now I need the mug to complete my collection.

Don't forget to check out Charm And Gumption on Etsy for this fabulous print or click here.

Stop by Monday when I blog about my awesome Garage Sale find! 

 Have a wonderful weekend!

Wayfair Finds

If you are unfamiliar with Wayfair, it is a members only home site that sells every aspect of home decor you can imagine. The products are unique yet functional. Members only sites usually require one thing: your email so suck it up and type it in the little box to browse the site!

The first thing I notice when logging on is the top pages with descriptions like "Desks, Home, Office furniture, storage & filing; which all are good but the one that catches my eye the most is "Sales" so naturally, I dive in head first. I am currently looking for interior design deals and this is what I found:

#1: Tyler Leather Bench- Normally I stand clear of leather furniture because my large dog/horse loves to poke her needle like claws into the couch, but this bench alternative might work for me. Plus, its original price is $309 and it is on sale for $187

#2: Hallmar Arched Headboard- Although the price point is higher than I want to spend, my guest bedroom desperately needs a headboard (and a mattress) and I really love this one. I know I have seen a tutorial on how to make these so if you know the link, please let me know.

#3: Mini Chalkboards (Set of 3)- These chalkboards would be extremely handy in multiple rooms, which is convenient seeing as they come in packs of 3. Place one on the refrigerator for recipes, reminders, notes, chores list, or shopping list. Hang one in the office room for reminders and important concepts. Place another at the entryway with an inspirational quote for everyone to see.

#4: Techni Mobili Gray Space Saving Computer Desk- Correct me if I am wrong but could you not use this desk cart as an alternative Bar Cart?! I think I might purchase it and spray paint it metallic gold. Above the cart I plan to hang a wrought iron BAR sign that I found at a Yard Sale for $5.

#5: Bass Projector Table Lamp- I am unsure if it would be useful as a lamp because the light doesn't look too bright and I need a super bright light to concentrate and be productive, but it is certainly a conversation piece.

#6: InRoom Designs Standing Mirror- Coming in at just under $92, this free standing mirror would look perfect in any bedroom. I like how adjustable it is too. If I was looking for a mirror, this would be a definite option.

#7: Seaside Nautical Sailboat Decor- If you have a nautical-themed room, you need this sailboat. It almost tempts me to decorate with a nautical theme in an unexpected place like the kitchen & dinette.

#8: St. Croix Kindwer Aluminum Letter- This may seem like an odd thing to put in a blog post, but these aluminum letters are usually extremely overpriced and this one is under $22. I favorited this item and will probably purchase in the future. I think an & and a # symbol would look good in a hallway or maybe in the office.

#9: Intersecting Wall Shelf- I LOVE THIS SHELF IN WHITE, that is all. Oh, and the best part is the price is under $33. Does it get any better?

#10: Home Loft Concept DVD Multimedia Cabinet- For all the wives, girlfriends, sisters, or mothers of extreme gamers or DVD collectors, this cabinet is the answer to unorganized game/dvd cases scattered around the room. I love that once the games are up, they are officially out of sight.

Be sure to check out Wayfair.com for all your home decor/renovation needs. 

Which is your favorite piece? Comment below!

Southwest Spin

One of my favorite interior decorating styles is what I like to call a spin of southwest. In fact, my ideal location 
(right after a beach house in Malibu)
 is an abode in the hot & dry desert. Everything about southwest interior decorating style appeals to me: cowhide rugs, antler lamps, aztec prints, baja blankets, and the overall free-spirited feeling. 

Check it out:

Rustic Family Room by Bozeman Architects & Designers Pearson Design Group

This photo leaves me yearning to lay beside that beautiful massive stone fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate  and marshmallows while wearing a kimono, fringe booties, and a Free People hat. Not to mention, the textures and patterns are cohesive which makes me very happy.

