Type Tuesday // Striking Truths

Gorgeous images, beautiful words to think about.

via Striking Truths

Why is that last one always so hard to remember? Celebrate your gifts! ox

On Happiness

Wow. Friday already. That can't be bad, right?

Table Tonic

We're going to talk more about this quote next week. I don't have the juice to do the full post right now (heartburn is my middle name this week and it's mis.era.ble. No sleepies for me lately*), but I do have a little something planned for the month of June. I hope you guys get into it, too.

Also, that was JUNE. Just in case you missed it.

Where is the time going?!

Happy weekend, party people! ox


*Advice is welcomed and appreciated.

Type Tuesday // Sean Wes

Sean Wes

* Thinking of you, Boston. Emitting all of the love and strength I have for mankind today. *

Inspired By 02.15.13

 Annawithlove Photography

If you haven't entered the Annawithlove Photography giveaway, you betta get to it! Your odds are still pretty good.

Meg launched the February edition of her new Manifesto line, Lovers. Me likey. Get em while they're still available!

Erika posted yet another space that has me drooling. Minimalistic Chic and beyond gorge.

Maybe I'm way behind, but I just discovered the super gorgeous blog, Grey and Scout. Dear God, does that girl have good taste. She's a worthwhile Insta follow as well.

While we're talking Insta, Mr. Jonathan Lo has an incredible eye for making everyday things photo worthy. Graphic, colorful and beautifully composed pretty much every time. (I'm taking notes, good sir.)

Ummm...Blair. Can we sell these, please? Amazing!!

Enjoy your weekend!

We have some fun things to talk about next week, playas. ox

UPDATE: Obsessed with this. I had to add it to today's post. Air comin through my nose and tears streaming down my cheeks. This child is an angel on Earth, ya'll.

making plans || G/uest's room

i think i'm more focused on G's bedroom than any other space in the house right now (this room also acts as our guest room since we're only working with one spare bed at the moment). i just want it to be even a little bit put together so she feels at home when she stays with us.

creating a room fit for a preteen that also suits guests of all ages sounds tricky. lucky for me, the kid gets into interior design . . . and has a sense of style all her own. which is pretty nails if i do say so myself. we've settled on dark purple for her walls (exact shade yet to be determined if anyone has any recs). the room gets great light, so i have no qualms about such a dominant color.

i'm fairly certain you'll be able to pick up a theme in my inspiration folder:

(get ready --- there is no shortage of research for this room!!)

i'm so fired for this, but images via pinterest

(come on, there are a thousand!)

hmmmm . . . detect any themes? i adore the idea of a 4 poster with drapery panels, but i'm not sure we can get past the fan (and, i'm sorry, but fans are just practical in bedrooms, so it's probably staying). still thinking perhaps some drapery over a headboard, but those are tough to execute without looking cheesy, so we'll see. we'll definitely need a short desk as one of the bedside tables, a charming 3-drawer dresser with a large mirror situation, we both loooove the idea of a small chaise (in a pop color maybe??), and lots and lots of layering of pattern and texture.

so there you have it. one room planned(ish) . . . nine more to go!

type tuesday || levi's

i couldn't help but laugh when i spotted this old levi's ad recently. way back in 2002, this inspired one of my first design projects in college (i tried to pull up the file to share, but it's saved in such a way that it's corrupted and can't be viewed by my current version of photoshop *sigh*). it was one that i showed in my portfolio when i applied for my job with hallmark in 2005, and earned me a position in the lettering department, where i am still happily learning and designing daily.

art by morla design via carole guevin (courtesy of pinterest)

ah, memories.

i honestly wish i could show you my version. it's . . . awesome.

do any of you just cringe when you look back at old work?

color coded || rainbow bright

a little pop of color for your monday morning.

mieke willems || unique by chivasso

interiors || for the office

i have several rooms to decorate in the new house, no doubt. ideas were flowing over the break, but one room i just can't settle on a direction for in the slightest is the office. light and airy or colorful and dramatic? because it's the one room that's allowed to go super girly in an otherwise neutral decorzone, this little vignette has me quite inspired . . .

and that artwork is even available here via cozamia! score.

house guest || veranda interiors

hey, all! apologies for the silence yesterday. too much fun over the weekend + a lot to cross off my list yesterday left me a bit crunched for time. but i'm making up for it today (well, indirectly) . . . my last house guest for the amazing guester series is melissa of veranda interiors. i'm a broken record at this point, but i never miss anything melissa says. or shows. because it's always ridiculously chic. plus she legitimately knows a thing or two, and i like knowing people that are smarter than me. this is especially true when it comes to kitchens, my immediate association with melissa and her mean talent. so that's what she decided to focus on today, and i am pumped to see what advice she will bestow on this new kitchen of ours . . .

