Pinning on a Sick Day

I've been a sniffly, shivery, sleepy, surly sick person this week. Not exactly a pleasure to be around, even online. Cold medicines ought to add "may cause incoherent tweeting and typo-riddled blog posts" to their list of side effects. Blah. So today I'm in hibernation with a lap cat, a mug of tea, and the safely non-verbal inspiration of Pinterest. Pretty pictures may indeed cure what ails me.

Pinned Images by Dress, Design, & Decor, and Cooper Carras via The City Sage

I'm closing in on 1,000 pins, and gaining followers even more rapidly. In fact, I now a have a larger audience on Pinterest than on this blog, twitter, and facebook... combined. This is somehow both immensely flattering and discouraging. A part of me appreciates Pinterest as a resource, and as a wealth of ideas. I'm always happy to share an image that catches my eye, and thrilled when others repin. But another (grumpier) part of me wonders if my own creativity can ever have the same resonance. It could be the cough medicine talking, but it's something to think about as I enter a new year of blogging.

Bedroom in Progress

There is a closed door in the WarLock house that hides a shameful secret. Adam's insane pyromaniac first wife? Far worse, I'm afraid. A bland, undecorated bedroom. Ahhhhh, the horror!

Not for much longer. Over the last few months, our embarrassing bedroom has undergone a slow transformation. First we swapped mismatched dressers for a pair with gorgeous Regency styling. Then I painted the dingy walls with Behr's soothing "Misty Morn" (a big step for a girl who's a bit color-shy).

I removed clunky shuttered closet doors and bent-up old window blinds and upgraded to simple bronze curtain rods. Menswear-patterned drapery panels accessorized with gold clip rings will add texture and give our low-ceilinged hovel the impression of height. I'm considering a coat of blue paint on the ceiling to add to this illusion.

There isn't much wall space to work with, but I'd like to frame and hang our print of a vintage skull illustration. My vanity will get a chic new mirror as soon as budget allows.

But first, we can't ignore the biggest thing in our tiny room: the bed. And this is where I need your input. Is this fabulous, or is Adam's first wife actually crazy?

We'll be using a gift card to purchase the stripe sheet set in feather gray from West Elm, which is both affordable and practical. I'd originally thought that I'd want to top the bed with a plain gray duvet, but then... I fell in love with the Heirloom Rose comforter cover and shams from Garnet Hill. I'm mad about the combination of stripes and oversized floral. The gender-neutral color palette prevents the roses and ruffles from getting overly romantic, and the mix of pattern and scale is so bold. 

Am I this bold? Can I commit to this look without being committed? I'm 99% sure that I can, but I want your opinions!

Blue Mood

No, not sad- I'm quite happily immersing myself in all the colors of the Northwest, especially the chilly blue of the Puget Sound.

 I wake up in this gray and blue bedroom, just the shades of the waves outside my window. 

(Doesn't my Mother have lovely taste? I'm tempted to make this a permanent vacation...)

These pale periwinkle hydrangeas were begging to be photographed in downtown Edmonds.

So much prettiness, and it's so nice to be home.

I promise I won't let the blog get too quiet,

Elizabeth

Decorating for Two: Heavy Metal Duet

If I were to say to my boyfriend, "I think we need more metal in our apartment" he'd probably respond by cranking up Tool on the stereo. Not exactly what I have in mind. 

As we've learned in previous experiments, sometimes Adam and I are just singing different tunes when it comes to home furnishings. His version of metal decor is heavy and industrial, like the rusty circular saw blade that he once rescued from the street and hung on our wall. As for me, I'm all about Victorian iron curlicues and delicate wire forms. 

You'd think our styles would clash...

Home of Fred & Wendy Testu in San Francisco Style

Photographed by David Duncan Livingston, Scanned by Shock the Bourgeois

But then again, there's something dull and matchy-matchy about harmony, isn't there? This bedroom is a fugue of masculine and feminine notes, riffs on a theme of patinated metal. It's just discordant enough to keep things lively- and isn't that what every couple wants?

PB is Flipping Out Too

My Mom sent me this link in an email, saying, "look at the books above the bed!"

Handsomely styled, Pottery Barn- and nice catch, Mom! Everywhere I look, it's backwards books. It's a sign- today I'm going to turn my library around.

Reversing Our Books (Again?)