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Eclectic Dining Room by Dc Metro Photographers Nicole Crowder Photography

Are we sensing a skull theme here, and on a chalkboard nonetheless; talk about innovation. Also, can we lust over the the tapestry like design on the rug together? I love love love the black fringe on the ends-perfect touch to an already fabulous rug. There is no telling how much it cost, but who's counting? I'm not too crazy about the light fixture but it does match the tan on the skull, and again matching makes me happy.

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Modern Entry by Kansas City Design-Build Firms Hufft Projects

From the skull with horns to the tapestry rug and eye-catching light fixtures, I want to see more.

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SOUTHWESTERN PRODUCTS TO BUY:

The look is nice but have you researched cow or bull skulls to hang on the wall? Well they don't run cheap. Thanks to Walls Need Love, you can opt for an inexpensive decal and there is no hole in the wall when you move, which is extremely important in apartments. Win, win.

 

Contemporary Decals by Nashville Paint & Wall Coverings WallsNeedLove

San Xavier Mission, Arizona

Contemporary Originals And Limited Editions

 

Cow Skull Lights by Garland Lighting 1000Bulbs.com

Not much to say other than how fast is shipping? I need these in my apartment ASAP!


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Did this post inspire you to add a spin of southwest to your apartment?

Bathroom Talk

A bathroom is a place where we get ready for the day, the place where we sometimes plant unpleasant business, and the place where we wash off the dirt of yesterday. Some bathrooms are small and outdated, like mine, while some are downright luxurious.

Traditional Bathroom by Thousand Oaks General Contractors

What I really love about this bathroom is the gold mirror with the black sink and grey speckled walls; the contrast is perfect. The light fixture is stunning as well.

Rustic Bathroom by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Fiorella Design

The file cabinet turned sink and vanity is genius and inspires me to look for an old file cabinet desk. How about you?

Tropical Bathroom by Kailua Kona General Contractors GM Construction, Inc.

Is this a tropical island or actually someone’s bathroom? Your guess is as good as mine, but it sure looks amazing.

Unknown Source

This picture proves any bathroom can look luxurious with the right fixtures. For example: This bathroom has a bold mirror, which accentuates the height of the room and smaller gold mirrors give it a luxurious and vintage feel versus the basic vibe that a single medicine cabinet mirror creates. This bathroom even has curtains and a footstool/bench. Does your bathroom have curtains, a chandelier, and a footstool/bench? Mine unfortunately does not.

Rope Lighting

I feel like I need this rope lighting in my bathroom for the same reason the kiddies do, fear of darkness. I would prefer to have every light on in the house than for it to ever, in a million years, be completely dark. These lights would also help the problem of toe stubbing in the middle of the night, but would not be good for doing make-up so I would advise adding a BRIGHT vanity light in addition to these for that purpose.

Okay, so the lesson taught here is look for an old file cabinet to up-cycle, rope lights, and luxurious fixtures. Not quite, but really bathrooms come in all sizes and styles. Yours might not be as calming and visually appealing as mentioned above, but you can always do something to improve it. Whether it is something simple as adding a new rug, or something a little more complicated like replacing a fixture or lighting, you can always do something.

What did you gather from this post? Which bathroom looked like a place that you'd like to rest your bum? 

Tell me in the comments!    

NEW at H&M Home

H&M home brings a positive message with some new items like this pillow.

Other "Choose Happiness" items include: 
Tea towel, Apron, Sponge Cloth, and Napkins

Here are a few of my favorite items in the New Arrivals section of H&M home.

Life Is Good doormat

Elephant Pillowcase

B&W Striped Hamper

Tree Shower Curtain

Ikat Duvet Cover Set 

Another thing I noticed in the new arrivals for Spring is the recent integration of animals, patterns, and vintage inspired items; I am absolutely loving it. Are you? 

Take a look at some of my fave animal inspired items.

Raccoon with Glasses Mug

Zebra Print Cotton Rug

Giraffe Sponge Cloth

Cool Cat Pillow

Lion Guest Towels

Butterfly Shower Curtain

To be honest when I first found out h&m was carrying things for the home, I was skeptical, but I adore the Spring collection. Do you? What is your favorite part about it? Discuss in the comments!

