WEST COAST IS THE BEST COAST?

I was very happy to spend a few sunny evenings this weekend with my girl Kelley, who is officially making her move to the NYC in a matter of weeks (we'll miss her so much!). Which begs the question...


Which coast is the best coast? I'm a born (in Santa Monica) and raised (in Seattle) west coast girl, but there are many things about the east coast that I really love too. Where does your heart lie, and what do you love about your coast... or city for that matter? I've come to realize that if I am surrounded by people I love and a city that offers me inspiration and a coast line, I can handle just about anything... but my heart will always lie by the beach in my la la land.

*prints by scout's honor

IF I COULD, I'D GIVE YOU LA LUNE...

So in love with this simple and sweet print... With so many of my friends having little wee ones in their lives, I'm constantly looking for pretty nursery ideas, and I think this one falls into that category! After all, who doesn't want to give their child the moon?

*available at double merrick

Good Design, Great Pop!

How cheery are these prints from Good Shape Design?
What a perfect pop of color! Especially loving the coral red and yellow against grey. So unexpected, and so perfectly 'now'.

True (Print) Love

I discovered this print via Made By Girl's blog a few weeks ago and... well... totally fell in love.


I send an email to the artist, Christopher David Ryan, and what do you know? He now has it up in his shop. You better believe this is on my Christmas List! I'm pretty sure everyone needs to have this print hanging right over the bed, as the sentiment really couldn't be more perfect... wouldn't you agree?

(Pssst! I also posted a few other pieces of his work on my gift guide! Check 'em out!)

Time to Motivate!

Emily at Orange Beautiful just let me know that they've just released a second edition of their Motivate Prints...


If you love one, get it fast! They sold out in two weeks the first time around.


You have no idea how much I need this one right now! Lots and lots of packing to do...

The Bohemian Vibe Goes Dark

Even though the ethnic prints have been worn to death in the past year (thank you Madeline Weinrib)... there must be something about the transition from summer to fall and the bohemian California sunshine that's making me love them all over again... but like this:

I'm over the mod/trad look with a dash of print... I'm way more into dark wood, layers of pattern, and a touch of glamour like this room belonging to Anh Duong, featured in Elle Decor. (I'll take the dress too!)

Ahn's home was featured in 2004... which goes to show that these Ikat, Suzani and African patterns really are timeless, despite the trends. And the look isn't as complicated as it may seem.

All it would really take is one or two statement pieces like these (via Vintage And Modern), and a fabulous pattern like this one from Brunschwig & Fils.

This room, via Elle Decor, has always been one of my favorites. It incorporates the dark and intricate with the light and elegant perfectly. While a bit more clean, it's certainly not modern ~ every single piece here fits the theme.

In order to provide a little balance to a darker space, pieces like these help keep things from getting too heavy. Brass dresser and rattan sofa from Graham and Green. Vintage Italian table from Mecox Gardens, and antique applique pillow from B.Viz Designs.

What do you think? Are you over the ethnic and bohemian? Or ready for more of the sumptuous layers with a darker and more traditional twist?

Keep Calm... Or Not!

Victoria at sfgirlbybay just added this fun spring green color option to the "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster series.



I just FINALLY hung my red version in my living room, and coincidentally this green is the other accent color I have going on in the same room. Dah! What's a girl to do? The green would actually be a great addition because I have so much red already. My solution? I think I need a new version of this poster that says "Freak Out and Give Up" for when I'm having one of THOSE days... ;)

Perfect Prints

Recently relocating to LA, I've started furnishing a new apartment, and am now on that final step... accessories! If you're wondering what to put on your walls, and need a little, um, assistance, check out the website Artaissance for a little help. Not only does this site carry some great unique prints, but their search function is much more friendly for those who might be a little challenged by wall decor. I wanted something in my bedroom to match the bright bohemian look I've decided to go with. (Yes, I'm still working on it...)



So I chose "multicolor", "international" and "bedroom" to see what I could find...



And voila! Literally the first one that popped up was this print "The Secret" by David Tupper that I absolutely adore, and matches the colors in my room perfectly! (No, I'm not making this up!)



I also loved this other one that came up from David Tupper, "Silver Windows" as I'm obsessed with the beautiful shapes of ironwork.

Art for the walls? Done and done. If you're furnishing a new place, or looking to add a little something to complete your rooms, definitely check it out.