Back in the groove

I have not posted on the blog in ages.  I contemplated shutting it down, then not, then yes, then realized this is my free therapy to write about my love of design and decorating without driving my husband crazy with my constant rearranging.

August 2011 was a busy month for us!  We moved into a great little bungalow in a quaint neighborhood of Austin, I started a new job, and I started graduate school.  It was a crazy month but things have certainly settled down since then and I am in full decorating mode (ahem, a year later).

My recent purchases are below and I cannot wait to show you all how they loook in our new(ish) place.



Bought these cuties on Overstock for $80 for the pair.  They are going to look great in our old school kitchen.



I am replacing this coffee table ottoman with our solid glass and metal coffee table.  Love our current coffee table but it just isnt functional for us.  We are always putting our feet up and my OCD tendencies are therefore cleaning it every minute.

Pictures to follow when the items arrive.  This is a process so I am excited to share the journey with all of you!

Stay Classy and Fabulous!
Jade





Steal this idea

Just because something looks really expensive doesn't necessarily mean it has to be.  Check out this gorgeous, totally custom looking modern buffet in HGTV designer Peter Fallico's home.    

Peter Fallico's Customized IKEA Buffet from Style at Home

Want to recreate this look?  Here's how (minus the end shelving units which I'm not really a fan of): 

Start with two of these IKEA Besta wall shelf units.  Set them on a platform like in the above image for added height or add a toe kick around it for a totally built-in look.

 

IKEA Besta Wall Shelf in White $50 each

Add four of these Besta Vara doors in white.  The inspiration image has matte doors which the Vara are but I like these Tofta high gloss style doors even better...they're 5x the price though so maybe matte is just fine ;)

IKEA Besta Vara Door in White $10 each

Finish the doors with two of these Chinese "Happiness" character brass cabinet face plates. 

"Happiness" Character Brass Face plates $54.29 each

What really takes the buffet in the inspiration photo to a whole other level is the marble top.  I don't know the price on what that would run but without it you're only up to $248.58 so you definitely have some wiggle room in there! 

Isn't it amazing how something like really special hardware can make even an IKEA cabinet look expensive?

Finish off the entire vignette by leaning two of these IKEA Stave mirrors side by side on top of the buffet.  

 IKEA Stave Mirror 27.5" x 63" for $49.99

The ladies at O'verlays would be more than happy to whip up some custom sized fretwork panels for you to put on the mirror and really complete the look.  Custom orders average just $12/sq ft.

Here's a handy little reference guide for you to pin!

Tuesday Tour

I stumbled across this beautiful house tour on apartment therapy today and just had to share.  Since August I have been "cheating on fashion with furniture" and scouring the net for inspiration images.  These are definitely getting saved in my favorites folder.  I am loving the calmness of the neutral colors with just a touch of personality.  And of course my favorite color.... gray!

Ill be sharing pictures of our progress at our lovely abode soon.

xoxo

All images via Apartment Therapy

Pumpkins... not just for kids.

A fun take on decorating with pumpkins while keeping your interior swagger sassy and classy!

All images via pinterest

Happy weekend

Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend.  While I am dreaming of beautiful interiors and fall fashion I am buried in the office in research articles and pulling together a paper.  I'll be checking back in in a few days as the madness settles.
Xoxo,
Mrs. Curiosity