Want an overview of some clothing items from H&M's recent catalog? Head over to Bows and Moccasins to find out, but I'll give you a hint: corporate.

Enjoy the rest of your week, readers! We'll chat again soon.

My EXPEDIT

I had some free time this weekend and cleaned out millions of magazines and books that I have been hoarding since middle school…yes, middle school. (Embarrassing I know). In the midst of cleaning, I came across some special books that I will soon need to have access to everyday (when I start my internship)…like the Law dictionary and my legal research and writing textbook with loads of notes scribbled in it. BUT I had to display these books in a decorative way, of course! Luckily, I had researched bookshelf styling for my previous post and had some ideas. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Roses were purchased from Hobby Lobby. Yes, I leave them up all year not just for Valentine’s Day

Sidenote: I scored this vintage Polaroid camera at a new thrift shop and have been searching for a place to display it. I tried in my room, on top of the cable box, but it looked plain and out of place; it's perfect here.

The red clock is from the wonderful Hobby Lobby which is notorious for discounts.

The mini globe was purchased from One King’s Lane a few years ago. It came in a pack of 3 for $25.

How do you style your bookshelves? This bookshelf can be purchased from IKEA by clicking here.

Have a lovely Wednesday readers!

Styling Bookshelves

Are there special tricks to styling bookshelves to look like orderly chaos? You’re thinking, uniform orderly chaos; is that an oxymoron? The answer is yes, but orderly chaos means the items on the bookshelves are simply placed to look effortless yet orderly. 

As a whole, the mess looks chaotic, but orderly. See what I mean?

The wall to wall bookshelves are a genius plan to maximize space while storing tons of books!

House and Home

Apartment Therapy

Apartment Therapy

Which is your favorite example of bookshelf styling?

Bohemian Bungalow

There is something charming about a home that looks like it has actually been lived in and no other way to create that warm, fuzzy feeling than an apartment full of vintage, repurposed (and re-loved) items. One particular style of vintage decor that is extremely appealing to me is bohemian. Bohemian style is all about the mix; mix of patterns, textures, vibes, and colors. There is no set of rules when it comes to bohemian style. The only rule is to express yourself. Bohemians were optimistic people who believed in being different and expressing themselves through art. The word bohemian has roots from the hippie era but has acquired a spot in today’s world of fashion and home decor. When researched, some synonyms of the word ‘bohemian’ include: nonconformist, free spirit, unorthodox, offbeat…etc.

Bohemian decor is taking something conventional (like a chevron comforter) and adding your own twist and personality to it. The beauty of bohemian decorating is the sky is the limit. You like that Turkish rug? Add it. A regular person might argue that a Turkish rug and a chevron comforter do not match. A bohemian knows the two don’t match, but doesn’t care. A true bohemian loves each individual piece in their home and most likely has a story to tell about acquiring it. Bohemian decor defines what design is really about-loving each aspect of your creation. In this case, the creation is your home and you are the artist.

Take a look at one of my favorite bohemian decorated apartments: Houzz. The mix is evident in this photo with a rattan basket and Moroccan prints along side a metallic floor pouf, but everything somehow looks cohesive as a whole.

I love how unconventional, yet calming and surprising bohemian decor can be. Though bohemian decor is unconventional, some spaces have similarities. Neutrals, bold patterns/prints, different textures, and various forms of wood are usually all found in a bohemian style bungalow. Example 1, Example 2, Example 3

Fur, stripes, damask, Aztec,  floral, modern, ethnic, geometric shapes, Moroccan, vintage, weird art, innovative design…Do you see the beauty in bohemian decor yet? The beauty of not over thinking design and going with items that you love and ones that speak to you; items that you’re proud of and that tell a story. The beauty of not only creating a house but also a home that reflects your personality and design taste. Do you see it? How could you not? 

Bohemian flare adds charm, personality, and unconventionality to design. 

Be sure to check out 14 ways to add bohemian romance to your home for more ideas!

Which is your favorite bohemian inspired home? What are some other ways to add bohemian style?

Tell me your faves in the comments!