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Hey everyone, my name is Melissa from Veranda Interiors, and if you don't know me one thing you need to know is I am addicted to kitchens. When Tobe asked me to participate in this series I was so excited and honored! I thought it would be perfect to do up her kitchen for her if it were my own. Now she already has a great space, but how can we update it, make it her, without breaking the bank? Well follow me for a little journey...

 {1} White subway tile to replace the existing backsplash, but take it one step further by carrying it around the window above the sink, also around the the entry to the right of the fridge, from floor to ceiling, it will be nicely framed by the crown at the ceilings and the casing around the passage way.

Since there are great Absolute Black granite counter-tops already installed lets bring it together by using a black grout rather than the typical white/cream grout, make that tile POP! The images above are great examples of that.

{2}   Next up is the fridge, kinda obvious in the image above. It appears to be a standard depth fridge (35" deep) which can really encroach in the the space, so I would love to see a new counter-depth (24" deep) stainless steel option replace it in the future. One of my favorite brands for a good 'bang for you buck' is Kitchen Aid, something like the Counter-Depth French Door one below would be perfect!

 {3}  Next up is new hardware, an easy way to update the cabinets without forking over a large chunk of cash. I would love to see a beautiful polished chrome replacement for everything. And no, it is not hard to keep clean, I went with polished chrome throughout our home and even with 2 little boys it is just as easy as a brushed finish to maintain.

{4}

So with 3 simple changes in the kitchen I know it would bring it up to date and it will reflect a style that Tobe would love. But...I can't forget about the 4th thing, the fan that is above the kitchen table in this image below.

While it may be practical lets face it, it isn't a WOW fixture, and this is something that a stylish lady like Tobe needs. Here are a few of my favorite picks for a light in this area.

So, Tobe, when can we get started?? I don't know about you guys but I am thrilled to see this talented lady put her mark on this home...it is going to be stunning! Mel xo

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melissa, i am pretty obsessed with all of these calls. i've made some very similar assessments, much to the chagrin of the hubs. i am most certainly down with the subway tile (hadn't even considered dark grout, which would be both beautiful AND practical); i've already started scoping out a new fridge; the knobs aren't terrible by any means and would probably be last priority but i do believe that a little bit of glam would go a long way; and eric was not the happiest when i said that the perfectly good fan would be departing. because it's gotta. but i need a wow chandy in that dining room first!

i hope you guys have enjoyed my house guests as much as i have.
i highly recommend stalking visiting each of their blogs as regularly as i do.


now you'll have to put up with me again :)

house guest || small shop

rounding out the week, we have erika from small shop. like the rest of the ladies that have been kind enough to stop by, erika is nothing short of fabulous. also like the rest of these ladies, i am a dedicated visitor of her blog because her style is just so on point. i haven't met a post yet that didn't have me swooning, whether it be an editorial spread, fashion, gorgeous interior inspiration, incredible shots of her own home, or getting to see snippets of her day job.

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Hello awesome crew! I'm Erika from small shop, excited to share with you some thoughts on how to construct a gallery wall. Having done a few of these, I didn't even realize I had a few unspoken rules in the back of my mind. And since Tobe is moving into a new pad with lots of empty walls, perhaps some of these tips will come in handy (although I don't think she'll need any help in that department!)....

"Pruduence" by Janet Hill, $44 // travel sketches notecards, set of 8 $24 "Untitled 6" by Jessica Bruah, $50 // "Ballet Print" by Calla O'Malley, $10 "Diamond in the Rough" by I Am Project, $18 // Suzani wall hanging, $110 "Dancers" by Janet Hill, $24 // Vogue Cover, May 1945 $125 Vogue, December 1967 $139 (All prices unframed)

No.1: Definitely choose your pieces from mixed media -- illustrations, paintings, photographs, abstracts, even textiles...the more varied, the more interesting!

No.2: Vary your frame sizes, styles, colors & widths to give the appearance that the pieces have been collected over time. Often you can find great off-the-shelf frames (sometimes with mattes included!) at your local art supply shop. Also mix in a pair of frames.

No.3: Mix contemporary, antique and personal pieces to create visual interest. Dust off your old sketchbook and see what little wonders you can find. Or frame a piece or two of your kids' art. Mixing in those personal touches with store-bought prints will make it that much more special to you.

No.4: Stick to a general color scheme. Since you'll be mixing media, frames, and styles of art, adhering to a basic color scheme will help make the arrangement visually cohesive.

No.5: Taper off at the edges/bulge at the center. You want to arrange your pieces so that they kind of coalesce at the middle. This will help define the area and make it feel like one entity.

So do you think you could tackle this task now? Not quite as daunting? I say as long as you fill it with things you love, it really doesn't matter how perfect or imperfect the layout is. It should just make you happy every time you look at it!