This weekend I scored a copy of San Francisco Style for only $5.99 (hurrah!), and amongst its glossy pages I found the home of Oly & Ironies co-mastermind Brad Huntzinger. If I were one notch creepier I'd be combing the Oakland Hills and peering in windows to see the interior of his house for myself- really, it's that good.

I was particularly in awe of this little library bedroom. It's a snug reading nook, but feels calming and airy- thanks in large part to the unorthodox spine-in shelving. Can you imagine how claustrophobic this room would be if the books were right-way-out? Can you imagine trying to enjoy a passage of delicate prose with Tolstoy, Milton and some crime drama breathing down your neck? (Hypothetically, of course...)

Photograph by David Duncan Livingston, Scanned by Shock the Bourgeois

This concept isn't anything new for me. Just last week Sara of The Steampunk Home shared my own spine-in shelving experiment on her blog (thanks to Sara and her readers for such a great discussion!). 

You can see the full original post here.

My original reverse-shelving trial was staged in our old Wallingford apartment, and since then several things have changed. We've moved to a smaller apartment in Berkeley, we now have an entire wall of our living room devoted to our library, and we have more books. If our collection was colorful and distracting before, it's a cacophonous disaster now. I'm thinking that I'm going to take a page out of Mr. Huntzinger's book: round two is in order. 

Thoughts?

Dare to Dream: Mastering the Bedroom

As confident as I am in my abilities in the kitchen and home office, I can't seem to make it work in the bedroom. Decorating, I mean. 

My bedroom, instead of being my sanctuary, is always the door I shut when I have company over. It's embarrassing! Overflowing laundry, rumply faded sheets, and a bed made of toothpicks (sorry Hemnes, but I'm starting to lose some sleep over your creaking).

Image Courtesy of Paul Joseph Hopper

I've been admiring this bedroom- isn't there something ethereal about the contrast between decadent bedding and bare walls? I can imagine drifting off to sleep under those layers of ruffles, and waking up refreshed in the glow of sunlight. Someday!

Do you have a room you've left until last?

Pretty in Pink

Those of you who live with men know that decorating for two can be a challenge. By "a challenge" I mean, this is not going to happen in my house as long as Adam is living there too:

Photo Courtesy of Traditional Home Magazine

Bedroom Design by Dee Elms & Andrew Terrat

'Pale pink with a canopy bed," calls to mind a spoiled 5-year-old's princess bedroom, but this is no such thing. Beneath the candy colors, this room is all sophistication. Textural finishes, graphic black lines... and I love how the opening peony references the ikat pillow!

I've already pushed my luck enough with lavender walls and floral bath towels. But maybe I could sneak some of these into the house?

Molly Hatch Ceramics at Lola, from my iPhone

Photo Courtesy of Molly Hatch on Etsy

Isn't that uncanny? The sweet pastel pink, fresh green, touches of orange, and of course the crisp black outlines. These illustrated ceramic pieces by Molly Hatch have me smitten. Perhaps the boyfriend could bring home a bouquet of springy tea cups?

Dressing Up the Bed

I mentioned earlier that I was still acclimating to the weather here in Berkeley. That means relegating my black turtlenecks to the back of the closet (with a heavy sigh), and shopping for layers. Same goes for our bed!

I love the notion of outfitting a bed. Duvet covers are like the classic foundation pieces in your wardrobe: the standby pair of jeans that just feels better wash after wash, the crisp khaki shirtdress that looks equally chic with flip-flops or I-mean-business heels. Comfortable, practical, ready to be accessorized.

Neutral linen seems the way to go for a Spring-weight duvet, and I'm seeing it everywhere. 

This post at The Little Big House had me ooohing and ahhing. 

Images courtesy of This is Glamorous and Blueprint Bliss.

And, of course, there's the Belgian Linen collection at Restoration Hardware.

Glorious and far-fetched, at $70 per pillowcase...

Luckily for me, I also spotted the trend at Ikea, where a mere $25 bought me a duvet cover, matching shams, and a new bedding staple. 

It's sweet with country floral pillowcases (made by my Mom)...

And dreamy with velvet shams from Pottery Barn and the West Elm pillowcases that I couldn't resist last fall.

And Matilda approves.

I don't know about you, but I feel an afternoon nap coming on...

Dare to Dream: Hibernation

I'd like to try to express how very much I lovelovelove this concept from Seattle Homes & Lifestyles.

...

Nope, no words. Let's just let the sumptuous colors and textures envelop us.

