Thursday, March 31, 2011

Look For Less: Colorful Sitting Area

Did you guys like my look for less last week?  A close friend of mine suggested I do a look for less series and I really enjoyed putting it together that week.  So I've decided to do another one for you!  Would you guys like to see one every week?  I'd love your feedback!  

This is a room that I've loved for a long time.  The bright colors give me hope as Spring creeps in!


LFL version:
This room is really easy to recreate because it has a few statement pieces and a lot of accessories that can be easily personalized.  I started out with a beautiful blue settee from Nate Berkus' HSN line and a little ottoman from Pottery Barn.  The one I've selected has a red stripe but it's available in blue as well.  Then I picked a jute rug from Pier 1.  These are available everywhere, but I know Pier 1 usually has great prices on rugs.  I found the Ma vie de chien poster on ebay and the Keep Calm poster can be found all over Etsy or Amazon.  Then to finish off the look I found a black and white link pillow on overstock and a colorful cushion cover from Ikea.  I also found a throw at Ikea in a beautiful coral shade.  You can totally play with colors and accessories in this room which makes it really fun!

Settee - $500
Ottoman - $150
Rug - $60
Throw - $20

-MLL

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Fabulous K's Link Party

I just linked up with Fabulous K's Spring Fling Link Party.  It's a great way to get to know new bloggers out there as well as get exposure to your blog.  I suggest my fellow bloggers hop on over and link up too!


-MLL

Kemp Residence

How beautiful is this bold townhouse featured in Elle Decor?  It belongs to Hoteliers, Tim and Kit Kemp of London.



 The white furniture with the bold rug really speaks to me in this room.


 Custom made furniture in graphic patterns.

 I would love to eventually have two wing chairs at the head of a long reclaimed wood dining table.




I love the layered patterns and textures that give this whole space a global feel.  Plus that country kitchen is to die for!

-MLL

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Gadabout Stationery

I absolutely adore the stationery from Gadabout.  They offer a variety of designs from elephants and pagodas to ballet flats and peacock feathers.  You can select pre-made options or go the custom route - they are all equally cool.  Plus, they have some great options for guys too!














-MLL

Monday, March 28, 2011

Reading Nooks

One of the projects I'm working on at the moment is creating a reading nook in a master bedroom.  I'm so excited about putting together a chic and cozy space.  I looked through some inspiration images and came across a few that I'll reference for this design...




You might remember the last image from this post where I recreated this room on a budget...


I'll be going in a different color direction than this but I still love the basic elements of the design.

-MLL

Friday, March 25, 2011

For the Ladies: JewelMint

Have I got a great deal for you!  I was reading The Zoe Report and I was excited to discover JewelMint, Kate Bosworth's jewelry club.  At first I was like, another online club, no no.  But then I saw that Rachel was giving a discount to her Zoe Report readers, so I hopped over to check out the goods.  Well I'm so glad I did, because apparently all of these hand picked items are $29.99 and with Rachel's discount you get 50% off on one piece!  I think you can only purchase one piece a month at the $29.99 price point, but I could be wrong.  So anyway, I selected these earrings below and with the code Zoe50 I got them for $14.99 with free shipping!  Click here to join JewelMint and select something as a treat to yourself on this fab Friday!


Cool, yes?

-MLL

Think Spring: Cotton Candy Colors

So it's 30 degrees here in Wisconsin.  And it's almost April.  So instead of being depressed and chilled to the bone, I'm torturing myself with all of the yummy Spring fashions that are in windows now.  At least the candy colors and pastels manage to brighten my day!  I found a plethora of goodies at Anthropologie and thought maybe they could send a little joy your way.

Striped dress
$228 - anthropologie.com
Twill dress
$158 - anthropologie.com
Striped tee
$38 - anthropologie.com
Top
$78 - anthropologie.com
Strap sandal
$128 - anthropologie.com
Leather handbag
$298 - anthropologie.com
Scarve
$38 - anthropologie.com
Leather belt
$54 - anthropologie.com
Galtee Rock Posts
$98 - anthropologie.com

Did it work?  Happy Friday!

-MLL

Thursday, March 24, 2011

The Look For Less: Black and White Bedroom from High Gloss

I remember when I first saw this bedroom designed by Sally Wheat in the premier issue of High Gloss Magazine.  Immediately, I thought to myself, this is so ME.  This style really speaks to my aesthetic - the classic elements and use of black and white, hello!  I soon began to think about how I could recreate this look for myself.


As I mentioned, there are so many fantastic elements to this room.  I love the stacked ball lamps, the abstract art and the statement ceiling light.  The neutral headboard and elegant sheets are a perfect compliment to these focal pieces.  Throw in some fun accessories like books, fresh flowers and a lumbar pillow and the design is complete.

Here is my version (on a budget no less):


Gray walls are a great base for any room.  My favorite gray is Silver Tradition by Behr.  Next, I selected a headboard from Nate Berkus' HSN line.  I actually like it better than the original one because it has great structure and nail head trim.  I picked out two sets of sheets, one set that accommodates a small budget and one set that is more of a splurge.  If I am going to SPLURGE on one item in a bedroom it will most definitely be the sheets.  One item that I decided to SKIMP on were the nightstands.  These were only $60 and you could easily change out the hardware and add some gold trim to get a high end look.  The paintings on the nightstand are fantastic.  Personally, I would paint my own version, but if you are not artistically inclined, go with the link below.  The stacked ball lamps I chose were only $30 a piece.  I can't vouch for their quality but I know that ebay and pier 1 usually have similar versions that you could try as well.  I went right to ZGallerie's website to select a chandelier because I adore their lighting.  This one in particular is so reflective and would be a focal point in the room.  To accessorize, I pulled in a lumbar pillow from etsy, a stack of books (from your home library) and some fresh flowers from the market.  Here are the links to my sources:

Gray Paint - Price varies $3 for a sample
Headboard - $450
Sheets or Sheets - $225 or $58
Painting - $35
Lamps - $30

-MLL

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Kate Spade Bedding

So, after swooning over the feature of Bailey's home (here), I had the chance to finish reading the latest issue of Rue Magazine.  I fell head-over-heels in LOVE with the Kate Spade BEDDING images!  I can't wait until the line is released in just a short time.  This bed in particular was calling my name...





Elegant, yet so fun.  Perfect for the Kate Spade gal.  I also LOVED this one with the vintage suitcase (I have one just like that).


So cute, yes?

-MLL