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all amazing tips that i will be taking into consideration in a few parts of the house, i believe.

thanks, erika, for a little insight into your flawless design sense!

house guest || mimi & meg

today's house guest is another real life house guest from time to time, the ever stylish megan of mimi+meg. at least, she was before her big move to D.C.! megan is basically the epitome of style, and i'm beyond happy to have her hooking me up with some fitting picks for the new house!

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Since Tobe is going to be decorating her new home, I thought I'd put together some decor items that remind me of her!

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7

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eerie how well you know me, meg. i would eat every single one of those items up in a second.
especially those lamps!

house guest || ampersand design studio

this week's guesters are actually occasional real life guesters! i'm excited to introduce you to design super talents morgan and carrie of ampersand design studio. i had the pleasure of working with this design duo for several years and i have to say, these girls got skillz. as friendly as they are talented and stylish, you'll be hooked after one visit to their little corner of the web, i promise!

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Hi everyone! It's Morgan & Carrie from Ampersand Design Studio and we are totally thrilled to be guest-posting on Because It's Awesome for our dear friend, Tobe! As you all know, Tobe is in the midst of a big move to a new house, so we thought it would be fun to round up some fun ways to turn any new house into a home! We think it's about surrounding yourself with things that are uniquely yours and that make you happy every time you walk in the door. We searched high and low for some old favorites and brand new inspiration:

 Displaying art, curiosities, photos of loved ones and books that you have collected over time.

Finding a cool way to tie in one of your intials. (We thought this would be a great one for Tobe since she is typography-obsessed.) 

We always feel like we're in a "home" when there are personalized accents!

Another way to make things personal is to keep a map of your travels! We both have always wanted to do this but never took the time to search for a really cool one....until now! Isn't this great?!

And what other way to truly own your new digits (address digits, that is) than custom mailing labels?

 And customizing your front door with new address numbers! (and a cute bike parked out from wouldn't hurt either)

Thanks so much, Tobe, for hosting us here on your blog! We can't wait until you host girls' dinner so we can see the new digs! (even if we're sitting on the dining room floor for starters). Congrats again on your new house!

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thanks, girls! can't wait to furnish this beast so we can resume girls night. ox

house guest || savvy home

visiting today is the very chic gabrielle from savvy home. if you've ever visited her blog (and i think you should), you will know why i don't miss a post. she very simply has the best eye for amazing spaces (you know, the ones that you stare at so you can dissect every last detail. every. time.) and she curates a mean round up. quite thrilled to have her stop by BIA with her fabulousness!

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Hello fellow Awesomites, Gabrielle from Savvy Home here. I was over the moon when Tobe asked me to fill in while she's settling into her new home. Moving is always exciting, but it's also a truckload of work!

We settled into our house about a year ago with NADA. Decorating has definitely been a process. One that is still in motion! Starting with a blank canvas can be hard, so I thought I'd help Tobe by sharing a few tips and giving her some ideas for her new house.

 (please excuse my poor typography skills!)

1. Find inspiration: In Tobe's case, this was easy. Her blog is filled to the brim with beautiful interiors.

2. Find the common thread in the inspiration images: there's always a few common threads between the inspiration images. Compile a list of things that appear in more than one (see left).

3. Consider space and budget. Invest in good-quality larger items like sofas. Make sure they are timeless and will last you a lifetime. Allow yourself to splurge on 1-2 items you absolutely couldn't live without. They will set the tone for your home. Accessories can often be found on a budget and can be swapped easily.

4. Here comes the fun part: sourcing materials (more casually known as shopping)! I always work from the ground up. Rugs and large furniture first, then paint or wallpaper. It's easier to match paint to a rug than the other way around. Then comes smaller accessories, lighting, art, etc.

Here's what I came up with for Tobe. The best part is that all the accessories are under $200! Art can be mixed high and low (from original to prints) and arranged into a gallery wall.

 Paint

Fairview Taupe - Benjamin Moore for West Elm

Rugs

Savafieh Bohemian Black Rug | Overdyed Ombre Light Pink Rug  

Furniture

Keaton Leather Sofa | Peking Chinoiserie | Bonaparte Chair | Zebra Hilary Bench

Accessories

Under $100

1. Dot Bowl | 3. Tortoise Shell High Balls | 4. Velvet Orchid Cushion | 5. Copper Tree Sculpture

Under $200

2. Hand-Painted Porcelain Lamp  | 6. Kuba Cloth Pillows | 7. Light Wood Table | 8. Side Mirror Table

Art 

Black and White Print by Manjuzaka | Nude Painting by Jenna Snyder-Phillips

Thanks for having me Tobe. Hope you are settling well into your new home!

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i don't know . . . that board doesn't look anything like my style.

except that it looks an awful lot like the family room i've been dreaming up!

gab, you've done it again. many thanks for stopping by!