Dark without being somber or black, plush without being sloppy. Ahhhh.
Photos Courtesy of Hank Drew, Seattle Homes & Lifestyles

It's probably better I don't have a bedroom this dusky and luxe. I'd draw the curtains, disappear under that purply fur thing, and refuse to emerge until Spring (or at least until 10:00 in the morning).

Beautifully done, Seattle Homes- better still because the delicious components of this spread were plucked from the shelves of my favorite local stores. For all of you East-Coasters or East-Side-of-the-Staters, check out the Seattle Homes website and blog. Enjoy, and wonder why don't live here.

Please tell me there's a magazine like this in San Francisco!

Dwelling in the Here and Now

I reminisce quite a lot about where I once lived, and daydream even more about where I'll be living "someday soon." Perhaps you're all wondering where I live now? Until I can join Adam (and my belongings) in Berkeley, I've re-inhabited my teenage bedroom at my parents' house. Here are a few snaps to satisfy or pique your curiosity...

On the board, far-fetched imaginings for a far-away apartment.

The fodder of many Dare to Dream posts in the future.

Where I blog from.

At least, where I sit whilst blogging.

This relic from my years of orthodonture serves as a paperweight for catalogues I've yet to sink my teeth into.

It's also an amusing place to stash business cards.

Though, it occurs to me now that the businesspersons on those cards might not be as amused as I am.

I've been feeling gloomy lately- getting mired in all that is not quite right in the bigger picture of my life. Last night I picked up my camera and challenged myself to seek out what was lovely and tangible in the here and now. I narrowed my focus and found the little things that made me happy- and I've found a better way to begin the week at Shock the Bourgeois. Look forward to more glimpses of the Here & Now each Monday! Here's to a new week... and a new mindset.

Decorating for Two: Battle of the Sexes

You live with someone for four years, you think you know them, and then one day the truth comes out: they have a design aesthetic, and it's not quite the same as yours.  

The fact that Adam has his own taste is a shocking revelation for me. Call me oblivious, but all these years he's never voiced an opinion! It's amazing how the give and take of a relationship works- he gave me total sovereignty over our shared abode, I pretended to enjoy watching televised poker tournaments (sorry to finally break it to you, Adam). Those days are over though. From now on we're going to be watching a lot more Project Runway and Adam's been promoted to design consultant.

Last night we held design summit with the help of Skype screen sharing, and Adam worked on his visual vocabulary. And boy, did he ever. He had a lot to say- both about what he likes, and what I like (that he doesn't). I may have created a monster, but I asked for it (and I probably had this coming after I threw away his Bob Marley and Scarface posters).

He responded to this bedroom immediately- the stormy walls, the majestic dark wood bed, the fireplace. He even knew what style of chandelier that was (making me look like a total fool). I was intimidated by this pick, as it seems more formal than our budget and pocket apartment can provide. What I have to learn from this is that I do need to decorate to accommodate my 6'7" fellow, and that I should think twice before painting over wood furniture.

Image Source Unknown

We were in complete agreement about these two rooms.  He liked the wood floors and architectural details, I am very into that table and chandelier. Very.

Images Courtesy of Unknown, Anna Wolf via Dwellings & Decor

These are a couple of my favorites that he stuck up his nose at (I saw you Adam, video chat!).  He hates having furniture floating in the room like this round table, instead preferring to have everything anchored to a wall.  As for the second image (the one that's been on my Berkeley apartment mood board)... the color scheme was vetoed firmly.  Good thing I hadn't bought any lavender paint yet, argh!

Images Credits Unknown

Adam had very strong notions about organizing- stacked and visible. In Adam's world if you put something in a cabinet and close the door... it no longer exists (which makes hiding Christmas presents a snap in our household). He repeatedly pointed out neat images of kitchens and craft rooms with open shelving, many of which had a sophisticated mercantile feel.

I'm all over this, as long as we pick out beautiful furniture and showcase our things in a pleasing way!

Images Credits Unknown

Conceptually, we both love this first image. In real life, we have neither the private property or the self-confidence for a bathroom like that! Thinking more practically, Adam chose images of bathrooms with deep double sinks, large and tall mirrors, exposed pipes, basket storage, and patterned hex tile flooring. That's my kinda man!

Image Credits Unknown

Adam shares my love of curiosities, but we didn't see eye to eye when it came to display. While I prefer a more naturally staged approach (like Mr. Puffin there), Adam liked seeing the objects laid out in the glass case. I guess that's a scientist for you.

Image Courtesy of Spagat, AT

Remember this stunning loft that I mentioned yesterday? He liked it too- except for the drapes, calling them "too feminine." I'm in disbelief here. I suppose he's not a fan of these either?

Image Courtesy of Loft Life Blog

Many of my favorite homes have a fairy tale quality to them. Stone buildings with peaked roofs, all swallowed up in vines. Mazes of nooks furnished with mismatched antiques, and lots to be discovered. It was a dream come true that Adam picked out these images as HIS favorites as well! He didn't even bat an eye at the floral mural in that odd green room, acknowledging that it just added to the charm.

Image Credits Unknown

One of the most important design decisions we'll make together will be about how to store and display our rather large library. I'm afraid this could be a point of contention. Adam liked grid shelving, pointing out every room with an Expedit unit (very subtle hint, boyfriend). He noted how this bookcase made from crates combined rustic and geometric elements that he favored. On the other hand, I prefer floor to ceiling bookcases with a little more drama... 

Images Courtesy of Unknown, Domino Magazine

This is a very broad and eclectic spread- it's going to be fun to help him narrow down his vision and start blending it with mine! I'm envisioning a major decor purge as soon as I move. Perhaps he'll wish he'd kept his mouth shut when I've turned the house upside down? Heh heh.

What do you all think of Adam's first dip into the image pool? Is this something you'd consider doing with your partner or spouse? Any design professionals out there who want to chime in? I'd love to know how you help your clients define their personal style- your techniques might come in handy here!

Decorating for Two: Lofty Aspirations

Like most internet-scrounging bloggy-types, I've amassed a collection of decor images that threatens to cripple my hard drive.  When I have a design problem (how high should I hang my drapes? can white trim work with deep greige walls? should I arrange my frames in a grid?) a quick click through the archives is sure to bring me the answer (just below the ceiling, mebbe, no!) and probably a host of completely unrelated "aha!" moments (I should have a dust ruffle! nailhead trim on the settee! a wooden chandelier!).

When I resolved to make my apartment a bit less girl-dominated, I went straight to the files for inspiration.  I pulled an assortment of rooms that I think succeed fabulously at being couple-friendly without being dully asexual.  Each room has elements of masculine and feminine style- and they seem to be made more beautiful in balance.

This dining area seems to beg for an imaginary scenario to go with.  She's a thoroughly modern girl with a sunny attitude, he's a traditional type who appreciates her quirky ideas as long as she doesn't paint his grandpa's solid wood table?  Who knows, but they've got a good thing going- proof that gender neutral doesn't have to be colorless.

Image Source Unknown

There's something approachable about this vignette.  Touches of whimsy like the silhouette, branches, and magenta decanter are grounded by the black table, angular clock and bottle, and (naturally) the dead bird.

Image Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Here's the magic of a loft: without walls, couples are forced to blend their decor (no man caves or boudoirs behind closed doors!).  The airy, gallery-like space makes every item an objet d'art and exaggerates the interplay between masculine and feminine.  It's impossible not to get dramatic in a loft.  This one (which you have probably seen recently on like... every other blog on the net) is so awfully lust-worthy.  If I lived there I'd want to throw in a few more feminine touches, but those pooling curtains against the raw wood floors and beams... so romantic.

Image Courtesy of Loft Life Blog, Uxus Design

I'm not sure how many of you have ever tuned an instrument before, but it's quite the experience.  It's odd, I know, but my favorite thing about playing the violin was always the pleasure of easing each string up to its perfect pitch... the initial wobbling discord, then perfect resonance.  This kitchen has a similar hum to me- the ornate gold mirror and playful chandelier in harmony with the rugged brick and clean modern cabinetry.

Image Courtesy of Living Etc.

Purple is not in the least bit girly when set on point and matched with somber grays.  Yes, the pink roses are the definition of girly, but what man would care if he had a deep tub like that?  Living with men is all about acknowledging a different scale- it may not be the pink he minds, perhaps just the petite furniture!

Image Courtesy of Waterworks

This dining room is all about contrasting weight and delicacy.  Solid architecture, deep color, heavy table.  Light as air branches, tiny specks of bright color, impossibly wispy chairs and candlesticks.  Balance.

Image Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

The next logical step in this progression towards couple equality?  I suppose I should ask Adam what he likes... so tomorrow I'll be posting HIS picks from my image library and exploring how they work with my favorites!